COMFORT TOTAL GRADE: A-
seating
positive reviewsA-
In general, there are mostly just parental raves for the innovation and thought that went into the seat(s) design on this one-or-two seater stroller. The Explorer actually can be used in four different settings if you buy the second seat (which is why everyone buys this stroller in the first place).
STAGE I: (single stroller for infant) As a single stroller, it can be adjusted for a newborn and actually lies flat. You can buy the Cocoon Bassinet separately or simply use the seat in it's back position, although it's recommended that you at least purchase some sort of head support for an infant, or swaddle you child carefully as the harness straps don't seem to be designed to securely hold an infant or newborn (complaint number 1 from parents with infants). Mostly parents raved about how their children were gently rocked to sleep in this position.
STAGE II (single stroller for toddler): At this point, you have your traditional stroller for walking with. The seat features a three point recline to completely secure your sleepy little one as well as a removable belly bar for parental peace of mind. The 2004 version has a wider more padded seat, which parents just loved.
STAGE III (double stroller for infant & toddler): This is where the E3 stands out above all other strollers on the market today: just pop the bellybar off, move the front toddler seat down and snap the second seat into place. In this mode, you'll have a toddler sitting upright in front, and a newborn below laying flat in the back (up to 3-4 months). In this setting, the stroller is NOT to be used for running, and the toddler seat upfront does not recline. Even so, many parents still reported that their toddler was able to comfortably sleep in this position
STAGE IV (two toddlers): At this point, the stroller is set to accomodate a larger child in front and a smaller child in back. Not a single parent complained about kicking the back of the stroller except for one-- but only when going down steep hills. If you go riding with one child, only the front seat should be used. About 2 percent of parents felt that this stroller was designed to accomodate smaller children only with reports of the child in the back having their knees up near their chest or their head hitting the seat above. Finally, several parents noted that despite concerns that neither toddler would want to sit in the lower seat, their children frequently preferred being in the "back seat"!
driver comfort
positive reviewsA
The one common complaint against the Explorer: no cupholder. However, several parents resolved this problem by buying the BOB console (about $20), which easily snaps into place. Additionally, parents of all heights found the adjustable height handle bar and stroller design to make for an easy push that nicely accomodated their strides.
smoothness of ride
positive reviewsA
With three pneumatic tires, the Explorer handles a variety of terrain including grass, gravel, sand, and snow with remarkable ease, although some parents noted that the 16 or 20 inch wheels on their more serious joggers allowed them to handle the true off-road areas with greater ease. But then again, they couldn't drive their joggers around the mall, so overall they didn't really mind.
weather protection
positive reviewsA-
In general, parents felt that the rain cover functioned quite well and was easy to use, although there were a few complaints against the fact that the second seat does not have it's own rain shield (with the presumption that the above seat allows for some sort of protection. One mother experienced problems with the rain cover fitting poorly and flapping about. Additionally, further weather protection can be separately purchased if desired.
Phil and Teds
Tender XL
Duette
Snap-n-go Double