As a personal fan and owner of Britax products, I am thrilled for the opportunity to review their new Blink umbrella stroller. With a retail price of $149.99 and lots of great features, the Blink is a fantastic option for parents who want a moderately-priced, high-quality stroller. In light of Maclaren’s recent recall of their uber-popular umbrella strollers, many of us are looking to other brands for options, and I believe the Blink is an excellent choice.
** Important Note: the Stroller Source Ratings are based on a 5-point scale as it relates to other strollers in its own category. In other words, an umbrella stroller with small wheels will never compare to the super smooth ride of a jogger with large pneumatic wheels. Our ratings compare the reviewed stroller to comparable strollers of its kind.
Ease of Assembly (1 = Hard, 5 = Very Easy)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
Assembly of the Blink could not have been easier. Just snap on the front wheels and the canopy, and I was ready to roll!
Quality (1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
The Blink lives up to Britax’s reputation for excellent quality. The frame is lightweight yet sturdy & solid, the fabric is durable & easy to clean yet soft & comfortable, and the mechanics of the stroller (fold & unfold, adjustable leg rest, suspension system) are smooth and easy to use. I am impressed!
Size (1 = Bulky, 5 = Compact)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
Compared to other moderately-priced umbrella strollers, the Blink is mostly the same size or about 1” smaller in some areas, which is great when you want compact! But it’s definitely not small- both my 1 yr old and my 2 ½ yr old had plenty of space to ride comfortably. It’s great for stashing in the car or in the corner of your home!
Weight (1 = Heavy, 5 = Lightweight)
Stroller Source Rating = 3.5
At 16 lbs, the Blink is not the lightest weight umbrella stroller out there (some are as light at 11 lbs). But although it is heavier, 16 lbs is certainly manageable and the Blink feels sturdy and substantial.
Storage (1 = Limited, 5 = Lots of storage)
Stroller Source Rating = 4
The Blink has a pretty standard mesh cargo basket which is easily accessible from the back and sides. There is also a nice zippered pocket on the back of the canopy for Mom’s keys, phone and cash. I personally like a parent cup holder option, so I missed that.
Value (1 = Poor Value, 5 = Excellent Value)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
For a moderate price point of $149.99, and a lot of higher-end features like all-wheel suspension, a huge canopy, adjustable leg rest and beautiful fabrics, I think the Blink is well worth the cost.
Ease of folding/unfolding (1 = Difficult, 5 = Very Easy)
Stroller Source Rating = 4
The actual acts of folding and unfolding the Blink are easy. With a simple tug on the carry strap (which unlocks the frame) and a step on a side lever, the stroller folds downward and locks automatically. Conversely, to unfold the stroller, you simply release the lock with your hand, unfold the stroller and lock the frame into place by stepping on a back lever, and you are good to go. However- I did have one issue: the Blink is unable to fold when the brakes are engaged. I personally like to lock the wheels on my umbrella stroller when it’s folded, which allows me to lean it up against a wall for storage in my garage. Unlocked wheels will of course roll, so the stroller has to lie on the ground, which takes up more floor space and also means it can get dirty on the garage floor (in my case).
Ride (1 = Bumpy, 5 = Smooth)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
The Blink handles everyday terrain exceptionally well for an umbrella stroller. In addition to all-wheel suspension, the Blink has extra-wide (1.5”) EVA foam wheels, which will handle those small bumps with ease and comfort.
Maneuverability/Steering (1 = Difficult, 5 = Very Easy)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
Whether we walked our urban neighborhood or ran some quick errands, the Blink was super simple to maneuver and steer.
Stylish (1 = Unattractive, 5 = Very Attractive)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
I am a person who usually buys my strollers in basic black so I was a little apprehensive about the “Cowmooflage” fashion that was sent to me, but I really, really like it! It adds just the right amount of character and whimsy to my basic taste. The Blink is available in 5 total fashions, each of which would appeal to any number of tastes.
Comfort (1 = Uncomfortable/Cramped, 5 = Very Comfortable)
Stroller Source Rating = 5
With soft fabric, supple padding and plenty of space, both my 2 ½ year old and my 1 year old were very comfortable riding in the Blink. The adjustable leg rest was something new for us, and I must admit it was great for the shorter, chubbier legs of my littler one.
Accessories and Options (1 = Lack of Accessories, 5 = Lots of Accessory Options)
Stroller Source Rating = 4.5
Umbrella strollers are usually a bit limited in the accessory department in order to keep the stroller compact & lightweight, so it is not unusual for accessories to be minimal. The accessories the Blink does include are great- the canopy is extra large, and the included carry bag is durable and convenient. The only accessory I really missed was a cup holder- I need a spot for my water!
OVERALL STROLLER SOURCE RATING = 4.67
Top Pros: Great value, Excellent ride & maneuverability, Excellent quality, Ease of folding & unfolding, Great fabrics and fashion options
Top Cons: Slightly heavier, No wheel brakes in the folded position, No parent cup holder
Now it’s your chance to win this excellent stroller! To enter, simply complete our quick and easy stroller survey.
March 1, 2010 at 1:31 pm |
Isn’t that stroller recalled?
March 1, 2010 at 2:34 pm |
It sure is! Which is a great segue to my next post…