Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi review

After supplying the likes of Littlewoods, Index and Obaby, Kids Kargo began selling online directly to the public in 2011 and has a range of pushchairs from singles to triples. The company’s range of double buggies includes its superlight Duo Tandem (£169.99), Duel DS Combi (£315) for a toddler and newborn, and three-wheeler Fitty Jogger (£359.99), as well as the Duellette travel system (from £349).

We tested the Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi, which includes two convertible carrycot/seats so it can be used for a toddler and a newborn, or for twins from newborn.

At £419, the system is great value for a tandem pushchair. It is pricier than competitors like the Joie Evalite Duo (£250), which doesn’t have the benefit of all the different seat configurations, and a tad more expensive than the Hauck Duett 2 (£399.99). However, it is a more budget-friendly option than the BabyStyle Hybrid Tandem (£638), which needs an additional carrycot (£149) if you want to use it from newborn.

You can buy the Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi direct from Kids Kargo or Image For Kidz

First impressions?

I was intrigued by the convertible carrycot/seat units, but having just had a new baby and with my energetic 21-month-old in tow, it was important for me that the pushchair would be easy to use.

The Duellette Combi looks smart and I liked the extra zips that extend the sunshade on the seat and bassinet and the vents within them. The zip pockets on the back were great and the storage room at the bottom was good (when not using the bassinet on the bottom). It’s easy to manoeuvre, smart, slim and easy to assemble. It is heavier than other leading brands but for its price very comparable.

What age is the Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi suitable for?

The Duellette is suitable for newborn when in carrycot mode, and can be used up to 15kg, or around 3 years, when you convert the carrycots to toddler seats.

How many different modes/configurations does the Duellette BS Combi offer?

The Duellette has multiple modes, which can be used for twins or for children and newborns. I tested the pushchair with the newborn carrycot/bassinet and the toddler seat.

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How does the Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi fold?

The Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi folds extremely easily, but the frame is separate to the seats and bassinet so it is in 3 parts. To fold, you have to remove the seats then the chassis folds down onto itself into a flat fold. To make it really compact to fit in most car boots, the wheels will need to be taken off, but this is really easy to do with one hand.

How compact is the Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi when folded and unfolded?

When unfolded, the Duellette is 88x109x65cm. When folded, it is 41x99 x65cm. For a double pushchair, the fold and storage is not bad.

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

Kids Kargo claims that the Duellette can fit in the car boot of a Fiesta, so I was keen to test this out, especially as we use our car quite frequently. We have a BMW hatchback boot and the Duellette did fit in the boot, so I was impressed - it only just fitted and the wheels had to be removed and all 3 parts disassembled and placed in a specific order.

However, that is comparable to other double buggies on the market. But the Duellette didn’t fit in the Ford Ka we also use on a regular basis, which was disappointing.

How lightweight is the Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi?

The Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi weighs 18.5kg in total, a tad lighter than, say, the Silver Cross Wave, which comes in at 19.5kg in double mode.

I felt it was heavy for me to use, trying to get up and down kerbs or steps or potentially on and off buses and trains. Saying that, I have been used to the lightweight Bugaboo Bee with my first child, so it’s a hard act to follow!

How easy is the Duellette to push?

It is easy to push even with both seats on in tandem mode and as it’s slimline it’s pretty easy to manoeuvre. But I did find that as it is heavy sometimes going around corners, or going over bumps and kerbs felt harder when pushing.

Also, I would love it if there was a way to make the bassinet on the bottom stick out less so that you don’t hit your shins when you walk.

How does it ride on different surfaces?

It’s good on all surfaces including grass, rocky surfaces, and gravel as the back wheels are large, it feels sturdy but heavy.

It doesn’t feel flimsy at all but mounting kerbs and large cobbles is slightly harder due to the Duellette’s weight.

How is it on public transport?

I’m afraid I didn’t have the guts to go on public transport due to the weight of the buggy and trying to get up onto the trains and buses. In addition I’ve had a c-section so for 4 weeks post birth getting up and down large steps or across the sizeable gap on train platforms would be difficult.

What do you think of the wheels?

The wheels are sturdy and easy to get on and off. I liked that the front wheels can be swivel or fixed, and that the large back wheels make it easy to tackle most terrains.

Is the frame strong, durable?

Yes it is, but it marks easily, which is a shame as the design is really sleek.

What do you think of the handles?

The handlebar is excellent and easy to adjust. It adjusts by angling up or down. The handlebar extends from 95cm to 105cm, which suited me at 5ft 4ins and my husband at 5ft 10ins.

What do you think of the size of the seat units/carrycot?

The seat is a good size for toddlers and fit my 21-month-old easily, I couldn’t say how well it would fit an average 3-year-old or bigger than normal toddler but it looked like a decent size and is suitable for use up to 15kg. The carry cot is an excellent size, and has a good depth to it.

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How many recline positions are there?

There are three recline positions, and while the toddler seat doesn’t offer a fully lie-flat recline, the carrycot is completely flat.

How comfortable does it feel for your little ones?

This pushchair seems very comfy, with lots of padding, which is easily removable to wash if needed and also has nice design options/colours.

How comfortable is it in tandem mode?

For a newborn, the carrycot is a comfy ride in all modes. However, I’d say it’s only comfy for a toddler if the seat is on top. This is because if the seat is placed in the lower position on the chassis under the carrycot, your toddler’s head is right in front of the carrycot. Most toddlers (mine included!) wouldn’t want their view blocked by a carrycot at eye level when facing forward.

Twin or tandem - which should I choose?

How is interacting with your little?

It is easy to interact if you have the seats facing towards you, or if the sun shade is extended there are vents so you can see through them as well.

If you want the sunshade extended on the carrycot when it in the lower chassis position you have to have the cot facing away from you which is a shame with a newborn as it’s nice to have them facing you.

What do you think of the hood?

The hood is absolutely excellent as it has extra zips that allow it to fold out further than many other buggies so your baby gets full protection. In addition there are vents in the hood to keep cool. There are really nice colour options to choose from.

Tell us about the brakes.

These are very good. The back brake over the right wheel is easy to use and goes on and off easily.

How easily can you access the basket and is it big enough to store everything you need?

The Duellette’s basket is very easy to access and a large storage area if you are not using the carrycot/tandem mode. It is inaccessible with the carrycot on the bottom. But it’s a good size when you do have access to it.

Is the Kids Kargo Duellette BS Combi car seat compatible?

Yes, the Kids Kargo Duellette Combi is compatible Maxi-Cosi infant seats - you have to buy adaptors through Kids Kargo for this. Or you can use the Kids Kargo car seat.

What are some of your favourite design features of the Duellette travel system?

The sun hoods and vents. The ease of frame assembly and disassembly. The slimline nature for a double buggy.

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Two x convertible seat/carrycot units
• Two x raincovers
• Two x mattresses
• Two x carrycot aprons

Are there any optional extras?

• Matching footmuff (£35 or two for £65)
• Changing bag (£30)
• Kids Kargo O+ Safety Pod car seat (£89)
• Maxi-Cosi adapters (£25 per set)

Is it easy/hard to build the product?

The Duellette Combi is easy to build with instruction that are useful and online videos available too, probably took about 30mins.

What do you think buyers should know before they buy the item?

It is heavy, but for its price range that’s to be expected, and it’s good value for money.

Who would the product be most useful for?

Most useful for two toddlers or for a non-newborn where you can use either two seats or a car seat and toddler seat, as I found the carry cot on the bottom bulky/slightly difficult to walk with.

Is there anything unique about this product?

A slimline design for a double buggy and its good value price.

What is the price? Is this good value for money?

The Kids Kargo Duellette Combi costs £419, which I do think is good value for money. You get two raincovers - pretty essential in the UK but not always included – but not footmuffs.

MadeForMums verdict:

An excellent value for money tandem pushchair, with nice design and colour options. It is slimline so able to fit through all doors and manoeuvre along narrow streets or cobbles. But it’s a little heavy for getting on and off public transport and the toddler seat on the bottom doesn’t allow a huge amount of room.

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How we reviewed the product:

Victoria is a mum of a 21-month-old and a newborn, living in Brighton. She spends a lot of time walking along the seafront as well as using the car and public transport, so baby products that make life easier are a must.

MadeForMums product reviews are independent, honest and provide advice you can have confidence in. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links. However we never allow this to influence our coverage. Our reviews and articles are written by parents who are professional journalists, and we also include feedback from our parent community and industry experts.