BOB vs Joovy: Strollers For The Active Parent and Baby

These days, many parents enjoy an active lifestyle, and they like to take their kids along for the ride too. An umbrella stroller or regular stroller simply won’t cut it if you like to go running or jogging, and you’ll need to invest in a proper, purpose-designed and built, jogger or all-terrain stroller.

There are lots of joggers to choose from, so where do you start? Well, when you’re looking for a decent quality jogging stroller that gives you great value for your money, you might want to consider the Joovy Zoom 360 and the BOB Revolution FLEX.

The difference in price between these two jogging stroller heavyweights is a major factor to take into consideration when making a purchase, but there are lots of other factors to bear in mind too.

For example, both strollers are lightweight and portable, and both have a compact fold for joggers. However, where the BOB Revolution has an easily activated foot-activated brake, the full bar brake on the Joovy Zoom is easier to access but stiff to operate.

That said, on the flip side, the Joovy stroller doesn’t boast an adjustable shock and suspension system as the Revolution FLEX does.

In this article, we take a closer look at the nitty-gritty of both these excellent jogging strollers so that you can see which make and model would be the best choice for you.

First of all, let’s meet the manufacturers.

BOB: Beast Of Burden, Built for the Great Outdoors

BOB (Beast Of Burden) is a U.S. manufacturer that appeared in 1991 with a unique, single-track bicycle trailer. The company then designed and created a super-lightweight stroller that was specifically designed for off-roading and was built with families who enjoyed spending time in the Great Outdoors in mind.

Since 2011, BOB has launched a range of jogging and all-terrain strollers, which are proving extremely popular with outdoorsy, active parents worldwide.

Joovy: Built for Family, Designed for Everyday Life

Joovy is another U.S. company that’s based in Dallas. The company produces a broad range of children’s gear, including high chairs, toys, strollers, play yards, and traditional strollers.

All Joovy’s products are practical and hardwearing and are built to last through your first two kids and beyond.

BOB Revolution FLEX Jogging Stroller

The BOB Revolution FLEX is an updated version of the Revolution SE stroller. The primary difference between the two strollers is the adjustable handlebar, which is extremely important for parents of different heights to enjoy a comfortable push without stooping or reaching.

The Revolution FLEX can carry a toddler weighing up to a whopping 75 pounds. The seat is generous and well-padded, and the safety harness is easy to adjust via a track, rather than the fiddly rethreading mechanism of many other stroller harnesses.

The Revolution FLEX has a large underseat storage basket that will take all the essentials that you’ll need for a day spent out hitting the trails. The BOB has a very sturdy frame and is covered all over with aluminum alloy for longevity.

The Revolution FLEX is fitted with a highly flexible suspension system that you can adjust to provide better traction, according to the kind of terrain you’re negotiating. The FLEX weighs just 25.45 pounds, so it’s a light push and it’s really easy to maneuver too.

For safety and better visibility in poor light conditions, the FLEX has reflective safety strips stitched on the canopy.

You can see a video of the BOB Revolution FLEX, check out the manufacturer’s video at this link.

BOB Revolution FLEX: Features That Matter

Ride quality

The BOB Revolution FLEX has an adjustable suspension system that’s designed to absorb any bumps or uneven patches in the path or sidewalk, keeping your passenger comfortable no matter where you’re walking or jogging.

Seat

The seat is well-padded and can recline back in multiple positions, making it ideal for a child who likes to sit up and take in the view between naps.

Fold

The Revolution FLEX can be folded in two simple steps. As the frame is so lightweight, it’s portable too. For example, all you have to do is use the carry handle to lift the stroller and place it in the freestanding position.

On the downside, the Revolution FLEX is pretty bulky when folded, and it can take up rather a lot of space in your car trunk. However, that’s a common drawback with most joggers, so it won’t be a deal-breaker for you if you have your heart set on an all-terrain or jogging stroller.

Wheels

Like most joggers, the FLEX has three air-filled tires. Now, that can be a pain if you pick up a flat, but the ride is more cushioned, and the FLEX copes with lumps and bumps much better than a stroller with hard wheels. Unfortunately, you don’t get a tire pump included with your purchase, so you’ll need to buy one separately. A puncture repair kit is also essential so that you don’t end up stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire and no way to fix it.

The front swivel wheel on the BOB Revolution FLEX can be locked into place for times when you’re rolling over uneven terrain and there’s a danger of the stroller deviating from a true line.

Storage

The BOB Revolution FLEX has an underseat storage basket, but it’s quite small, especially when you compare it to other similar makes of jogging strollers. That said, the basket is easy to get to and will carry most of your baby essentials.

Joovy Zoom 360

The Joovy Zoom 360 has a higher-than-average seat setting, which is great for kids who like to get a good view of the passing scenery when out and about. The seat is also wider than average, so you know that your child will still be comfortable as they grow taller and bigger.

The seating capacity is a little less than the Revolution FLEX at 70 pounds, but still provides room for a large toddler.

The Zoom 360 doesn’t have a snack tray, but there are two interior mesh seat pockets that give plenty of space for snacks, toys, and sippy cups. One big bonus that you don’t have with the BOB Revolution FLEX stroller is that you also get a parent organizer that fixes onto the handlebar. The organizer has two cup holders, and there’s a zippered compartment where you can keep your phone, keys, etc.

To see a video of the Joovy Zoom 360 in action, check out this link.

Joovy Zoom 360: Features That Matter

Storage

The Joovy Zoom 360 has a decent-sized underseat storage basket that will comfortably carry your little one’s essentials. These essentials can include anything such as a medium-sized diaper bag, bottle of water, blanket, and change of clothes too.

Inside the storage basket, you’ll find a special space to keep your tire pump, making it easy for you to keep on top of your tire pressures. The only downside to the storage basket is that it has a bar across the center, which makes accessing the basket somewhat awkward.

The Joovy Zoom 360 comes with a zippered pouch that will easily hold your keys, phone, and wallet. Best of all, the stroller comes with a free parental organizer! The organizer attaches to the stroller’s handlebar with Velcro and has two cup holders that will take your water bottle and a baby bottle too.

Fold

The Joovy Zoom 360 is a dream to fold! The fold can be achieved with just one hand, and there’s an auto-lock feature that keeps the stroller folded in position for freestanding. The stroller is pretty portable too, thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame.

That said, this is a sizeable stroller! Let’s face it, it has to be to carry a heavy passenger up to 75 pounds, as well as carrying the infant car seat. That said, the stroller is lightweight at just 26.25 pounds, which is lighter than many similar stroller models.

The folding process is pretty straightforward. You need to lift the calf rest, and then pull a lever that closes the stroller in half. You need to keep the front wheel locked straight forward for the auto-lock feature to engage. Once folded, the Joovy Zoom 360 stands on its own, taking up a modest amount of space in your hallway or lounge.

You can make the stroller more compact for storage or transport by removing the wheels. That’s an easy process and only takes a few seconds to achieve. Although you may think this is a bit of an inconvenience, it’s a small trade-off for such a heavy-duty, all-terrain jogging stroller.

Seat

The Joovy Zoom 360 is suitable for kids weighing up to 75 pounds, giving you a little more flexibility than you have with the BOB Revolution FLEX.

Brakes

The Joovy Zoom 360 has an easy to access, one-step linked footbrake that’s in the form of a full bar along the bottom of the rear of the stroller.

However, the brake can be a little stiff to operate and it’s not flip-flop-friendly. You’re unlikely to be jogging in sandals, but the firm lock is reassuring. It can also come in handy if you park the stroller on a hill.

One glaring omission on this otherwise top-spec jogging stroller is the lack of a handbrake that would be very helpful for times when you’re running downhill.

Canopy

The Joovy Zoom 360 has a decent canopy that gives plenty of coverage, but it may be a little low for taller children.

Handlebar

The handlebar on the Joovy Zoom 360 is not adjustable. So, a tall parent can comfortably push the stroller without having to slouch over it, but shorter people may have a problem seeing over the canopy and could also suffer from wrist fatigue.

Wheels

Like the BOB Revolution Flex, the Joovy Zoom 360 has big wheels with air-filled tires that can cope with all types of terrain, providing a smooth, cushioned ride and easy push.

The Joovy Zoom 360 has a large, 12-inch front wheel and two 16-inch rear wheels. Like most other jogging strollers, the front wheel on the Zoom 360 swivels for easy steering and maneuverability, and you can also lock the wheel to help keep the stroller on an even keel and running straight when you’re jogging over rough terrain.

The stroller’s tires are air-filled for a super-comfy cushioned ride. The only problem with that is that you will need to check your tire pressures regularly and keep them properly inflated. Also, you’ll need to carry a puncture repair kit with you when you’re out and about on the trails. If you’re unlucky enough to get a puncture, you’ll need to know how to repair it.

Fortunately, Joovy has provided a free tire pump with the stroller. Pop the pump into the underseat basket, and you’re covered if you pick up a flat!

Also, the Joovy Zoom 360 jogging stroller has a built-in shock-absorbing suspension. That’s a great feature that enables the stroller to glide smoothly across uneven sidewalks, gravel pathways,  playground mulch, and even sand. Furthermore, you can easily push and steer the Joovy Zoom 360 with just one hand.

Thanks to the stroller’s amazingly lightweight, it’s really easy to push across any ground, even with a large child onboard.

Unfortunately, the wide seat on the Joovy Zoom 360 makes it a little cumbersome to maneuver through tight spaces.

Color choices

The Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight comes in four colorways:

• Black
• Red
• Blueberry
• Charcoal

Accessories

The Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight comes with a tire pump and a parent organizer. That’s great news for such a reasonably priced stroller.

However, there are a few other accessories that you might need to buy separately, depending on your needs.

If you want to use the stroller for a newborn through to toddlerhood, you’ll need to buy a car seat adapter. A decent car seat adapter will enable you to attach the infant car seat to the stroller. To do that, you’ll need the branded, Britax adapter. That said, the Joovy Zoom 360 is compatible with a wide range of infant car seats, including:

• Chicco
• Graco
• Maxi-Cosi
• Cybex
• Peg Perego
• UPPAbaby

If you like to go jogging with your little one, then you’ll need a rain cover. The rain shield will fit comfortably into the storage basket, and will also keep your child cozy and dry.

Final Thoughts

So, now you know more about the BOB Revolution FLEX and the Joovy Zoom 360, which is best?

Well, both these strollers are well-made and long-lasting, so you won’t need to worry about replacing the stroller anytime soon. Also, both brands are renowned for making safe, comfortable child vehicles, and that’s especially important for a jogging, all-terrain stroller.

Both strollers can be used for a newborn with the addition of an infant car seat and a suitable adapter. Again, both the BOB Revolution FLEX and the Joovy Zoom 360 will fit a large toddler. Due to this, you can be confident that your new stroller will last your growing family.

However, we think that the Joovy Zoom 360 is the stronger contender of the two strollers. Although the BOB Revolution FLEX gives a super-smooth ride for your passenger and is an easy push, the Joovy Zoom 360 is the much cheaper option.

Both theses strollers have extremely similar qualities, making cost the biggest difference between them. So, if the price is an important consideration for you, you have to go with the Joovy Zoom 360.

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