Maclaren Techno XT review

Parents throughout the ages has been thanking him silently ever since.

His genius design has made Maclaren one of the biggest and well-known pushchair brands in the world (maybe even the whole universe).

You can buy the Maclaren Techno XT stroller on Amazon.

There isn't a nursery, buggy park (or spaceship - just kidding) you won't see a Maclaren, they are just that popular.

And the Techno XT is the flagship Maclaren buggy.

While the trademark umbrella fold has been copied by hundreds of other lightweights, Maclaren’s quality, added features and durability keep this buggy a step ahead of the rest.

A refined version of the original Maclaren B-01 that took the buggy world by storm back in the 60s, it's lightweight, practical and easy to use.

Full video review of the Maclaren Techno XT

Is it actually a lightweight buggy?

Yes is it, but it may not be as light as you think. When the Techno XT first came onto the market years ago, it was one of the lightest buggies around.

However, it really hasn't changed much and there have been so many innovations in the last decade that you can now find strollers almost half the weight of the Techno XT.

But that doesn't mean it it's heavy, far from it, I can easily lift this buggy one-handed. I got this buggy when our less expensive Maclaren imitation started to buckle under the weight of my then two-and-half year old Finn.

It might look slightly bulkier than some of the other lightweights but what you lose in added weight (it’s 7.1kg) you more than gain in durability and strength.

Is it sturdy?

Yes, not only does the buggy appear well made and sturdy, it now has a unique sovereign lifetime warranty which lasts as long as you need a buggy for all your children.

Tell us about the recline.

With four recline positions, a one hand, five second folding mechanism and front and rear wheel suspension it’s easy to see why the Techno XT has been a market leader for years.

What's it like when pushing on different terrain?

The Techno XT is light and very easy to push, it'll tackle any surface an urban city can throw at it and is brilliant for travelling on public transport. I was never worried that it wouldn't fit down the isle of a bus or train carriage.

However, things do get a bit shaky on rougher terrain as the tires are small and you will feel strong judders if going over large tree roots or cracks in the pavement, but the suspension does a decent job to protect against knocks.

Beware; long grass can be this buggies downfall.

As the Techno XT has two non-extendable handles you do need to use both when steering, it is not a one-hand affair by any stretch.

How does it fold?

True to Maclaren style, the umbrella fold mechanism is foolproof (although granny finds it a bit too stiff).

If pushed, I can just fold the buggy down with one hand while balancing my four-month-old Noah on the hip.

Once folded it can be cumbersome to lift as it only has a lock clip on one side, so it almost feels like it's going to unfold when you lift it up. There really should be a lock clip on both side to keep it secure.

That said, the clip does hold the folded buggy together and the Techno XT can even withstand the 'gentle touches' of aeroplane baggage handlers.

Does it come with any additional extras?

Yes, and I love them! They are: the hood and the rain cover. The hood can unzip and envelope the baby inside – great for naps and sunny days.

And the integral see-through UV flip out sunshield is great for when your toddler’s big enough to protest at a restricted view.

The rain cover so compact, you can always have it with you without losing half of your storage. It clips onto the existing buggy hood and is so roomy it’s the only rain ‘bubble’ my son Finn is happy to sit in these days.

What our MFM mums say about the Techno XT

Is it suitable for newborns?

No. While Maclaren sell the Techno XT has pushchair that can be use from birth, I wouldn't recommend it.

The buggy only faces forwards and while the seat folds almost flat, almost isn't good enough. If you do use this buggy with a newborn, you probably won't be able to see your little one while in the buggy.

Tell us about the basket.

Lots of mums on the internet find the size of the shopping basket a problem, especially when coupled with the fact that if you hang your shopping on the handles and lift baby out of the buggy, everything tips over.

Who is the Techno XP best for?

Mums of babies around 6 months and older, wanting a hard wearing lightweight buggy that will see them right through till their little one's happy walking instead.

MadeForMums verdict:

The wise old owl of the buggy who’s been around long enough to know what little extras make the difference.

It may be expensive and might not be the best for loading up with shopping but it’s so slim and easy to push you can’t complain.

The popularity of the Techno XT speaks volumes, but it can take me three or four goes to pick ours out of the nursery buggy park!

Read more...

• 10 of the best lightweight buggies
• 10 of the best rear-facing Group 1 car seats
• 10 of the most compact buggies
• 10 of the best buggies under £50

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