Maclaren Umbrella Strollers Demystified

An umbrella stroller is something most parents use on a daily basis. It’s lightweight, easily transportable, and super convenient. Many parents have asked for us to compare and contrast the three varieties of Maclaren umbrella strollers to help them decide which is best for their needs. We have already provided some in-depth video reviews of the Quest and Triumph versions with the Volo on the way. Of course, all of the strollers come in a variety of color options, but which strollers have which features? And which extras do you really need? And when can you start using an umbrella stroller? The wait is over – here’s the lowdown!

Quest Sport:
The Quest is Maclaren’s high end line for umbrella strollers. Their Mercedes Benz of umbrella strollers if you will. The Quest Sport is appropriate for use once your baby hits 3 months of age, and until they hit 55 pounds, and is a great lightweight stroller for once your baby outgrows a travel system. It is extremely lightweight, and comes with ergonomic foam grip handles set at one height.

Of course, it comes with an adjustable 5 point safety harness as well as a 4 position reclining seat. This seat recline is “mechanical.” The seat itself is well padded and is removable and washable. It also comes with an extendable leg rest which provides support for smaller babies’ legs.

The wheels are 5 inch dual lockable swivel wheels and come with a foot operated linked parking brake. The wheels provide great control and make for easy strolling. In fact, with all three Maclaren strollers, the ride feels very “secure.”

The Maclaren Quest Sport comes with a few other extras, including a shopping basket, a canopy, a rain cover, and a shoulder strap. The umbrella stroller is phthalate free and lead free. Notably, the Quest Sport, the Triumph, and the Volo all come with a sovereign lifetime warranty.

Triumph:
The Triumph is Maclaren’s mid-line umbrella stroller and provides many of the comfort and convenient features of the Quest line, but without as many of the frills. As with any umbrella stroller, this one is still very lightweight. You also still get the single handed fold with an adjustable carry strap.

The Triumph comes with slightly smaller 4.5 inch dual swivel wheels, and still provides a very smooth ride. The Triumph also has the foot operated linked parking brakes. The seat is padded like the Quest, and you still, of course, get the 5 point harness for safety. The seat is removable and washable. Additionally, the Triumph comes with ergonomic foam gripped handles.

This stroller is suitable for your tiny tot once they reach 3 months, but it does not come with the added comfort of the extendable leg rest, so if this is a feature that you require (even though we don’t think it is necessary), you need to go with the Quest model. Additionally, although this model does have a mechanical reclining seat like the Quest, it does recline via an adjustable strap.

Finally, of note, the Maclaren Triumph comes with a hood and shopping basket and has an available rain hood. It has the sovereign lifetime warranty and is phthalate and lead free.

Volo:
The Volo is Maclaren’s baseline stroller, and is therefore the most inexpensive in the line. This is also a great umbrella stroller for someone who isn’t looking for a ton of bells and whistles, but wants something a nice, dependable umbrella stroller.

The Volo is very lightweight and consists of an aluminum chassis. It has a quick compact fold, and comes with the adjustable shoulder strap. The seat is not padded, but does come with a 5 point harness with a height adjustable shoulder harness. The mesh seat is removable and washable. This model does not come with a recline feature, nor does it come with an extendable leg rest. As such, it is only suitable for babies 6 months or older (up to 55 pounds). So, if you plan to use an umbrella stroller at a younger age, you have to go with either the Triumph or Quest models.

Like its big brothers, the Volo has the linked parking brakes as well as the ergonomic foam grip handles, a mesh shopping basket, and available water resistant hood.

Conclusion:
Maclaren makes a great umbrella stroller, no matter which one you choose. The ride is always smooth, sturdy, and comfy for your baby. Once you decide what extra features you require, it should be fairly easy to make a decision that’s right for your needs. While the Quest may be overkill for some, the Volo may not be enough for others. The Triumph is the best of both worlds and earns our vote.

The Maclaren Triump Stroller has been recalled. Please be sure to read the recall notice in our recall section.