Comparison Cybex Balios S Lux vs Cybex Balios S

The ability to adjust the tilt between the seat and the backrest of the stroller. This helps to find the most comfortable position for the baby and adjust the seat to different situations: for example, at the end of a long walk, the backrest can be tilted back for a tired baby to take a nap.

The ability to adjust the tilt of the main unit relative to the stroller frame. This allows you to adjust the stroller to different situations: for example, at the beginning of the walk, the unit can be installed almost vertically, based on a sitting position, and later tilted back so that the baby can take a nap.

Possibility to adjust the stroller handle in height. This function allows you to optimally adjust the length of the handle to the height of the parent. It will be especially useful if the parents are of different heights, and each of them regularly carries a stroller.

Typically, height adjustment is carried out by lowering or raising the upper segment of the handle, and in advanced implementations a telescopic mechanism is responsible for it. The retractable handle makes the stroller more adaptable to different situations and conditions. For example, it can be lengthened for more comfortable walking or shortened for ease of use in tight spaces.

The type of wheels installed on the stroller.

The most popular in our time are rubber wheels, including air-filled ones. Plastic wheels are used mainly in inexpensive strollers to further reduce the cost, while gel ones, on the contrary, are considered a very advanced option. Polyurethane wheels and EVA foam-filled wheels are also widely used. Here is a more detailed description of each of these varieties:

— Rubber. Rubber solid tires, found in many modern strollers, are popular due to their affordability, quiet operation, and smooth ride over bumps. While less effective on uneven surfaces compared to air-filled and gel wheels, solid rubber tires are cost-effective, low-maintenance, damage-resistant, and suitable for various wheel diameters, including small ones.

— Air-filled. Air-filled rubber tires, commonly featured on strollers, offer a softer ride and facilitate easy maneuvering on uneven surfaces and high curbs. Despite their higher cost, they require periodic maintenance to ensure proper pressure and protection against cuts or punctures. However, users find air-filled wheels manageable, as they are thick and less prone to damage.

— Plastic. Plastic wheels, commonly featuring both tire and rim made from this material (though s...ome have metal rims), are known for their simplicity and affordability. However, they lack durability, reliability, and effective vibration dampening due to their hardness. Typically found in low-cost strollers with small wheels designed for flat surfaces.

— Gel. Wheels similar in design to air-filled tires (see the relevant paragraph), but filled not with air, but with a special gel. The main advantage of this option is its insensitivity to small punctures and cuts: coming out, the gel in the tire in contact with air almost instantly solidifies, effectively sealing the damage. In addition, such wheels are virtually maintenance-free — they do not need to be inflated. The disadvantages of gel tires include high cost and somewhat higher rigidity than air-filled tires (although in terms of softness of running such wheels are still noticeably superior to rubber and even more so to plastic ones).

— Polyurethane. Solid polyurethane tires offer excellent maneuverability, shock absorption, puncture resistance, and durability. They are unaffected by extreme temperature changes and are cost-effective, making them a common choice for various stroller types.

— EVA. Wheels made of microporous foam rubber, specifically EVA material, offer high elasticity, excellent cushioning, and wear resistance. Lightweight and puncture-resistant, these wheels provide a smooth stroller ride. However, they may stiffen in cold winter weather.

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.

Exceeding the recommended weight limit for strollers, though not immediately harmful, can eventually lead to breakdowns. Most universal strollers are designed for a 15 kg weight limit, suitable for a three-year-old kid. However, there are also more heavy duty strollers available, considering the varying weights of children and operating conditions.