Phil & Teds: The stroller that wanted to be a tank.

There are many strollers in this market and the price range is just as broad as the durability and of course style. Phil & Teds is known to be placed in the upper range of both price and durability. Needless to say that style is a big factor in order to push those other two features. After about 4 months of use we were finally ready to render a verdict.

IN A NUTSHELL

The Phil & Teds (or Regal Lager) Sport stroller is clearly a heavyweight in the field and is both built like tank as well weight every bit of it. With the added heft comes the expected sturdiness that should easily translate into a long lasting toddler mover.

It being the stroller of choice for the StrollerFit franchise reflects the durability as well as the opportunity to get a workout by simply hauling this stroller around. At least compared to our other stroller (Peg Perego) it's much more demanding on your fitness.

It's not a jogging stroller as brakes are absent and the stride of the pushing runner easily hits the rear axle. However, it works great for Strollerfit and normal use due to the mobility provided by the balanced front wheel. That is as long as there are no steep hills or stairs to climb.

DETAILS

Style: [*****] There is no doubt that the style of this stroller is a major point in the decision to spend this amount of money on a stroller. Both the frame as well as the chosen fabrics literally ooze a lot of confidence and the Green color (of this particular variant) immediately became our favorite as well.

Transportation: [***--] Even if the stroller is a means of transportation, the buggy itself certainly has to be transported as well in its life time. That's really one of the major counter point against this model as it's both heavy and large. In direct comparison to our Peg Perego, it feels a lot more cumbersome to store the P&T in the trunk or even haul it up the stairs (if you're by yourself). The heft of the massive frame certainly instills the thoughts that this may be a very sturdy design but also weighs as much as the "tank" it aspires to be.

Safety: [***--] Generally speaking, the sturdy built certainly provides safety against structural accidents that would happen when running into something or being hit (obviously it won't withstand the impact of a car). So while passive safety is great, it's the lack of brakes to slow the stroller down (i.e. downhill) that makes it a bit less safe than say a normal jogging stroller (i.e. the Jeep). Further, the restraint system isn't as flexible as in previously mentioned Peg Perego and is about average compared to the crowd.

Comfort: [****-] Our daughter is currently 19 months "old" and sometimes even climbs into the parked stroller to sit in it. If that isn't indication enough that the comfort is "right up her alley", the parental judgment verifies that assumption with the presence of well suspended and/or padded areas without being too soft. The back rest can be set between upright and reclined (2 positions), and we only sometimes wish it was a bit more flexible in settable angles.

Extras: [****-] One of the main argument in favor of the Regal Lager Sport is the ability to extend the very same design to a two seater. Depending on your family planning, that may turn it into a wise investment, but of course the added seat is behind the main seat and has much less of a view as it's not elevated. Further, leg room for the driver (or pushing parent) is relatively limited. The optional cup holder is a useful addition in light of the absence of any cup holder by default. Strapped on the handlebar, it provides room for two bottles and a pouch to store essentials. The weather (rain) shield is a bit difficult to handle and is by no means quickly installed if you don't frequently use it.

Usability: [***--] A stroller like the Phil & Teds Sport is somewhat of a crossover between casual stroller and jogging stroller. If you do either exclusively you may be better off with a respective one rather than this model. The Sport is certainly heavy, large and lack of one hand folding a significant handicap for daily use ... especially when lugging this "beast" from a car up the stairs and so on. On flat even terrain with enough space and muscle power, the Regal Lager Sport is a stylish and durable choice for those who can afford it. However, keeping it rolling in a straight line with one hand somehow is still a challenge.

Durability: [*****] I already mentioned that this stroller is built like a tank and the chosen materials convey every bit of longevity as the price suggest. The fabric is fairly wear resistant and the steel frame certainly takes a lot of work to be adversely affected in normal use. The only surprise were the mud flaps which couldn't be convinced to not rub on the tires and it remains to be seen what the result will be other an annoying rubbing sound.

Value: [****-] Not only in today's economy are $500 a bit steep for a stroller, especially when models like the Peg Perego are available for $200 with more everyday features and easier handling, or the Jeep jogging stroller for $150. Nevertheless, style and durability are the main justifications for the expense and that second seat option if needed.