BOB Revolution Flex 2016 Stroller Review

I was a little surprised to see 2016 updates to the BOB Revolution Flex and Pro models since they were just released last year.

I think BOB should’ve waited a little and included all of the updates this year instead of releasing a new version two years in a row. This creates a lot of confusion.

Let me start by saying that Flex and Pro models are an upgrade to the beloved Revolution SE.

The 2015 upgrade was only in the adjustable handlebar and an added hand brake to the Pro model. That’s it!

For 2016 we have a lot more stuff like an easier recline system, more upright seat, larger basket, improved brake system, higher weight capacity of 75 lbs, new frame design, improved quick-release of the front and back wheels, and new colors.

Because of the new frame design, the weight of the Flex model has also increased from 26.2 lbs to 28.5 lbs.

Both Pro and Flex models feature a large canopy, large air-filled tires, state-of-the-art adjustable suspension system, adjustable front wheel tracking, an adjustable handlebar, additional storage, and easy fold.

It can also be converted into a travel system with an infant car seat adapter. The good thing is that it works with the most popular car seats.

OVERALL

I gave it 5 out of 5 stars despite the extra weight because I really like the 2016 updates especially the updated recline and the upright seat. I get many emails from parents who are looking for a stroller with an upright seat. So this is a big one.

In my opinion, BOB Revolution Flex and Pro are by far the BEST joggers on the market right now. This is a perfect choice for sporty parents. The only thing I wish it had as an available accessory is a bumper bar, but you can purchase a snack tray instead.

The RSVP price for Revolution Flex is $499, but you can get it for around $450. It comes in three colors, but there are no accessories included. I would like to see a cup holder and a tire pump included.

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Features

CANOPY

It has a large two-panel canopy that goes all the way down providing full coverage. This is one of the best jogger canopies on the market. 

There is also a large plastic peekaboo window with a Velcro closure. For the next update, I would like to see a magnetic closure instead.

HANDLEBAR

The 2016 model also has an adjustable handlebar that offers 9 different positions to choose from. It goes from 34″ up to 45″ from the ground. The handlebar is nicely padded with foam.

WRIST STRAP

The runaway strap is attached to the handlebar providing extra security in case the stroller runs away from you during jogging.

SEAT

The seat is 14.7″ wide and 23″ high from the bottom of the seat to the top of the canopy. The nice padding of the seat will provide your child with maximum comfort and support.

The material is very durable and is easy to wash. It has a deep recline that goes to an almost flat position. For 2016 the recline has been improved. Now you can recline the seat with just one hand instead of using both hands to adjust straps on each side.

You will still need to use both hands to bring the seat back up, but it’s much easier now. All you need to do is pull on the straps and it will go up.

The seat can now accommodate a child from 6 months and up to 75 lbs (till college. LOL). Before it was only 70 lbs. Of course, I wouldn’t recommend jogging with a baby till he is at least 9 months old.

If you want to put your baby into the seat, I would suggest using an infant insert. It provides additional support so your baby will be comfortable and safe.

HARNESS

Like most strollers these days, it has an adjustable 5-point harness. The cool thing is that to adjust the harness you don’t need to re-thread it. The padding is very sick and comfy.

The only thing I am not crazy about is the center release buckle which is very easy to unlock. Your toddler might jump off the stroller while you are walking.

STORAGE

If you like me, you will need all the storage you can get for all the baby crap you need to take with you. Sometimes I feel like I’ve packed half of the house just to go to the park. And lately, my little angels who is a toddler now, refuse to eat in the evening.

So, I usually take the whole dinner to the park and try to feed her there while she is running around. More stuff! The zipper pocket in the back of the seat offers more storage for small items.

There are two mesh pockets inside of the seat that I find very useful. You can store toys, snacks of a sippy cup for your child.

BASKET

The basket has been redesigned. Now, it is larger and sits a little lower to the ground so you can fit more stuff. Since most joggers have small baskets, this is a big plus.

It will definitely fit your large diaper bag. It’s also very easy to access from the back and the sides.

WHEELS

It rolls on three air-filled tires with 12″ wheels in the front and 16″ wheels in the back. The wheels are made out of high-impact polymer material.

You can easily take this one off-road with no problems. Great for going to the park, or beach, or just tackling snowy streets.

The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight for rougher terrain. Since these wheels are air-filled you will need to get a tire pump.

It has an adjustable front wheel tracking that helps to correct alignment.

It also comes with the STATE-OF-THE-ART suspension system. This is the kind of suspension system you only get on a jogger. You can adjust it depending on the terrain. The ride will be super smooth.

BRAKE

The parking brake is located between the rear wheels and will lock both of the wheels in place.

It has been updated a little to be a little more flip-flop-friendlier, but still not completely flip-flop-friendly.

I am not sure why they didn’t take an extra step and didn’t make it flip-flop-friendly.

FOLD

The fold stayed the same and there is still no automatic lock or standing fold. It’s a two-step process that requires both hands, but it is easy to fold and unfold. After folding, you need to use a clip to lock the stroller in place.

It also does not stand on its own once folded.  The folded dimensions are 39″L x 25.5″W x 16″H. It is not a compact stroller at all. To make it more compact, you can easily take off the rear wheels.

Cons

-No Automatic lock. I guess BOB is still working on that. In the meantime, you will need to use a strap with a clip to lock it in place. I hope to see it in the next update.

-Bulky. Like most joggers, Flex takes up a lot of space in the trunk. There is really nothing you can do. To make it more compact you can remove the wheels, but that is about it.

-No cup holder. I would like to get a cup holder or a water bottle holder because I can imagine that most parents have a bottle of water while they are jogging.

-No bumper bar. There is no bumper bar available for this model. At least there is a snack tray you can get and use instead of a bumper bar.

Video Review

Here is a video overview of Revolution Flex 2016.

Specs

Stroller weight: 28.5 lbs
Weight limit: 75 lbs
Folded dimensions: 39″L x 25.5″W x 16″H
Overall Length: Swivel mode 48″ / Jogging mode 53″
Overall Width: 25.4″
Handlebar height: 34″ to 45″
Seat to canopy height: 23″

Updates for 2016

Here are the updates that were made in 2016:

• Higher weight limit of 75 lbs. The weight limit used to be 70 lbs, but now it’s 75 lbs. This should last you till college. Haha!
• Larger basket. The basket is sitting a little lower now and is 15% larger than before.
• Quick release of the front wheel. The release is a two-step now instead of one step before.
• More upright seat. A slightly angled seat position in the most upright position was one of the complaints from parents. As you know, kids like to sit up straight and look around.
• Simpler recline. The recline is still operated by a strap system, but now it requires only one hand to recline the seat instead of both hands. This is a very typical recline that is used on most strollers. I am not sure why BOB had a two-hand strap recline on the original SE model.
• Frame redesign. The frame has more plastic instead of metal.
• Higher weight of 28.5 lbs. All these great updates increased the weight of the stroller from 25 lbs to 28.5 lbs.
• New colors. As always there are new colors.

Warranty

BOB has a 5-year limited warranty on the frame and 1 year on small parts and fabric.

Available colors

It comes in 3 colors green, red, black, and black with silver or black frame.

Where to buy it

The US MSRP for  BOB Revolution Flex 2016 is $499.99, but I found it for around $450.  Since these wheels are air-filled you will need to get a tire pump.

Buy BOB Revolution Flex 2016 Stroller »