Just got my Kiwi E3 V2!

[lmariana]

Well, it just arrived a little while ago, and it's unpacked and in use! The improvements over the V1 (which is still an excellent stroller) are pretty noticeable. Here are my initial impressions:

Seat is noticeably wider all around
Seat and newborn bed are taller
Handlebar is higher
Accessory covers don't attach with velcro (yay!)
Extra snaps at the top of the seat for a cleaner look and better support
More upright seat angle
Extra securing straps on the basket
Basket looks a little more shallow, but wider and longer
Two push folding (instead of 1 push and 1 pull)
Different graphics and branding (cute)
Cushioned shoulder straps
The red fabric is a slightly lighter color on the V2

I'm heading downstairs now to take some comparison shots of the V1 and V2! I'll post some pics tonight.

Overall, it looks just as beautiful as the V1 with a few upgrades. You cannot use the same accessory covers as the V1 though. The new ones attach over the canopy and around the handlebars with snaps. I haven't figured out how to store the cover in the canopy like I did with the V1, but I'm sure I'll figure it out sooner or later!

(Edited for Spelling)

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[Marisa6826]

oooh I'm so excited!!!! :)

-m

[lmariana]

Here are some pictures comparing the V1 and V2 versions of the Kiwi E3!



http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5187.jpg
V1 (left) and V2 (right) without canopies


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5188.jpg
V1 Harness


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5189.jpg
V2 Harness


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5191.jpg
V1 Headrest Area


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5190.jpg
V2 Headrest Area (new buckles)


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5195.jpg
V1 Rear View


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5194.jpg
V2 Rear View


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5201.jpg
V1 (left) and V2 (right) with Bug/Sun Covers


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5197.jpg
V2 (left) and V1 (right) Rear View with Bug/Sun Covers


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/5200.jpg
Side Angle Detail V2 with Bug/Sun Cover


I've posted more pictures at: http://homepage.mac.com/lmariana1/PhotoAlbum12.html


Enjoy!


Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[lmariana]

This is just little stuff, but...

The Sun/Bug Mesh and Storm Covers do not attach with velcro, just 4 snaps. They also cover more of the stroller, including the little gap during the sleepytime position. They now go OVER the canopy, instead of attaching to it.

The back of the seat now has the latch in the middle, instead of off to the right.

I'm still working on learning how to store the covers inside the canopy. :)

That's about all for now! Let me know if you have any questions!


Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[pamela mom of 3]

Good pics, may i ask in the V2 headrest shot, looks like their is a new label? what does it say..

You can see the width change with the seat, i also like the new buckles for the seat back, keeps it more straight.

Anyhow enjoy :)



~Pamela Mom Of 3

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/otn/blobflower.gif

[toomanystrollers]

Thanks Mariana,
I really like how they changed the harness on the V2 - no long dangly straps. So, is the weight difference noticeable w/the alloy frame?

TIA

[lmariana]

Honestly, nope. :) I really can't tell a weight difference at all.

The straps are still a little dangly, but I tuck the loose end back through the fabric loop on the seat, if that makes sense. It reduces some of the "messy" look of the straps.

The V2 is really cool though. It's funny, I know it's impressive when my husband notices a difference. He can hardly tell our few strollers apart from each other, but he noticed the wider seat on the V2 instantly. We also really like the new way the covers fit. It makes so much more sense, and it's so easy to put on and take off.

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[lmariana]

The label on the seat, is actually the one that used to be on the shoulder strap of the V1. Since there are now shoulder strap pads on the V2, they just moved the label onto the seat.

Yeah, I love those new buckles at the top of the seat. It keeps it flat and makes the folding a little easier, since everything stays in its place. :)

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[metromom]

I am in love. I put it together after DS went to bed and I just woke him up to try it out!

Hubie, I am in Chicago (Lincoln Square) if you want to see it.

[nohomama]

Mariana,

Can you post some pics specifically comparing the handlebars??? I didn't see any here or on your Mac page. I have the V1 and am trying to decide whether or not to get the extended handlebar for it. I'm specifically interested if it extends farther out from the back of the stroller.

The V2 certainly looks appealing and if I had my druthers I'd probably just upgrade to that model. I don't think that's in the financial cards right now though. The changes aren't drastic but it looks like they took the time to fine tune the stroller and improve those things that needed improvement. To bad they upgrade the fabric colors too. It they had one in orange or lime, I'd through financial good sense and caution to the wind.

[dylansnan]

Great pictures! Just wanted to comment that the new covers seem to fit the same as the old Kiwi Explorer(before e3) covers. Just incase anyone was interested. I have an Explorer and no experience with the e3 so hadn't realized the difference between the way the different covers attached. I really like that they snap around the handle bar and cover the gap between the seat back and canopy(especially when raining).

JMO

[hubie]

Thank you for the offer but I did get to see it at Right TSrat on Clybourn last week. They just startd carrying the v1 only-so far. The seat is too narrow I thought so i would only want the v2. But, I saw the new boogie(zooper) at Madison & Friends on Rush and liked it too. It is heavier by 9 lbs but it is cushier seating etc. It is also less oney at $299 including all accessories that e3 is extra on top of the 315$. I am going to check them again but I may go zooper-it seemed a bit sturdier. I am concerned about the posts I saw on here about short seat back height however on the boogie vs e3. Plus, there is still the double future otpion for the e3. So, as you can tell-I havent decided yet!
Did you think that the new seat width is good enough?

[toomanystrollers]

The seat width on the E3-V2 should be plenty big enough. FWIW, my 5 1/2 yo dd (big kid - 95%H, 95%W) can fit in the E3 - V1 - no problem at all.

[lynettefrancois]

Mariana,
I'm trying to decide between outdoor/all terrain strollers, but my DD likes to sit up. How upright can she sit in an E3? Thanks!

Edited to say: don't you have a Z-street also? I thought I read it went over grass/gravel ok... are you jogging with the E3 or what? :) Are they substitutes for each other at all? Thanks again!

[lmariana]

I know my son is comfortable in the E3, and he usually likes to sit up as well. The V2 is a little more upright than the V1 is. I don't jog with the E3, but I do walk with it, and it's wonderful.

Yup, I also have a Z-street. It's my indoor/mall stroller, and I love it! I did take it on gravel once, but that was for a consignment sale and the E3 would have been too bulky to take. The Z-street preformed surprisingly well on the gravel! I think the 4-wheel suspension has a lot to do with that. I wouldn't take it off road often because of the smaller wheels and lack of air tires. It's definitely not a "sporty" stroller.

Hope this helps!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003