Verve/Vibe vs. +One Side by Side with Pics

[BayGirl2]

So I made it to the one local store that carries both the Phil & Teds Verve and the Mountain Buggy +One. They had the Verve, the four wheel version of the Vibe, but I've seen the Vibe before so I'll note where its different. They also had the MB Duet. I didn't spend a lot of time on it because I don't need a side by side, but it did look nice. I promised pics and notes so here they are:

Size
They have almost exactly the same footprint in terms of wheel base and length. Somehow the +One feels bigger to me but its really not. I think because the front wheel pivots out more compared to the 2 front wheels on the Verve. Per another post here, they are the same length as the Vista in singles mode. Tie



Seating
The Verve rear seat reclines and goes up to 44 lbs (Vibe is only 33, no recline), the front seat limit is 44 lbs. The Verve/Vibe seats are very reclined and cushy feeling. The rear seat of the Verve seems wider than the Vibe. The 3 step recline is there, but its not a huge difference as there's no upright position, just maybe 45 degrees to flat.
Verve Rear Seat Reclines



Both +One seats have a 44 lb limit. The +One seats in doubles mode are nearly upright with no recline. The lack of recline is the major flaw IMO. The front toddler could recline in singles mode. They look comfy enough but don't have the cushy feel of P&T. Not sure if regular stroller liners would fit the +One either. Although the seating appears small on the +One I think it will fit a bigger kid well. Positioning wise on the +One both riders have a clear view whereas in the P&T's the smaller child goes underneath.
+One Rear Seat Space



Comfort: P&T
Positioning: Mountain Buggy

(continued)

[BayGirl2]

Canopy
The Verve had a big enough canopy but upon playing it felt stiff and could easily fall off. The bottom seat has a canopy but as other reviewers have pointed out, it seems useless. I'm not sure the lower seat needs much coverage anyway.
The +One canopy is impressive when zippered out. It puts the rear child in a cave but tilts forward so they can see the parent. Its about the same size as a Bob canopy.
Canopy: Mountain Buggy
Verve Canopy

+One Canopy



Storage
The basket of both strollers are approximately the same size, generous, but shallower than the Vista basket. With the 2nd rider in the Verve about 1/2 the basket's taken. In the +One the basket is free, although seems hard to access from the back. With only one child in the +One there's that huge open space in the back, it really is ginourmous.
Storage: Mountain Buggy

Fold
I am not a fan of the huge MB fold, its just so long that its ruled out MB's for me because I have a small SUV size car. So this was the deal-maker or breaker for me. THE +ONE FIT IN MY CAR! I'll have to pop off a rear wheel, but that is really easy to do, and it is about as awkward as an umbrella stroller in terms of fit. The MB fold was actually easier for me to do because its just 2 latches and a flip.

In my Mini Cooper Countryman
(There is actually a compartment under the floor that folds up to make more room. Right now my BJCM lives in there. So yes, a MINI with 2 RF car seats and a double and single stroller in it all at the same time. With plenty of room to spare. I seriously should do a commercial for them.)




I finally figured out the Verve fold and it seems like something that gets easier with practices, but its definitely multi-step. You have to flip the bottom seat up before unclipping the sides and then kind of stand in front of it, which involves moving around the stroller a bit. Not bad enough to be a deal breaker, and prettier when folded.

Both have a standing fold that meets my smallish footprint needs. Not like a Mac, but good for a double. The width and depth of the fold is actually identical, but the +One is taller.
Fold: Tie
Standing Fold: Verve in front, +One behind it



Push
I didn't bring the kids with me but they had that weighted baby that felt about 15 lbs. The +One felt a bit heavier with the baby in the front seat alone but much better with it in the back. I'm guessing with a big diaper bag on back and single child in front the weighting would be fine. Its still centered enough that the weight is behind the front wheel vs the Vista and BJCS where its in front. It has 3 air tires. I did take the +One outside (empty) and it sailed along the sidewalk.

The Verve moved pretty well with the fake baby in the main seat. I had previously played with the Vibe as well and liked the push more than the BReady. Its a smooth push and felt maneuverable despite the 4 wheels. The Verve has 2 air tires and 2 forever air. I don't think the push is noticeably different between the Verve/Vibe and +One and I'd consider both all-terrain urban non-joggers.
Push: Tie

Overall Look and Feel
So something about the MB's feel more rough and rugged to me and not as polished (same way I felt about the Valcos). The Vibe and Verve have a very "upscale" feel IMO. Both are only in black so style isn't really the point of them. However the MB does feel slightly sturdier and better built - but that's not to say the Verve isn't. I don't think the Verve felt any less quality than the Vista. Of course daily use over time is the only way to tell.
Look and Feel: Vibe

Value
The +One includes the 2nd seat, the Verve and Vibe both sell it separately. The Vibe+seat and +One retail at about the same price (~$650 range) but the Verve bundle is significantly higher (~$800+), and its hard to find one used, or even new for that matter. I'm not quite sure why P&T thinks the Verve should be priced so much higher for essentially an extra wheel and bigger small seat, but it makes it harder to justify. If Verve and Vibe were the same price I think the Verve would sell better because it becomes a feature preference
Value: +One

Overall Winner: I think its so close that it really comes down to preference and feel. The Verve price tag doesn't help it, but in a Vibe/+One standoff its almost equal to me. I think the +One gets a slight edge for its better seating and more robust feel.

[BayGirl2]

Here are a few more pics since its rare to see so many MB's in one place.

+One is exactly the same size as a Single Bob with the same size canopy


FreeRider attached to a Terrain. Seems like you could maybe use the FreeRider with the +One in doubles mode, but the child would be right under the handlebar toward the back of the board.

[BayGirl2]

Oh- so my decision? After all the P&T chasing, I think we are almost settled on the +One. It actually fits in my car, my DS will love the cave, and I think we can get past the non-recline issue or the kids will sleep sitting up.

I need to sleep on it, but I may get it this weekend. That retailer was super nice and offered me a price I'm happy with too, so that helps.

[crl]

Wow, what a thorough review and awesome pictures.
Catherine

[spannaz]

Amazing!! Thanks for taking the time to write the review and post all those pics. Very helpful

[meggswife]

Wonderful review!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to do that! BTW, I am very impressed with all you fit in your Cooper!

[meggswife]

I meant to ask, what do you think of the +One for primarily a single stroller?

[BabyBearsMom]

Great review and thanks for the pics! So thorough! Let us know when you make your final decision. Also, you are a stroller in the car magician! A double stroller + 2 RF'ing car seat in a mini =

[spannaz]

Originally Posted by BabyBearsMom

Great review and thanks for the pics! So thorough! Let us know when you make your final decision. Also, you are a stroller in the car magician! A double stroller + 2 RF'ing car seat in a mini =

Let's not forget the BJCM she has stored under the double, lol.


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