The new Phil & Teds Smart Lux compact luxury stroller.
Phil & Teds have been busy! This is one innovative stroller company that keeps on its toes to stay ahead in the competitive game of a new mom’s awareness.
It was only in November that I posted here in Savvy Sassy Moms about their new re-vamped Smart and Navigator and now to begin 2014 with a bang, this new Phil and Teds stroller is called the Smart Lux.
I got news of the new Smart Lux via Phil & Teds newsletter and the first thing I thought of when I saw this new product was that it was just like the new Mountain Buggy Cosmopolitan. You see, Phil & Teds and Mountain Buggy merged back in 2009, much like the way Britax bought BOB and are now merged. Their products also take on very similar properties.
While the Smart Lux is compact, it is not light weight. This one is just over 26 pounds, but it is all the bells and whistles on it, including rear air-filled tires, that gives the Smart Lux more heft.
Three of the many Phil and Teds Smart Lux seating options.
Lots of seating options!
Like the Cosmopolitan, the Smart Lux has a lie-flat reversing seat that converts into a bassinet for your newborn. You also have the option of removing the main seat and installing a car seat right onto the frame for a stylish travel system. You will have to purchase the adapters separately, but they fit most major car seat brands.
Sitting forward or parent-facing, the seat on this new Phil and Teds stroller has three reclining positions. The footrest is adjustable up or down to give additional support for short baby legs and toddlers needing a snooze.
Comparisons with the Smart
The Smart Lux is overall bigger with more features than the compact, bright Smart. Here is a rundown of some of those extras you get with the Smart Lux over the Smart.
- The handle height goes up to 41.3 inches, instead of 39 inches
- Fixed canopy with mesh extension panel instead of follow-the-sun
- Different seat material — 600D polyester and ribbed lycra instead of Aerocore
- Footwell has rubberized fabric instead of plastic
- Weighs 26.2 pounds instead of 18 (Yikes! More than eight pounds difference!)
- Has the SAME carrying capacity — up to 44 pounds
- Front tires are EVA with suspension and rear are air filled. All tires on Smart Lux are two inches larger than the Smart which is all EVA.
- Only three color schemes, seat liners, in cobalt, taupe or ruby instead of customized seat, canopy and liner colors
The new Phil and Teds Smart Lux has a retail price of $400, which is rather standard for this type of product and brand name.
My first impression is that this is a quality product and the extras on it are well worth the price. I like the subdued colors over the brightness of the Smart, for parents who want something that’s not going to call too much attention in the crowd.
What’s your first impression of the new Phil and Teds Smart Lux?
