Stokke Xplory Review

All stroller reviews
Review by: Jelita78

Introduction



This Norwegian product was introduced to the world in 2003. The Stokke® Xplory® is one of a kind and said to be the only stroller in the world to elevate your child to be closer to you, increasing the parent- child interaction. Although recently there’s the similar looking Joolz Bloom which has been giving this stroller a run for its money, it however may take a few more years for it to achieve the competitive level of the Stokke® Xplory® which continues to stay strong and true to its creative innovations.

The Stokke® Xplory® is made of high profile aluminum types and polymer plastics said to be produced to the same standards and quality used in motor vehicle and airplane production.

In the middle of 2006, Stokke® has made some major improvements on its Xplory® model, which includes the strengthening of the front wheel bolts and frame to give higher durability. The Stokke® Xplory® levers, handles and wheel brakes were also given a makeover and painted in white for better visibility.

Seat design and function


Seat forward facing, fully upright



Seat forward facing, fully reclined



Seat rear facing, fully upright



Seat rear facing, middle recline



Seat rear facing, fully recline



Seat reclining lever



Seat removable mechanism



Seat adjustable height lever



Seat at lowest adjustable height



Seat at highest adjustable height



Footrest adjustable height mechanism



Footrest adjustable heights











Padded baby seat insert, harness pad and seat rail (all removable)



Pocket located behind the seat



Pocket acts as a support stand



The Stokke® Xplory® seat is designed like a chair with a high backrest. It measures 20 inches (50.8cm) tall, 10 inches (25.4cm) wide and 9 inches (23cm) deep. The high backrest enables my 4year old son of 102cm (40.2 inches) tall to comfortably sit in it, still not touching the edge of the seat and have heaps more room to reach the hood! No wonder it is stated in the user guide booklet that this stroller can take up to a 108cm (42.5 inches) tall child, and I’m not surprised if it can fit taller than that. The seat is stated to be able to handle up to a 45lbs or 20kg child, that would be about 4 to 5 years of age!

The seat has 2 forward facing recline angles and 3 in the reversible positions. The seat reclines with the flip of either one of the thumb sized levers located at the bottom left and right side of the seat. Two levers are available for the convenience of the parent to recline the seat from either the left or right side. I find this feature useful as I can use my other hand to hold the seat and adjust it to the desired reclining positions, unlike other strollers, such as the Maclaren for example, where I had to use both hands to adjust the reclining lever on the left and right side and then had to press the seat from front to make sure the seat reclined properly and not tilted to one side.

The seat is removable by pressing upwards on a panel located under the white handle on both sides of the seat, and then lifting it up. At first, I found this to be very difficult but as I have played with it several times, I have discovered the trick is to make sure the seat is in the most upright sitting positions as then the panel will angle directly upward and it is easy to grip, pull upward, and lift. Do take note that it is possible to remove the seat while it is at other reclining positions but for me, I believe it is to be easier done at the most upright level.
To secure the seat back onto the frame, simply push the seat down till you hear a loud click on both sides of the seat arm and the green button sticking up indicates that the seat is securely locked onto the frame.

The seat sits upright at almost 90º angle, just like the normal dining chair giving this Stokke® Xplory® one of its most popular functions, as a high chair.

The seat can be set at multiple heights by unclipping the hook style lever at the bottom of the seat that attaches to the central bar. The hook can be clipped back at any height along the spine, thanks to the numerous carved levels.

The removable footrest can be adjusted to 4 height levels simply by turning the knob on both sides of the seat. I slightly dislike this feature because both hands are needed to adjust the footrest and at times the footrest can easily slipped out of the seat completely.

The footrest shortest distance from the seat base is 4.5 inches (11.4cm) and adjustable to the furthest length of 9 inches (22.9cm).

You will need to widen the gap between the footrest and the seat, or initially remove it in order to set up the seat rear facing. This is because of the wide oval shaped handle that gets in the way. The thick frame also makes it difficult for the seat to recline if the footrest is at the shortest length.

Although the Stokke® Xplory® range comes with the carry cot for the infant stage, I would say that my boy who was 3 months old was snug enough to use this seat as it is able to recline almost flat while in rear facing and the 2 inches thick padded baby insert helps to make the seat less bucket-shape.

The seat rail can be fastened and removed onto the frame by 2 screws on each side.

There is a removable pocket located behind the seat for the parents to keep some small essential things like small toys, pacifier, keys, handphone, lipstick or perhaps some cash for the go. But, it doesn’t stop there. The Stokke® Xplory® proves itself to be unique by making this pocket extra special and unlike the ordinary. It acts as a support stand which enables the seat to be used on its own when it is not mounted on the stroller. This pocket is built strong enough that your child can still remain in the seat and lay securely on the ground instead of unsteadily rocking up and down.




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Child safety harness


Fastened 5-point harness



Centre buckle unfastened



Fully detachable straps



The Stokke® Xplory® 5-point harness snaps in from the top of the centre buckle and both left and right straps lock into separate slots. The harness can be also be released separately and the straps are not dependent on each other. The shoulder strap and the hip strap are both detachable too, making another optional way to unbuckle the child without fiddling with the centre buckle.

There are 3 shoulder slot levels on the seat with the lowest slot at 9 inches (23cm)from the seat base and the highest slot at 13 inches(33cm).

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Hood or Canopy


Partial hood coverage



Full hood coverage



Mesh hooded option



Unzipped hood for other angle coverage



Full hood coverage from side view



From the look of the hood, you might say it has a 3 part fold, but as you open the hood for coverage, it springs only twice. The first part of this water proof hood is 14 inches (35.6cm) while the second part is 10 inches (25.4cm) deep. The second part of the hood can be flipped upward to reveal a full net fabric for maximum air ventilation, and acts as a viewing window too.

The edge of the hood can be unzipped to enable coverage at other angles. I have actually discovered this while taking my baby out to the mall. Inside the mall, the lighting seamed to be coming from every angle and because I used to have a Combi that comes with totally huge hood coverage, I was very disappointed with what Stokke® Xplory® has.

As my baby was soundly asleep in the full reclining rear facing seat, I tried to extend the hood upfront by detaching it from the seat backrest. Amazingly the hood can be secured like this and this shielded my baby from the top shimmering light. But then again, the head part will be exposed which this is not to my liking but I guess I can live with it, for now that is.

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Handle design and function


Handle at lowest bar position



Handle at middle bar height



Handle at highest bar position



Handle at lowest angle positioning



Handle at middle angle positioning



Handle at upper bar position



Handle at highest bar position



Handle at inward positioning



Handle bar height adjustable panel



Handle angle adjustable lever



Oval shaped handle



Now comes another one of Stokke® Xplory® distinctive designs. The handle itself is an oval shape. At first, I did not see the advantage of it, especially in regards to hanging my handbag as it keeps moving and sliding off, but I realised the beauty of it when my father used it. My father has rheumatoid arthritis and his knuckles and wrists are often in pain. Thanks to this unique handle, he managed to happily push my son for a brisk walk around the neighbourhood! This handle enabled him to put his hand and rest his wrist in any kind of position, with no restriction, thus allowing him to push the stroller with ease.

Similar to the seat, the handle too can be adjusted to multiple height levels along the central bar by lifting the white triangle panel located on top of the handle. The lowest bar height is at 31 (78.7cm) inches from the ground and the highest bar adjustment is at 39 inches (99cm) from the ground.

The oval shaped handle can be adjusted in 4 different angles, providing comfort, style and allowing for maximum height and lowest position handling. The handle reaches its highest position at 45.5 inches (115.6cm) from the ground and the lowest handle point available is at 26 inches (66cm). These angles are easily adjusted by pressing down the white lever at the lower part of the handle.

The handle can be flipped to the inside of the bar when the child is static or when the stroller is not in use. I adjust the handle to be in this position whenever we are eating out at a restaurant. This is so that it will not get in the way or accidentally get hooked onto a passerby.

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Storage


Removable storage basket located on footplate



Storage basket zipped up closed and unused



Storage basket unzipped and ready to use



Storage basket in full capacity



Storage basket with seat facing forward at lowest position



Storage basket with seat facing forward at highest position



Storage basket with seat rear facing at lowest position



Storage basket with seat rear facing at highest position



Storage basket with drawstrings and carry handle



The Stokke® Xplory® comes with the most eye catching basket. It looks like a drawstring bag and is placed on the front triangular shaped footplate.

Due to the Stokke® Xplory® stroller design focusing on the robust central bar, when the seat is set at its lowest position, although the basket is inaccessible from front and back, it is still very accessible sideways.

The basket measures 12 inches (30.5cm) wide and 8 inches (20.3cm) deep. The front footplate enables the storage basket to open up as high as 13 inches (33cm)tall. And although the limit is 5kg (11 lb), I’m sure it can support more than that.

The storage basket comes with a drawstring to close the top and carry handle for easy handling. This allows you to carry the groceries with the basket all at once without having to remove them separately.



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Wheels and Brakes

Front swivel wheels


Large rear wheels


The Stokke® Xplory® wheels are made of durable soft rubber tyres with micro air capsules, reducing the risk of puncturing.

Front swivel but non-lockable wheels are 1.5 inches (3.8cm) thick with 6.5 inches (16.5cm) in diameter, and both are 13 inches (33cm) apart. The large removable rear wheels measure at 9 inches (23cm) in diameter, 2 inches (5cm) thick and both are at 18 inches (45.7cm) apart.

There is no brake bar or wheel bar, and this allows you to take big strides while walking, due to the open space.

Wheels size:

Front wheels
Thick: 1.5 inches (3.8cm)
Diameter: 6.5 inches (16.5cm)
Width: 13 inches (33cm) apart

Rear wheels
Thick: 2 inches (5.1cm)
Diameter: 9 inches (22.9cm)
Width: 18 inches (45.7cm) apart


Brake disengaged


There’s only one brake lever for the Stokke® Xplory® and it is located on the right rear wheels. It is easy to apply, just press down for engaging the brake and press again the upper lever to release it.


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Fold mechanism


Folding mechanism


Folding mechanism


Frame folded


Seat by itself


2-piece fold


Stokke® Xplory® in 2 wheel mode


The Stokke® Xplory® has no complicated folding method because it doesn’t really fold up. It’s just a matter of having the front wheels much closer to the rear wheels. Yes, that’s just it! And yes, it is also a two piece fold. Absolutely not a compact stroller for keeps either. It fits well in our Honda City boot space but it was a pain to even get it into my father’s Mercedes C200. After a few twist and turns, we managed to get it in, but then we had to creatively squeeze in the groceries here and there around the stroller!

To fold it, simply push in the upper white lever whilst at the same time pulling upwards the lower lever, both located on the middle of the central bar. While doing that, lightly press with your feet the lower part of the white rectangular bar located between the rear wheels to release the frame in order to bring the front wheels closer to the back. I think this folding could be better if the front wheels were lockable as then I wouldn’t have to go around the front to make sure the wheels are in a straight line to snap neatly between the rear wheels.

This folding technique also can be done with the seat still attached to the frame as it will transform the stroller into a new mode. This is another one of Stokke® Xplory® undeniably creative design which is the 2-wheel mode. Perfect for walking on the beach, strolling on uneven paths and yes, the ultimate usage for the staircase!

And because the Stokke® Xplory® also doesn’t stand when folded and doesn’t come with strap for easy handling, this 2-wheel mode also is the best way to transport the stroller around, or else you will need to hold on tight to the central bar for carrying it, that is if you don’t mind the 12.5kg weight which just for the record, I don’t have any problem handling.

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Manoeuvrability

Let's be honest, shall we. What can possibly go wrong with the Stokke® Xplory®? The large rear wheels, swivel front wheels and 2-wheel mode are just perfect for handling on road, off road, and stairs too. But, it just can’t beat the Maclaren.

It took me a while to learn and understand how tyres work. I have to admit that sometimes I need to give the Stokke® Xplory® an extra push when turning, when this is effortless with the Maclaren. Finally, with the help of my mechanical engineer graduated father, I have found the reasoning. It’s the front castor wheels. The Stokke® Xplory® has smaller castor angle for its front wheel, making it slightly harder to rotate on its axis compared to the Maclaren wheels that are designed with larger castor angle for easier maneuvering.

I have tried the Stokke® Xplory® at the shopping mall and the park. Handling was great as the tyres seem to make the journey less bumpy. But of course, other matters also count, which include the seat positioning and where the nappy bag hangs. Seat in lowest and middle positions are great but as it reaches the highest point, I believe it started to slightly wobble, although still not majorly disturbing as my baby was still able to sleep soundly in it.

Next is that I tend to hang the nappy bag via its stroller straps on the handle. I can feel that when there’s extra weight applied on the handle, the stroller wobbles easily even on smooth surface. It somehow slightly affects the balance. I would say it’s my fault too because I usually loaded my nappy bag with both the boys' stuff including extra clothes and toys! I believe that lighter nappy bags or handbags would not be a problem.

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Size

It’s definitely not small, that I can assure you, but, I wouldn’t say the Stokke® Xplory® belongs in the medium sized stroller class either. It’s more of almost large, but not gigantic. It’s not as wide as the Quinny Buzz either. Due to its design focusing on the central bar, I get the feeling of it being a slim yet sturdy-tall-standing bloke, if there’s such thing to describe it as.

Stroller Dimensions:

Folded
37 inches (94cm) long
19.5 inches (49.5cm) high (including seat placed on top)
22 inches (56cm) wide (including wheels)

Unfolded
29 inches (73.7cm) long
40 inches (101.6cm) high (lowest seat positioning)
45 inches (114.3cm) high (highest seat positioning)
22 inches (56cm) wide

Seat dimensions:
9 inches (23cm) deep
10 inches (25.4cm) wide
20 inches (50.8cm) high

Seat positioning:
Lowest position from ground: 22 inches (56cm) high
Highest position from ground: 28 inches (71.1cm) high

Seat to footrest:
Nearest distance to seat base: 4.5 inches (11.4cm)
Furthest distance to seat base: 9 inches (23cm)

Handle bar:
Lowest position from ground: 31 inches (78.7cm) high
Highest position from ground: 39 inches (99.1cm) high

Handle bar holder:
Lowest angle positioning from ground: 26 inches (66cm) high
Highest angle positioning from groound 45.5 inches (115.6cm) high

Harness level:
Lowest distance from seat base: 9 inches (23cm)
Highest distance from seat base: 13 inches (33cm)



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Accessories


Stokke® Xplory® Raincover



Stokke® Xplory® Mosquito Net



Stokke® Xplory® comes complete with frame chassis, seat, baby insert, harness pad, hood/ canopy, matching storage basket, raincover, mosquito net, user guide booklet and a 3-year-warranty. I would suggest to Stokke® to come up with a DVD user guide because the instruction manual is not as comprehensive as it should be and thanks to the existence of youtube, or we might have ended up spending more than 2 hours to ensemble it all!

Stokke® Xplory® comes with gorgeous optional accessories that are well known not just for matching the 6 colour ranges, but also for their expensive prices. There’s the carrycot for infants and early months, and also available are two types of sleeping bag, for cold and light weather, to keep the baby snug. There are the car seat adaptors sold separately for either Maxi Cosi Cabrio, Peg Perego primo Viaggio Sip, or Graco Snugride car seats. Also available is the footmuff, changing bag that attaches to the Stokke® Xplory® central bar, parasol, wheeled travel bag to fit in the chassis and seat or carrycot, textile sets, and the Stokke® Harness™ designed for extra protection which can also be used with the Tripp Trapp high chair.

The machine washable seat and canopy fabric set are sold separately in 6 different colours – orange, turquoise, black, red, olive and cream so you can easily change them to suits your mood and budget too.

Stokke® Xplory® does not come with a cupholder as an accessory which really disappoints me as I am the must-have-starbucks-ice-blended mummy and it really annoys me to keep holding the cup all the time. Lucky the Stokke® Xplory® pushes one handed though.



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Summary and Rating

Pros

  • Higher seat positioning enables effective parent-child interaction
  • Acts as a high-chair when dining
  • High seat back and adjustable footrest length allows child up to 110cm (43.3 inches) tall to still be comfortable in it.
  • Easy seat recline mechanism
  • Easy seat height adjustable mechanism
  • Multiple harness handling
  • Easy handle height and angle adjust mechanism
  • Ergonomic oval shaped bar handle gives no restriction in handling
  • Large and easy access to storage basket
  • Excellent one handed steering
  • No risk of puncturing rubber tyres.
  • All terrain easy handling
  • 2-wheel mode handling perfect for stairs and rough terrain
  • 3 year warranty

Cons

  • Slightly difficult to change seat from facing forward to reverse and vice versa
  • Small castor angle for front wheels making it slightly difficult to maneuver
  • Wheel brake difficult to use when stroller in 2-wheel mode
  • Non lockable front wheels
  • Non compact 2-piece fold
  • Seat wobbles when at highest position
  • Seat wobbles when heavy item hung on the handle
  • No cupholder
  • Expensive accessories

Conclusion

The Stokke® Xplory® has broken the barrier for standard stroller types which focus solely on child comfort, but instead focuses more on the parent - child interaction as the main feature. That’s where the multiple seat height and multiple handlebar height applies. This elevates and brings the child closer to parent to increase both way interactions. Additional to that, it also reduces back pain too! I love seeing how easy it is for both my parents to interact with my baby in this stroller.

Although Stokke® Xplory® have achieved the most awards compared to other strollers, it still has its flaws. But nevertheless being bulky, non compact and heavy are only minor when compared to its unique specialty and in my opinion is money well spent.

Rating

Overall Rating(out of 5)

star star star star half star

Seat Rating

star star star star star

Harness Rating

star star star star star

Hood/Canopy Rating

star star star half star

Handle Design Rating

star star star star star

Storage Rating

star star star star star

Brakes Rating

star star star star half star

Fold Rating

star star star

Wheels Rating

star star star star

Manoeuvrability Rating

star star star star half star

Accessories Rating

star star star star half star



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