Valco RAD Reviews and Specifications
RAD 2006 |  Coal black |
|---|---|
Reader reviews (20)   | |
| Reader photos (3) | |
| Add an image of your RAD | |
| Review the RAD | |
| Discuss on the forums |
 |  |
| Crimson Red | Aquamarine Blue |
| Manufacturers description |
| Sporting the ultimate in super chic styling, the new RAD is lots more than just a pretty face! Engineered for newborns up, the 3 position, easy off™ seat can be removed at the intuitive press of 2 large buttons. It can then be fully removed, turned to face in either direction or the chassis can be fitted with the optional bassinet.
The telescopic handle adjusts to suit most any height and the innovative fold system is sure to delight! In stores...NOW!
INSERT INTO blurb_pram('49', 'Sporting the ultimate in super chic styling, the new RAD is lots more than just a pretty face! Engineered for newborns up, the 3 position, easy off™ seat can be removed at the intuitive press of 2 large buttons. It can then be fully removed, turned to face in either direction or the chassis can be fitted with the optional bassinet.
The telescopic handle adjusts to suit most any height and the innovative fold system is sure to delight! In stores...NOW!')form worked |
| Suitability | ||
| This pram is suitable | From birth | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 13.5 kg | 29.7 lbs |
| Seat | ||
| Seat capacity | 20 kg | 44.0 lbs |
| Can direction of seat be reversed? | Yes | |
| Wheels | ||
| Number of Wheels that Swivel | 2 | |
| Handle | ||
| Handle height adjustable? | Yes | |
| Handle reversible? | No | |
| Toddler seat | ||
| Toddler Seat Option? | Not available | |
| Bassinet | ||
| Bassinet | Optional | |
Reader Reviews
Valco Rad Not good enough.
Reviewed by: Kylie Johnson from Cairns, Apr 29, 2010General Review
Had problems from the start. Wheels replaced twice. Then the handle grips split. My son chewed through the foam on the cross over bar. When questioned about the choking hazard posed by this foam, I was told it had NEVER happened before. My child must be exceptional. Now the pram won't collapse and I can't find a phone number to TALK to someone about who fixes $700 worth of pram, just email addresses, where emails are ignored. Not good enough.Pros
Not sure.Cons
Numerous.Great all around stroller
Reviewed by: Julie from canada, Nov 08, 2009General Review
I love this stroller. The bassinet is large and easily removable. I loved having my baby in it from birth so she was not all scrunched up like in other strollers. Comes with a nice cover too which keeps the cold out. I removed the bassinet once home and therefore had 2 one up and one down which cut down on the stair climbing when she napped during the day.When she was older i moved her into the seat. Works well. Steers fantastically and is narrow enough to get into shopping aisles yet the basket is so big i can fit tons of groceries and the diaper bag no problem.
Reclines just fine too so that she can nap no problem.
I have no idea why people make such a big deal out of collapsing it. Its easy once you know how.
It also looks fantastic. We've had this stroller for 3 years now and its still going strong. Totally recommend it.
Pros
Looks great.Has a bassinet and a seat.
Steers great.
Still going strong after 3 years.
Cons
Sun shade could be bigger. I bought an extra cover from Jolly Jumper and this helped.LOVE THE RAD!
Reviewed by: S. S. from New York, Sep 09, 2009General Review
This is a wonderful stroller! I call it my truck :). I put the baby in and load it up with groceries and millions of other things and it pushes like a dream. I understand how people can think that this stroller is unsafe, but that is because they don't realize that you need to bounce the stroller down curbs on its hind wheels. (like any stroller of this style, not like an umbrella stroller) I was worried about it not lying flat, but I have used the regular stroller seat since my baby was born and she actually always loved laying in that v-shape it's more cozy i think. I put a pretty stroller pad inside of it to keep her comfy and it's great. My only two complaints are that its heavy to lift like for putting in the car, and the sunshade isn't long enough so I had to buy a protect a bub extender. If you live in an area where you do alot of walking (not jogging) this is a perfect stroller, but for shlepping around in the car you'll need something more lightweight.Pros
smooth ride for baby and easy pushing for parent, comfortable, sleek modern design, narrow enough to fit through doors, high handle bar for tall people, adjusts to forward or rear facing, large storage basket, can be used with peg perego car seatCons
very heavy to lift, sunshade not long enough, they stopped making it :(love it
Reviewed by: michelle from us, Mar 25, 2009General Review
i've been using in for 2yrs and i still love it. i've been reading some of the reviews and dont see how it is unsafe. i is the best stroller i ever had (and i've had many).Pros
it's easy to pusheasy to fold
trendy
Cons
it only comes in really boring collors.it is very wide
Definitely recommend
Reviewed by: Mick B from Melbourne, Mar 18, 2009General Review
We bought this pram before baby was born, with the bassinette, and have very few complaints. We lent it to a friend for a week who returned her Bugaboo and purchased the RAD.We had a relative break the handle, which Valco (via David Jones) replaced free of charge.
We still use this pram for our child who is 2.5 years old. Only had one flat tyre after 2 years of use.
Pros
* It's light* Like the fact it can face both ways
* Easy to set-up (collapsing takes about 5 times to perfect)
Cons
* Sets of buzzer at some shops (have seen this with other prams as well though)Do not buy this pram
Reviewed by: J from Brisbane Australia, Jan 03, 2009General Review
Whoever has rated this pram as five stars must be a valco shareholder.This pram is very unsafe and should not meet australian safety standards.
Pros
Looks good,Can turn to face forward or rearward,
Wheelbase not as wide as the strider,
Cons
Unsafe,Avoid this pram.
Only good for 100% flat shopping centre with absolutely no bumps.
When going up or down a kerb the wheels lock at 90 degrees to direction of travel, VERY UNSAFE.
This also happens when going accross grass, not as unsafe but an absolute nightmare.
We bought this pram 4months before bubs was born and only now that he is three months old and we are getting out and about more that these problems have become evident. Something they wont tell you instore.
We are in the process of seeking a full refund.
It's Okay
Reviewed by: Anonymous user, Sep 04, 2008General Review
The stroller works great with our Peg Perego carrier seat. It made it easy to transfer my son directly to the stroller. It was a little hard to collapse at first, but after several tries I finally got it right.Pros
1. Nice looking2. Large basket
3. Pushes easily
Cons
1. Hard to collapse (still haven't mastered collapsing with the stroller seat yet)2. Heavy
what a shame
Reviewed by: yvette from queensland au, Aug 19, 2008General Review
this pram has the potential to be super fab good width to get in and out of shops great bassinet to remove four wheels and a farrari wow factorPros
removable bassinetfour wheel design
high handle bar setting
the i dont need to look for the biggest gap factor
Cons
child (laying down baby) not comfy bought a insert to make child comfy(did not work)after changing whole frame twice due to awful wheels and general bad behavior demanded full refund which i got
and very relived not being chased out of shops any more
you are a complete plum if you buy this pram!!
JULY 13,2008
Reviewed by: JUDY from BROOKLYN, NY, Jul 14, 2008General Review
THE VALCO RAD IS A VERY CLASSY LOOK. I THOUGHT IT IS A GREAT CARRAIGE UNTILL I WAS STROLLING DOWN THE STREET D PAST A 1/2 INCH BUMP AT THE END OF SIDE WALK AND MY CARRAIGE TOPPLED OVER WITH MY 3 1/2 WEEK OLD BABY IN IT THANK GOD NOTHING HAPPENED TO MY BABYPros
LOOKS PREATY, LARGE BASKIT, COME WITH A BUNTING FOR THE WARMTH, ADJUSTABLE HANDLECons
FROM WHEALS DONT WHEEL SMOOTHLYGood for baby or toddler - not for inbetween!
Reviewed by: Pink lady from Sydney, May 26, 2008General Review
Whilst using the bassinette at home, the Rad was fantastic. Until the problems began. First the front wheels would hit each other and it wouldn't steer properly. Then the rubber grip ripped due to the poorly designed collapse manouvre in which the handle bar rubs against the tyres. Sent it away for repair twice and it was returned covered in grease! Always set off buzzers when going in and out of stores - very embarrassing! Large basket was nice. Seat far too big for a 4 or 5 month old who wants to see the world - kept on sliding over to the side! Doesn't recline flat.Pros
- Large basket- Collapses easily (though poor in design)
Cons
- Terrible wheels- Bad seat design
- Seat too large and cumbersome
Could go on forever - but wont. I would not recommend this pram for anyone who wants to use it for a 4-18 month old.
Wouldn't buy it again
Reviewed by: Anonymous user from New York, May 09, 2008General Review
Very hard to steer, front wheels get stuck. Customer service is excellent though and they sent me a repair kit for the front wheels so it works much better now.Pros
Huge basket, very comfortable seat for the baby to sit in, pretty sturdy stroller, great adjustable handlebar, easy to reclineCons
very heavy to push, sun canopy to small, folds too big for my trunk, in some stores the frame makes the buzzer go offFantastic pram
Reviewed by: Olivia from Australia, Mar 28, 2008General Review
We have used this pram from birth for our first baby, and have found it to be fantastic. The basinette and toddler seat can face forward or backwards, which is great for turning toddlers away from the bright sunshine. The basket underneath is a lot bigger than most prams and even fits a full basket of groceries, or a jumbo box of nappies. The toddler seat is nice and big so our 14 month old still has plenty of room to move. The handle moves up and down easily for taller or shorter users. I get lots of comments on our pram and people always ask where I got it. Ours also came with a rain cover. The basinette rim also comes right up high so the newborn is protected from the wind, unlike some other basinette covers.Pros
Being able to turn the seat around. The bright color! Handle bar for baby to hold onto.Cons
At first it is very difficult to put the frame down to put in the car, but after about 6 or 7 tries you just 'get it' and then it's easy! Wheels sometimes twist at times, like when going down a gutter, and make it a bit difficult to push! Just put your foot on the bar across the bottom and push forward and it will fix the front wheels.worst pram EVER!!!
Reviewed by: natalie from sydney, Jan 22, 2008General Review
I had this pram for a year its been to factory to get repaired twice and came back worse.. finally we returned it and chose a new pram manufacturer called us and they told us to bring back in it has faults in particular the front wheels keep locking makes it very hard to steer with toddler -18mnths old. must be only designed for stylish looks.Pros
looks greatlooks great
did I mention looks great
Cons
*heavy frame*steers very poorly
*sun canopy is too short
*very heavy
*has two separate parts
*gets scratched every time you collapse to put in boot of car
Very easy to use and smooth ride
Reviewed by: Arlene from San Francisco, CA USA, Nov 09, 2007General Review
I've been using the Rad for 6 months now. Overall, my husband and I really like this stroller. It is very easy to use and has all the features we were looking for - reversible seat, air tires, car seat adaptor, adjustable height handlebar, big basket. This is our main stroller that we use for shopping trips, dining out, and walks around the neighborhood. This stroller would not be good if you have to use public transportation or bring it up and down steps every day as it is too heavy. We live in a third floor apartment so we keep the Rad in the trunk of our car in the garage. One of the best features is how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height. My husband is over 6' and I'm 5'. We also find it useful to push in the handlebar to fit in crowded elevators and tableside at restaurants.Pros
1. Smooth ride2. Easy to adjust handlebar height
3. Big, accessible basket
4. Easy to switch seat from forward-facing to rear-facing
5. Easy to switch among bassinet, Graco car seat adaptor, and seat
6. Comes with footmuff and rainshield
7. Frame stands when folded (I don't even bother using the locking strap.)
8. Not tippy at all - even with a diaper bag and shopping bags hanging from the handlebar
9. Easy to fold
10. Bassinet is plush and can be used separately
11. Bumper bar is easy to remove
12. Fits in small spaces - not too wide and not too long when handlebar is at lowest point
13. Easy to remove rear wheels for cleaning or when a smaller fold is needed
14. Foot brake is easy to use
15. Seat is big and sits higher up
16. Responsive customer service
Cons
1. Heavy2. Sun canopy is inadequate for small child
3. No Cupholder - although the Valco universal cupholder (purchased separately) fits well on the inside of the frame and doesn't interfere with the fold
4. When using the bassinet or seat rear-facing, the basket is less accessible
5. Wish there was a travel bag made for it
6. No instruction manual
total nightmare
Reviewed by: Melissa from Victoria, Oct 13, 2007General Review
I got this pram after having to send my Silvercross pram back, first the wheels got jammed so it had to be sent back. Then and still to this day everytime I go through a secruity buzzer it sets the alarm off, very annoying!, and time consumeing. Not worth the money at all and has been nothing but a headache since I got it, never will I recommend a Valco pram or buy one!Pros
Easy to pushCons
Frame sets buzzers offUnderneath basket hard to get to
I DON'T RECOMMEND IT!!!
Reviewed by: Clarissa from Australia, Sep 26, 2007General Review
I definitely would not recommend this pram. It is all about looks & not enough about good design. It is not worth the expense! I purchased this pram a year ago. We have had a lot of trouble steering the pram, as if it hit a bump (like the end of the escalator) it would get stuck & you had to actually lift the front wheels up to get moving. Needless to say this is very dangerous! After taking the front wheels off & my husband doing some adjusting with the screwdriver, it seems to steer a lot better. The other complaint is that the seat does not lie flat. I didn't think this would be a problem when we bought it but now that my son is a bit older he is finding it very uncomfortable to fall asleep in. Also, when colapsing the pram, the front metal scraps. They should have put some rubber on this so that the pram could keep it looks while colapsing well. The only good things about this pram apart from its looks, is that it colapes quite easily, the basket is quite big & accessable, and the biggest plus it that you can change the seat around so bubs can face you. However, when having my next child I will be getting a different pram!Pros
Collapes easilySeat turns to face both directions
Big accessable basket
Looks good
Cons
STEERS REALLY BADLY AND WHEELS GET STUCK!!Heavy to push
Front metal chrome scrapes
Expensive
the best
Reviewed by: jen from colorado, Jun 26, 2007General Review
i just recieved the rad. took it out of the box,put it together(much easier than bugaboo)put my son in,and he loved it, big ol grin immediatley.. we went for a stroll, this stroller is amazing... i had a peg perego and hated it. so rinky dink for all that money, also own a zooper zydeco,dont need that any more ..we loooove the valco rad.. it is RAD.Pros
everything..it is a large stroller and very comfy for baby, but yet fits in my jetta trunk with room to spare.Cons
noneLOVE IT
Reviewed by: Kat from Nowra, NSW, Jun 07, 2007General Review
I have been using our RAD for about 6 months now and LoVe it, after having heaps of prams between my 3 kids this is my fav. It is easy to get around the shops, goes great on and off road, my 4 year old can still fit in it, my DD loves it and sleeps in it regularly (she prefers it to her bed) I love itPros
Reversable seatgreat on and off road
large seat
holds up to 20kg
Cons
it is a bit bulkycant fold with the seat in the reverse position
it doesnt come in PINK :P
WASTE OF MONEY!
Reviewed by: Sarah from Queensland, Jun 03, 2007General Review
We firstly purchased the LoveNCare Adiva but after having to send it back to the factory 3 times to have the wheels fixed, decided to get another pram which we then purchased the Valco Rad. This pram is completely overrated. Firstly the seat does not recline flat so your baby can't lie down properly (it has it's feet stuck in the air) which obviously we knew about when we purchased it but our baby just won't settle in this pram which is making for a headache when we go out. Secondly, it is a really hard pram to steer. You have to do all of the steering/pulling/pushing from the back as the front doesn't seem to have any give in it. When you go up and down a gutter the front wheels kind of crumble in and you have to pick it up and flick the wheels out (really dangerous when you are crossing a street quickly) and it doesn't ease around easily, I often have to pick it up and move it if I'm in a tight-squeeze area. A complete disaster of a pram I feel. I would be happier with a $100.00 Target stroller than this pram. I hate going out with it because I know what I am going to have to go through at the shops to get the pram in and out of areas. It feels like your pushing around a heavy full trolley. Don't do it!Pros
Looks niceFairly big basket
Cons
Hard to manouvreSeat does not recline flat
Front wheels don't work properly
Feels like your pushing a trolley!
Love my new pram!
Reviewed by: Lia from Sydney, Apr 26, 2006General Review
I just purchased the new Valco Rad, to replace my Valco Runabout Deluxe, which I hated.This model is just as compact as the Runabout, as far as fitting it into my car boot. I love that the undercarriage basket is so accessible, regardless of the position of the seat.
I also love the fact that the seat is revisible, so bub can be facing forward or backwards. And it is very easy to adjust.
One of the things I hated about the Runabout was the backrest adjustment, using the 2 zippers. It was difficult to adjust, and if bub was asleep and I wanted to recline the seat, I would always wake her as it is such a difficult pram to adjust when there is a baby in there. Whilst the Rad still requires 2 hands to adjust the recline, it is so much smoother and easier.
My only complaint is that the seat doesn't recline flat, it stiil has the "V" shape in the bum that you can't flatten out. So bub can't lie flat, but I figure if it's good enough for Bugaboo, then it's good enough for us!!
It pushes nicely, is super easy to collapse and open, fairly light, and looks funky to boot. The only thing you have to be careful with when you collapse it is the shiny bit of metal beneath the footrest rubs on the ground and is easily scratched. So when you collapse it, put the brake on first, then pull it up towards you so the front is up in the air, and that way it won't hit the ground and scratch. It will take a bit of getting used to but I'm sure it will be fine.
I haven't taken bub out in it yet as I only got it a couple of days ago, but so far I think it will be great. So much better than the runabout!! And not nearly as side a chassis so hopefully I'll be able to fit down shopping isles and through checkouts without any real issues!
Pros
- Easy to fold & unfold- Easy to adjust seat recline
- Fabulous access to undercarriage basket
- Easy to steer
- Handle is easy to adjust and suits most heights
- Sturdy
- Looks pretty funky
Cons
- Can't recline seat to a flat laying position, so bub's feet are up in the air when the seat is fully reclined- Hard to access the zippered pocket on the back as it's very tight. Only suitable for small, flat items like mobile phones
- Shiny metal beneath footrest can scratch easily when you collapse the pram
- Bub's fingers could possibly get jammed in the hood mechanism, as it sits on the inside on the pram area, and if you flip the hood back, the uprights close together and could catch little fingers.