Bertini X2 Automatic Review



Review by: Annabel

Introduction



The X2 is one of four new models recently released by Australian manufacturer Bertini. This particular model, with its large rear wheels and small swivelling front wheels, has obvious similarities to many others now on the market. The two significant differences between the X2 and the market leader, the Bugaboo Cameleon, is that the seat and footrest on the X2 adjust independently, resulting in a long flat seat for a child to sleep in. Perhaps even more significantly, the X2 folds in one piece. These are desirable features for many people, and the following review explores the workings of the Bertini X2 in detail, to see how well it functions in use.

Seat design and function


Seat in most upright position.







Seat fully reclined.







Seat adjust mechanism.



One of the large blue buttons to reverse seat unit.













Seat unit is quite shallow.



The X2 has a reversible seat which is large and well supported, and reclines close enough to completely flat. With the footrest extended this makes for a long flat bed in which my nearly 3 year old can stretch out to sleep. The seat is quite shallow, and for very young babies I would suggest purchasing the optional bassinet.

The seat reclines using a lever on the back of the seat. As the seat back reclines, the seat bottom moves forward in a gliding movement. To reverse the seat simply press the large blue buttons either side of the seat to unlock it, and after turning, push down on the seat to click it into place.

The bumper swings out for easy access to the seat, although I still find the mechanism to reattach the bumper a bit clumsy. When the seat is upright, the bumper will only open out in the forward facing position.

The shelf of the footrest flips up when not in use, and when required the footrest can be folded back out of the way. The footrest can simply be lifted into position, and requires buttons pressed on either side to fold it away.

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Child safety harness




Very low harness slots for young babies.







The X2 has an unusual harness harness buckle which took me some time to figure out how to open. To do the harness up, four separate clips need to be fed into the circular lock. To undo the harness you need to push the blue button up, and then push the bottom of the button in. I find having to put in the four clips more time consuming than the standard 5 point harness which requires just two clips, however it is much easier to get at the straps when the top and side straps are not joined. Undoing the harness is kind of challenging, but I imagine the mechanism will loosen and become easier over time.

The straps themselves are made of a lovely soft webbing, and there are slots at three different heights for them to come out the back of the seat. The lowest slots are very low and would fit a very young baby well. The harness pads wrap around the straps and attach with velcro which makes them quick and easy to take on and off.

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Hood or Canopy








Sun visor flips under when not in use.





The X2 has a wonderful large hood which extends down to the bumper bar when the backrest is upright. The hood has a flip out mesh sun visor at the front and a large mesh area under a flap at the rear to provide both a viewing window for parents and increased air flow for the child.

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Handle design and function






Handle at lowest position.



Round blue button adjusts handle height.



The X2 has an adjustable handle which is covered in a soft foam. The handle adjusts easily with buttons on either side, and adjusts to a good range of heights to suit people of different sizes.

The handle adjusts from 89.5 cm or 35.2 in up to 108 cm or 42.5 in tall.


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Storage




The X2 has a basket that is very easy to access whichever position the seat is in. The basket, if anything, is on the small side for such a large pram, but items can be stacked high in it which increases the amount of goods that will fit.

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Wheel brakes


Brake engaged.


The brakes on the X2 are easily engaged by pressing on a central pedal. The brakes are just as easy to disengage by flicking the pedal back up. Once on, the brakes hold the pram firmly in place.

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Fold mechanism


Small blue button pushes in, larger square buttons push down frame.


Seat unit rear facing.


Seat unit forward facing.


The X2 folds in one piece with the seat facing in both directions. Before folding, the footrest needs to be raised, and for a more compact fold the backrest needs to be reclined. It also helps if the brake is engaged, as some pressure needs to be exerted forwards towards the front wheels, and with the brake off the pram just pushes away.

To fold the pram, one hand needs to push in the small blue button on the side of the handle, whilst both hands push the larger black buttons down the frame towards the front wheels. Some pressure is needed when doing this to counteract the gas lift mechanism which opens the pram automatically. The small blue fold button is in something of an awkward spot, and this combined with the pressure required to fold the pram take some getting used to. The fold has certainly become easier with time.

As mentioned the pram springs open with the slightest pull on the handlebar. The pram is large but reasonably compact when folded, but has no way of being locked shut, which would be handy given the way it springs open so easily. The dimensions of the folded pram are very similar regardless of whether the seat is forward or rear facing.



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Wheels

Rear pneumatic tyres.


Front swivel wheels.


The 30 cm or 11.8 in air filled rear wheels easily handle uneven terrain and provide for a smooth ride for baby. The 20 cm or 7.9 in front swivel wheels also handle uneven ground reasonably well. I was able to push straight over a one inch rise in the pavement which can stop some prams dead, however it did make something of a rough ride for my passenger.

Both front and rear wheels can be removed with the push of a button, and the front wheels can be locked in place if needed.


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Manoeuvrability

On smooth surfaces I personally found the steering on X2 to be a bit heavy. That's not to say it didn't steer well. To the contrary it was easy to manoeuvre with one hand in tight spaces, and although it is quite large I found this an excellent pram for a days shopping. It just didn't glide along effortlessly the way some prams do.

Outside the X2 also handled well, although it did push downhill on the footpath, so it would not be ideal for people wanting to do serious exercise with it. It handled rough ground well and easily went up and down curbs.

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Size

Unfolded dimensions
60 cm or 23.6 in wide
85 cm or 33.5 in long (seat upright)
113 cm or 44.5 in long (seat reclined when rear facing)

Folded dimensions
60 cm or 23.6 in wide
49 cm or 19.3 in high (seat reversed)
52 cm or 20.5 in high (seat forward)
105 cm or 41.3 in long (seat reversed)
104 cm or 40.9 in long (seat forward)

Weight
14.9 kg or 32.8 lbs



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Accessories




The X2 comes with a raincover, tyre pump and boot cover/cosy toes. The entire Bertini X Series is designed to be multi functional. The X2 seat and chassis are sold separately, and as well as fitting the pram chassis, the seat can be placed on the multi-function stand for use as a highchair, or on the rocker base for use as a baby rocker. The multi function stand also takes the bassinet and car seat/baby carrier (this seat is not approved for use as a car seat in Australia). Other optional accessories include a sheepskin seat liner, UV shade cover and play/snack tray.

Toddler Seat


none



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Summary and Rating

Pros

  • Large flat seat with adjustable legrest makes a very comfortable place for a child to sleep
  • Seat unit is reversible
  • Folds in one piece with the seat facing in either direction
  • Springs open with a light touch of the handle.
  • Large hood provides excellent sun protection and mesh in back of hood provides good ventilation
  • Bumper swings out for easy access to seat when seat forward facing
  • Manoeuvres well inside and out

Cons

  • Fold button in awkward position
  • Bumper is awkward to reattach to the pram frame, and does not open when seat is reversed
  • There is no way to lock pram in folded position
  • Seat unit is quite shallow
  • Pram steers downhill on the footpath
  • Basket is on the small side for a large pram

Conclusion

The Bertini X2 is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile pram which can take a child from newborn. It is not the most rugged pram for off-road use, nor is it the zippiest stroller for whizzing around the shops. It does however have some standout features, such as the reversible seat with the terrific long, flat recline, the one part fold, and the brilliant sun canopy, which make this functional and stylish pram real competition to similar offerings on the market.

Rating

Overall Rating(out of 5)

star star star star half star

Seat Rating

half star

Harness Rating

half star

Hood/Canopy Rating

half star

Handle Design Rating

half star

Storage Rating

half star

Brakes Rating

half star

Fold Rating

half star

Wheels Rating

half star

Manoeuvrability Rating

half star

Accessories Rating

half star



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