I can't keep track of all of the stories I've heard about moms and dads who buy inexpensive umbrella strollers - only to 'have to' buy a new stroller weeks later. I personally fall into this group... My umbrella stroller from Jeep fell apart - the footrest snapped and one wheel broke off - leaving me and my daughter high and dry.
I replaced my broken umbrella stroller with a Maclaren stroller that, unlike my previous stroller, was built to last. Maclaren is a stroller manufacturer from England who is known for their high quality products.
The First Years Jet Lightweight Stroller
The Maclaren Triumph, made with strong lightweight aluminum, is a bare-bones umbrella stroller that has a reclining seat. The key benefit that Maclaren offers with all of their strollers is the quality and durability of the materials they use. I have owned a Maclaren Volo stroller for four years and it looks and functions as if it was brand new.
The handles on the Triumph are not typical for an umbrella stroller, they are ergonomically designed to accommodate parents of various heights. They also have foam padding that makes it comfortable for parents to stroll.
The wheels on the Triumph are small and plastic, there's really no shock absorption with this stroller - so you'll find yourself gravitating to even surfaces. The wheels do swivel so your turning radius is pretty amazing. My daughter loves to be spun around and around in her stroller. The swivel wheels lock if you want a bit more control - but this is a feature that I never use.
The seat on the Triumph is removable - it can be removed and thrown into the laundry to be cleaned. The seat reclines using a nifty draw-string-like device - so you can customize your ideal angle of recline. Some parents reported that the seat doesn't recline 100% flat nor does it sit up straight. But most moms and dads, in general, loved this feature.
The canopy, or hood, on the Triumph stroller is made out of high quality water resistant material. The coverage that it offers is at par with other umbrella strollers... which is pretty minimal. Thank goodness that a rain cover, with substantial coverage, comes standard with the Triumph.
Triumph strollers fold and unfold like a dream. Maclaren calls it a five second fold... I'd call it a two second fold. Pull up on one latch, step on another and drop the stroller - that's it! The stroller automatically locks in its folded position. And with its carry strap you can whip this bad boy over your shoulder and off you go.
Who's using this?
Mom's and dads who want more out of their lightweight umbrella stroller: durability, high quality and a reclining seat.
What's working well?
Being lightweight and having great maneuverability makes this stroller a favorite for both traveling and for day to day use. This stroller packs up and stores so easily - you might not use your standard-sized stroller again.
What's not working well?
When the seat is fully reclined it's really difficult to get into the storage basket.
Several reviewers complained about the reclining seat... They reported that the stroller doesn't recline completely flat nor does it adjust to a completely upright position.
Why would you want to buy the Triumph?
Because you are tired of buying multiple bargain umbrella strollers that leave you stranded when they fall apart.
Because you are looking for a lightweight stroller, that's super easy to open and close, and carry.
Because you are looking for a stroller that will look and perform as if it was brand new - for years.
Why would you 'not' want to buy this stroller?
Because you'd like easier access to the storage basket
Because you'd like a seat that has superior reclining capabilities
Because you'd like a stroller that offers cup holders and storage trays/pockets as standard features.
Because you are looking for a stroller that is compatible with infant car seats
Other strollers to consider
Graco Metrolite - if you want an umbrella stroller with an accessible storage basket. The Graco Metrolite stroller has a 'lower & load' storage basket the gives you access to your gear without disturbing your child.
Maclaren Volo - if you want to save about ... The Volo is a well-built umbrella stroller, just like the Triumph, but it does not have a reclining seat.
Maclaren Techno XT - if you are looking for a full-featured lightweight stroller that's built to last.
Maclaren Techno XLR - if you are looking for a full-featured lightweight stroller that is compatible with a wide variety of infant car seats.
Recommendation
If you're tired of burning through cheap umbrella strollers, if you looking for a stroller that won't cost you an arm and a leg, and if you are looking forward to buying your last stroller that will most likely replace your standard-sized stroller.... Then the Maclaren Triumph has your name on it.
