Quinny Zapp Xtra Review

Seeing the Zapp from the front, it looks like a futuristic space capsule stroller of some sort; it is modern looking with a sleek and eye-catching design in a variety of stylish, bright colors. While it is a lightweight stroller with umbrella handles, it folds out to full size, making the Zapp somewhere in between a full size stroller and an umbrella stroller.

Quinny is a European brand now available in the United States and demand for this stroller has gone up since it was first introduced into the market. The Quinny Zapp Xtra, which was once available only in Europe, is now in the USA with recent improvements that customers were asking for. Quinny listened and now the improved Zapp has upgrades that we'll take a closer look at below.

Let's take a look in detail at what the Quinny Zapp Xtra has to offer, and keep reading to find out what all these new improved features are and how they can benefit you and your child.

Quinny Zapp Stroller Features

• Holds your child up to 50 pounds
• 3D compact folding
• 3-position reclining seat facing forward
• 2-position reclining seat facing mom
• Accommodates Maxi Cosi Mico car seat
• Includes infant car seat adapter
• Removable reversible seat for travel system use
• Removable sun canopy with viewing window and visor
• Lockable front swivel wheels  
• On/off rear brake pedals
• Storage basket beneath seat
• Adjustable 5-point safety harness with padding
• 18 pound stroller weight
• 4 fashionable colors: Rebel Red, Rocking Black, Pink Emily and Brown Boost

Can I use this stroller with a newborn?

Now the Zapp is not for use with babies under 6 months old because, while the seat does recline, it is a molded seat and is not flat.

But you're not out of luck if you have a small infant. For babies younger than six months old, you will have to invest in the Maxi Cosi car seat until your baby can sit up unassisted. The Mico is the model to you want to get. The color schemes look utterly fantastic.

And here's a fact for you: the Maxi Cosi Mico is rated #2 in Consumer Reports for 22 lb. capacity infant seats. It earned an excellent mark for crash protection, very good for easy of use and fit to your vehicle using the LATCH system. By knowing this information isn't this Quinny Buzz stroller becoming an attractive choice?

What's new with the seat?

The previous years Zapp models all had a seat that would not recline and that was a big disappointment with consumers. Quinny has upped the ante with a seat that not only reclines but reverses as well!

When the seat is forward facing; there are three positions which are upright, fully reclined and half reclined. When baby is facing you in the reverse position, either fully reclined or half way; it does not sit straight up in the reverse position.

The one-handed button on the back makes it easy as pie to change positions and, like other luxury models like the Buzz, the seat is one molded piece so the entire seat reclines, not just the back.

Does the Zapp really have the most compact fold in the world?

Are you planning a trip or enjoy traveling with your family? Then you're going to love the light weight and compact fold of the Quinny Zapp. This stroller's most famous feature is its ultra-compact 3D fold which goes down to a 27" x 10" x 11" size. That's small enough to stow in the overhead bins on an airplane!

While the compact size of this stroller is quite nice, it folds in three steps and takes two hands. Don't let that put you off, though, because with just a few practice rounds, you can get the hang if it with no problem. The space you're going to save with the ultra-compact fold is worth your while to put baby in the car first or have somebody hold your little one while you fold it down.

You will, however have to remove the seat first with the Quinny Zapp Xtra before folding!

What kind of storage and amenities does it have?

While the Quinny Zapp unfolds to a full stroller size, it is considered a lightweight stroller, and therefore it has fewer amenities. You're not going to get a cup holder or child snack tray with the Zapp. But you will get an underseat basket which is a bit small; you won't be able to fit a large diaper bag in it, but you can bring along baby's essentials. You can't really access the basket from the back, so you have to get into it from the sides.

A removable sun canopy comes with the Zapp and it has a small viewing window at the top and side windows as well. The recent improvements to the Zapp Xtra include a larger sun canopy with a nice sun visor for better sun protection for your little passenger. That's a thoughtful touch, don't you think?

Stability and maneuverability

The Zapp has 360 degree lockable front swivel wheels that maneuver beautifully. Made of solid rubber, the wheels are 6 inches and can roll easily on smooth surfaces. Because of the wide wheel base and the fact that this stroller and light aluminum frame, a one-fingered push is all you need to turn this high quality product on a dime. The lock on the front wheels provides additional stability.

The brakes are rather unique in that you engage the brake with one touch on the right and disengage the brake with one touch on the left.

For your baby's safety, a five-point padded safety harness is the order of the day. Fastening it is a two step process, but well worth it because even the wiggliest worms can't get out of this one. The straps are adjustable as well, allowing a snug fit for small children with lots of room to grow for big kids.

Because the Quinny Zapp is so incredibly light weight with its aluminum frame, this is one stroller where you cannot hang your shopping bags or purse off the handles, even if your child is sitting in the stroller because it can tip over backward. Its even been reported that this stroller is so light weight that it can blow away on a windy day! The extra pound that the new Zapp Xtra has, though, gives it a bit more stability and it doesn't flip back like the original.

See this demo video of the Quinny Zapp Xtra.

How much should I pay for the Quinny Zapp?

If you don't mind getting previous years models, you can find the Quinny Zapp for as low as $161 on Amazon, but keep in mind prices fluctuate.

The retail price for the new Quinny Zapp Xtra is $299.99 and everyone, even Amazon, is selling it for that price at the moment. You can now get all the colors on Amazon, which includes Rockin' Black, the luxurious, chocolaty Brown Boost, the sporty and eye-catching Rebel Red or sophisticated and feminine Pink Emily for your little princess.

To comparison shop, take a look at all the colors at StrollerDepot.com.

What do others have to say?

Various online retailers have shown that the Quinny Zapp has gotten 3½ and 4-star reviews. At the time of writing, the Quinny Zapp Xtra was just released and so reviews are few and far between. There are a growing number, however, giving it a 4-star rating.

Across the web, customer reviews are remarking how much they love this stroller for its futuristic looking style and compact convenience.

Deborah made the comment that she loves how easily it rolls because she can steer one-handed with her 19-pound baby. She likes how small it folds up and she keeps it on the floor behind the driver's seat in her Prius.

A reviewer from Austin, TX is impressed with the design because they are constantly complimented and say people do double-takes when they're out. People come up and ask them about their Zapp. How cool is that!

One of the most raved-about features is the turn-on-a-dime maneuverability; quite a few reviews talk about the superb handling. Turning in tight spaces is a specialty.

Lastly is a Consumer Reports rating: the Quinny Zapp has earned an overall score of 63 and has very good marks for ease of use and maneuverability. Safety got a good mark, which is probably due to a couple of the disadvantages mentioned in the next section.

Disadvantages

Quite a few Quinny Zapp reviews mentioned the way this stroller tips over when you hang anything heavier than a medium sized purse on the handles. We like our storage space and when we have a very small basket, we will use the umbrella-style handles to hang our bags. When that's no longer an option, it can make us as fussy as a baby who needs a nap. Maclaren strollers do not have this problem, so you might check them out as an alternative.

The good news now is that the new Zapp Xtra, being heavier, has better stability and it's possible that it may not tip as easily as before.

Previous complaints from owners who purchased the Quinny made remarks about the other lack of amenities like no cup holder, no snack tray for baby or storage tray for parents. You can buy a cup holder to add to your Zapp, but there's not much you can do about the snack or storage trays.

Where can I buy this awesome stroller?

The Quinny Zapp Xtra is selling at full retail price at the moment. Amazon is now offering all the colors at competitive prices - it is the best place to find an incredible deal. You've got to check out the unique Q Design Zapp! (see photo on right)

As for previous models, places like MyStrollers.com have a blue 2010 selection for only $180. But you will for sure find some of the best prices for previous Zapp models comparable with all online retailers at Amazon.

Just imagine days from now using your new Quinny Zapp in your favorite color.

Related Articles:

Lightweight Strollers: The best lightweight strollers have more features than an umbrella stroller, but are generally more compact than standard singles.

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