Stroller brand review: Valco

Web:  valcobaby.com

Australia-based Valco’s was best known for their all terrain and double strollers. In the past year, the company has shifted to more compact models without air-filled wheels.

The models. Valco has two single models: the Snap and the Zee.

At a mere 13 lbs. for the single version, the Snap Ultra Lightweight Reversible Stroller ($230 to $470, pictured) is a feature-packed three-wheel stroller. Included are a padded napper bar, extendable canopy, full recline, adjustable foot rest, extra compact fold, “flip flop friendly” brake and large basket. The Snap is similar to the Britax B-Agile and Baby Jogger City Mini.

The Snap Duo Tailormade ($80, 24 lbs.) is a twin stroller with adjustable footrests, the ability to hold one or two bassinets as well as to mix and match canopies in different colors.

The Zee ($300, 17 lbs.) is a bit of a departure for Valco: this four-wheel in-line stroller features a compact fold, adjustable footrest, compact/standing fold and one-touch seat recline, height adjustable handle and canopy with two-position adjustment. The Zee also has a companion double stroller, called the Zee Two ($500). This side-by-side double also has swivel double front wheels like the single version as well as two independent canopies.

For parents of twins or kids close in age Valco added to their double offerings with the Neo Twin, a lighter weight ($650, 28.5 lbs.) all-terrain double weighing with air-filled tires, extended canopies and adjustable footrest. We liked the trigger fold and fully reclining seat for newborns.

For up to three kids, Valco makes the Tri Mode Duo X (pictured right), a two or three child stroller option. That’s right, you can add a toddler seat to the front of this stroller and carry up to three kids. It has a height adjustable handlebar, extended canopy, full recline, trigger activated fold, adjustable foot rest and pneumatic pop off tires. Cost: $700

Our view. Valco’s models earn high marks on quality, ease of use and overall design. Perhaps the only complaint here is the lack of included cup holders or parent consoles—that’s an extra $20-$40 accessory. The storage baskets on Valco strollers also come in for some criticism—they are smallish compared to other strollers in this price range.

Finally, we should note that Valco’s retail distribution is somewhat thin, concentrated in independent baby stores (not chains). That makes seeing one in person a challenge—example: Texas has just onedealer, as of this writing. Oregon? Zero.

Despite these drawbacks, we like Valco. The company’s niche of all-terrain strollers (with an emphasis on doubles) fills a void in the market. Baby Bargains Resale Rank: Good. Rating: A