Valco Ion Twin Stroller Review

Ion EX 4 Two stroller is an innovative design by Valco Baby. The egg-shape look on the twin stroller is unique and contemporary, and it allows both children to enjoy ample seat space, more than a regular twin stroller. As a plus, its lightweight frame allows ease of steering and pushing, even while having two children on board.

Parenting website Babble names the Twin Ion the Best Urban double stroller for the light weight, superb maneuverability and ample storage. It moves around crowded areas quite well because it is far more compact that most side-by-side twin strollers.

As you read through this review, you will have a thorough understanding of what this modern and stylish twin stroller has to offer. Let's first begin with all the fabulous features of the Valco Ion Twin Stroller. Read on...

Valco Ion EX 4 Two Stroller Features:

• Ergonomic, uniquely shaped, height adjustable handle
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Large storage basket
• Removable storage pockets in back - zip off to show mesh window
• Peek-a-boo window on expanding sun canopy
• Padded bumper bar
• One-step linked braking system
• Forward-facing folding design

• Holds two children up to 88 pounds
• Safety tether strap
• One-touch padded seat recline
• Locking front swivel wheels
• Padded adjustable 5-point harness
• Reflective accents for low light
• Available in 2 colors: Raven black and Almond taupe

What age can my child ride?

This stroller is designed for infants and children up to a total of 88 pounds. Can a newborn baby ride in this stroller? Yes. For your newborn you have a couple of options. One is using a car seat adapter. The adapter available for the Valco Ion twin is available for: Chicco, Maxi Cosi, Graco, and Peg Perego car seats. When using a car seat, only one can be used.

You also get the option of using a bassinet. Valco offers a Husssh Bassinet and you can use either one or two in your Valco Ion Twin. Perfect for one new baby or twins!

Lightweight and compact size

The Ion EX 4 Two is a lighter weight twin stroller and that is one of its best features, weighing only 26 pounds. This makes the stroller easy to maneuver, and when pushing two babies, you will want to have a lightweight stroller. Many moms raved in their reviews that they were worried about going out with twins in a heavy double stroller, and they were glad they found out about the Ion EX 4 Two.

The stroller has a 29-inch width, which allows it to fit through standard-size doorways. This is a blessing for moms, especially those who need to bring their kids along while running errands or shopping for groceries and getting in and out of the house is essential.

According to many satisfied reviewers, mothers say they enjoy going out more often with their children using the Ion EX 4 Two stroller. They say it is perfect for many activities, such as shopping at malls and strolling in parks.

The stroller is well-balanced in that you can hang some rather heavy (but not TOO heavy!) bags off the handle and the Valco Ion Twin stays upright.

Performance and maneuverability

With front swivel wheels, maneuvering the Ion EX 4 Two stroller is a breeze. Easy turning, particularly on tight corners and narrow aisles is what makes this a favorite stroller for urban lifestyles. Many happy moms mention how easy the Valco Ion Twin stroller is to maneuver, and some commented that they can push it using just one hand. Your two kids will enjoy smooth and comfortable rides, and we all know that happy babies make a happy mom. For greater stability, the front wheels can be locked to allow maximum control going over rougher surfaces.

Tell me about the sun canopy

I love the sun canopy on this stroller! The Ion EX 4 Two comes with a round sun canopy over both seats that can be extended with a zipper to open a third panel. The sun canopy creates a cocoon-like protector around your passengers that fully shields them from the elements. It also has a peek-a-boo window that allows babies to look up at their moms. This is perfect for younger babies, who tend to feel insecure whenever they do not see a familiar face nearby.

What are the seats like?

Because of the uniquely designed egg-shaped frame, the stroller allows for a more spacious interior. Your children will enjoy comfortable rides in the nice wide 14" seats. In one review, a mom's nearly 5-year old daughter sat in the Valco Ion Twin and her head could barely touch the canopy, so tall children are going to be able to fit just fine.

The Valco Ion Twin has padded bumper bars and footrests.

Reclining seats are a must and the Valco Ion Twin lays almost flat. One simple squeeze of the strap clamp and you can recline the seats at any position. You may need to use two hands to pull the strap holding the seat back up, especially if your child is a bit bigger. But it is considered a one-touch recline system. Moms appreciate that changing the seat position from sitting to reclining takes only one simple touch. Your babies will be able to sleep without any interruptions.

The five-point safety harness is padded for your child's comfort and the buckle is all but impossible for children to undo themselves.

Tell me about the fold

The Valco Ion Twin stroller has a unique two-step folding system that I haven't seen before. You turn a key at the top by the handle to unlock the frame and then you pull a lever on the side, lift the stroller and fold it forward. Then it has a strap, no automatic lock, that secures the frame together.

You can then take it with you like pulling your luggage behind you, which is a fantastic way of transporting the Ion EX 4 Two. However if you need a more compact folded size, simply remove the quick-release wheels.

What are the safety features?

There are several very nice safety features on the Valco Ion Twin stroller. First, the 5-point harnesses have reflective accents that provide better visibility to traffic at night or in low lighting.

Another safety feature that I love is the safety tether on the handle. Loop the other end of the strap around your wrist. I like keeping in contact with my stroller at all times, whether I'm walking down a slope or come to an intersection where the curb dips even with the street. This is so reassuring when you're out walking in hilly areas or along busy streets.

At the top of the seats you will find head bumpers that are excellent for smaller babies when the seat is reclined. It provides additional safety and security for infants when they're so small. However, once your children have grown taller, you can flip the bumper padding down so that your older child's head won't press up against it when the seats are reclined.

I really like the one-step linked braking system on this stroller. The pedal is wide enough to engage the brakes easily and simply flip it up to disengage.

Storage and parent amenities

Did you notice that oddly-shaped handle? While it is a neat part of the Valco Ion Twin's design, it's actually quite functional and comfortable to use. For taller parents, the stroller features an ergonomic handle that is adjustable to 6 positions. Many tall dads mentioned in reviews that they appreciate the feature very much, as the adjustable handle helps them push and steer the stroller more comfortably and without kicking the back while walking.

The Ion EX 4 Two stroller has a large storage basket that many satisfied moms praised. A mom mentioned that although the storage basket may seem small, she could easily fit a large diaper bag in it, along with other baby necessities. It is always great to have some space for your baby necessities, such as toys and snacks.

Is your child napping in full recline? No problem, the basket has a bendable rim that allows access to your belongings.

There is even more storage space on the back of the sun canopy. The zippered pockets and multi-compartmental bags can be used to store important items such as your cell phone and keys. These compartments keep your important items safe and secure, and then when you unzip them and take them off, the pocket reveals a mesh window to peep inside or generate better airflow.

How much should I pay for this Valco Ion Twin stroller?

Right now the current model year is selling for about the same price across many different web retailers. I've seen it going for about $585, even on the low-price site Amazon. I like Amazon for their prompt service and free shipping. You will also find that ALL the colors are in stock.

Other online retailers such as Stroller Depot and Baby Earth sell the Valco Ion EX 4 Two for the same price and include free shipping. Check each of these sites to comparison shop for your favorite color and best deals.

Valco Ion Twin stroller reviews: what others have to say

There aren't a ton of reviews online about this stroller, but the ones that do exist all rave about it and give this stroller 5 stars! Moms love the compact size and cool egg shape as well as the turn-on-a-dime maneuverability.

The Good Housekeeping Institute tested the single version of this stroller and found it passed safety muster - no places that will pinch little fingers. GHI also gave it props for ease of use and great maneuverability.

A recent review from a San Jose, California mom mentions her 17½ month old toddler and newborn baby. She writes about the simple fold and how easy it is to get it in and out of her car.

Be prepared for getting looks from those around you because the Valco Ion EX 4 Two is quite eye catching.
A mother recently raved how trendy looking it is and that people often stop her and ask her about it. Of course she loves it for how comfortable it is for her two boys and now she looks forward to outings.

Kirsty has twins and likes how narrow this stroller is. She can get through regular sized doors and actually take it down the aisles of the department store. She also raves about the design and the fact that the seats recline far enough and are secure enough that she doesn't need to use her car seats (you can only use one car seat adapter with this stroller).

Disadvantages

Despite all the wonderful benefits and features that go with the Valco Ion Twin stroller, it does not come with a cup holder or parent tray.

Some wish that the handle was padded - several have mentioned that it becomes uncomfortable after extended use.

It also would have been nice to have an automatic frame lock once the stroller has been folded instead of having to manually strap it together.

One review that gives this stroller 3 stars mentioned that once the stroller is folded the front wheels don't allow you to use the handle to roll the stroller behind you. Fortunately, no other reviews mention this problem, so let's hope that this is the only case.

Where can I buy the Valco Ion EX 4 Two Stroller?

Since all the web retailers are selling this marvelous twin stroller for the same price, I like to recommend my favorite place to purchase strollers. That would be on Amazon. You can't go wrong with prompt free shipping and fantastic service. Just imagine taking your kiddos for a spin around the neighborhood in the next few days!

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