Valco Baby Ion Stroller Review

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Written by admin on February 4, 2010 – 2:00 am -

Valco Baby has a new, amazing lightweight stroller – the Ion ($399). Features include a smooth ride, tall storage basket, true one-handed steering with an ergonomic handle and extended sun canopy. It weighs in at 18 lbs (feels much lighter) and is ideal for city and suburban use. It also comes in a double version, the Ion 4 Two ($589).
Valco Ion Stroller

Click here to see a demo of the Ion and here to see a demo of the Ion 4 Two.

Putting it Together is really simple — connect the wheels and bumper bar, then snap the side and front fabric panels around the bumper bar.

The Ride: is very similar to the Baby Jogger City Mini stroller. You’re not going to be able to jog or go off-roading with the Ion — but in the city and suburbs, this double front wheeler performs excellently. It’s got a tight turning radius and is perfect for going around in small aisles and spaces. The stroller is low to the ground, but if you use an umbrella stroller already, you’ll instantly feel comfortable with it. Taller parents will appreciate the adjustable handlebar (which has 6 positions). It is very easy to push one handed, while holding packages or onto an older child. The oval handlebar holds a diaper bag.

You can get an adapter to use a Graco, Peg Perego, Maxi-Cosi and Chicco Infant car seats with the Ion. A bassinet (carrycot) option will be available soon.

The seat will hold a child up to 44 lbs. The stroller has a slight recline, but you are able to adjust the seat to be more upright. The bumper bar is a big hit with the babies – they love holding onto it and saying, “Go, go!”

The storage basket is taller and narrower than most baskets. The wire rim is flexible (very bendable) for when you need to take things in and out of it. Since this is a lightweight stroller, use caution in hanging too much weight off the handlebars (any lightweight stroller will tip when overloaded).

The sun canopy is terrific! Unzip it to extend it to its furthest capacity. A rain cover is available at an extra cost.

Folding/unfolding for travel: The fold has two major steps: First, pull back the sun canopy and twist the gray “key” clockwise (on the handle), then push up the red secondary locking latch up and push the stroller forward to fold. You can attach the locking strap to the locking pin. To make it even more compact, take the back wheels off.
To unfold: First, unhook the locking strap. Lift the handle up and the stroller will snap together (the red locking latch will engage automatically).

A rain cover and car seat adapter are available now, with a bassinet coming out soon.

Pros: The fold is simple and perfect for stashing in smaller vehicles/storing in smaller places. You won’t have any trouble navigating smaller store aisles/spaces and the one-handed push is sensational.

Cons: At 18 lbs (with the wheels on), it’s not as lightweight as other strollers.

Verdict: The Ion’s no-fuss fold and effortless push makes it perfect for city and suburb use (and it will perform nicely for long walks). While the Ion isn’t cheap, compared to other Valco Strollers, it is much less expensive.