Decisions, Decisions..Help

[redheads]

I never imagined that I would spend so much time researching strollers and still have a difficult time deciding! I need some advice from those of you who have owned multiple strollers. I am looking for a "go everywhere" stroller: the zoo, the mall, the beach/boardwalk, the park, and amuzement parks. It has to recline for naps and have comfortable seating (not hard under the padding like a lot of strollers have). Not an ultralightweight stroller, I will need that later. My baby is 10 months old and will be spending a lot of time in this stroller. I previously owned a Metrolite but gave it to the MIL since I didn't like the drawstring recline deal, their 5 point system, and the fact that you couldn't get to the basket when the seat was reclined.

Anyhow, I have on the list the Peg Perego Pliko P3. Any word on the steering and the "one hand driving" capability of this new stroller? And what about the basket? It really stinks since I also have a 6 year old and we carry "stuff" on our outings. Also, the cup holder is terrible. Does anyone have any work arounds for these problems? Does the stroller benefits outweigh the negatives? I like the seat, canopy, weight, size when folded, and 5 point harness of this one.

What about the Atlantico? I haven't seen it in person since it is nowhere around my area. Please tell me about this stroller. I like the fact it has a parent tray and better basket. How much bigger is it than the Pliko P3? What about weight?

And to make things more interesting, does anyone own the Jeep Cheeroke All Terrain stroller, 4 wheels (Kolcraft, Ahh!)? Has cup holders and basket. It does recline with a pretty good seat that is soft, not hard underneath(only 3 point). It doesn't have "sides" to the seat which leaves the baby having to rest his head on the stroller frame. Also, the seat is in a more "angled"position when sitting upright. Not sure it baby will like this mode since he has to be "up front" and "out there". Canopy isn't great (important to me since baby is red head and needs considerable sun protection in addition to gobs of sunblock). It is huge when folded because of snack tray sticking out.

Husband likes the Jeep stroller since one of the reasons I got rid of the Metrolite was because of the basket ordeal and the Jeep has an accessible basket (not good here on the Pliko). Also, Jeep has parent cup holders. It is less expensive which is good but also may indicate qualtiy since Kolcraft isn't rated as one of the best strollers.

I appreciate any feedback that you all may have, plus add any other strollers to the mix that I may have missed. I definately need the advice!

[ginalc]

My first thought is get the Pliko. The canopy on mine is AWESOME!!! My 2.5 yr old loves to play pee-a-boo with the canopy. It adjusts down to the napper bar and will stay anywhere in between.

The seat fabric resists stains and cleans up beautifully. The cushions provide soft "bumpers" and for baby's head while sitting and while fully-reclined during naps.

The storage basket holds quite a bit, actually, and what won't fit under will certainly fit over the handles. This stroller is extrememly hard to tip! I've carried 12 pack cases of pop on the reclined seat, with my 2.5 yr old sitting in the front of the stroller. Let's just say it handles weight really well!

Also, here's an idea for the cup holder issue:

http://www.kiddoonthego.com/babutray.html

I bought a navy mesh bag from TRU for $5 that attaches to the back of strollers. I place just about everything in this bag, from sunscreen to shopping bags. It expands the storage space and comes in handy frequently.

I also have a single jogger but with 1 child, prefer the smaller size of the folded Pliko for most uses.

HTH,

gina, mom to 3

[ginalc]

I forgot to mention, recently I read here on the Board that stroller wheels can and should be oiled periodically. I had been having some trouble pushing my Pliko until yesterday when I got out the WD-40. What a difference that made!

My DH also suggested 3-in-1 oil for the wheels. It's like a brand new stroller again! Yeah!!!!

I agree. This board has helped me so much! :)

gina, mom to 3

[redheads]

thanks for the advise gina.....

[Rachels]

I have the Jeep Liberty, and it is an amazingly wonderful go-everywhere stroller. I just love it. It has TONS of storage space, steers over everything, steers one-handed, has a cupholder, and, most importantly, is really, really comfortable for my baby. Honestly, of my three strollers (Mac Vogue, PP Venezia, and Jeep), the Jeep is far and away my favorite. HTH!

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[ginamlee]

I've spent hours and days and weeks on this....

I'm also looking at the Atlantico. I like the Sportivo model because of the weatherproof hood and rain cover. It has the features I like about the American made strollers, but still has the Peg quality.

I don't like the Plikos because of the umbrella handles and thus lack of parent tray.


If I had an older baby like yours, I might go for the Jeep instead of the Atlantico. But, I will be using the stroller with a newborn and thus want the ability to attach a car seat. A lot of people don't like travel systems, but I used one with my last child and it was VERY handy for my purposes.

So many choices....but I am "this close" to purchasing the Atlantico Sportivo travel system. (The colors of scarlet and grey are also a big selling point since we are huge Ohio State Buckeyes fans.)

Gina
--Madison 06/1990
--Mariah 10/1991
--Atticus 10/1997
--?? 09/2003

[redheads]

Gina, how heavy is the Atlantico? Have you seen one? I don't mind having a stroller that is a bit heavier than the Pliko if that means that I get a parent tray and better basket. What about the Atlantico canopy, can it be moved in all directions to keep the sun out?

[redheads]

Rachel, I did read that you got the Jeep Liberty and really liked it. You gave me the idea to look at them. You also went through the same process and had some of the same requirements didn't you? The Jeep Cheeroke is a four wheeler (double wheels in front, two in back). You have the 3 wheeler right? We actually have it in the living room along with a P3 that I am testing out. Seems good...P3 seems good also....

[ginamlee]

The Atlantico is 17 lbs.

I haven't been able to see one in person. But, I've learned from others that, yes, the canopy can be moved in all directions and it has a big coverage area.

[momathome]

The Pliko basket is completely accessable from the sides if the seat is reclined. We have a Peg Pliko Sherpa Bubble that I just love. Good luck!
-Lauren

[redheads]

How does the Atlantico weight of 17 lbs compare to the Pliko? I thought that I heard the Pliko is 16 lbs? Any other Atlantico users out there?

DH just said, why don't you just keep both strollers!! How lucky can I be? Or maybe I'll order an Atlantico and check it out. I'll have to pay shipping back and forth if I don't like it but I have to see/touch/test before I make my decision. Jeep/Pliko P3/Atlantico...??

[ginamlee]

You are right, the Pliko is 1 lb less at 16 lbs.

If you end up ording the Atlantico, please let me know your assessment. It appears that you have the same desires for a stroller that I do - I've been looking a the same options.

I also have considered the Graco Quattro. It doesn't cost as much and has the bells and whistles. Since this #4 child is the last one, I don't necessarily need the durability of a Peg.

But........I'm still leaning toward the Atlantio Sportivo.........

[redheads]

I checked out the Graco Quattro. It is nice but I took it off of the list since it is really really heavy - something like 28 lbs. I also have this "thing" about a soft seat. The Quattro seat is hard plastic (I assume) covered with fabric and some padding. It just seems like it would be uncomfortable if I were in it all day. The P3 and Jeep seats are soft with nothing hard underneath. I also check to see if any kind of metal bars run under the seats as well creating pressure points.

[ginamlee]

Thanks for the info on the Quattro.

I'm really ready to buy the Atlantico Sportivo. Since I have 3 kids already, I know what my stroller dislikes/likes are as well as my needs.

However, I worry that something better will come along before the baby is born in September.

Do new strollers only become available in January? If that is the case, I'll probably just go ahead and bite the bullet sooner rather than later.

It sounds like the Atlantico is comparable in weight to the P3 but has the parent tray (and I don't like umbrella handles anyway). I don't know what the comparison in the basket is.

How big is the basket on the P3? That is one thing that I'm worried about the the Peg's. We tend to stuff a bunch of stuff in the basket when we visit amusement parks and during similar outings.

[redheads]

All I did last night was dream about strollers! Atlantico or P3 or Jeep Cherokee

Here is some new info....only to confuse the matters more...

Talked to a guy at a Peg retailer and he told me that the Atlantico didn't sell as well as other Pegs (Pliko) since it was really heavy and bulky. He told me it was heavier than the Milano! I asked him about the weight (17lbs) and he told me that that couldn't be right and that sometimes they put the frame weight, not the total stroller weight. I am not sure what the seat is like on the Atlantico. Wonder if it is hard? Can't tell much about the basket but it does look more accessible. I really need to see this stroller or get some good advice from someone who owns one. Maybe I'll repost with Peg Atlantico as the subject. I am going to make a few calls today to get more info.

Read a lot about the P3 on boards last night and it looks like a lot of people really love them. I have it here to test drive and it is nice except for the lack of cup holders and accessible basket. Umbrella handles on P3 don't seem so obvious since they curve inwards. Folks have told me that the basket isn't as bad as it seems. The bottom of it kinda sags if you put heavy stuff in there but I could imagine putting coats shopping bags that can be squished up. Certainly not a shoe box (for mall crawling). Each stroller has its purpose which is slightly different. Can we combine the two?

[redheads]

Oh, did I mention that I am going to Disney next week and would like to take this stroller, whichever on it is...makes sense to take a P3 so it can be folded smaller for the plane trip. But I don't want to make a decision on a stroller that has to deal with flying to Disney since we don't do this that often (flying). And what about someone walking off with my new purchase.....Maybe the Jeep Cherokee goes.....AAAHHH....

More like it, I need a stroller that can roll across the grass to get to the last softball diamond for my daughters game...sounds like the Atlantico or does that mean I need a jogger??? Here Jeep Liberty is a nice one.....

[ginamlee]

I've checked many different sources, and the Atlantico is only 17 lbs. There are a few here that use this stroller and love it. You can search these boards for "Atlantico" to find posts.

Atlantico is "supposed" to be an all terrain stroller, but I'll bet that the Jeep would be better on rough terrain.

I have a Combi Savvy Z that I use for plane trips. It only weights like 7 lbs and has a strap so you can sling it over your shoulder. It is also narrow enough to wheel down the plane's aisles. I love this stroller for travel. (And we do travel quite a bit.) You can find a Savvy Z for really good clearance prices on the net. (To complicate things further...)

[redheads]

OK, here it is...drum roll.....I just bought a stroller!! Here is the story.

Found a place in Philadelphia that sells the Atlantico. So off I go, 1 1/2 hours north to see this stroller. Place is called Normans Juvenille. Well, what a selection of quality strollers! Normans' is this store in downtown Philadelphia in this small neighborhood. You can tell that everyone goes to this store that knows something about strollers and quality baby goods. The place is packed with stuff! They are wonderful. So there is the stroller - The Atlantico, the red metallic one. Totally not my color since baby is a redhead and redheads don't look good in red, but I got a chance to check it out.

Here are my notes: Seat underneath fabric is hard, canopy can move to all positions, basket is large (not huge) and very accessible, has child and parent cup holders, stroller overall is much larger than the P3, it is wider (have to compare to the Quattro). It is about 3 inches wider than P3) and of course is bigger when closed. Also, seat reclines to 4 positions and has bumpers on the sides, wheels are larger than P3 making it better for rougher terrain (I asssume, I hope). Good news it is 17 lbs, lightweight. Light bulb - hey, if you like the Quattro, the Atlantico fits the bill since the only difference is the weight, which tips the scale towards this stroller when compared to the Quattro.

While I am there, I see a floor model of the Atlantico that is an older version, called the Quinta Strada with Martinelli fabric (upgraded fabric). Includes the boot for the low price of $200. Noticed a small fray in the fabric at a seam(that I can easily repair)and they knocked it down to $175. Here I am trying to make the DECISION with a beautiful P3 in the X-Plorer fabric(loved) or this other deal. The pressure was on. The Martinelli didn't have a child's tray on it, so the owner went in the back and got me one from the Atlantico stock and gave me that for free. No parent cup holder either, fixed that by adding those clip on insulated kind (tried on the P3 but it wouldn't fit because it needed round tubing not oblong like the P3 has). Ok, there I stand....Next a woman comes around the corner and has a Plikomatic. She begins to tell me that she had the Atlantico and loved it, but the fabric (yellow sport one) fell apart. When she took it back they had no more available and got the Pliko instead since she really needed a stroller that moment. She said yes it was bigger but had a really nice ride (better than the Pliko). They also love the Pliko but mentioned it can be hard to steer at times. It also fit their city living lifestyle. Given I live in the country and need an all terrain type of stroller (didn't want jogger)I began to lean towards the Martinelli. The owner was great, gave me time to play. I knew I was going to walk out of there with a stroller.

So out the door went the Martinelli. I just couldn't pass the deal up. Most vivid in my mind was missing my daughter's softball game the day before because I had two (P3 and Jeep)strollers sitting in my living room under quarentine (spelling?) because I didn't want to dirty them to go to her game in case it had to be returned. And with that in mind and knowing the best stroller for that purpose would be the Atlantico, I made my decision. All of this esp because of the price! It is perfect for the zoo, walks, amusement parks, beach/boardwalk (when it is not extremely crowded), sporting events outside, picnics. So so, for mall crawl as long as you stay out of the stores or rather the tight ones.

I am sure that I will look 100x more at the P3. I also know that one day I will need a lightweight travel/mall stroller. I just tell myself $175. If I don't like it, I will sell it. I hope this helps you with your decision. I think the Atlantico is great if you are out and about with it and not shopping. I tend to go shopping w/o the kids so the Atlantico works great for me. I think the larger wheels, accessible basket, parent cup holder and the price made this a deal for me. But...., it is on the big side (compared to the P3).

[ginamlee]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

I SO appreciate you reporting back with your report. (I think I've read it over 4 times now...)

A couple of thoughts:

You mentioned that the seat underneath the fabric is hard. Is there enough padding to overcome this problem? Did the Martinelli have the hard seat, too?

Also, the yellow fabric falling apart on that lady's Atlantico is concerning. Do you think the red/grey "metalica" fabric is the same stuff? I don't want to spend a fortune and have the fabric fall apart!

Is the difference between the Atlantico's basket and the Quattro's basket substantial?

What does your Martinelli fabric look like? Are you happy with the colors?

I found the Atlantico travel system for $399. Considering that the stroller is $289 and the car seat is $149, this isn't a bad price. But, it is still hard to swallow and I keep thinking that I can find some online coupon or sale or something (no avail) and I'm scared to take the final step for fear that I'll find it cheaper eventually. (I'm a hopeless bargain hunter...) Otherwise, it would probably be a done deal by now...

I'm not much of a mall person, but I think the size will be okay when I do go. If I'm really in for some serious shopping, I go by myself anyway. Our strollers get the most use at amusement parks and other outdoor outings. I like a big fat cushy stroller for this type of use because the baby will be in the stroller a lot. I also don't mind a bigger stroller for running around town when the the baby is still an infant. When the baby is older I can pull out the tiny Combi for run around town stuff.

You've helped SOOOO much! I think my decision is made (although I am a bit worried about the fabric thing). Now, if I can find some crazy deal to take care of my obsessive deal hunting, I'll be set! :)

Be sure to tell me a bit more about your Martinelli. I'm curious about the fabric.

[redheads]

Gina- just haven't gotten a chance to write back with info. Baby hasn't been napping or sleeping well today. This afternoon I'll write. Of course, I am having "stroller purchase 2nd thoughts". The Atlantico is nice but big. And on the condition that I don't have another stroller and cannot get into that purchase right now I start wondering whether I should have gotten the P3 since it is more universal. Plus, with this trip to Disney/Seaworld I need to take it on the plane with me. Boy, I wish that I could afford both right now and later sell what I don't use , yeah right.....

[ginalc]

Have you considered using a cheapo-umbrella for your trip? I don't travel with my "best" stroller just in case it doesn't make it home in one piece........or at all! Kolcraft makes some decent strollers for under $20 that also have recline good enough for baby to nap.

In my search for baby items, I have found that if I don't LOVE it the day I buy it, I never will. No matter how good the deal!

gina, mom to 3

[Calmegja]

I have an Atlantico and a Pliko. Weightwise, they're very comparable. Foldwise, the Atlantico is bigger, but not a monster by any means.

I like the extras on the Atlantico, the trays, the cushy factor, the way it steers, and the blessed huge basket! ;-)

And the hood on the Atlantico Trek is hands down better than any others I've seen. Period. And I'm a stroller fiend......

[redheads]

You are right about the traveling with a good stroller. I will take a look at the Kolcraft ones. As a matter of fact I have one from my daughter that is a cheapy and will work.

[redheads]

Calmegja-
The Atlantico that I have is beautiful with the Martinelli fabric! The canopy is quilted and so are the sides of the seats. I keep looking at it and looking at it. It has a wonderful seat, basket, wheels, canopy..just like you said. It rides like a dream. I am just worried that it is too big for the times I do want to go to the mall/stores/someplace crowded. You are right though, when it does fold, it isn't a monster. Right now I cannot have two strollers.....or do I just wait awhile and later show up with a P3? How so you use your Atlantico and Pliko? Do you use them for different things?

Overall, between your Pliko and your Atlantico what do you use the most?? Boy, that is a big question. Thanks in advance for your advice. I certainly need some right now.

Later..I went back and read archived email and got more info. Seems like others have this question. Calmegja you got the knowledge since you own both strollers. Can the Pliko go over grass and dirt. How does it handle at the park? Or is the answer to this one that the Atlantico goes. How is the Atlantico shopping?

[Calmegja]

I have the PlikoMatic, not a P3, so the biggest difference is handles. I use the Atlantico most of the time when I am shopping. I have never had any trouble with it. I think it's comfy for baby and my toddler (whoever is riding that day), and I think it pushes so well. I also really like the parent tray, and the basket is wonderful.

I use the Pliko as a semi double. I use it when I need to have two babes contained, like through a parking lot, or in a crowded mall, and my toddler decides she doesn't want to walk anymore. I have to admit, although I do love the Pliko, I very rarely will choose it for going out if I have just one child with me. But that's just personal preference.....

If I've got one child with me, I always, always reach for the Atlantico. Two kids ( or three, or four), and it's a Pliko day. If I've got another adult with me, then my options change with two pushing, and I also have an MBUD for when it's going to be a long trip and I need an actual double.

I do use the Atlantico outside. It's been to T-ball and soccer games, and will continue to go. I can't do without the sunshade for my fairskinned babes, as well as how comfy it gets when reclined for a nap....I have an MBUD and an MBU, but for comfort and plushness, I always reach for the Atlantico....My Pliko has treaded wheels. I don't know if they all do now or not. It would do fine outdoors, but I have to admit, I don't take it through the parks or soccer fields. I use my Atlantico, but I'm sure the Pliko would be fine....

It's tough. You've narrowed it down to fabulous options. I think I'd go with my gut on it. What appeals to you most? You can make anything work if you love it, and I think both of your choices will take you just about anywhere you need to go.....:-)

[redheads]

1. The seat is hard plastic underneath the cover. This makes it like the Quattro. May I say firmer. On the P3 the seat, from the way it is designed, has give in it, making it less firm. It seems more cushy. It isn't hard plastic underneath. You'll be fine with it.

2. I have done some research on the fabric fraying. It is always on the hood. I saw it on the boards a couple of times. Seemed to happen on the red and gray or yellow and gray fabric. Yet, mine has a small fray that I can easliy repair on the hood as well. One person said that Peg replaced at no charge, no questions.

3. The basket in large but not like the Quattro. Quattro's basket in longer and shaped diferrently so I imagine it can be pilled up. Have to ask an Atlantico owner..

4. The fabric I have is beautiful... but it isn't available anymore. It is plaid in the middle with solid blue quilted sides and canopy. I want to snuggle in the stroller! I need to learn how to post pictures. Anyone know?

Gotta run...I'm still having stroller confusion....

[redheads]

Jessica, you are wonderful!! When I look at what I am going to do the most, the Atlantico fits the bill. I don't know why I keep questioning myself. I guess because with my first child I had a heavy and bulky steel Graco and soon after her first bithday it got retired and never used again. It got replaced with a Graco Literider (this is before I ever knew about Pegs)which is used to death. I got rid of the first one (goodwill) since it was heavy and bulky and of course it was more of a mall stroller. I wonder to myself "will the bulkiness of the Atlantico steer me from using it like I did with the Graco?"

I need to just use the Atlantico and see what happens, right? Than I will know. If there is a problem, sell it and get the P3. Thank god my other child is 6 and no longer needs a stroller. That would add even more spice to the picture!

[Calmegja]

Let me tell you, as a former Graco user, this will be a whole different experience...Peg is a very different....

I actually look for reasons to use the sucker! ;-)

[ginamlee]

I just want to thank everyone who has participated in this thread. I have soaked in your advice and experiences. Who would have thought that buying a stroller could be so time consuming and gut wrenching? I guess I'm a little over obsessed with the topic, but I do want to express my gratitude.

[redheads]

I am with you Ginamlee! All I think about is strollers. I am obsessed and yes you are right, this is gut wrenching. You would think that I have just spent my last dollar I ever had! Just to let you know I am taking the Atlantico (well you know, the Quinta Strada) to the mall tonight for a run. I'll give you the update. Also, took it out to pick daughter from the bus stop and it was great. Smooth!

Hey, got a thought. The place I got the stroller from has a Chesapeake, I think, in the older model (Quinta Strada) for the same low price. Do you want me to check? I am sure they will ship. Whatever, just a thought.

[ginamlee]

How did the mall trip go? I'm going to love to hear! :)

Thank you so much for offering to check about the other stroller. However, I think my heart is set on the red/grey Metalica. I do worry about the fabric construction on the hood, but for die hard Buckeye fans the colors can't be beat. ;) (Hope I don't have a redhead, too! My mother and my husband's mother are both redheads, so the possibility exists. Oh well, I guess the baby's hair would just have to "clash" with the stroller! LOL!!! <<In reality, I would LOVE to have a redhead. I was always upset as a child that I didn't get my mom's hair!>>)

[redheads]

Oh my little redhead is a cutie! It is curly too with chubby checks. I get people that stop me all of the time to tell me how beautiful he is. My daughter has red hair as well. Both are that deep strawberry blonde color.

Anyhow, the mall trip went well! I was able to fit everywhere I needed without any problems. Drove like a dream! Basket was good. We were able to fit in what we needed without any problems but than again we weren't stuffing it. It cannot be compared to the Evenflo basket (I know that one is huge). I also believe the Quattro basket is bigger. Sam loved the seat since he could sit with toys in his lap and have room to spare. He is a big baby (23lbs @ 10 months)so he fills the stroller well. It is big when folded and takes some practice getting latched. Overall, it was a thumbs up!

Are you struggling with whether you should go with the Atlantico or Quattro? Let me know so I can advice some more....

Whereas I am struggling with the Atlantico vs P3. Even after using the stroller yesterday, I still wonder if the P3 would have been just as good but not be as bulky. The Atlantico is a full size stroller and sometimes I worry later down the road I will not need or want this. Oh whatever, I have already used my Atlantico and like I have said before I need to continue to use it. Nobody will die if later down the road I sell it and get the P3, right? I need to put this one to rest. What do you think Gina?

[ginamlee]

Yes, my main struggle is the price difference between the Atlantico and the Quattro. However, I think I have resigned myself to paying for the Atlantico.

I like having a full size stroller. For the most part, the baby seems more comfortable in it and there are some nice features for mom, too.

If I were to only have one stroller for the length of the baby's stroller days, I can see where an in-between size like the P3 might be the best option. But, I keep a super-small lightweight Savvy Z for travel and quick, light duty uses and so I really want a full sized option for a serious stroller day.

With my last child, we had a heavy, but very, very functional Evenflo travel system. It had a HUGE, HUGE basket, child tray and parent tray. We used it a lot. I want a similar stroller that is a) better quality, b) lighter, c) has just as many or more features.

Now is that too much to ask?? ;)

[ginamlee]

Well, I think I have confused myself more.

I FINALLY found a store where I could see the Atlantico in person. It was the metalica, which is the color I wanted. I really like the stroller. The hood range is fabulous - better than any I have seen. However, I'm not particularly fond of the material on the hood. It is thin and see-through. The metalica is the Sportivo version. Does the Classico version have a see-through hood?

I also checked out the Quattro more throughly in person, and I have to admit that I like it. I like the easy fold. I like the way it reclines all the way flat. Better basket. Better cup holders. Frankly, I might get it.

The only negatives I can find on the Quattro are the hood (not as good as Atlantico), weight and quality. But, I'm not as worried about weight since I'll have the Savvy Z when I want lightweight. I also am pretty sick of navy blue. I'll see if it comes in a different color.

So, I'm back to undecided again. Maybe I would like the Atlantico in the Classico fabrics. But, for a $200 price difference....

I'm glad the baby won't be here until September!

[erzzie]

Just a quick answer to one of your questions--The P3 Trek in Metallica that I had, had a different hood style than the Pliko in Metallica (that I saw at BRU). I would assume the Classico version of the Atlantico has the Pliko Metallica hood, and the Sportivo version of the Atlantico has the Pliko Trek style hood (mesh see through).

The Pliko in Metallica (the Classico style), had a black nylon type lining inside the hood like the other Plikomatic classic styled strollers. It's only the Treks that seem to have the mesh style hood. In the internet descriptions, it's usually described as "sport-tech or UV-resistant fabric".

Hope that helps.

[redheads]

Well, I too went and looked again because I couldn't sleep lastnight dreaming about Atlantico vs. P3........ I like my Atlantico a lot but can see in the future wanting the P3. The Atlantico is just so big and since I want the do everything stroller I am still up in the air. Good thing they didn't have a P3 so I cannot be tempted.

Anyhow, I also looked at the Quattro. You know, I agree with you. It folds great, has a great basket, isn't as wide as the Atlantico, I think has a nice canopy (important that it can go all different ways), has tons of parent storage, is heavy but I am starting to think not all that bad (esp since you have a Combi on the side), and has a great price. I think the padding on the seat could be more plush but you can add something like batting underneath or a blanket. It does have side bumpers for a babies head. And, oh yuck, on the canopy fabric of the Atlantico sports version. That is what the one at Normans had Now that you mention it. The classico version canopies are solid fabric, not that see thru stuff with a triangular window to peep at baby. Quality, well, the Quattro apprears to be better built than the older Gracos. I have owned them and never had problems but than again I only had one child using it and I am not that hard on my strollers. It only needs to last one child....oh boy, decisions, decisions. Check out the boards to see what people are saying about the Quattro. BRU folks say they like it...

Gonna run. Let me know what you find out about the Quattro...:)

[ginamlee]

Well, I found out that the Quattro comes in a nice color called Chamois. Unfortunately, it is only sold in the UK. The colors here at home include several different varieties of navy blue, a pale green (frame and all) and a grey. The grey isn't too bad, but I would prefer if it was charcoal rather than the lighter grey.

If my ultimate decision is to go with a Quattro, I actually might go for navy blue after all. It can be boring, but it is easy to keep looking nice. ;)

[Calmegja]

I have the metallico fabric, the red, and I love the hood, and so does baby. because of the mesh type design, when I put it down to protect him, he can still se what's up, and if he's asleep, it doesn't matter....

I just wanted to throw that in there. I thought I wouldn't like it, but I've learned it has definite advantages. It blocks the sun without blocking view completely for the rider..... ;-)

[redheads]

Jessica, is the sun really blocked out or just filtered? I did check out the Atlantico strollers online they do have a version that is red/metallico with a traditional material hood. Hum....

Just a note: I talked to Peg today about my Quinta Strada. I wanted to know if they had a hood to replace mine under warranty since it has a 1/2 teeny tiny fray (that of course I can fix, but you never know). Found out it was manufactured in 2001 and because of the material, Martinelli, it was only sold at stroller "boutiques" under the Quinta Strada name (was called Prima Viaggio). It went for about $50-100 more than the normal price at the time. She told me I got a great deal. Oh my!! She said without a doubt this stroller fits my needs better since I will be using "off road". Was hoping to run it today at dd softball game but it got rained out. Just like you said Jessica, I am looking for reasons to use it! Thanks for the advice!

[MarieMW]

I bought a ultra savvy when they first came out, hated it at first but grew to really love it. I've taken it on trips everywhere, Hawaii, Japan, the Eastern Seaboard. The best thing about it is it's portability. When you're in a different country or on a subway, lugging your purse and children around, the last thing you want to do is go out of your way to find an elevator. The combi was a dream---I know now why lightweight strollers are a must in Japan, they practically have no elevators! It's lasted over five years, and finally broke down this year. I will be ordering the ultra savvy 2002 instead of the matching graco stroller for my snugride car seat. The only drawbacks to the combi are the foot area beneath the handles, if you are tall or have long legs, you end up kicking the wheels alot. The basket underneath is miniscule. Also, the handles did not adjust in height, that was a problem for my over 6 foot tall husband. Otherwise it is a fantastic stroller and I highly recommend it.