Combi vs. maclaren double

Posted: Tue, Mar 28 2006, 6:10 pm Post subject: Combi vs. maclaren double

I'm considering both of these double strollers. which one is better? can anyone with the combi tell me if I can fit my snugride into it?

I read through the big double stroller thread, but I'm looking for more of a comparison between just the combi and the maclaren (twin techno.)

Posted: Tue, Mar 28 2006, 7:33 pm Post subject: re: Combi vs. maclaren double

I have the combi my sil has the maclaren. the combi is much lighter but does not seem as sturdy. you cannot fit the snugride in it.

I like the combi b/c of the weight, easy to maneuver except sometimes on very bumpy sidewalks. reclines almost all the way so can put newborn in it. sil says mac is too heavy but likes sturdiness. oh, combi has little basket space but I figured out how to tie diaper bag over handle. mac may be a liitle taller?

Gold Member Joined: Jan 28 2006 Posts: 1341

The maclaren is much sturdier but the combi is in fact lighter. However, if you live in a place like NY I would suggest getting a double jogger. They are much better for long distances and if you have to run a lot of errands. THey also last a lot longer! I had a double maclaren with my first two and it was very hard to push around an infant and a toddler. As soon as the infant got to be around 1 and the toddler being around 3 I could barely push the stroller!

Posted: Wed, Mar 29 2006, 7:09 pm Post subject:

how much does the maclaren that you had weigh? the new one is less than 26 lbs, which I think is lighter than the old one, but I'm not sure how much of a difference that makes.

I don't think I need a double stroller because the area I live in in brooklyn is pretty secluded and I would only be going by car to places, unless it was just a short walk to the local park.

Posted: Wed, Mar 29 2006, 9:37 pm Post subject: re: Combi vs. maclaren double

I am personally a maclaren fan. I bought the light maclaren double, it doesn't go back all the way. I've used it even for a newborn, by 3 months it's not bad, I think it's like a swing or a carseat.
I once bought a single combi and found it too flimsy and had a hard time going over bumps which I never had with a single or double maclaren.
One big problem I have had with maclaren is the hoods tend to break, which is a big problem.

Posted: Thu, Mar 30 2006, 8:19 am Post subject:

A Combi is very light but not very strong. Also, I'm 5'6" & I had to bend to push the Combi. My legs kept bumping into the wheels because the handle isn't very much at an angle so I ended up standing very close to the stroller as I pushed. I find a Maclaren hard to push once the kids are heavier. Like Ektsm, I prefer joggers.

Senior Member Joined: Jan 09 2005 Posts: 198

I had two combis in a two and half years, the first one had the wheel snap off and break while I was crossing the street and the second one had the seat break and fall through to the basket while I was folding it up. I got rid of mine and am so happy about it! The weight and folding features are good but not when the carriage breaks that easily. And for that amount of money...don't know about the other carriage though.
_________________
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Gold Member Joined: Jan 18 2005 Posts: 1546

I tried an inglesina and its seemed gr8, v similar ot maclaren but cheaper and v solid

Posted: Tue, Apr 25 2006, 11:35 pm Post subject:

after trying out some doubles with dh, he is anti maclaren and combi all together and wants something sturdier like the graco. it's way to big for me so I guess I will have to get a jogger. but all the joggers I see are for about 6 months and up and I need something suitable from birth. I don't have the money for a mountain buggy or valco, but am willing to spend up to about $375. any ideas?

Posted: Wed, Apr 26 2006, 11:03 am Post subject: re: Combi vs. maclaren double

Don't know much about the other brands but I can tell you don't bother with a Graco. If the doubles are anything like the singles, they are unreliable and break easily. Actually I remember using a Graco double once for a while when I did a favor to my neighbor and took her daughter to playgroup every morning. She borrowed one from somebody for me to use (since I had my6 own child to take too). The bar that connected the base to the wheels broke oneday midstride! Also very not smooth as movement goes. Hard to wheel once the kids get heavier.

Posted: Wed, Apr 26 2006, 12:00 pm Post subject: re: Combi vs. maclaren double

How about inglesina or chicco or baby trend? My favorite method of choosing a stroller is taking the passengers that its for and trying them out in a store with a large selection like babies r us. I might look crazy wheeling my kids around in the display strollers in the store and using the display shelves as street corners to test for how it handles bumps but I get the product I like.

Gold Member Joined: Jan 18 2005 Posts: 1546

ok listen ehre
after an accidnet with my maclaren I just bought a safety first stroller transit tandem
its wonderful
folds like an umbrella stroller its bak and fornt but only a little bigger htan a regular stroller, wonderful to push, small basket so I hang diaper bag over hte handles and its so gr8my kids luv it
the bak seat doenst recline fully but a safety first car seat shud fit it
check it out at target, its eddie bauer
ive had it 2 wks and I luv it
the maclaren is heavier but much more sturdy but iyh this one will alst a while

Posted: Wed, Apr 26 2006, 1:37 pm Post subject: re: Combi vs. maclaren double

blumag

an accident with your maclaren??? are you the one who just got hit by a car with your stroller on empire blvd?

Gold Member Joined: Jan 18 2005 Posts: 1546

nope bh
I left it in a parking lot and it got run over Embarassed

Posted: Mon, Jan 03 2011, 12:04 am Post subject: re: Combi vs. maclaren double

hi anyone want to add? having the same dilemma as op!

Senior Member Joined: Dec 13 2010 Posts: 231

I have a maclaren techno double and I love it. I do a lot of walking and it didn't bother me that the pushing was a little difficult. I folds nicely and I love the hoods with the extra protection for the wind. It is definately a great option.

Silver Member Joined: Feb 16 2010 Posts: 671

I had the Combi. It pushed pretty ok...however, I felt it was very unsafe for the kids. When my kids leaned forward the entire backing of the seat leaned forward as well...anyone else had this problem?

Gold Member Joined: Jan 18 2005 Posts: 1546

haha his thread is hilarious - I'm still a firm beleiver of maclaren, deff not such a firm beleiver in the safety first that doesnt exist anymore and hte car seat DID NOT fit in it - joggers are gr8 but not for in and out of cars
these days the city mini double seems to be the way to go for under $300 and pushes like a dream

Silver Member Joined: Aug 24 2010 Posts: 695

ive got the combi- love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Posted: Mon, Jan 03 2011, 2:49 pm Post subject:

it's interesting to see this thread from nearly 4 years ago up... when I actually posted regularly...

I ended up getting a combi but I haven't used it in at least 3 years and I totally forgot I ever owned it until I saw this thread.

speaking of which, I have no clue where it is and I really wonder because it was barely used. I must have left it at someone's house years ago... but who??

anyhow, the combi was ok. it was lightweight and it fit through all the doorways. it was a decent value for the price. it was an excellent car/mall stroller since it pushed well on nice, smooth surfaces and was relatively small. however it was very plastic-y and not too sturdy.

what I did end up using a lot was a double jogger (I got the instep safari because it was pretty cheap.) I must have used that stroller for a few years and still occasionally break it out with a 4 and 5 year old.