Uppababy Cruz or Armadillo Flip XT

[FamilySpartan]

I'm tossing up between these two pushchairs. From outward appearances they seem quite similar. They both tick all the boxes in terms of size, weight and functionality.

I've read a lot of reviews and the Cruz seems to have poorly designed wheels. Has anyone found them to be problematic?

My DH is very tall so I liked the idea of the adjustable handle on the Cruz, does the Armadillo handle adjust too?

I know this topic doesn't get much traffic but I hope someone with either buggy sees this as it's almost impossible to do a side-by-side comparison, especially as I plan on purchasing second hand! Thanks.

We have the Cruz and love it . Thought it was brilliant. Baby can lie down fully reclined to sleep or sit up lovely and upright when older - the recline function is v flexible

we also loved that you could use it with the maxi Cosi car seat and we traveled loads on it , including on the plane: just pop out the car seat and take it onto the actual plane and leave the frame at the airplane door.

Wheels on the newer model are bigger and awesome . I think from 2016 onwards

firstimer, thanks. As I'm buying secondhand I think it will be mostly 2015 or earlier models I'll be looking at. The problem with the wheels seems to affect these. It's putting me off a bit.

Meanwhile, the Armadillo has had a recall due to a fault with the seat security. It seems that neither is perfect.

I already have a Maxi Cosi Pebble so whatever we get need to be compatible.

Nothing is perfect but I would definitely go for safety

For what it's worth I wouldn't spend much on the first buggy as they're only in it for first 2 years max and then a second hand maclaren/ any umbrella stroller will do

I have an Armadillo Flip XT. My DH is 6'4" and I'm 5'0". We can adjust the handle and both find it easy to use.

We have the 2015 Cruz and haven't had any problems with wheels. I love it - big basket, easy to steer, and lasts till the kid weighs 25kg, so will do long term.

We got a Cruz in 2014, it's had a hard life since then and it's a real workhorse! The back wheels started to get a bit worn after 3 years, we contacted Uppababy about replacements, and they sent us free replacements! No other problems and I love it. Really sturdy, huge basket underneath, and adjustable handle (DH and I are both tall). Has done both DCs from birth (with carrycot), I use it with the buggy board now.
Highly recommend it.

I looked at both and went for the Cruz. It felt like better build quality than the Armadillo and easier to get up and down kerbs. I think both were roughly equal for weight and the armadillo marginally easier to collapse.

I really liked it and got plenty of use out of it until DD recently turned 15 months. Love the big basket and sun hood. The car seat fits on easily. It's not brilliant over rough ground but neither is the armadillo I believe. The front wheels get clogged up easily but that's because my quickest route anywhere is through a park. Haven't had any other problems with it.

Now that DD is bigger and heavier I've switched to a much lighter maclaren. Still use the Cruz for longer trips as the seat seems much comfier.

I don't think the Cruz takes a buggy board, though, so that might be something to watch out for. The Vista does take a buggy board.

Thanks all for the replies. We went to have a look at the Cruz and I think we're going with that. Now scouring eBay for a deal ;)

We have a cruz and currently using it for our second child. I love it. It's not particularly good on rough ground as it's not designed to be but other than that we've had no issues. What's the problem with the wheels?

It does take a buggy board - we have one. Brilliant for our eldest DC

Breathe - the biggest complaint with the wheels is that leaves and stuff get stuck in the gap and they become jammed. It's not so much of an issue for me as I'll be mostly pounding pavement. Also I've been told they need lubricating but that's a no brainer.

I have the flip and love it. Easy to put up and down though is quite heavy with the pushchair attachement in it now DS is too big to clip the car seat on now.

And the recall was fixed and they gave us 50 quid store credit!

City jogger mini gt?
I know it's not what you asked but brilliant wheels, attachments for maxi cosi car seat and a great one handed fold with adjustable handle means it's easy for short (5ft3) and tall (6ft)....

Have to say, we take the Cruz through a park every day and haven't had any trouble with the wheels clogging up.

They once got covered in mud but it was really easy to remove them for a quick clean.

Thanks for the suggestion nan0 but I'm not a fan of 3 wheelers.

Oh yes, we've had mud and leaves stuck in them on a couple of occasions when on a muddy track but it was no big deal. Didn't even occur to me that someone would write a bad review about that. I just cleared out with a stick. It never jammed them, just slowed them down a bit.

Have you considered the Oyster 2? Looks fairly similar as far as I can tell from pics and is compatible with the maxi cosi pebble car seat.

Love my Cruz. My rear wheels did split but Uppababy customer service was great and they sent free replacements no questions asked.
Depends a bit on lifestyle though: personally think the Cruz could be a bit of a pain of you don't have a private ground floor hallway as it's tricky to fold when parent facing. Basket is amazing though and my son much prefers bucket seats to the recliner type that the Flip has.

@FamilySpartan - I know this thread is a little old now, but wondered if you went for the Cruz and how it's working out? Also considering Cruz - seems spot on for us in most ways, but put off by reviews about the wheels jamming... Any feedback much appreciated!

Definitely the cruz - best buggy we have had