Choosing a pram can be overwhelming, especially for new parents. It’s essential to consider the features that will fit your family’s lifestyle and needs.
In this article, we’ll compare two popular prams, the Baby Jogger City Select 2 and the Steelcraft Strider Signature v5, to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll look at their suitability, important features, size and weight, capacity and storage, wheels and suspension, capsule compatibility, and warranty.
Key takeaway: The City Select 2 is the lighter and more compact option, making it a good choice for parents with limited storage space or who frequently travel with their pram. On the other hand, the Strider Signature v5 comes with an included bassinet, which saves parents of newborns from buying this as an extra accessory. Also, the Steelcraft Strider Signature v5 offers a generous lifetime warranty.
Who is each pram suitable for?
The City Select 2 is suitable for newborns up to 20.5 kg and families with two children of different ages. The pram has a multi-position reclining seat, making it suitable for newborns, and can be converted to accommodate a second child with a bassinet, second seat, or toddler board, all sold separately. The City Select 2 is not suitable for newborn twins without purchasing two newborn capsules separately.
The Steelcraft Strider Signature v5 is also suitable for newborns up to 20 kg but comes with an included bassinet, in addition to a near-flat recline position for the main seat. It is also compatible with selected baby capsules and can be converted to accommodate a second child with a bassinet or a second seat (sold separately).
Important Features
Both prams have a five-point harness, an extendable sun canopy, and are self-standing when folded. They also both feature a reversible seat that can face you or outwards, and ventilation to keep your child cool on hot days.
In terms of care, the City Select 2’s seat fabric can be washed in cold water on the delicate cycle of your washing machine, while the Strider’s fabrics need to be cleaned using lukewarm water and soap or mild detergent.
Both of these travel prams have an adjustable handlebar, but the Strider’s handlebar is taller, reaching a maximum height of 121 cm. Therefore, parents who are taller might find this pram more comfortable to push.
Size and Weight
The City Select 2 is easily the lighter of the two prams. It weighs 12 kg with one seat attached, while the Strider Signature v5 weighs 13.2 kg.
The City Select 2’s total folded size is around 165k cubic cm, while the Strider Signature v5’s total folded size is around 219k cubic cm. Again, this difference is quite significant and may be important for parents who have space car boots or limited storage space at home.
While the City Select 2 is slightly longer when unfolded (111 cm vs 106 cm), the Steelcraft pram is both taller (121 cm vs 111 cm) and wider (63 cm vs 60.5 cm).
The City Select 2’s handlebar height ranges from 104.5 cm to 111 cm. Unfortunately, we couldn’t track down the minimum height adjustment for the Strider Signature v5, but we know it has a maximum handlebar height of 121 cm. It’s worth noting that even 111 cm would be considered a high maximum handlebar height when compared to similar prams, so both of these are good options for tall parents.
Capacity and Storage
Both prams have a maximum pram seat capacity of around 20 kg and an under-seat basket capacity of 12 kg. Parents who need to carry more items might need to consider other prams with larger storage capacity, although 12 kg should be plenty to accommodate nappies and other essentials.
Wheels and Suspension
Both of these prams feature suspension, which can affect the comfort and safety of your child during rides. A pram with a suspension system provides a smoother ride on a wider variety of terrains, reducing the impact of bumps, rocks, or uneven surfaces that might cause discomfort.
Capsule Compatibility
The City Select 2 is compatible with Baby Jogger City Go Capsule and Maxi Cosi, while the Strider Signature v5 is compatible with Maxi cosi Mico, Nuna, and Britax Baby Capsule. Parents who prefer using a specific capsule might need to check the pram’s compatibility before making their choice.
RELATED: Baby Jogger City Select vs UPPAbaby Vista
Warranty
The City Select 2 comes with a two-year warranty with product registration, while the Steelcraft Strider Signature v5 comes with a lifetime warranty. The Strider Signature v5’s lifetime warranty might provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that they are covered in case of any manufacturing defects.
The 5-year warranty offered by Steelcraft definitely stands out when comparing these prams against similar products. In fact, it’s the first warranty we’ve seen above 4 years after comparing 25+ prams. Here’s what the brand says about it:
Since 2006 the Strider Signature Stroller has enabled over 60,000 Australian and New Zealand families to be mobile. In celebration of the Strider Signature Stroller’s 5th evolution of quality, reliability, longevity, and its 15th birthday, we want new families to enjoy our quality ride with their little one for as long as possible.
Britax
Conclusion
Both prams share several important features, including a five-point harness, a reversible seat, and suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. They also can both be converted to accommodate more than one child.
However, the City Select 2 is the lighter and more compact option, making it a good choice for parents with limited storage space or who frequently travel with their pram. On the other hand, the Steelcraft Strider Signature v5 comes with an included bassinet, which saves parents of newborns from buying this as an extra accessory.
There are also differences to consider when it comes to warranty coverage. While the City Select 2 has a two-year warranty with product registration, the Steelcraft Strider Signature v5 offers a generous lifetime warranty, which can provide parents with greater peace of mind.
Ultimately, the decision between these two prams will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
