Stokke: Xplory Review

Quick Summary: This is most definitely a high end pushchair with a high end price, it is the Porsche of the pushchair world so what do you expect! It stands out in the street as something completely unique.

Elementary elevation

First impressions of the Xplory are just how different it looks from other pushchairs. The long central stem is notched, allowing the pod-like chair unit to be positioned at virtually any height along it. This height advantage gives the parent and child lots of opportunity for interaction and elevates the passenger away from exhaust fumes, shopping bags and over friendly dogs etc. Dining out or simply having coffee with the girls is made easier when the chair can sit up to a table and eliminates the use of dirty high chairs. It is simple to adjust but should be done without a child in the seat or the unit will slide to the bottom of the stem with the weight and is then virtually impossible to push back up.

All the ‘action' parts of this pushchair are fabricated in white/grey plastic so that they are easy to locate, they include: handle adjustment, handle angle, chair height, chair angle, chair release, foot rest height and fold buttons.

The back axle arches to allow plenty of room for a wide stride and the foot pedal brake can be found on the right rear wheel (bright orange...you can't miss it). The handle is superbly multifunctional; not only the height but the angle can be adjusted to achieve the most comfortable position for taller drivers. The front axle splays into a sort of foot plate where the changing/shopping bag sits. (More on the bag later).

For the optimum fold, the chair must be removed. Pushing and squeezing the two buttons on the stem, (a one handed action) while depressing the clip on the back axle (with your foot), collapses the chassis. Well, we say collapse, but it doesn't fold down as such, the back axle simply swings in to tuck behind the bag shelf at the front, the handle can then be reduced to its minimum height but it is not compact and it doesn't stand independently when folded. The size can be reduced by unclipping the back wheels but not by a great deal.

Sitting pretty

Attaching the seat to the frame could not be easier, it simply drops onto two pegs with a reassuringly solid ‘click', reaffirmed by the green indicators on the side. It can be mounted in front or rear facing modes with three recline positions when facing you and two when facing out. When facing you, it can almost flatten to horizontal, a superb angle for sleep, rising to their ‘rest' (slight reclined) and ‘active' (upright) positions.

When facing out it can't recline past the angle of the stem giving quite a shallow resting recline, fine for a short nap but not much more. Buttons, situated below the seat, control the recline angle, pressing either will allow the seat to be repositioned, an easier operation if you use the bumper bar as a handle to manoeuvre the seat.

The footrest grows with the child and with one button can be lengthened or shortened depending upon your passenger. The bumper bar doesn't have the slick knuckled action of the Quinny Buzz or Jane Rider, but it does release with ease and like all the fabric on the Xplory, is removeable and washable.

The hood can be expanded for extra shade with the extendable sun visor that flips back inside the hood when not in use. Another nifty little feature is the unzippable section of the hood which exposes a net panel. This is really useful on hot days or when you need to peep in on your sleeping passenger.

Bags don't come much bigger than the Stokke Xplory change bag. Sitting on it's own platform at the front of the pushchair, it can be loaded to the brim (and you can nearly fit a kitchen sink in this one) without the fear of toppling or unbalancing the pushchair.

Conclusion

This is most definitely a high end pushchair with a high end price, it is the Porsche of the pushchair world so what do you expect! It stands out in the street as something completely unique. We love the fact that your baby is within easy reach and away from all the detritus of the street; swinging bags, nosey dogs, exhaust fumes etc it's the next best thing to carrying your child but without the backache.

The Stokke Xplory has accessories in abundance, but like the pushchair...they don't come cheap but when it comes to comfort, they have thought of everything possible to make your baby cosier, warmer or cooler, depending on the situation.

The negatives are few, the fold; it's not the smallest but this can be greatly reduced by taking the wheels off, and the price; but we all know how persuasive we can be when we really want something! Is it worth the money? Well, if you are looking for a pushchair that's superb quality with a contemporary look, then yes. Would another pushchair do the same job? Yes, the Quinny Buzz and the Bugaboo Cameleon are both high quality, stylish, good looking pushchairs that won't sting your piggy bank as badly, but there is something elite about the Stokke Xplory that will give you that Gucci feeling.