BOB Ironman – Best Distance Jogger
Baby Jogger Summit X3 – Side-by-Side, All-Terrain – Best Fixed/Swivel Wheel Jogger
The Baby Jogger Summit X3 is a reliable jogging stroller that comes with several features and functions that make it an ideal option for parents. Having an adjustable handlebar that permits converting it between jogger and stroller modes, this model can be easily folded with only one hand, as well as a hand-operated rear brake that will give you full control over its movements on uneven terrain.
The stroller also provides an all-wheel suspension system that automatically soaks up road bumps, therefore keeping your child comfortable and perfectly secure. Although pricier, the Baby Jogger X3 Summit delivers an excellent jogger for those serious runners that need a durable, safe and comfortable piece of equipment. While not as popular as some of the other models on our list, the X3 has received glowing reviews from those who have purchased it.
Recommended Weight Capacity: 75 lbs
Product Features
Fully-Pivoting Front Wheel: The Baby Jogger X3 Summit comes with a fully-pivoting front wheel that can swivel according to your needs for better maneuverability. The rotating wheel will allow you to better turn tight corners and avoid obstacles. If you are planning to go jogging, or the terrain is more demanding, the wheel can be locked forwards by simply flipping a lever.
All-Wheel Suspension System: One of the most notable features of this Baby Jogger stroller is its excellent all-wheel suspension system, which will successfully minimize road bumps that can possibly cause discomfort to your child. It does an excellent job of absorbing shock and making the entire ride for the kids more enjoyable and less jarring.
Adjustable Reclining Seat: This jogger comes with an adjustable seat that can be reclined in a nearly flat position, as well as five-point safety harness and a weather cover that can improve airflow when the seat is reclined.
Large Adjustable Canopy: To enhance your baby’s comfort, this model features a large adjustable canopy that can successfully protect passengers against sun exposure, rain, wind and other elements.
What Owners Like About the Baby Jogger Summit X3
Excellent Suspension: What customers really like about the X3 Summit is the excellent suspension this jogging stroller is equipped with. The all-wheel suspension system of this Baby Jogger model will keep your child steady, absorbing shock that shows up as a result of bumping into something, or walking on unleveled terrain.
Enhanced Comfort: Much to customers’ delight, this jogging stroller is very comfortable, which allows babies to easily fall asleep during longer “adventures”. The seat is adjustable and can be reclined for this purpose, so your little one can stay in a very comfy position and enjoy a good nap. Due to the canopy and weather cover, you will always be able to protect your child against undesirable weather conditions while also improving airflow when the seat is reclined. Owners are typically very pleased with its comfort features.
Swiveling Front Wheel: Another aspect buyers like about their Baby Jogger X3 Summit is the swiveling front wheel of this jogging stroller. Parents were able to successfully maneuver the X3 Summit without encountering problems, specifically because the front wheel could easily rotate to the desired direction to suit their needs and avoid obstacles. However, Baby Jogger has engineered the wheel to also stay locked forwards when the lever is flipped, which makes it a great option if you are planning to go jogging.
Fold Down Frame: Baby Jogger has really made a name for itself with its quick fold technology that it implements into each of their strollers. This model can be folded down with one hand for easier storage and transportation. Owners really appreciate this feature.
What Could Be Better?
Durability: Some users had some issues with cleaning their stroller and the fabrics tearing. Reading through various customer reviews this does not seem to be a prevalent problem, but more isolated.
Weight: Some parents also wished that the X3 weighed a little bit less. Getting it in and out of the vehicle was a bit of a chore for a few owners.
Related Strollers
This Baby Jogger stroller is on par with a couple of other models on our list. If the features of the X3 sound appealing you can also check out the BOB Revolution SE and the Jeep Adventure strollers for comparison.
For those looking for something a little less pricey might be interested in the Schwinn Turismo or the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger.
Bottom Line
Baby Jogger makes some of the best performance strollers that you can buy, and this model is no exception. Engineered for those that take jogging seriously, the X3 Summit is a great option for those looking for something that can handle more demanding terrain. Owners have been impressed with its overall performance and price and give it scores in the high 4’s out of 5 stars.
Bumbleride Indie Twin – Side-by-Side, All-Terrain – Most Beautiful
BOB Ironman Duallie Review & stroller running in general
I mentioned here that the BOB Ironman Duallie is one of my favorite baby items and that I would be doing a full review of the stroller. Deciding what strollers to get was not a decision I took lightly…..some might even say I put a little too much into the decision…and they might have a case. But, in my defense, when I read stroller reviews, so many of them would start off listing all the strollers they had previously owned that didn't work and how they wish they had just gotten "x" stroller in the beginning. Brian has a motto that we applied to picking strollers for the boys: Do it right the first time.
I knew I wanted a BOB because of the reputation, so I was choosing between the Ironman Duallie and the Revolution SE Duallie. I struggled wanting to get the Ironman because it is an expensive stroller and, since the front wheel is locked, it doesn't really double up as an everyday stroller and is really just an expensive stroller that you can only use for running. And while I looked forward to running with the boys, I didn't actually know if I would enjoy it. No pressure, right?
What made me decide on the BOB Ironman Duallie?
In short my analysis went like this: Running with a stroller is harder than running without a stroller. Running with two babies is harder than with one baby. Running with them will only continue to get harder as they get bigger. If it is too hard to run with the stroller, then I will lose the motivation to do so. Therefore, I want the stroller that makes stroller running as easy as it can be so I will want to do it and so it will be enjoyable. Plus, I wanted to be able to go on longer runs with them and to run with them regularly, as opposed to occasional shorter runs.
In all honesty, the Revolution Duallie didn't have much appeal to me as an everyday stroller anyway since it is so big and bulky. The single Revolution may have more utility as an everyday stroller, but the Duallie was just too big and bulky to really use as an everyday stroller anyway. So if I weren't using the stroller as an everyday one too, I figured I should get the stroller intended specifically for running. That basically sums up my thought process. See, I told you I put *a lot* of thought into this.
I should note here that I may not have debated so much between the two strollers if we were only having one baby and I would likely have gotten the Revolution SE. I think the single Revolution can double up as an everyday stroller much easier than the double.
Pros
Running with the Ironman Duallie is great and I cannot imagine a better jogging stroller. I am going to avoid the technical features like that it has pneumatic tires or describing the suspension system because I don't know what they mean and, instead, I'll tell you what I like about it in everyday terms. Here's my list:
• It has tires similar to a bicycle and, I don't know why exactly, but it makes a huge difference. The stroller feels like it is floating and it is honestly not as hard to push as you would think, especially when you consider I'm pushing 60 extra pounds (the stroller is 34lbs and the boys are over 30lbs together).
• I was a little nervous about the fixed wheel and wondered if it would be hard or awkward to turn. It's not. It was easy to adjust to and it is easy to turn the stroller by adjusting your weight or pushing on one side. To make a 90 degree turn, I normally pop the front tire up and turn on the back wheels.
• Another benefit about the wheels and construction (this is probably where the suspension system comes in), it is a very smooth ride for the boys….even when I pop that front tire up or go over bumps.
• Each seat independently reclines and has its own sun shade, which I personally think is a good size.
• A weather shield is available which is at the top of my wish list for next winter (we have to be almost done with the cold this year, right?!). I think this would allow me to be able run with the boys in cooler temps and if it were drizzling (obviously I would use judgment here…I am imagining the grandparents cringing right now).
• The shades each have a large viewing window I can open and am able to check on the boys.
• I use a head and body insert (found here) to help support the boys since they are still young and small.
Cons (note all of these things apply to all BOB strollers and I personally think the size and weight contribute to what makes the strollers so great):
• It's heavy (but that's true of all double strollers)
• It's bulky (again, true of all double strollers)
• It's expensive and does not come with any accessories, all accessories (console, car seat adapter, weather or sun shield, snack tray) are extra
What I like about stroller running
I honestly love running with the boys more than I thought I would and I can't wait for it to warm up so I can run with them more regularly. We are going to be traveling for several months starting in the spring and one of my biggest disappointments is that I might not be able to bring the stroller (first world problems, I know).
My first run was a 4 miler and I felt as if I could keep going when it was over. The best way to describe my initial impression was that it felt comparable to swimming with a kick board. The next run was 6 miles and then 8 miles. I am not worried about working my mileage up with the stroller at all, my biggest concern is actually having to go to the bathroom while I have the stroller with me. I don't really have a good solution there yet, it would be too big to get in anywhere with me.
What I don't like about stroller running
Now it is not all puppies and rainbows when you run with a stroller. There are two things that can be hard to begin with, but are a whole new world when pushing a stroller. Wind and hills. And you might as well forget about trying to go uphill in the wind with a stroller! It is also a lot of extra work to push the stroller while running. However, I hope it will pay off in the way running with a weighted vest pays off and I'll end up being surprisingly fast when I'm stroller free in races
Conclusion
With so many products to choose from there really is an option for everyone. Whether the passengers are twins or siblings of a different age, there is a product in our review that can handle the daily duty that comes with multiple children. With competition this stiff even we had trouble deciding which products deserved extra recognition, which resulted in our giving out multiple Editors' Choice awards and a special pick for outdoor adventures.
No matter what the budget or need, at least one of the strollers in our review should be able to fit the bill. Our goal with any review is to help parents crack the code of products so they can find the perfect fit without having to do any of the leg work to get there. Whether you are looking for a ride to get off the beaten path, or one to go around the block, we feel confident this review and our article on How to Pick the Best Double Stroller will be able to steer you in the right direction to the stroller of your dreams.
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