Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We have been using this stroller for about two years now in all weather conditions and terrain. My wife and I looked at many different strollers, decided on this one, and have been very happy with it. Keep in mind this review is from daddy's perspective, who tends to be a bit of a gearhead and is usually more comfortable writing tool reviews... Here are the salient points based on living with the stroller for two years:
Pros:
* Lightweight: When my wife was still pregnant I developed the itch to shop for gear I knew we'd need for a new baby. Naturally, I began noticing other parents and what they were using. One experience made a big impression on me: witnessing a mother in a parking lot at the end of her shopping trip attempting to put the stroller into the back of her SUV. The stroller was one of those convertible models that does everything, complete with food tray cup holders, satellite dish, etc. It was massive and she really had to muscle the thing to get it into her car. So, we looked on the smaller end... Enter the Maclaren Quest Sport. It is easy to maneuver and agile, just perfect for scooting around the grocery store and less likely to nip at the heels of those in front of you.
* Portable: This comes with being light, but it also folds to a surprisingly small package. It has a handle built into the frame so you can carry it like that, or you can use the shoulder strap to sling it over your shoulder. Having learned the fine art of doing everything with one hand (the other occupied with child) I really appreciate that this stroller is so easy to manage, both on the road and when transporting. Also, it doesn't take up a lot of room in your trunk if you drive something smallish.
* Quality: One thing I noticed when looking at these is that they appeared to be designed by an engineer. Actually, that's true. Technical daddies take note: this stroller will earn you points with your engineer friends. The frame is very strong - this was our top pick in part because it has a higher weight capacity than many other strollers of the same size and larger. The wheels are very smooth and have a precise feel about them. Ergonomically, it suits my 6'2" frame very well, as I don't have to stoop to push it. The wheel locks work very well, in my opinion, though they may take some getting used to.
* Adjustable: For its size, this stroller has very good adjustability in the straps, the seat, and the back that reclines.
* Versatile: There is a basket underneath and a sunshade on top. It also comes with a surprisingly effective rain shield that basically encloses the whole front and sides. Daughter and daddy have been on many fun walks in the rain with this stroller. Daddy gets soaked to the skin, but daughter comes through perfectly dry. (The grandparents just love it when I take my little girl out in the rain....)
* Comfort: Many of the strollers we looked at didn't seem to be very comfortable: Maybe they lacked padding, or there was a support bar that protruded under the seat or across the back. The Quest Sport has good padding on the back and the seat seems nicely suspended and with no hard parts poking through. Though it is on the smaller side, the stroller seems to have very good size capacity as your child grows.
Cons:
* Tippy: This stroller will tip backwards when your child exits if you have so much as a bag of groceries hanging from the handle - It's happened to me on more than one occasion. It has never, ever, tipped over with her in it, due to the design that keeps it planted with weight in the seat, but when the seat's empty, there had better not be anything hanging on the backside.
* Limited basket access: The basket on the bottom is good-sized and will accommodate a full grocery bag-sized amount of groceries; the thing is, though, that it's a little hard to get to, especially if the back is reclined and the seat is occupied, which is likely. (I don't usually take the stroller out alone)
* Limited sun shade: The sun shade works great if the sun is directly behind you. Anything forward of directly overhead and your bundle of joy will get limited sun protection at best. Yes, they do offer a little clip on umbrella as an option that you can attach on the frame, and yes, I never leave the house without hat and sunscreen. (and diapers, and wipes, and food, and washcloths, and spare clothes, and water, and......)
* Terrain-challenged: It might be a stretch to say that this stroller doesn't do grass, but not by much. The small wheels that make this so maneuverable in the store, mall, or sidewalks really bog down when the terrain gets rough. It doesn't like grass so much (unless your biceps need some work and you want to impress your neighbors), nor sand, nor dirt. For those trips to the beach or the trails I highly recommend something with large wheels, ideally 3-wheeled, a-la a B*O*B.
Other Thoughts:
How much do the cons matter? That's really up to you. For us, it turns out that they don't matter much. It's hard to find a stroller that does everything that isn't nearly as big as a Fiat. (OK, so that's still not all that big) Most of the cons should only be seen as such in the context of what was traded in return - namely size and weight. And yet this isn't a flimsy umbrella stroller: It is sturdy and well-made with a really decent weight capacity but won't kill you every time you need to put it in or take it out of the car. For us, it's been fantastic and practical and for our daughter it's been comfortable and functional, offering an ideal balance between function and size at a price that speaks value to us.
It has also held up very well after all the miles we've put on it. I'm not sure I could say that others would exhibit the same quality over time. There was one recall on this - to add pinch protection for when you fold it up. I've never been pinched by the stroller and honestly it seems to me that one would really have to work hard at getting pinched by this thing.
So, I can't say this is the perfect stroller. But it is a stroller that I would spend my dough on if I had to do it over. If you want a high-quality, easy to maneuver, smooth, and portable stroller, this one is really worth a look.

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The Maclaren 'Cath Kidston' Quest stylishly and conveniently provides support and comfort for a young baby "minus the bulk" for practical moms. Appropriate for babies 3 months. It is a great lightweight stroller for use when the baby outgrows the travel system. Weighs 12.2 pounds. Ergonomic foam grip handles set at a comfortable height. Lockable, treaded 5" dual-swivel wheels for greater control and easier strolling. New foot operated linked parking brakes, adjustable 5-point safety harness, 4-position reclining seat. Extendable leg rest for comfortable support of smaller babies' legs. Hood, rain cover, shoulder strap and shopping basket are included. Sovereign Lifetime warranty, Phthalate free, Lead free.

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