Maclaren Techno XT

Safety

Some nice safety features, but it tips. The Maclaren Techno XT offers has a five-point harness that reviewers say is impossible for a small child to undo and one-touch, linked brakes. The 2012 model also has a tether strap for additional security. It has one-touch, linked brakes. The Techno XT is also equipped with reflective accents for better nighttime visibility.

Many parents complain that placing bags on the handles of the Techno XT will cause it to tip. And, while the manual may warn against this practice, most parents do it -- and the Techno XT gets more complaints about this problem than other similar strollers. Like all Maclaren strollers named in the 2009 recall, the Techno XT now comes with protective hinge covers to prevent finger amputations.

The Maclaren Techno XT was recalled in November 2009 after reports that 12 children had their fingers amputated in Maclaren hinges. The recall was reissued in 2011 due to additional reports of amputations. Since the recall, Maclaren has been sued for damages by several of the families impacted. The company's bankruptcy filing named the families in its list of creditors, placing their claims against the company in limbo. Maclaren has been accused of filing for bankruptcy under false pretenses to avoid paying damages for injuries and amputations.

Ease of use

Jerky recline has been fixed. The most glowing reviews of the Maclaren Techno XT come from parents who have either transitioned from a bulky stroller or travel system to the Techno XT or from a bare bones umbrella stroller to the Techno XT. These parents are thrilled that the Techno XT reclines fully with five positions and that it folds up small. However, parents who are more critical note that it requires two hands to fold the XT and that the recline works jerkily and will wake a sleeping baby (this criticism is of the models prior to 2012). To remedy this, the 2012 model features a one-handed recline; previous models required two hands. The 2011 model with the two-handed recline is still widely available. It's easy to push and highly maneuverable.

The Techno XT gets great reviews for maneuverability, especially in small or crowded stores. Most parents also find the Techno XT easy to maneuver on bumpy or uneven terrains, thanks to its larger 6-inch wheels. The front wheels also lock for better control on more challenging surfaces.

Lifestyle features

Some good features, but they'll cost you. The Maclaren Techno XT provides a fully reclining seat for newborns and a high weight rating of 55 pounds for long-term use. But, for its $300+ price tag it would not be unreasonable for Maclaren to include a means to secure an infant car seat to the stroller (as other newborn-friendly umbrella strollers have at that price point) as well as a parent cup holder. The XT comes with a rain cover included, and the canopy adjusts to provide more sun protection than other Maclaren strollers. The basket is medium-sized, and there are two pockets on the back of the seat for additional storage. The canopy is large, zips to extend and has a flip-out sun visor.

The Techno XT gets great reviews for handling a variety of environments, from maneuvering through small or crowded stores to bumpy or uneven terrains. It's larger, 6-inch front wheels lock for even better control on more challenging surfaces.

Customer service

Maclaren may be on shaky ground. A number of credible sources say Maclaren was aware of the amputation risk prior to the 2009 recall. Meaning, they could have fixed it faster and placed fewer children at risk. Further, Maclaren initially responded to the recall defensively, saying they clearly stated on instructions that children should not be around the stroller unattended, an argument that angered parents for implying, as it did, that they were to blame. Finally, the bankruptcy filing impeded families from effectively suing for damages. One very reliable product review source downgraded Maclaren from an "A" to an "F" rating after reports that the bankruptcy was a fraudulent filing to avoid paying damages to families of amputee victims. In addition, since the bankruptcy filing was a Chapter 7, there is the chance that Maclaren could be dissolved, putting long-term customer service in question.

Bottom line

Due to issues with credibility, we are not recommending any strollers in the Maclaren line. While the Techno XT hinge issue has been remedied, there is too much uncertainty with this manufacturer at this time for us to suggest purchasing a Maclaren stroller.