Amy and I were just in Las Vegas for the ABC Kids Expo and our heads are still spinning from visiting the Regal Lager booth where we saw the debut of the new Phil & Teds strollers. Regal Lager took their beloved Sport Buggy (one of our favorites) and spawned off three new versions of the stroller. It was pretty confusing at first, but let me try to break it down for you so it all makes sense.
There will be four versions of the Phil & Teds single stroller with doubles kit and we will be carrying two of the lines- the Original Sport Buggy which is currently available (and also is now available in a fun and vibrant pink camo for all those parents out there that want a “girly” Phil & Teds) and the new Vibe Buggy which is due out in November. The Vibe Buggy was originally supposed to be called the GT but they have changed the name. The Vibe is the stroller for the parent who already has the Bugaboo or other upscale single that wants the top of the line as they move from a single to a double.
Before I tell you more about the Vibe below, I will mention the other versions that they are releasing (that won’t be available at StrollerMama). First is the Phil & Teds Classic Buggy. It is basically the older version of the Sport Buggy- the e3. It doesn’t have all of the wonderful features and improvements they made to the Sport Buggy (adjustable handlebar, recline on the doubles kit) and it is only being offered in red. The concept is to offer parents the convenience of the Phil & Teds stroller in a stripped down version at a lower price point ($299 for the stroller, $79.95 for the doubles kit). While we like the idea in theory, we love the Sport Buggy too much and feel as moms and Phil & Teds users ourselves, the Sport Buggy is a better stroller and a better investment
The other new stroller is the Phil & Teds Dash Buggy. Amy and I were on the fence on this one and ultimately decided that we were going to focus on the Vibe Buggy as an upgrade to the Sport Buggy. The Dash will sell for $499 for the stroller and $99.95 for the doubles kit. It is being marketed as the Phil & Teds stroller in between the Sport Buggy and the Vibe Buggy. New features include an new positioning of the brake at the handlebar, easier recline mechanism on the main seat, different styling, a larger storage basket and more cushioning. The doubles kit still has a slight recline, is more cushioned and the top of the seat is more covered than the Sport Buggy. It only comes in red and black. Again, while we liked the concept of the stroller, our original thoughts were that we actually prefered the Sport Buggy the best, then really liked the Vibe more than the Dash for the “boutique” Phil & Teds stroller. It will be interesting to see how this one is liked by parents.
So, on to the good stuff- the Vibe Buggy! This is the “fancy” Phil & Teds stroller that has been much anticipated by all. We know that many of our parents want the most high-end strollers on the market and Phil & Teds wanted to put their hat in the ring. While we adore the Sport Buggy and it is a terrific fit for most of our families, the Vibe Buggy is for our parents that want the functionality of the Sport Buggy, but want something more exclusive.
Besides the new streamlined styling of the Vibe Buggy (it looked much different than the Sport Buggy in Vegas), the other unique features are the ligherweight aluminum frame and the ability to fold the stroller with the doubles kit in the rear position. Although folding the stroller with the doubles kit on in the back was a little tricky, I’m sure once you do it a few times it would easy to master. This was a feature that many of our parents wanted and Phil & Teds listened.
The aluminum frame is designed to make the stroller the lightest weight of the models and the frame really made the stroller look much different than the Sport Buggy. It was a clean and sleek look- more streamlined and modern. The seats, both front and back, are substantially more plush. The doubles kit is fully covered (no exposed bar like on the Sport Buggy) and has a slight recline mechanism, the brake is now on the handlebar and the storage basket is larger. It will be available in black and red. The price on the Vibe Buggy is $599 for the stroller and $129.95 for the doubles kit.
Also, keep in mind that we learned that each stroller line has their own accessory line which also makes things a little tricky (especially for us!). It is something to keep in mind if you want to upgrade from an older model that storm covers and sun covers and the like are not interchangeable between models.
At the end of the day, Amy and I think the Sport Buggy will remain the bread and butter of Phil & Teds- tried and true. We think the Vibe Buggy is going to be perfect for our boutique parents that only want the best of the best- the functionality, the style and aren’t phased by the price tag to get something unique and exclusive. The Sport Buggy is available now at StrollerMama and the Vibe should be available March 15, 2008.
