The Contenders-Baby Jogger Twinner vs Dreamer Design
Written: Apr 08 '00 (Updated Apr 09 '00)
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Pros: See Review for product comparisons
Cons: See Review for product comparisons
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| girlfriday1's Full Review: Baby Jogger Twinner II Stroller |
In this review, I will compare Baby Jogger Twinner and the lesser known Dreamer Design Twin Jogger model TLX161DLX. Two Star Rating is based on the Baby Jogger Twinner...
Get some coffee as this is a long one...
I am now the proud parent of a twin baby jogger by Dreamer Design. I have to admit, I was taking a risk buying this brand as I have never heard of this company. The story plays out like this... I went online assuming that I would quickly add a Baby Jogger Twinner to my shopping cart (as I already own the single). Surfing around for competitive prices, I stumbled on a comparable looking jogger from a company I have never heard of. It looked surprisingly similar but the price tag was $100.00 less. Must be quality differences I supposed.
I read the fact sheets on both models and to my surprise the lesser known Dreamer looked like a better choice. I promptly called the company that stocked both models to see if I could get a representative to help me decide. They were quite helpful and noted that the Dreamer was a best seller and offered features not available in the Baby Jogger. I paid my $387.17 and in less than a week, my jogger was on the road. I made the right choice! I have a single Baby Jogger, and I can assure you that the Dreamer beats the Baby Jogger in numerous areas. I also found a better price for you during my research at another reputable online store for $359.00 (includes free ground shipping).
Most notable differences are in the seats, canopy, quick release tires, footrest, pockets/basket, brakes, and handle bar.
Seats
The Dreamer seats recline! Loosen the nylon reinforced buckles and the seats will recline (independently). Tighten, and the seats will upright (independently). This is a great design as it accommodates different seating arrangements for each child. In a zippered pocket on the back of each seat, exists a PVC back support with an additional pad for cushioned comfort. You can very easily pad the seats even further if you wish with a thicker foam pad available at any Fabric Store. One Downside....the seat back should be an inch higher to afford more room for a tall child. (Back of seat is 19" high and seat to footrest measures 13 1/2"). A child will comfortably fit in this model up until the point that the seat back hits the middle of the child's head. Beyond that point, you will have to add some sort of head support. There *is ample room for slumping down as the foot room is quite generous and the seat is deep measuring in at 9". Therefore, I think it's safe to say a 3 year old can ride very comfortably and a 4 year old can make due with a little shifting. Weight limit is a total of 100 pounds. Safety belts are reinforced 5 pt. harness.
The Twinner seats do not recline, and are not supported. Nothing more than a hammock design. Not really a bad thing, as my daughter always looked comfortable in her single Jogger, but I can forsee a flaw in this design as a child grows and gets heavier. It's quite obvious that the hammock design is not as comfortable for the older set since their necks are strained slightly forward. Check out any site that sells the Baby Jogger and you will see my point. (Seat back measures 21" high and seat to footrest measure 11") Safety Belts are 5 pt. harness. Weight limit is also 100 pounds.
The Canopy
Both models come with a sun canopy, but big differences here as well...
The Dreamer canopy is retractable with a unique ratchet feature. Two flaps reveal two separate see-thru windows. The flaps are secured with velcro and make cruising unsure footing much easier. Not only can you take a peek at your child's activities, but you are afforded a better view of the road in front of you. The canopy is trimmed in nylon for reinforcement.
The Baby Jogger boasts a retractable canopy on some sites, but from the pictures I have seen online, this canopy looks "detachable" not "retractable". My model is definitely not retractable, so I suggest asking about this feature if you are interested in this brand. There are definitely no see thru windows. The framing for the canopy is quite cheapy and the canopy is not trimmed in nylon. My single jogger's canopy is showing wear on the fabric edges.
Tires and Frames
Both models are available in 16" tires and and frames are both aluminum alloy for lightweight durability.
The Dreamer's tires are all easily removed. The front tire is quick release, and the two back tires come away from the frame with a knob. You simply twist the knob to tighten or loosen. The knobs are identified as left and right to make life even easier for you.
I must add that I own a rather large SUV, so I do not need to remove my back tires for transport. The option is there though if I ever need to.
The Baby Jogger's front tire is also quick release, but the back tires are not as easy to remove. The wording on many of the sites reads as if all the tires are quick release, but in reality the back tires are tricky. The tabs you must push are difficult and their location is a bother. You may choose 12" inch tires or 20" in addition to the 16", but ask any rep and they will agree that the 16" size is best for the majority.
Fabric & Footrest
Both models are made with high quality 600 denier cordura nylon. Wipes clean and may be removed for total laundering. The Jogger does offer more fabric colors if that means anything to you..
The Dreamer's footrest is tapered. Not only does it make the stroller look more stylish, but the design makes it easier to maneuver around tight spots. Keep in mind that both models are quite large. Assembled size of the Dreamer is 55.5"Lx33"Wx42"T. It's as big as a rickshaw. No mall shopping with these babies. They are road warriors!
The Jogger's footrest is rather square, making the stroller look even bigger than need be.
Pockets/Baskets & Rain Covers
This is a tossup...
The Dreamer has an odd box of a basket. Yes, it's more of a box than a basket. It's supported by velcro and is hard sided. A nice feature are the pockets in back of the two seats. They are quite large (although I wish they made them more expandable). They easily hold small bottles and miscellaneous baby junk. Your Dreamer will also come with a rain cover made to wrap nicely around the face of the stroller to keep your passengers warm and dry in bad weather. The company also offers a carrying bag for the stroller and a fleece liner for the cold months.
The Jogger comes equipped with a nice sized mesh basket for the underside and a catch all mesh pouch on the back. Definitely more capacity than the "box" on the Dreamer. The drawback with the mesh is that your belongings are visible, and I found myself stashing my keys and my money in my clothes pockets and even shoes. You can buy a special water bottle holder too if you like or even a fleece liner, but hold on to your wallets, as the "extras" will really jack up the price of the Jogger. Know what else will jack up the price? If you want that rain cover (and I strongly suggest you do) get ready to fork over $36.00 more.
Brakes
Both models are equipped with a handbrake with a parking button for added safety.
The Dreamer goes one step further with an additional footbrake. Flip a bar with your foot and the stroller will not roll. I think it's a shame that Baby Jogger doesn't have this feature. That parking button on the handbrake is easily deployed if not pushed down correctly. I've witnessed my single getting away on me a few times...
Handlebar
Doesn't seem like a big deal, but the Dreamer's handle bar is curved and more comfortable than the Jogger
And the final nail to the Baby Jogger coffin...THE PRICE!
The Dreamer TLX1616DLX (aka Boogie 2) is on average $100.00 cheaper than the Baby Jogger Twinner.The Twinner will run you approximately $459.00 and if you want that rain canopy, you're looking at $505.00!!
Can you see who the obvious winner is?? Hand's down...The Dreamer. Not only does it boast better features, but rides confidently and easily. It folds for transport (tote bag available for purchase), and my girls ride off into dreamland every time we're out. That tells me the ride can't be that bad!
*Compare for yourself at http://www.bodytrends.com/strlchrt.htm
**Best Price found online is $359.00 with free ground ship...
http://www.babyproductsonline.com/pages/dreamer/boogie2.html
Recommended:
No
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girlfriday1
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Location: PA Suburbs
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 204 members
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