Graco metrolite vs P3

[daisyd]

Please help me decide on a stroller! I'm still on a stroller hunt and my new distraction is the metrolite. Just recently there have been so many positive reviews about this one. I plan to use my stroller while shopping/ neighborhood walks (good paving to cracked sidewalks). How does the Graco metrolite compare with the P3 in terms of

weight
ease of fold
steering
compactness
use with infants (DS is 9 weeks old)
durability

Thanks all!
Daisy

[TraciG]

I am very happy with my Metrolite, I started the post about how happy I am with it ! When we looked at the P3 in the store we weren't impressed & didn't think it looked worth the $$.

I got my Metrolite recently so DS wasn't an infant, but it does recline, have to say not sure if it does all the way, have to check. It's VERY easy to use, easy to close, steer's very well, can talk on my cell & push it. I think it push's nice, the sunshade is good, has cupholder's for me & snack tray for him, also very good basket,my only complaint is the strap's to close him in, it seem's there are so many strap's, there are 5 because you can close it so that it's 5 point harness then as the baby get's older you dont have to use the shoulder strap's, only the waist one's & then it will be 3 point harness.

Good luck, check them out at the store !!!!!!1

[MamaKath]

Originally Posted by daisyd

weight
ease of fold
steering
compactness
use with infants (DS is 9 weeks old)
durability

Weight- They are similar in weight, not sure off the top of my head the exact weights.

Ease of fold- Neither is hard, though they fold differently. The Graco has a one hand fold. It fold flat. The P3 has triggers on the handles and then a handle that pulls up. Not at all hard. It folds like an umbrella.

Steering- They both steer well. A single bar handle like the Graco can be easier to steer. I think the P3 steers very well also. The heavier the baby gets, the more it impacts steering in most strollers.

Compactness- Open and in use they are similar in size. Folded the Graco folds flat. The P3 folds more like an umbrella, it is a smaller more squared fold.

Use with infant- Either reclines enough for an infant. There is a P3 Switch version in which the baby can face mom. There are also bassinets that attach to the P3 (the Navetta, not sure how widely available they are). I found the seat backs on the Gracos have always been too short for my kids before they are about a year old.

Durability- I would make sure that fabric is removable for washing. I know there have been many times I have had to scrub a buggy, a canopy that goes in the tub vs. having to be hosed off outside has been a big deal to me. Also you want the whole seat fabric to remove, not just a seat pad. These things also allow you to replace fabric parts if a child gets sick, spills, has an accident, etc. The P3 canopy can be removed from the stroller (it still has a frame in it, but you can still scrub it gently in the tub) and all of its other fabric for cleaning. You can not on the Graco.

I have been through a LOT of strollers over the years!!! One that I have owned (bought new and have kept) for years is a Peg Perego Pliko (version before P3). I have not owned a Metrolite, but have had other Gracos. The seatback height and the lack of ability to remove fabric on the Graco are things that would keep me looking elsewhere.

[DrSally]

I have both and am happy with both. The Graco's front wheel got knocked off by Northwest airlines, but Graco replaced it. I've heard they can have prob with front wheels. I actually think it's easier to fold up and lighter, has a bigger basket, and fits Graco carseats (haven't tried my safeseat with the P3). I actually find the Graco easier to steer with one hand. I like my orange P3 for a toddler better, it's heavier/sturdier, like the floating harness for a toddler. Don't like the lack of a parent cup (the one it came with keeps falling off, and the access to the basket s#$ks. It's hard to stuff a stuffed diaper bag in there. It does look nicer though.

[daisyd]

Thanks all, that really helped! I'm planning to test drive the 2 before buying. There is a $90 difference between the two, which isn't a big deal as long as I'm choosing the right one for me. I have to say though that looks-wise i like the P3 better...

Daisy

[MamaKath]

Originally Posted by daisyd

There is a $90 difference between the two, which isn't a big deal as long as I'm choosing the right one for me. I have to say though that looks-wise i like the P3 better...

Don't forget to check around for deals. Albee Baby has a couple 2007 models for $180, less than $40 more than the (sale) Metrolites I looked at on their site.

[daisyd]

Thanks Mamakath, I'll check it out!

[logansmom109]

Not sure if it just a regional thing, but I have found a P3 at both our Marshalls and TJ Maxx for 155.00. Brand new in box (they were both 2007 models). Something to check out of you are interested.

[TraciG]

We got our Metrolite from Amazon $ 100 free shipping too ! Also it seem'd the color's they have at BRU were not as nice as the one's online .

[daisyd]

Thanks for the tip Logansmom and Traci!