reVOLOtionary (Maclaren Volo)

Member Name: ahenry

Product:	Maclaren Volo
Date:	12/10/02 (2449 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Light weight, Easy to carry, Durable

Disadvantages: Expensive accessories

The Maclaren Volo was introduced in April 2002. Its suitable for babies from 6 months old. My wife used on like it occaisionally when our daughter was 4 1/2 months, for when a bigger pram was too inconvenient.

Its best feature is its weight, or lack of it. At 3.8kg or 8.2lb, its the lightest buggy on the market. It also has a carrying strap which makes it ideal for carrying onto a bus. The only thing to be careful of when using the strap is that the buggy wheels might scrape on your clothes. A lot of buggies, are too heavy to be able to carry easily as well as a baby, and their bulk makes them difficult to store on a bus. However, the light weight also makes it easier to lift out of a car boot.

When you have something that is light and easy to use, then you're more likely to take it with you in a car on the off chance that it might come in handy. With a heavy bulky buggy, its hard work just to get it in the boot, and it won't leave you much space once its in there.

The basic design of the Volo has remained the same for a long time, and with good reason. Its tried and trusted with a quick and easy folding mechanism. Downsides with the fold are that you have to empty the bag at the back of the seat. Something new is the shape of the handles. They curve inwards which makes it much easier to push the buggy with one hand. The handle grips are made from a foam material, which is more comfortable to hold. Its not as durable as the plastic they used to use, but it shouldn't fall apart too quickly.

We bought a similar MacLaren buggy 4 years ago. It has seen a lot of use, but was starting to get a bit wobbly, largely because its seen a lot of use, with loads that it wasn't designed to carry. That buggy is basically the same design as the Volo. The main difference is that its seat can be moved into a more reclined position if you want to let your child lie a bit flatter. The seat on the Volo is fixed.

There ar
en't any repairable parts on either buggy - the wheels are fixed with rivets. The guarantee is only 6 months and that excludes wear and tear. If you can't buy a Volo cheaply, then it might be worth getting it from Mothercare as I've definitely had a better guarantee from them for another buggy.

The handling of the Volo is fine. The front wheels swivel (don't ever buy an umbrella buggy where they won't), but you can make them fixed straight ahead if you want, for using on rough ground. The luggage bag behind the seat lets you store stuff that won't make the buggy tip over when you lift your child out. You can hang a little from the handles before it tips over, but not very much.

The seat with the basic Volo model is made from a polypropylene mesh, which is slightly opaque. Its very durable and easy to clean, but isn't very cushioned. If you get the accessory pack, then you get a cushioned seat cover, which might be worth having. The accessory pack also includes a rain cover, but my son hates these - he would rather sit in the open with a coat on, so we've just gone for the basic model. The list prices are £50 for the buggy and £30 for the accessories. We paid £37.50 at www.wellbeing.com with a well timed discount voucher promotion. Incidentally in the USA, I saw them on sale for $100 - almost double what we paid.

Even when your kids are old enough to be able to walk a lot, there are times when its nice to have them clipped into a buggy. It means there is less chance of them dashing off to find a toy shop!

The Volo seat covers come in a few different plain colours: dark grey, red and a denim colour. We've got the red one which isn't too bad according to my wife (personally I couldn't care less!).

We've now used it for a year. The wheels are showing signs of wear, and they squeek a bit, but the buggy itself is still fine.

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