A maneuverable and durable all-terrain stroller whose versatility may come at a price.
- Can become a double stroller
- Has optional standing platform
- Comfortable and roomy
- Maneuverable
- Ample storage
- No topside storage, including cupholders
- Small canopy is noisy when retracted
- Optional accessories add significantly to price
The Valco Baby Matrix is a less expensive version of the well-reviewed Valco Baby Single Tri Mode EX . The Matrix has a smaller canopy, doesn't include a rain cover or infant headrest, has less storage, and has a different brake system and tires. Despite all this variation -- including a price tag that's about $200 less -- most experts say the Matrix is easy to maneuver, comfortable for baby, and highly versatile with an optional bassinet, toddler seat and standing platform. It's also compatible with several infant car seats.
This versatility is nice, but pricey: There's an extra charge for the toddler seat, standing platform, bassinet and more, which can bring the Matrix up to luxury stroller pricing very quickly. Owners like its versatility and maneuverability, but some complain about durability issues with the tires and frame, even though the Valco brand in general gets high marks for quality from experts. For just a bit more money, the well-reviewed BOB Revolution SE (*Est. $313) is rated highly for durability and maneuverability.
The best expert reviews of the Valco Baby Matrix come from RatedByMom.com, the Strollerqueen and About.com. "Baby Bargains," the useful buyer's guide to baby products by Denise and Alan Fields, has helpful information on the Valco brand. We found few user reviews for the Matrix, possibly because this stroller is fairly new to the market, but owner feedback on an Australian consumer review site is helpful for assessing real-world use.
Our Sources
1. RatedByMom.com
RatedbyMom.com, a division of BabyGizmo.com, tests spotlighted products in real-world situations. Hollie Schultz evaluates the Valco Baby Matrix with two children of different ages and sizes. There's also a video review available on YouTube.
Review: Spotlight Product Review: Valco Baby Matrix, Hollie Schultz, March 3, 2010
2. StrollerQueen.com
Self-appointed "stroller queen" Janet McLaughlin tests the Valco Baby Matrix for comfort, ease of use and maneuverability. Her reviews are subjective and based on her own experience, but that experience is extensive and she provides a detailed evaluation.
Review: Valco Matrix Stroller Review, Janet McLaughlin, Feb. 15, 2010
3. About.com
Heather Corley, About.com's baby products guide, tests and reviews the Valco Baby Matrix, giving it a rating of 5 stars out of 5. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Valco Baby Matrix Stroller Review, Heather Corley, Not Dated
4. Baby Bargains
"Baby Bargains," the popular baby gear book by Denise and Alan Fields, offers practical shopping advice even when a specific model isn't reviewed. Brand reliability and customer service are factored into the ratings. In their useful chapter on strollers, the authors discuss the Valco Baby brand at length, with a mention of the Matrix.
Review: Chapter 9: Strollers, Diaper Bags, Carriers and Other To Go Gear, Denise and Alan Fields, Ninth edition, 2011
5. ProductReview.com.au
The Valco Baby Matrix earns 3.6 out of 5 stars in 11 reviews, with users saying it's highly maneuverable and versatile. Complaints address tires that deflate easily and frequently, and frame durability issues.
Review: Valco Matrix Reviews, Contributors to ProductReview.com.au, As of Dec. 2011
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