The Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller
Is it really worth it’s price tag?
There are several sites out there that have commented on the Bugaboo strollers and several with user comments/ratings. As with anything you get a full range of opinions and you have to decide for yourself if the pros outweigh the cons. This is my opinion on the Cameleon stroller.
First off what are you willing to spend? The Bugaboo Cameleon (BC) is going to be about 3 times the cost of the average stroller on the market. Depending where you shop it will be anywhere from $1000-1200 and that’s without their overpriced accessories. There are many decent strollers out there for under $400CDN. What makes it worth so much more than the typical ride?
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Style- Pros-Bugaboo has developed a stroller that appeals to many individuals including the growing number of male SAHD’s (stay at home dads). In my opinion this stroller looks more stylish than many other plastic framed competitors and a little less generic. So if you want different then you may like this unit.
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Size- Pros-With it’s minimal looking frame the size of the BC is more manageable for manouvering in tight spaces and over different terrains.
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Ease of use- Pros-The BC is extremely easy to push around and steer. It has four wheels, two of which swivel and have mini shock absorbers. Two are big and two are small giving you option as to which ones are in front. Big ones in front over rough terrain and small ones in front for smooth terrain. The two smaller wheels also come off turning the stroller into a pull cart that would be great through snow and sand. No other stroller that I know of does this. Most can’t make it through an inch of dirt (i’m comparing to push strollers and not jogging strollers). You can also take the big wheels off to pack it up for travels. The handle can be extended for someone with more height. The adapter system to attach the seat/basinet is extremely convenient to use. The optional car seat adapter is also easy to use but while vary depending on the brand of car seat you purchase. We bought the Peg Perego SIP and it uses the similar (purchased seperately for about $70CDN) easy to use adapters. Cons- Small carry pouch on the bottom and is hard to access when you have the bassinette on the stroller (easy with the seat on). The way to collapse the unit is awkward at first but easy when you get the hang of it. My biggest concern is the foam they use around the handle as grip and also around the frame of the seat/basinette. At first it seems durable and is actually very comfortable to handle but it easily tears. If anything rubs on it, sharp or blunt edge, it will likely tear. A more durable soft rubber would be better suited here. Another con is that you have to buy the cupholder seperately for the offensive price of $30-35CDN.
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Quality of Materials- With the exception of the foam mentioned above the materials used are top of the line. Durable, soft, washable, rubber tires (the big ones), the smaller front tires are a lesser quality rubber compound that is wearing quickly. The frame is lightweight and extremely strong. This winter will test the rain cover in cooler temperatures. Good mattress pad in bassinette and great fleece cover.
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Accessories- Pros-There are plenty of extras. Comes with pump for the tires, wind/rain cover, mosquito net, bassinette and seat included. Cons- At an extra cost you can get a sunshade (which would be extremely useful). This should come with the BC! We don’t have this sunshade and at times we found it difficult to keep the sun out of babies eyes. Cup holder, travel bag, diaper bag, footmuff, parasol, breezy sun canopy, wheeled board and car seat adapters are also at an extra cost. And none of them are cheap!
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Miscellaneous-Car seat adapters for Peg Perego seat are small and easy to use. The other option is a Graco car seat but the adapter is one large unit. There are many color options for the fabric and you can mix and match. We have the sand color top and bottom which is a little boring but very practical. The seat can be adjusted to 3 different angles from flat to upright. All the adapters are ‘click’ in and very easy to use while also making it safe. The brake is also easy to use and will not fail, there are two settings for this.
Overall this stroller is a 4 out of 5 and really only loses points for the high price tag. On the flip side of things not as many will be rolling around out there.
We purchased our BC online at BabyGuru.ca, the service was great and the shipping was quick.
