
The Phil&Teds Vibe double stroller (*Est. $660, plus $110 doubles kit) is touted as the luxury addition to the Phil&Teds line of strollers. It features added comforts, such as a larger sun canopy, additional padding on seats and a lightweight aluminum frame. Some reviewers hail the stroller for its eye-catching design, but owners seem less than thrilled with its questionable performance. Consumers claim that the added convenience and comfort features are actually drawbacks of the stroller. The large sun canopy interferes with the height-adjustable handlebar and the easy-access hand brake is too easy to access -- parents say that the overly sensitive button can be accidentally engaged, bringing the stroller to an unexpected halt.
The company also touts the stroller's unique fold, which can be done while the second seat is in the rear position (a feature that other Phil&Teds models lack). Unfortunately, parents say this makes the already cumbersome fold more complicated and bulky. Reviewers suggest that the drawbacks of the stroller outweigh the luxury price, and that parents may have better luck with the company's less expensive models such as the Phil&Teds Explorer or the Phil&Teds Sport Buggy.
Reviews of the Phil&Teds Vibe are plentiful, but most suffer from unclear testing methods and were written when the model was first released in 2008. Professional reviews, like those from Celebrity Baby Blog, LiLSugar.com and Canadian Family, give the stroller high marks but are vague at best. Owner reviews are more complete and more negative, with several claiming that major flaws in the stroller's design make it unworthy of its hefty price tag.
Our Sources
1. Celebrity Baby Blog
Celebrity Baby Blog offers one of the more complete reviews of the Phil&Teds Vibe. Unfortunately, the review is more than two years old, and the company has since made some significant changes to the stroller. It does, however, receive high praise for its sun canopy, comfortable seats and fold.
Review: Phil&Teds Vibe Stroller: I'm Feeling It!, Editors of Celebrity Baby Blog, April 26, 2008
2. LilSugar.com
The Phil&Teds Vibe earns high praise from the editor of LilSugar.com, but precisely how the stroller was tested is unclear. The reviewer says that the luxury stroller is comfortable, eye-catching and can fold with the second seat placed in the rear position (a feature that other Phil&Teds models lack). She notes that the stroller has received complaints regarding the overly sensitive brake button.
Review: Strollin': Phil & Teds Vibe, "BabySugar", Oct. 3, 2008
3. ProductReview.com.au
This Australian site features 65 consumer reviews of the Phil&Teds Vibe. Ratings of the stroller are mixed: Some reviewers praise the stroller for its narrow, durable frame, but many report issues with the tires (tires can puncture) and the hand brake (engages easily).
Review: Phil & Teds Vibe Reviews, Contributors to ProductReview.com.au
4. Canadian Family
Strollers were tested by real families in this 2010 guide to double strollers. Five strollers are featured, though there is no rating system, so it is difficult to compare strollers. The Phil&Teds Vibe is noted for its secure harnesses, steering and variety of seat positions. The tester notes that the heavy, multi-step fold is a major drawback.
Review: The Best Double Strollers of 2010, Editors of Canadian Family, July 2010
5. JoggingStroller.com
Unlike most other models reviewed at JoggingStroller.com, there are no owner reviews for the Phil&Teds Vibe. There is a detailed editors' description of the stroller, but it is unclear how or if the stroller was tested. Editors do seem excited about the Vibe, but say that parents looking for a more budget-friendly option should look to the Phil&Teds Dash or Sport.
Review: Phil&Teds Vibe V2 Buggy Review, Editors of JoggingStroller.com
6. Buzzillions.com
Buzzillions.com compiles owner reviews from retailer websites such as BabiesRUs.com, Target.com and REI.com. Owner reviews for this stroller are limited, and those that exist give the Phil&Teds Vibe mixed marks at best. Some reviewers note problems with the design of the handlebar, difficult maneuverability and sticking wheels. Others, however, praise the stroller's sleek, durable design and note that changes made to the 2010 models remedy many older reviewers' gripes.
Review: Phil & Teds Vibe Stroller Reviews, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
7. Amazon.com
Consumer reviews of the Phil&Teds Vibe are notably negative on Amazon.com. Out of the 11 reviews of the stroller, more than half give it a poor 1 out of 5 stars. Most complaints revolve around the tires, which owners say wear out exceedingly quickly. Many reviewers note that the brake button is sensitive and can be triggered accidentally, causing the stroller to halt unexpectedly.
Review: Phil & Teds Vibe Buggy 2 with Doubles Kit: Black, Contributors to Amazon.com
8. StrollersandPrams.com
Editors of StrollersAndPrams.com call the Vibe a stylish, comfortable pram. They tout the compact fold, but say that it can be difficult to do and requires practice. It is not very clear how the stroller was tested, and it should be noted that the review is more than two years old.
Review: Phil and Teds Vibe Review, Editors of StrollersAndPrams.com, 2008
9. BobbysBest.com
The BobbysBest.com review of the Phil&Teds Vibe is limited, but does provide some helpful insight into this stroller. While the reviewer praises how easy the stroller is to assemble and the smooth ride, he does note that its maneuverability is poor compared to other Phil&Teds models. The reviewer also questions whether the upgraded features are worth the hefty price tag.
Review: Recommended: Phil & Ted's Vibe Sport Buggy, Editors of BobbysBest.com
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