goldenpig
11-28-2010, 04:06 AM
OK! I should be sleeping but I've been putting this off so as promised here are the pics and comparisons of my double strollers. Maybe someone can benefit from my stroller buying frenzy and save themselves from having to do a bunch of returns/Craigslist postings. :ROTFLMAO: As you all probably know by now I happened on great deals for the Duo, then the City Mini Double, but I ended up not quite happy with either...the Duo was great for outside, the BJCMD was better for the car; DH did not see why we had to have two double strollers plus he wanted one with a hand brake. After doing more research I had almost decided to bite the bullet and pay full (or nearly full) price for a Summit XC, when voila, I found it on sale at diapers.com for 41% off! :boogie: So that's how I ended up with four double strollers including my Joovy Ergo. :dizzy: (Although I finally just sold that one on CL, for a few dollars more than what I paid for it :cheerleader1:)
My pregnant SIL came over to my house this weekend for Thanksgiving and I was showing her all of my strollers...she said she didn't need to go to a stroller store anymore because she had me (aka Buy Buy Goldenpig). :ROTFLMAO: She ended up deciding to get a Summit XC single which I found for her at 20% off. :bighand:
Anyways, after playing with all three, here are my observations and pictures:
Pics here!
http://picasaweb.google.com/goldenpig123/DoubleStrollerSmackdown#
Duo vs. Summit XC double (and the winner for each feature):
Weight-Summit-39.8 lb vs. 42 lb for the Duo. (I measured each stroller three times by holding the stroller and subtracting my weight). I am not sure why the Duo is so much heavier than the listed weight of 36 lb. Maybe it's because of the included belly bar? Anyways, the Duo also feels heavier to me and is much more awkward to carry.
Width-Duo-Summit is 32.5 inches compared to 29 for the Duo so the Duo will fit through standard 30 inch doors unlike the Summit.
Headroom-tie-BJ lists the headroom as 24" and Baby Gizmo said the headroom was also 24"
Maneuverability-Summit-I actually think the Summit is easier to maneuver because even though it is wider, it is shorter, and I had an easier time turning it around in my narrow hallway.
Ease of folding-Summit-just lift up on the handles and it collapses. Couldn't be easier. For the Duo, you have to make sure that the wheels are out in front, then pull a lever by the footwell and it folds forward. Still not too bad, but not quite as elegant.
Ease of carrying-Summit-you already are holding the two handles that fold the stroller, which makes it so easy to carry into the car.
Compactness of fold-Summit all the way. The Duo is a beast! I had folded it up and DH said, "So how does it fold up?" and I had to tell him it was already as small as it gets. You can see by the pics how the Duo takes up my entire SUV trunk. It's a very long and bulky fold, almost twice as tall as the Summit. I was surprised at how compact the fold was on the Summit, not that much bigger than the CMD actually.
Push-tie, maybe Duo-Duo has wider beefier tires and a springier suspension so it absorbs the bumps better so I think most would say the Duo pushes better. But I actually prefer the Summit...it actually feels smoother to me to push it, if that makes sense...a little less bouncy.
Wheels-tie-the Summit has 12 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels as opposed to 12 inch all around on the Duo, but the Duo's wheels are wider.
Swivel lock-Summit-it has a switch that locks both wheels at once, as opposed to two knobs that you have to turn above the Duo wheels (and you have to squint to see whether you have it on lock or unlock)
Canopy-Summit-the canopy is larger and slightly easier to open/close and has mesh vents on the side. The peekaboo window is slightly bigger on the Duo and it has a flick out sun visor, but I actually prefer to have the fully solid canopy for more shade on the Summit.
Basket-Duo-bigger and easier to access, with more storage compartments inside the basket
Footrest-tie-Duo is metal, Summit is plastic
Misc storage-Summit-BJ has mesh pockets in the seat backs, which is great for easy access for stowing jackets or small purses/bags etc. It also has zippered pouches on the back seats. Duo comes with a water bottle holder unlike the Summit. Neither come with parent consoles.
Hand brake-Summit-since the Duo doesn't have one!
Parking brake-Summit-it's a single switch instead of a bar so you can attach a glider board to the back for a third child to ride (not while jogging obviously!)
Safety strap-Summit-has a long strap that is attached to the base of the stroller (unlike the wrist strap attached to the Duo's handlebar). So if you were to fall, you wouldn't tip the stroller over. It has velcro to keep it attached to the handlebar so it doesn't drag.
Recline/use for newborns-Duo-the Duo reclines completely flat, whereas the Summit is only nearly flat. My Duo came with a free carrycot (not all do), You can buy a bassinet for the Summit XC single (but it only works for the single not the double), and is $$$. The Duo can accept two carrycots and even a double carrycot! Both have optional car seat adapters.
Recline/ease of use-Summit-the BJ has a one-hand recline and is very easy to use. The Duo has a two-hand recline and when you put the seat back up, the fabric bunches up in front of the seat and is very hard to put back behind the seat. Even by pushing the seat forward, it took me several minutes to do and would be impossible to do with a child in the seat.
Handlebar-Duo-Duo has an adjustable handlebar, Summit is fixed. Although my Duo came with multiple dents in the handlebar foam out of the box, which is annoying. I actually prefer the fixed handlebar though, it feels less jiggly/rickety to me when pushing.
Restraints-tie, edge to Duo. The BJ buckles are harder to open. The BJ has an easier harness height adjustment (simply clips up and down; I don't think you can actually adjust the harness height in the MB) but harder to adjust the tension in the harness (the strap is doubled up so you have to wiggle the strap through little by little as opposed to just pulling down on the strap)
Seat cushions-tie, edge to Summit. The Summit feels slightly more padded to me but both are comfy.
Ventilation-Summit-it has mesh ventilation in the back when reclined as well as ventilation flaps in the canopy, both of which the Duo lack.
Looks-tie-I like the Summit, but DH likes the Duo...he says "it looks meaner" :hysterical: The royal blue and red colors are gorgeous.
Cost-Summit-I bought the XC double for $382 at diapers.com and the Duo for $522 with carrycot/raincover on Zulily (I think the best you could get right now is 20% off on Albee Baby, so $543 without the carrycot/raincover). But since I don't need a carrycot it's cheaper for me to keep the Summit. Also the Duo comes with a belly bar which you have to buy separately for the Summit.
Overall--Either one is great, but I went with the Summit. I think the Duo is better if you have really rugged terrain or want an adjustable handlebar, bigger basket, or better newborn capabilities or have to fit through single doorways a lot. But I think the Summit is better if you need a hand brake or want a jogging stroller that could reasonably function as a car stroller as well with the easier and more compact fold. Also I think the Duo is not technically a jogging stroller (the Summit has a lot more jogging features).
I already compared the Duo and City Mini here:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=377850
As far as the Summit vs. CMD, the fold is very similar (same height although a bit thicker on the Summit because of the larger wheels). The Summit is also heavier (39.8 vs. 27.2 lb by my own measurements) and wider (32.5 inches, so doesn't fit through standard single doors vs 29.75 inches for the CMD), but not enough for me to feel like I need to keep both strollers. I managed to take the Summit to the mall today without any problems fitting in the elevator or doorways (most places have double doors). If you only wanted a car double and don't need an all-terrain stroller for jogging or outdoor walking, then the CMD would be perfect! But it just wouldn't cut it for the hilly/rough terrain in our neighborhood with the smaller 8" non-air-filled wheels and lack of all-wheel suspension (it has front only). The CMD has a slightly larger canopy with two peekaboo windows as opposed to one on the Summit. The Summit has a slightly taller handlebar that sticks out further back. It also has a slightly larger mesh pocket on the seat back as well as a zippered pouch. It also has a deeper footwell that is plastic so easier to clean. And front-wheel swivel lock and a handbrake.
OK--baby woke up so I have to go...hope this helps! Enjoy!
ETA: Here are the links for the best deals right now on the above strollers. Do not get the Summit 360 double on sale at Albee Baby, that is the old 2009 model. You have to make sure to get the XC specifically to get the 2010 model with the hand brake and larger canopy.
Summit XC double, royal blue $382
http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=25083
Summit XC double, sand $382
http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=25085
Mountain Buggy Duo (other colors available) $543:
http://www.albeebaby.com/mountain-buggy-duo-double-stroller-chilli-dot.html
enter code "20off" at checkout
City Mini Double $319 for black or stone:
http://www.albeebaby.com/baby-jogger-city-mini-double-black-black.html
enter code "20off" at checkout (may not work much longer)...thanks Poohbear for posting this!
You can have diapers.com pricematch the MB or CMD as well. Free returns for 1 year as long as you don't use them outside. If you're a first time diapers.com customer you can also get 15% off.
My pregnant SIL came over to my house this weekend for Thanksgiving and I was showing her all of my strollers...she said she didn't need to go to a stroller store anymore because she had me (aka Buy Buy Goldenpig). :ROTFLMAO: She ended up deciding to get a Summit XC single which I found for her at 20% off. :bighand:
Anyways, after playing with all three, here are my observations and pictures:
Pics here!
http://picasaweb.google.com/goldenpig123/DoubleStrollerSmackdown#
Duo vs. Summit XC double (and the winner for each feature):
Weight-Summit-39.8 lb vs. 42 lb for the Duo. (I measured each stroller three times by holding the stroller and subtracting my weight). I am not sure why the Duo is so much heavier than the listed weight of 36 lb. Maybe it's because of the included belly bar? Anyways, the Duo also feels heavier to me and is much more awkward to carry.
Width-Duo-Summit is 32.5 inches compared to 29 for the Duo so the Duo will fit through standard 30 inch doors unlike the Summit.
Headroom-tie-BJ lists the headroom as 24" and Baby Gizmo said the headroom was also 24"
Maneuverability-Summit-I actually think the Summit is easier to maneuver because even though it is wider, it is shorter, and I had an easier time turning it around in my narrow hallway.
Ease of folding-Summit-just lift up on the handles and it collapses. Couldn't be easier. For the Duo, you have to make sure that the wheels are out in front, then pull a lever by the footwell and it folds forward. Still not too bad, but not quite as elegant.
Ease of carrying-Summit-you already are holding the two handles that fold the stroller, which makes it so easy to carry into the car.
Compactness of fold-Summit all the way. The Duo is a beast! I had folded it up and DH said, "So how does it fold up?" and I had to tell him it was already as small as it gets. You can see by the pics how the Duo takes up my entire SUV trunk. It's a very long and bulky fold, almost twice as tall as the Summit. I was surprised at how compact the fold was on the Summit, not that much bigger than the CMD actually.
Push-tie, maybe Duo-Duo has wider beefier tires and a springier suspension so it absorbs the bumps better so I think most would say the Duo pushes better. But I actually prefer the Summit...it actually feels smoother to me to push it, if that makes sense...a little less bouncy.
Wheels-tie-the Summit has 12 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels as opposed to 12 inch all around on the Duo, but the Duo's wheels are wider.
Swivel lock-Summit-it has a switch that locks both wheels at once, as opposed to two knobs that you have to turn above the Duo wheels (and you have to squint to see whether you have it on lock or unlock)
Canopy-Summit-the canopy is larger and slightly easier to open/close and has mesh vents on the side. The peekaboo window is slightly bigger on the Duo and it has a flick out sun visor, but I actually prefer to have the fully solid canopy for more shade on the Summit.
Basket-Duo-bigger and easier to access, with more storage compartments inside the basket
Footrest-tie-Duo is metal, Summit is plastic
Misc storage-Summit-BJ has mesh pockets in the seat backs, which is great for easy access for stowing jackets or small purses/bags etc. It also has zippered pouches on the back seats. Duo comes with a water bottle holder unlike the Summit. Neither come with parent consoles.
Hand brake-Summit-since the Duo doesn't have one!
Parking brake-Summit-it's a single switch instead of a bar so you can attach a glider board to the back for a third child to ride (not while jogging obviously!)
Safety strap-Summit-has a long strap that is attached to the base of the stroller (unlike the wrist strap attached to the Duo's handlebar). So if you were to fall, you wouldn't tip the stroller over. It has velcro to keep it attached to the handlebar so it doesn't drag.
Recline/use for newborns-Duo-the Duo reclines completely flat, whereas the Summit is only nearly flat. My Duo came with a free carrycot (not all do), You can buy a bassinet for the Summit XC single (but it only works for the single not the double), and is $$$. The Duo can accept two carrycots and even a double carrycot! Both have optional car seat adapters.
Recline/ease of use-Summit-the BJ has a one-hand recline and is very easy to use. The Duo has a two-hand recline and when you put the seat back up, the fabric bunches up in front of the seat and is very hard to put back behind the seat. Even by pushing the seat forward, it took me several minutes to do and would be impossible to do with a child in the seat.
Handlebar-Duo-Duo has an adjustable handlebar, Summit is fixed. Although my Duo came with multiple dents in the handlebar foam out of the box, which is annoying. I actually prefer the fixed handlebar though, it feels less jiggly/rickety to me when pushing.
Restraints-tie, edge to Duo. The BJ buckles are harder to open. The BJ has an easier harness height adjustment (simply clips up and down; I don't think you can actually adjust the harness height in the MB) but harder to adjust the tension in the harness (the strap is doubled up so you have to wiggle the strap through little by little as opposed to just pulling down on the strap)
Seat cushions-tie, edge to Summit. The Summit feels slightly more padded to me but both are comfy.
Ventilation-Summit-it has mesh ventilation in the back when reclined as well as ventilation flaps in the canopy, both of which the Duo lack.
Looks-tie-I like the Summit, but DH likes the Duo...he says "it looks meaner" :hysterical: The royal blue and red colors are gorgeous.
Cost-Summit-I bought the XC double for $382 at diapers.com and the Duo for $522 with carrycot/raincover on Zulily (I think the best you could get right now is 20% off on Albee Baby, so $543 without the carrycot/raincover). But since I don't need a carrycot it's cheaper for me to keep the Summit. Also the Duo comes with a belly bar which you have to buy separately for the Summit.
Overall--Either one is great, but I went with the Summit. I think the Duo is better if you have really rugged terrain or want an adjustable handlebar, bigger basket, or better newborn capabilities or have to fit through single doorways a lot. But I think the Summit is better if you need a hand brake or want a jogging stroller that could reasonably function as a car stroller as well with the easier and more compact fold. Also I think the Duo is not technically a jogging stroller (the Summit has a lot more jogging features).
I already compared the Duo and City Mini here:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=377850
As far as the Summit vs. CMD, the fold is very similar (same height although a bit thicker on the Summit because of the larger wheels). The Summit is also heavier (39.8 vs. 27.2 lb by my own measurements) and wider (32.5 inches, so doesn't fit through standard single doors vs 29.75 inches for the CMD), but not enough for me to feel like I need to keep both strollers. I managed to take the Summit to the mall today without any problems fitting in the elevator or doorways (most places have double doors). If you only wanted a car double and don't need an all-terrain stroller for jogging or outdoor walking, then the CMD would be perfect! But it just wouldn't cut it for the hilly/rough terrain in our neighborhood with the smaller 8" non-air-filled wheels and lack of all-wheel suspension (it has front only). The CMD has a slightly larger canopy with two peekaboo windows as opposed to one on the Summit. The Summit has a slightly taller handlebar that sticks out further back. It also has a slightly larger mesh pocket on the seat back as well as a zippered pouch. It also has a deeper footwell that is plastic so easier to clean. And front-wheel swivel lock and a handbrake.
OK--baby woke up so I have to go...hope this helps! Enjoy!
ETA: Here are the links for the best deals right now on the above strollers. Do not get the Summit 360 double on sale at Albee Baby, that is the old 2009 model. You have to make sure to get the XC specifically to get the 2010 model with the hand brake and larger canopy.
Summit XC double, royal blue $382
http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=25083
Summit XC double, sand $382
http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=25085
Mountain Buggy Duo (other colors available) $543:
http://www.albeebaby.com/mountain-buggy-duo-double-stroller-chilli-dot.html
enter code "20off" at checkout
City Mini Double $319 for black or stone:
http://www.albeebaby.com/baby-jogger-city-mini-double-black-black.html
enter code "20off" at checkout (may not work much longer)...thanks Poohbear for posting this!
You can have diapers.com pricematch the MB or CMD as well. Free returns for 1 year as long as you don't use them outside. If you're a first time diapers.com customer you can also get 15% off.