Maclaren Techno XLR is a stroller popular around the world. Despite the relatively high price, this children's transport has received considerable distribution in our country. Maybe you also think about such an acquisition? Then our article will help you make the right choice. Let's look at the model in all details, based on the feedback from the owners, we will make the most complete picture of its strengths and weaknesses, and at the same time take a closer look at additional accessories that can be useful to young parents.
history of the company
It is hard to imagine, but the ancestor of the world famous strollers was a folding tourist chair. It was with him that the company's success story began in the middle of the last century. But that very chair is not the only patented invention of the brand’s specialists.
Owen McLaren, the founder of the company, was a military pilot. So, he knew firsthand the lightweight, strong and durable designs. The idea to create a compact lightweight pram came to him when he became a father. It was this man who came up with such a design as a stroller cane, which in just two years broke world sales records. Another invention of Owen - swivel wheels, which today are used on most models of children's recreational vehicles.
Model Maclaren Techno XLR has been produced for several years, and almost every year the manufacturer pampers fans with new releases. Since the release of the first model, a number of modernizations have been carried out that have a positive impact on the ease of use, the comfort of a small passenger, and the durability of fabrics and knots. The designers of the company do not sit idle either: through their efforts, the model becomes more elegant, does not lose relevance, and today it looks just as fashionable. And also limited edition design series, exclusive mattresses and inserts periodically go on sale.
TTX
We begin our review with impartial figures. Recall that for models of different years, these indicators may vary slightly.
- Weight (without hood and trunk) - 7.5 kg.
- The weight of the assembly is 7.9 kg.
- The height of the handles (adjustable, 3 positions) - 104-111 cm.
- The width of the seat (depending on the year of manufacture) is 34-37 cm.
- The volume of the luggage basket is 23 liters.
- Twin wheels, diameter 16.5 cm.
- Depreciation on all pairs of wheels.
- Reflectors.
- Seat belts (5 points, the ends are rounded).
This is the official data stated by the manufacturer in the model passport and advertising booklets. But in order to get the most complete picture of this transport, it makes sense to analyze the feedback of those who managed to conduct a test drive in modern Russian realities.
Baby comfort
The kit includes a removable hood, rain cover, leg cover, double-sided mattress with slots for belts and an insert.
Maclaren Techno XLR - a walking model, comfortable and traveling. Most reviews testify to this. It is impossible to call this vehicle an alternative to more comfortable strollers.
According to many mothers, for winter it is worth choosing a more closed transport with insulated covers and wind protection. The XLR side screens are quite modest and thin.
This can not be called a model flaw, but a potential buyer should be prepared for such a feature.
Many praises have earned a sleeper of record width (for comparison, the seats of most walking canes in width do not exceed 27-30 cm). Parents also like the limiter insert, which is convenient to use while the child is very small. But the length of the belts causes a lot of complaints. True, owners of models released in 2014 and later assure that the problem is fixed.
The huge hood equipped with an additional section is worthy of all praise. It can be expanded to the very feet of the baby. In some models, a visor also hides inside. There are windows in the hood that allow the parent to control the child.
Security
For a long time, fans of the brand had no choice but to put up with the lack of a bumper. As planned by the creators, it was more than replaced by belts, however, as many mothers assure, not all kids are ready to walk with them. I had to look for alternatives. Fortunately, today this problem is solved, however, the bumper needs to be purchased separately.
Parental comfort
Adjustable handles are always convenient, and with the Maclaren Techno XLR they are just that. It pleases moms the ability to remove and wash absolutely all covers.
Often, reviews mention such an element as a pocket on the back of the hood. Many people like it, but some note that with the back fully lowered, the pocket collapses and is almost on the child’s head. So, for the time of sleep, everything needs to be removed from it.
When the back is unfolded, access to the basket is also blocked. But, having unfastened a couple of buttons, it is quite possible to take something out of it or put it.
Transportation and storage
Releases of past years had a significant drawback: when folded, they fell directly into the hood, dirtying it. The manufacturer has long offered a removable cover (which can be bought today) as a solution.
But since 2013, the Maclaren Techno XLR stroller cane began to install a special Stay Back system, thanks to which the hood and wheels stopped contacting.
In the reviews, many parents talk about folding in a positive way. The stroller folds very easily with one hand, and the built-in handle is easy to carry. True, this model cannot be called compact when assembled, and it cannot stand on its own. But these parameters are far from important for everyone. In the trunk of medium and large cars, the assembled XLR is placed.
Ease of control, maneuverability, stability
One of the patented features of prams from this manufacturer is a kind of ergonomics. The stroller is somewhat “littered” back, thanks to the center of gravity, moved to the rear wheels. The manufacturer positions this moment as the advantage of Maclaren strollers, assuring that the parent with any height will not have to kick his legs on the crossbar and will conveniently control the children's transport.
In the reviews, there is a different opinion. Owners categorically do not recommend loading the handles of the stroller, as well as leaving it on inclined surfaces (both with and without the brake), since the XLR may suddenly roll over.
Do not count on walks through the snowdrifts and sandy beaches. It is not easy to drive this light wheelchair on a bad road. In addition, reviews indicate that the manufacturer’s assurances of one-handed operation are greatly exaggerated. It would even be strange for a cane with two handles and swivel wheels; almost all models of a similar design must be controlled with two hands.
On the maneuverability of the Maclaren Techno XLR stroller, many owners respond well. The wheels are quite large for a cane. Fixing the front in the "only straight" position.
Accessories
The manufacturer refers this model to the category of strollers 0+ and recommends using it from birth. The back can be expanded to a completely horizontal position, which is extremely important for a fragile spine. But not all parents are impressed by the prospect of rolling the baby in an open stroller, and even unprotected from prying eyes. Therefore, the manufacturer offers to get a comfortable cradle, which is installed on a cane Maclaren Techno XLR.
Please note: mosquito net is not included. You can purchase both a branded accessory and a more affordable universal model.
Official dealers in the Russian Federation also offer sun visors, umbrellas, organizers, bags for mom, cup holders, transport cases and wardrobe trunks for a folded stroller, adapters for installing a Recaro car seat.
The main advantages of the stroller Maclaren Techno XLR
Reviews about the model are generally positive. Some claim that they "fell in love" with this stroller at first sight, but for some it was the reward for a long and meticulous search. The stroller looks stylish and expensive.
Responses of those who purchased a stroller in the secondary market deserve special attention. They talk about the high wear resistance of fabrics, reliability of assembly, durability of nodes.
Parents of large children claim that the spacious XLR is one of the best reed options. The stroller is also quite high.
The owners are pleased with the large hood, which can be a salvation in bad weather, even if there was no raincoat with you.
disadvantages
The reviews of the Maclaren Techno XLR used to mainly mention such shortcomings as the lack of a bumper and the “meeting” of wheels with a hood when folding, but, as we know, release owners of recent years do not encounter such problems.
There are no references to other important shortcomings of the model, but the owners do not advise to expect too much from this stroller. It is perfect for summer and off-season, but in the conditions of the Russian winter it will lose to models with a powerful chassis and large wheels.
Prices
A new stroller Maclaren Techno XLR from an authorized dealer will cost an average of 33,500 rubles. You will have to pay a little less than 10,000 for a compatible cradle. The McLaren universal bumper costs 2200 rubles, a cup holder - 1000 rubles, and a rain cover - an average of 2000.
In the secondary market, prices are on average half as low.
Conclusion
As many reviews testify, the Maclaren Techno XLR stroller is an excellent transport for a modern family. If you do not use it for other purposes and do not expect too much from the cane, it will serve faithfully for more than one year.