Editor's Stokke Xplory Stroller Review:

 

Stokke has been known for slick Scandinavian design and the Xplory follows the trend by pushing stroller design to another level. The Xplory looks unlike anything else on the market and affords some features not found anywhere else. The untraditional design also lends itself to some drawbacks, so be sure to evaluate the good with the bad. We'll touch upon these points later in the review. The Stokke Xplory luxury stroller comes in at approximately $1,000, with equally expensive accessories and is available in over six colors.

 

When we first received the Stokke Xplory and began to assemble, we realized this could take some time and the instruction manual wasn't of much help. We actually had to turn to the web to figure out assembly and understand all the Xplory's functionality. The Xplory comes standard with frame chassis, seat, baby insert for newborns harness pad, large hood/ canopy, matching storage basket, rain cover, mosquito net, user guide booklet and a 3-year-warranty.

 

The Xplory's seat is height adjustable by about 12 inches. By bringing your child higher off the ground and closer to you, you ensure more interaction, less strain on your back and better protection from road debris, pets and car exhaust. Seat height adjustment also allows your child to eat at table height directly from the Xplory stroller, avoiding the need for dirty restaurant provided high chairs. The Seat felt adequately padded and is constructed from a strain resistant and washable material. Seat can be placed in either rear or forward facing positions. The Stokke Xplory accommodates newborn to Toddlers up to 45 lbs max, which is pretty standard and should take you through 4-5 years of age. Seat angle can be adjusted in 2 recline positions when forward faxing and 3 when rear facing, nearly flat is among the positions and important to help most children sleep while riding. The seat can be removed from the stroller frame, with baby in place, and positioned on the ground and kept stable via a releasable tab located on the back on the seat, a very nice feature.

 

Frame design is among the Xplory's coolest features, elegantly incorporating all functional aspects. The wishbone rear wheel configuration allows for plenty of long stride clearance, which helps taller parents avoid dreaded toe stub occurring with standard straight axle strollers. An integrated handle offers height adjustability to accommodate users of different height. Wheels are mounted to the frame via a quick release and can be easily removed for more compact fold. The fold mechanism is simple and allows the rear wheels to collapse toward the front wheels. The stroller folds with seat in place or removed. If folded with seat in place the overall profile of the Xplory is very large and we found it difficult to fit any many vehicles other than SUV's. For a more compact fold, seat can be removed. The Xplory still functions when folded with seat in place offering a dolly like, two wheeled configuration, great for navigating escalators or for stroller transport. At 27.5 lbs, the Stokke Xplory is quite light.

 

Tires are foam filled which eliminates potential for flats, yet still offers a dampened ride similar to air filled tires. Tire tread is slick and offers no intention for or road travel. Based on the Xplory's street focused tires and lack of suspension, a big let down in this price range, we don't recommend the Xplory for anything other than smooth surfaces. Safety features include a solid rear foot activated brake and standard five point harness.

 

Purchase the Stokke Xplory stroller if you're really looking for a unique, stylish design that will garner its fair share of attention. The Xplory also focuses on parent, child interactions with the seats height adjustability.  Due to lack of suspension and design the Xplory lends itself to smooth surface use and wouldn't fair well in snow, sand or bumpy terrain. Due to its large folded size, the Xplory stroller wouldn't be your go-to travel stroller either. Read some additional user reviews to help you make your decision.

 

Stokke Xplory Pros:

• Easy handle height and angle adjust mechanism
• Ergonomic oval shaped bar handle gives no restriction in handling
• Large and easy access to storage basket
• Excellent one handed steering
• No risk of puncturing rubber tires
• All terrain easy handling
• 2-wheel mode handling perfect for stairs and rough terrain
• 3 year warranty
• Higher seat positioning enables effective parent-child interaction
• Acts as a high-chair when dining
• High seat back and adjustable footrest length allows child up to 110cm (43.3 inches) tall to still be comfortable in it.
• Easy seat recline mechanism
• Easy seat height adjustable mechanism
• Multiple harness handling

Stokke Xplory Cons:

• Non lockable front wheels
• Non compact 2-piece fold
• Seat wobbles when at highest position
• Seat wobbles when heavy item hung on the handle
• No cup holder
• Expensive accessories
• Slightly difficult to change seat from facing forward to reverse and vice versa
• Small castor angle for front wheels making it slightly difficult to maneuver
• Wheel brake difficult to use when stroller in 2-wheel mode

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