Combi Twin Sport DX Strollers for Toddlers Review
When I was preparing to have my second child I received numerous recommendations about strollers for toddlers. With my first baby I was using a hand me down stroller, but with my second on the way, I knew I needed to do some research on double strollers for infant and toddler. A great piece of advice I received was to look for the best lightweight double stroller that I could get.
First off, I did not want a tandem stroller. My sister lent me hers to try out and it was a nightmare to maneuver around with that thing. Now, I will admit to not being the strongest person on the block, but I was amazed at how much trouble I had moving the tandem stroller. Could it have been all me and not the stroller’s fault? Maybe. But that experience made me realize that I was a side by side stroller fan all the way.
So after digging through lightweight stroller reviews and around the review sections of various websites, I decided on the Twin Sport DX Stroller by Combi.
Initial thoughts
My first action upon getting the stroller was to familiarize myself with its pros and cons so that I was not surprised when in actual use.
• Weight and form – I found the stroller to be a comfortable weight to work with when folded up and transporting back and forth. The manufacturer says it comes in at a little over 20 pounds. I do not find it that unwieldy when folding and unfolding. It makes for a nice and comfortable double stroller for newborn and toddler.
• Comfort – Like most double strollers for toddlers the Sport DX offers reclining seats and independent sun shades. These two features ensure that my kids are comfortable under most conditions.
• Safety – The stroller’s 5-point harness setup and the infant safety boot for newborns make this a safety first double stroller. These features are great at putting the nervous parent’s mind at ease. The children can be comfortably and safely strapped in for the ride.
• Durable – Every piece of baby gear is going to see its fair share of wear and tear. I wanted a stroller that was durable and would hold up to normal use. So far the Sport DX has held up well.
• Baby seat compatibility – The Sport DX is compatible with the Combi Shuttle 33 infant car seat. I cannot speak to this because I use a different car seat, but if you have the Combi seat than this is an added bonus. (click here for more strollers like this)
Out and about
When looking for strollers for toddlers, I wanted a small double stroller that could fit through your normal doorways and that could handle normal travelling conditions. The Sport DX has been good in that regard. There have only been a few instances where I had an issue squeezing through a doorway, but I managed to make it with a bit of contorting and twisting. The kids seemed to love getting a more exciting ride as I worked my way through the tight spaces. The wheels on the strollers seem to be made from some solid material since they have shown no real wear after months of use. Of course, this stroller is not built for serious non-pavement use. It rides a little rough when on uneven pavement. Again, my kids seem to love the bumping around, but I try to keep it to a minimum.
Earlier when I spoke ill about tandem strollers, I have to take some of that back and admit that they have the advantage of nice storage space. The Sport DX had some storage below the seats but it is not the greatest. Serviceable is probably the best word to use. That, or I just take along too much stuff when travelling. There are three cup holder, two for the kids and one for the parent. A nice touch is that each canopy has a small storage slot for keeping small objects. I’ve taken to keeping extra pacifiers and “emergency” snacks for the kids stashed in here.
Using the sport DX has made me get the itch to upgrade to a jogger model of stroller. I wish the wheels and suspension were stronger on the DX. As long as you stay on even ground your good. Head off onto gravel or rough grass then things can get a bit rough. The handling quality drops as well when hitting the rough ground. Now, I live in a city environment, so roughing it is not a frequent occasion, but we do have some trails that are a bit uneven, so this stroller can be a bit of a handful. This is not a deal breaker, but I would feel this review was lacking if I did not mention this quality.
The build quality of the stroller has been good. Even with my little tornadoes at full strength, they have not been able to damage the stroller. I’m amazed it has held up under their tantrums (and playtimes). There are no rips or tears in the seats and canopies. The material cleans up well from your standard spills and messes. This has been a nice bonus feature. I am not sure how other strollers for toddlers hold up over time, but the Sport DX has kept its shine intact.
Final thoughts
This has to be one of the best double stroller for twins (or similarly aged children) that I have encountered. I have been very happy with it and have not really encountered any deal breaking quirks. If the storage under the seats were a bit better and if it was better riding when going onto rough ground, I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this combi lightweight stroller to any parent looking for a side by side model.
If you are looking for strollers for toddlers, then the Combi Twin Sport DX is a good buy. As long as you realize that this stroller does not like going “off road.” If you stick to sidewalks and other paved surfaces, you are good to go.