Comparison Carrello Ultra CRL-5525 vs Carrello Alfa CRL-5508

The ability to adjust the position of the footrest, on which the legs of the baby in the stroller rest.

A similar ability is found in some strollers, transformers and strollers of universal strollers (see "Design"). The footrest itself is an inclined surface attached to the front edge of the seat. Adjustable footrests are those in which the angle of inclination can be adjusted; in many models, this footrest can even be set horizontally. This makes it possible to choose the most comfortable position for the baby's legs in different situations.

In strollers with this function, the seat unit can be fixed in one of two positions, to choose from: facing the parent (against the direction of movement) or facing away from the parent (in the direction of movement). Each option has its advantages: in the first case, the baby can see a familiar face and is less nervous, and when located in the direction of movement, it is more convenient for him/her to view the world around him/her.

The depreciation theme is designed to absorb shocks and bumps from uneven road surfaces. The most popular nowadays are models with spring systems; you can also meet the shock absorption of the articulated and double types, and in quite a large number of strollers this function is absent at all. Here are the main features of each option:

— Spring type. Depreciation systems based on classical springs mounted on individual wheels. They are used in all types of strollers except classic strollers (see "Design"). The simplest models use a single set of springs, while more advanced models may include additional comfort features such as SAS shock/vibration absorption technology. Whatever the case, depreciation systems of this type are simple yet practical, efficient and reliable.

— Articulated type. The type of depreciation used in strollers with carrycots - classic, universal, transformers. The frame, on which the carrycot or seat unit is installed, in such models is attached to the base of the stroller with the help of special bridges, which play the role of depreciation. As bridges can be used belt hinges, such systems can also refer to the articulated. Anyway, this type of depreciation is excellent for carrycots. First of all, the stroller is as smooth and soft as possible, which contributes to the comfort and deep sleep of the child (and the parent to drive...the stroller is much easier, especially on uneven surfaces). Secondly, the carrycot on such a stroller can be rocked back and forth, lulling the baby. On the other hand, such systems are poorly suited for stroller frames with swivel front wheels; and the failure of one absorber leads to tilting of the carrycot.

— Double. This term most often refers to the spring systems described above with additional shock absorbers on the frame of the stroller. Such systems help to maximize vibration reduction and can approach articulated systems in terms of efficiency (see above). On the other hand, the softness of the suspension can be inconvenient when overcoming curbs and other bumps: to raise the front wheels of the stroller, you have to press hard on the handle.

— Is absent. Strollers without depreciation are not suitable for uneven surfaces: in such conditions, the stroller will be shaken violently, which creates both discomfort for the baby and inconvenience for the parent. On the other hand, such models have advantages over strollers with depreciation. First, due to the lack of unnecessary parts, they are much cheaper, and the design itself is as simple as possible and at the same time reliable. Secondly, without depreciation, it is easier to overcome curbs and other obstacles: to raise the front wheels, it is enough to push a small pressure on the handle. Thirdly, such strollers rock less on smooth, wave-like uneven surfaces.

The possibility of installing a child car seat on the chassis of the stroller. This feature can be very useful on car trips: the car seat can be used both in the car and as a seat unit for a stroller, and the main seat unit can be left at home so that it does not take up space in the boot. Note that some models with this function are initially equipped with a suitable car seat; if it is purchased separately, you should pay special attention to compatibility with your stroller.

The stroller has a hand brake.

Any parking brake (whether hand or foot brake) locks the wheels of the stroller, preventing it from moving. This function eliminates the risk of the standing stroller moving on its own, for example down a slope or in a gust of wind. Almost all modern strollers are equipped with a parking brake. Most often it is foot brake (activated and deactivated by pressing the foot), but some models provide manual control — with a lever or button on the handle. This brake is a bit more expensive than a foot brake, but it is more convenient: the control is right in front of the eyes and under the parent's hand.

The main material from which the frame of the stroller is made.

— Aluminium. The material used in the vast majority of modern strollers of all price categories. This is due to a number of advantages: aluminium is light and at the same time durable, it does not rust and is not afraid of moisture, it lasts a long time, it looks nice, but it is relatively inexpensive — somewhat more expensive than steel, but noticeably cheaper than more advanced materials like carbon.

— Steel. Steel frames are as strong as aluminum frames, and they are much cheaper. On the other hand, they are quite heavy, so steel is used less often in strollers.

— Magnesium alloy. Premium Material: Stronger and more durable than aluminium, just as lightweight, but at a significantly higher cost. It is extremely rare, in single models of expensive strollers.

— Carbon. Another high-end material: carbon fiber filled with plastic. This combination gives excellent strength - comparable to steel — at a very low weight. However, carbon is very expensive, and these advantages are rarely decisive for strollers — in most cases simpler materials are enough. That is why carbon frames have not become widespread.

— Plastic. Plastic itself is easy to manufacture and relatively cheap; it is also not as cold to the hands in cool weather as aluminum or steel. However, modern strollers very rarely have frames made of this material. The fact is that low-cost varieties of...plastic are not strong enough for this; and high-quality varieties cost accordingly - their price is close to aluminum, or even higher.

— Fibreglass. In this context, "fibreglass" typically refers to glass fibers mixed with plastic filler. Unlike conventional window glass, glass fibers are flexible and strong. The plastic filler enhances durability by offering scratch and tear resistance. The result is a material that is lightweight and very strong. However, fibreglass is prone to brittleness, especially with point impacts, and is susceptible to abrasion. As a result, it isn't widely used in strollers.

Strollers in which the rear wheels are mounted on completely separate stands, without any additional bridge between them.

The main advantage of rear wheels without an axle is that the legs of the parent following the stroller do not touch the bridge between the wheels. In addition, this feature slightly increases the mobility (allows the stroller to pass between the wheels lying on the road objects, without clinging to them with the axle).

The diameter of the front wheels installed in the stroller.

At the same time, the front wheels are not as important for mobility as the rear wheels: for example, to overcome obstacles, the stroller is often lifted "on its toes" by tilting it towards itself, with only the rear wheels working. Therefore, the diameter of the front wheels may be noticeably smaller than the rear wheels. It should be noted here that the small size also has its advantages — the wheels are lighter.

Speaking of specific numbers, diameter up to 15 cm is considered very modest, 16 — 20 cm — small, 21 — 25 cm — medium, 26 — 30 cm is larger than average and more than 30 cm is large.

The diameter of the rear wheels installed in the stroller.

The larger the wheel — the better it overcomes obstacles and bumps, the more convenient it is to drive the stroller over mud, snow and other difficult surfaces. For the rear wheels these moments are most relevant: for example, when driving the stroller over obstacles, it is usually tilted towards itself, so that the front wheels are in the air, and the rear wheels have to overcome the obstacle. On the other hand, small wheels weigh less and are easier to move, they are better suited for flat surfaces. So choose a stroller on this indicator should take into account the roads on which it has to be driven. If you plan to move on flat floors, good asphalt and stroller ramps — it is worth choosing small wheels, up to 20 cm. For difficult terrain, driving on mud and snow, regular overcoming steps and curbs it makes sense to pay attention to wheels in 30 cm and larger. And the diameter of 20 — 30 cm is an average option — it is suitable if you have to ride mainly on flat surfaces, but occasionally there is a need to overcome obstacles.