Bugaboo Cameleon 3 v Uppa Baby Cruz

[Thenadish]

Morning all,

I thought I was sold on the BC3 whoever came across the Uppa baby and read a few Which? reports and now I'm now so sure.

Did anyone else have the same decision to make? Pros/ cons of each?

Thank you x

[BeardMinge]

I'd say that the Uppababy Vista is more like a Cameleon. We had a Cruz, mainly because the narrower wheelbase meant it fitted in buses nicely (we live in a city). If size isn't a consideration I'd probably go for the Vista over a Cruz. Best feature was the massive basket, and the built in sunshade.

One thing to consider is how tall the person who'll be using it most is, the Uppababy handle is still quite high, even on the lowest setting. That was my only gripe, but I'm only 5'.

[LittleMouseontheDairy]

I looked at both of these as well and ended up buying the Uppa Baby Cruz because we found it easier to collapse and to move the seat around/ put the bassinet on/ off etc. I also preferred the braking system. If I'm not confusing the BC3 with something else it has a hand brake thing up by the handlebar. I prefer the brake being by the foot. Obviously this is personal preference!

If you haven't gone and tried them both in a John Lewis or something that's probably the best thing to do.

The UBC feels light and easy to maneouvre, but am sure the same is true of the BC3. I had in fact originally wanted the UB Vista but in the end decided that the Cruz had most of the same features/ benefits but the fact it was slightly narrower and lighter might be a plus. I hope I don't regret the fact it's not quite as 'robust' but luckily I also have an old BabyJogger from DS1 that I can use if need be on tougher terrain if I can wrestle it back off my parents who want a pushchair at their place too

Baby is due and I haven't used the UBC yet so my recommendation is based on trying it in the shop so far! It's waiting to be assembled but will wait as we won't need it instantly!

[Heirhelp]

We picked the Cruz after originally thinking BC3. I liked the fact it was lighter, easier to fold and get in and out of the car. I also liked the fact that you can use pram one day and buggy the next. The Cruz has had some wheel issues but the 2015 Cruz has new wheels.

[Absy]

We got the bugaboo cameleon as it was on sale and DH became obsessed with it My concern was that it doesn't fold in one piece (you take the seat out and then fold the wheel bit) but otherwise that was it, and we confirmed with a friend who's had one for over a year that it's actually really good.

We considered the cruz, and looking at my notes [dork] it was rejected because it's heavier - it's about 12.4 kgs whereas the cameleon is around 10.

If we hadn't gotten the Cameleon we would have gone for the Mamas and Papas Armadillo flip xt - XT because the handles extend really high (DH is tall). Armadillo flip in general as it is both parent and world facing, folds with one hand and is relatively light.

[mrsmonkey14]

Love our Cruz. I wouldn't say the two options are comparable as BC3 a lot bigger - more comparable to uppababy vista. Cruz more similar to bugaboo bee (although bee is a lot smaller, they're both 'city' prams). I found cruz more sturdy than bee, and preferred that it is higher up, plus the basket on cruz/vista is enormous which is v helpful. From memory the BC3 basket is an odd shape? Cruz folds in one piece once using pram in non-parent facing mode. Think it depends on your lifestyle - we're in big city so narrower pram v helpful as generally on foot, getting on public transport etc. if you use car a lot I guess being compact less important (provided it fits in your car boot!).

[clarabellski]

For us it was between the bugaboo cameleon and the uppababy vista (didn't look at the cruz). Perhaps the bugaboo bee is the equivalent of the uppababy cruz?

Anyway, we went for the bugaboo because the overall size of the frame was a bit smaller (narrower) for getting in and around the doors in our house (we have a teeny hall/tight corners). Other than that, they seemed to be much the same in terms of spec. I think the uppababy vista may have been more adaptable if you were planning on having another baby very quickly thereafter (you could put 2 chairs in it?).

[Thenadish]

Thank you all. The Cruz basket is a LOT more conducive to shopping trips than the BC3. Think buffalo and vista are too big for city and bee is too low for my liking.

Found the Cruz handle a touch high though. Anyone else notice this?

[mrsmonkey14]

I have the cruz and am short (5ft2). I have handle on lowest setting but I've never found it high, if that helps.

[MrsPCR]

We went for the Cruz as DH and I are both relatively tall and the baby sits higher in the Cruz. Seemed like a lot of bending to reach the child in other models.

Went for Cruz over vista as felt vista was very wide and would have to take a wheel off to put in my car. Also plan to use more for town and the cruz's basket is still big!

Vista does double, but you're looking at spending £300 more to make it double in the future (£100 initial additional cost +£200 for seat and adapted); however the additional seat is not a proper seat and would have to be used by the older child. To me it looks more of an emergency seat than a planned buggy seat to comfortably transport to DCs. We didn't feel it was a 'proper' double buggy and who knows what the future holds! We've bought a push chair for how.

[Thenadish]

We've had another look and cruz is defo comparable to BC with the vista more comparable to the Buffalo. I agree the bee is low and I'm not a fan.

It's just the handle issue so thank you mrsmonkey14 that's good to know. Is the suspension ok? Basket is most spacious I've seen x

[laughingGnomette]

I think the BC3 is slightly lighter than the Cruz.
I found the shopping basket really good on the Cam. It may appear small but because it has the draw string, you can fill it to overflowing without things falling out (if that makes sense). It also means your shopping isn't on display.
I also really liked the off-road mode on the Cam. Just flip the handles over and off you go. Perfect for muddy walks!
It is a lot pricier though and the two piece fold is a pain!

[gryffindorwannabe]

I have a cam2 and absolutely love it! So easy to push etc and the handlebar extends if you are taller (or in my case have a MASSIVE bag!). The only thing I find annoying is that you have to take it apart to put it down. Have you been to JL and tested them both? There was no comparison in my eyes when I looked and tried them both x

[BuffytheDamnLyrePlayer]

The bugaboo basket is a nightmare and virtually impossible to use while you are using carrycot. I walk past people with the uppababy, their huge and easily accessible baskets filled with shopping and I grind my teeth in envy and impotent fury while trying to dodge the 15 bags swinging dangerously from my handlebars.

But once you change to the pushchair, it's great! Really manoeuvrable and very very comfortable for the baby.

Sorry - that's not much help! But someone mentioned baskets and it hit a nerve...

[mrsmonkey14]

Sorry for slow reply thena yes suspension is fine. The cruz is not really an off roader though if you need that. It manages grass in city parks etc fine.

[Thenadish]

Haha BuffytheDamnLyrePlayer that's what I suspected!!!! At least it's only a few months to get through if needs be!

[Bellasima20]

I have the cam2 and adore it. I've seen the Cruz's and the hoods always look very cheap/saggy and sorry for me the styling doesn't even compare to the Bugaboo. Cant comment on comparison in use/practicality though but if the Cruz is heavier Id not consider it personally. Being pregnant with DC2 and having to lift/fold buggy in and out of car would be a nightmare with anything heavier- so think about this for the future/use.

[mangocoveredlamb]

I love my Cruz and we still regularly use it for DD (who is 2) For me it ticked all the boxes, and I preferred the styling to the other models!
I also really like that you can fold it with the seat on and stand it up (with the handle fully extended) as it take up much less space in our house like this!

[pitterpatterrain]

I love our cruz, nearly 2 years constant use in the city. bought it because of the height (versus the bee), the way it folds, and the massive shopping basket

[Thenadish]

That shopping basket is a clincher haha! Off with DH to test some out today. Will let you know how we get on! Thanks for all the tips x