Peg Perego Pliko Switch Compact Review
All stroller reviews- Introduction
- Seat design and function
- Child Safety Harness
- Hood or Canopy
- Handle design and function
- Storage
- Wheels and Brakes
- Fold mechanism
- Manoeuvrability
- Size
- Accessories
- Conclusion and Rating
Review by: Ally
Introduction
The Pliko Switch is the newest incarnation of the old Pliko P3. Like its forerunner, the Pliko Switch provides outstanding performance, offering features such as a compact and lightweight fold, telescopic handles, and rear toddler step. The Pliko Switch also offers a reversible seat, a feature highly sought after by new parents. This stroller is packed with features – it really is one of the most practical choices on the market.
Seat design and function
Seat fully upright
Seat fully reclined
Seat recline mechanism
Seat rear facing
Grey lever and button to remove seat from chassis
The design of the seat of the Pliko Switch is one of the most attractive features, as it boasts a plush, padded, reversible seat with a lay-flat recline, all in an umbrella fold stroller. Not only can the seat reverse, but it can be removed altogether and the chassis can be used as a travel system with the Peg Perego Viaggio. I had the privilege of using the Pliko Switch as a travel system when on holidays and was really impressed with how functional and easy it was to transport around.
To reverse the seat, simply squeeze the small grey levers on either side of the seat and simultaneously press the grey button beside it. You will then be able to simply lift the seat off the chassis and place it back down, ensuring the 'targets' are lined up on the right hand side. The seat can easily recline with a one-handed lever at the back, squeeze and lower or raise the seat to the desired position.
Seat back - 48cm
Clearance to hood - 54cm
Width - 33cm
Seat depth - 24cm
Footwell - 18cm
Weight limit - 15kg seat
20kg toddler step
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Child safety harness
Shoulder harness slots
Harness buckle
Harness buckle mechanism
The harness is a 5 piece design, whereby the shoulder harness piece slots into the waist piece, and then clicks into the crotch buckle. This 5 piece design is fantastic for sleeping babys as they can be placed in or removed from the pram without fiddling with arms in straps.
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Hood or Canopy
Canopy closed
Canopy partially open
Canopy fully open
Peekaboo window on hood
Flap over peekaboo window closed
The canopy is generous and functional, providing a dimmed environment for baby to sleep in whilst still providing plenty of air circulation. The inside of the canopy is pleasantly lined, and the exterior has a peekaboo window with a zipped storage flap.
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Handle design and function
highest handle position
Lowest handle position
Handle height adjust
The handles are slightly adjustable with a telescopic feature. To extend the handle press the grey button underneath the handle in whilst simultaneously pulling the handle out to the desired height. The handles are comfortable to use, as expected for an umbrella fold stroller.
Handle upmost height: 104cm
Handle lowest height: 99cm
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Storage
Under seat storage basket
Storage pocket on hood flap
The basket of the Pliko Switch is generous and deep, and quite easily accessible from both sides. When the seat is rear-facing it is also accessible from the front. There is also a hook on the left hand side of the chassis which can be used to hold the cupholder or lightweight shopping bags.
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Wheels and Brakes
Front swivel wheels
Rear wheels
Brake engaged
Brake disengaged
The PlikoSwitch offers a dual brake system, engaged from either side of the rear wheels. To engage the brake press the red brake levers down – to disengage flick them back up again. I found the brakes easy to use and they always responded well.
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Fold mechanism
Fold mechanism
Fold mechanism
Folded
The Pliko Swtich can be folded with the seat in both forward and rear facing modes. To fold the PlikoSwitch when the pram is forward facing, it is also best to recline the seat back as far as it will go. Whilst it can be folded with the seat upright, it is far more compact and streamlined if the seat is completely reclined when forward facing. Locate the black lever on either side of the chassis, just underneath the handle bar. Pull each side up towards the handle bar. You should hear the lever 'click' and below the lever you will now see a bright red circle with a white exclamation mark inside it. This indicates that the arm of the stroller is unlocked on that side. I then found it easiest to slightly pull back on the handles, ensuring that the black arm on either side of the stroller chassis is lifted up and away from the silver arm. Locate the black oval handle at the back of the basket and pull it upwards. The pram should collapse in on itself, and when completely closed it should lock into place.
To open again, pull on the black levers on either side of the handle bar and 'kick' the black foot of the chassis. I found this fold to be very easy to use and the pram to be exceptionally compact and portable.
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Manoeuvrability
The Pliko Switch is essentially an umbrella stroller, and therefore has two separate handles that do not connect at the top of the stroller. This does make the PlikoSwitch a two-handed push. However, even for a two-handed stroller it really does glide. I have used the Pliko Switch in a variety of settings and whilst it is clearly designed for indoor use, it handled outdoor paving and trips to the park quite well.Back to top
Size
The size of the Pliko Switch really does set it apart from other strollers – it is almost in a league of its own! Whilst it provides all the benefits of a full sized pram, with a well padded reversible seat, deep basket, adjustable handles and travel system compatibility, it still offers the benefits of a stroller as it is incredibly lightweight and compact. I think the Pliko Switch is sadly being overlooked by many shoppers – it really does have a lot to offer the modern mum in terms of functionality and practicality.Folded Dimensions:
51.5cm x 30cm x 98.5cm
Unfolded Dimensions:
56.5cm x 101cm x 85.5cm
Weight:
10kg
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Accessories
The Pliko Switch comes with a raincover, bootcover and cupholder.
Toddler Seat
The Pliko Switch doesn't have a toddler seat but does offer a built in footboard at the rear of the chassis. I didn't have the opportunity to try this out but it does feel firm and secure to use.
Travel System Compatibility
Viaggio attached
The Pliko Switch can be turned into a convenient travel system by adding the Peg Perego Viaggio infant carrier.
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Summary and Rating
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Reversible seat
- Generous basket
Cons
- Not the most attractive stroller out there
- Two-handed steer
- Generous canopy can sometimes be a bit too 'full' and get in the way
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed trialling this beauty of a stroller. It didn't originally appeal to me all that much, but after giving it a shot and trying my baby out in it in a variety of situations and locations, I'm pleased to report that it performed well. Its not the most beautiful of strollers out there, but it outshines a lot when it comes to practalities. A plus for the PlikoSwitch!Rating
Overall Rating(out of 5)
Seat Rating
Harness Rating
Hood/Canopy Rating
Handle Design Rating
Storage Rating
Brakes Rating
Fold Rating
Wheels Rating
Manoeuvrability Rating
Accessories Rating
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