Joovy Zoom ATS

Bottom line

The Joovy Zoom is a stroller that gets great reviews from owners and experts alike for its superior performance as a jogging stroller, its huge canopy and its many convenience features. Owners describe it as "safe and secure" and say it's comfortable for their children. Also, as of 2012, the Zoom is car seat compatible with an optional adapter (*Est. $39) that fits several car seat brands. It has an unusually short seat back, so taller children should try it out first.

The Joovy Zoom is available in two models; the swivel-wheel 360 with a locking option, and the fixed-wheel Joovy Zoom ATS. They are almost identical in construction, but the ATS fixed-wheel stroller is better for serious or long-distance runners, say experts.

Safety

Great safety features. The Joovy Zoom has all the features safety conscious joggers want, including a five-point harness that's difficult for a child to undo but easy for a parent, reflective accents and stitching, and a wrist strap for extra safety. There is a running hand brake to slow the stroller on hills. The parking brake is a one-touch, linked rear system.

Ease of use

Easy fold and recline. Experts and owners alike say the one-handed fold on the Joovy Zoom is quick and easy to do. It has an automatic lock and carry strap. Weighing 26.8 pounds, the stroller isn't compact when folded, but the wheels pop off easily to make a smaller package. A number of reviewers say it's very easy to assemble. The car seat adapter (*Est. $39) is easy to use, and the stroller folds with the adapter attached.

The Joovy Zoom 360 gets unqualified praise for its ease of pushing and superior maneuverability, but the Joovy Zoom ATS has garnered a few complaints about the front wheel tracking not staying true when running, needing too-frequent adjustments. Others say it works just fine.

Lifestyle features

Joovy's always making improvements. The Joovy Zoom, always a popular stroller, is now car seat adaptable, which extends its useful life by about six months. With the car seat, the Zoom can be used from birth. Without the car seat, it's suitable for ages 6 months to 75 pounds -- one of the higher upper weight ratings for a jogging stroller.

Two caveats regarding those weight ratings:

1. Even with a car seat, jogging with a child under 6 months is not recommended. The child should be able to sit unassisted, so that may be older than 6 months for your child.

2. The Joovy Zoom has a shorter than normal seat back -- 18 inches with a 22 inch canopy clearance -- so taller children or average-size children at the upper range of the weight rating may not fit. Trying it before buying or taking a measuring tape to your child, would probably be a good idea.

The Zoom ATS, with its 16 inch fixed wheel, gets great reviews for its ability to handle tough terrain. One expert reviewer says it's one of the few strollers that pushes well, even across a sandy beach. The Zoom 360, on the other hand, with its 16 inch rear wheels and 12-inch swivel/locking front wheel, gets kudos for its versatility and maneuverability.

One of the most praised features of the Zoom is its huge canopy -- a Joovy tradition -- with a peek-a-boo window. It has mesh pockets on the inside of the seat for kids to put snacks or toys, a medium-size basket, a parent organizer and a small, zippered compartment on the handle. It includes a rain cover and tire pump.

Customer service

Great reviews for customer service. The Joovy Zoom comes with a standard, one-year warranty. There are a number of comments on consumer review sites praising Joovy's excellent and responsive customer service.