Stokke Xplory has been breaking records for the most controversial reviews for 15 years now. The army of admired model fans is as great as the army of frustrated haters.
Where is the truth? Let's look for her together. A detailed review of Stokke Xplory will help you get the most complete picture of this miracle of technology. It will certainly be useful not only to potential buyers, but also to those who are interested in unusual news from simple human curiosity.
About company
Today, Stokke is one of the world's best manufacturers of children's products. Impeccable style, in a Scandinavian concise and sustained to the smallest detail, makes the brand products recognizable, makes you fall in love with it, makes you want to possess. Using the best materials is the key to customer confidence. The Stokke product owners list has a lot of big names, but this has not always been the case.
It all started in 1932 when Georg Stokke founded a small company in the heart of the Sunnmer Alps (Norway). At first, the efforts of the team of specialists were focused exclusively on creating furniture designed for a comfortable stay.
I must say, success did not keep itself waiting: almost every Stokke creation instantly made a splash.
Having established production, formed a friendly team of real pros, mastered the tricks of marketing, developed a customer base and well-established in the market of his native country, you can afford to try something unusual. This unusual was the first product for children - the innovative Tripp Trapp high chair, which grows with the baby. This happened back in 1972, but the model has not been discontinued to this day, and practically nothing has changed in both design and construction. The main "feature" of the novelty was the ability to adjust the height of the seat so that the baby could be seated at a common family table. It was then that the company first announced to the world how important it is for the parent and child to be closer. Today, the phrase “Be closer” is considered the official motto of the brand.
The incredible success of the novelty pushed the manufacturer to new achievements. In this case, we are not talking about conveyor production of consumer goods. The company's lineup is still not so wide. The bet has always been on the other - that each new item becomes a sensation, even if these same new items appear every few years.
The next breakthrough in the market was the legendary oval-shaped Stokke Sleepi cocoon, which can also be increased as the child grows and grows older.
Only in 2003, the company "matured" to release a completely new product for itself, not related to furniture. Nothing unexpected happened, everything was quite predictable for Stokke: the manufacturer created an unprecedented miracle, and the buyer greeted him with enthusiasm.
The first breakthrough, even breaking the brand’s own records, was the Stokke Xplory V3 stroller, built on a unique chassis. At that moment, absolutely nothing similar existed on the global market for baby products. A few years later, the V3 was replaced by an improved and revised V4 model, a little later it was replaced by V5 and V6. The differences between the releases of different years relate to small details, the concept remains the same.
Stylish solution for a modern city
Stokke Xplory instantly became one of the most fashionable strollers in the world. She really is worth it so that you can fall in love with her at first sight. By the way, in the reviews of Stokke Xplory, many owners say that this is exactly what happened to them.
Looking at the photos of this stroller, it is difficult to answer what attracts the eye the most. Futuristic chassis shape? Compact silhouette? Big cozy hood? Oval parent handle? Juicy shades of covers? Charming details thought out for maximum comfort? Rather, all together. It seems that an uncompromising maximalist worked on the design, who decided not to trifle, relying on one thing. Go all-in and win!
It is also not easy to determine its stylistic affiliation. But surely such a stroller fits perfectly into any look: you can go for a walk with it in a solid suit, in cargo trousers, and in grunge torn jeans. And to make it even more convenient for the buyer, when placing an order, he can independently choose the color and material of the seat upholstery, hood, visor, bags, as well as the shade of the children's bumper, parental handle and some other details.
Design features
But in the war for consumer hearts and wallets, cool design alone is not enough. What is the main weapon of the novelty? Answering this question, the manufacturer would surely recall how important it is to be closer. The height of the seat helps to keep the visual contact of the baby and parents, increases visibility, allows the child not to breathe dust when traveling.
The Stokke Xplory V4 is equipped with a reversible seat, which can be installed with the child facing the front or to the parents. This model was one of the first branded strollers not equipped with a folding backrest system. In 2003, such a decision was bold and even strange, because, according to many parents, it should be convenient not only to sit in a stroller, but also to relax. In truth, even today, some are wary of ladles.
However, you should not be afraid of the bucket. The system was developed by a team of specialists, which included not only engineers and stylists, but also children's doctors. The position of the baby in the tilted bucket, according to pediatricians, is physiological, comfortable, the load on the spine is normal. A special insert for newborns allows you to operate the stroller even before the child learns to sit. Not without reason, many serious brands use just such an option for strollers.
Nevertheless, in the reviews of Stokke Xplory, some parents are indignant that the baby can only be laid on their back. Neither on the side nor on the tummy can take a nap. Parents of children who like to sleep on a walk should take this seriously: perhaps you should not consider models with a bucket seat at all.
Materials and fabrics
When the Stokke Xplory entered the market, the buyer was offered only textile covers. Today options are available in quality eco-leather. All materials used are certified, official dealers provide the necessary documents.
Noteworthy is another great idea. The manufacturer produces branded sets of removable covers, so that the buyer has the opportunity to equip the stroller depending on the weather, plans and mood. For example, in the summer you can pull a lightweight sunshade between the hood and the handle, and in winter you can supplement the stroller with a cloak insulated and trimmed with fluffy fur. All parts are easily attached with zippers and buttons.
Both the wheelchair covers from the basic configuration and the removable ones can be machine washed. In the reviews, the owners advise not to use aggressive chemistry and powerful modes: a delicate wash with ordinary baby powder is sufficient. By the way, according to most owners of this stroller, textiles and eco-leather lend themselves to dry cleaning.
Safety and usability
According to experts, the Stokke Xplory design is stable, the stroller is not prone to tipping over. The safety of the young passenger is ensured by five-point adjustable belts with soft pads. When the seat position is “Face to parents”, the inclined axis of the chassis plays the role of a limiter: it will not allow the child to slip out (in the opposite position, hope only for belts). The bumper, rather, plays the role of a stand for toys, it is located quite high and almost does not restrict the movement of the baby.
Reviews often mention one unusual option: the ability to fold the front wheels. For traveling on problematic road surfaces (sand, gravel, loose snow) it is very convenient. You just need to fold the small wheels and drag the transport along with you on the big ones. Of course, there can be no question of walking for a long time in this position, but it is possible to overcome a difficult site. By the way, in the same way it turns out to cope with most stairs.
The maneuverability of the stroller causes conflicting opinions. According to some, this model is a real champion, but some call it completely clumsy. Of course, the point here is that each parent has his own preferences and tastes. But still, something to know about this model is necessary for every potential buyer: the possibility of fixing the front floating wheels of the Stokke Xplory is not provided.
It is important to think about wear resistance, especially if the family acquires the stroller, planning to skate more than one child in it. Stroller covers, according to many owners, are quite resistant to mechanical abrasion and sunlight, for a long time they retain a presentable look. But tire tires under intense load wear out pretty quickly. However, the fact that the secondary market is still full of offers speaks in favor of quality: for a moderate fee, you can find a stroller after two or even three children (for example, Stokke Xplory V4 ten years ago), which looks quite worthy.
Many parents say that the springs of this vehicle are rather weak. Some even think that there is no depreciation on wheels. Perhaps this moment could be called one of the weakest spots of the model, but here we should not forget that the condition of our sidewalks leaves much to be desired. Designed for Central and Northern Europe, the stroller simply can not prove to be the best in the realities of Russia.
You should also pay attention to the Stokke Xplory reviews regarding the seat itself. It is compact, but large babies can be cramped.
Basic, axes and dopa
On sale you can find both a Stokke Xplory 2 in 1 stroller and a walking option without a cradle. The hood fits both blocks. There is no basket (in the classical sense), instead of it, a volumetric shopping bag is installed on the cross-platform platform. Another bag is attached to the parent handle.
Before buying, it makes sense to monitor the offers of different suppliers: some stores may offer as a gift some of the branded accessories (cup holder, umbrella).
The choice of optional accessories is quite wide. You can buy a winter envelope on a sheepskin for newborns (ordinary envelopes are not suitable for this model). When the baby is older, the cloak for legs will replace the envelope. Windproof capes, raincoats, plaids will help to escape from the weather.
On the chassis, you can install popular models of car seats using special adapters. CabrioFix (Maxi-Cosi), Primo Viaggio (Peg Perego) and Snugride (Graco) are suitable.
Please note: the vast majority of universal accessories for this model will not work. A branded dopa from Stokke is quite expensive.
Stokke Xplory in Russia
Why are opinions so contradictory? Because among the owners there are people with the most diverse incomes, living in different conditions. Analyzing the reviews, we can conclude that walking along the even sidewalks and marble floors of shopping and entertainment centers with this stroller is quite convenient, but it is not so good on the old park trail or dirt road.
Before buying, it is advisable to be aware that the manufacturer did not set a goal to make a universal all-terrain vehicle. He faced another task - to create a stylish transport for a modern city.
Issue price
If it doesn’t seem crazy for the residents of the USA and Europe to spend several hundred, or even thousands of dollars, on children’s vehicles, then our compatriots with four zeros may frighten them. In reviews, one can often come across a statement that the price of the Stokke Xplory is its main drawback.
“Walk” costs an average of 70 thousand rubles. For the cradle Stokke Xplory will have to pay from 10 to 15 thousand rubles. The dealer will offer a set of summer textiles for about 10,000, and a winter set will cost twice as much. The price of a Stokke Xplory 2-in-1 stroller, equipped with everything you need to the maximum, will probably exceed 100,000 rubles.
Prices in the secondary market, as a rule, depend on the condition of the specimen, year of manufacture, configuration, region. On average, sellers ask for 30-50 thousand for a product.
Official representatives offer not only accessories for prams, but also spare parts for them: wheels, handles, mechanisms, fasteners.
The main competitors of the model
Potential buyers often consider products of different brands of the same price segment. According to marketers, the main competitors of Xplory are: Origami 4Moms, Bugaboo Cameleon , Quinny Moodd, Mutsy IGo, Mima Xari, Orbit Baby.
Replica
Imitation is the most sincere version of flattery, a silent declaration of love. It is not surprising that clones appeared in such a popular model, and even more unsurprisingly, this happened in the Middle Kingdom. This is a Dsland model. Its cost does not exceed 30,000 rubles.
It is worth paying tribute to manufacturers from China: their brainchild is really not so easy to distinguish from the original. However, many buyers, who had the opportunity to personally compare the original and the replica, claim that the difference is huge.
Objectively speaking, there are undoubtedly differences in construction and design, but they are not so great. Even some branded accessories from the Dutch brand are suitable for the Chinese replica (for example, a winter envelope on a sheepskin for newborns). But what really cannot be called identical is the materials. Quality standards in Europe are much stricter than in China.
Everyone decides for himself what to give preference to. But before buying an expensive stroller, it will not be superfluous to carefully read the certificates.
Star owners
It is impossible to list at least half of the celebrities who have opted for this fashionable stroller. For example, Bruce Willis, who drives his child in the Stokke Xplory, more than once got into the camera lenses. The same model was acquired for his baby by Tori Spelling, who fell in love with the audience after the series "Beverly Hills 90210".
Among domestic celebrities, the Stokke Xplory stroller also has a lot of fans: Maxim Vitorgan and Ksenia Sobchak, Mikhail Shats and Tatyana Lazareva, Agata Mutseniece, Anna Sedokova, Dzhigan and Oksana Samoilova.
Summarizing
Of course, Stokke Xplory reviews are important to anyone who is considering a purchase. But the abundance of conflicting information can only be confusing. When making a decision, focus on your own feelings, emotions, thoughts. If possible, try to see the model live, conduct at least a small test drive. With all responsibility, approaching such a serious matter as the choice of the first children's transport, you will surely find the right solution.