Maclaren Techno - XLR or XT?

[LittleMissSnowShine]

Hi All,

I'm a complete first timer and after lots of chat on this board and a thread I've started over on the pregnancy board, I'm thinking that the Maclaren Techno is a good choice for me because:

• Absolute top end of our budget is £200
• Me and DH are both quite tall so adjustable handles = big plus
• I'd like something that can be used from birth but will last the course until baby is about 2 years old
• Maclaren Techno looks pretty easy to fold up
• I will be using it mostly on walks round the park and to the shops and back etc. so I don't need huge big wheels suitable for all terrain.

So could I trouble some of you amazing experts on all things pushchair related out there and ask what your general opinion on the Maclaren Techno is?

I noticed that there are two different models as well, the Techno XT and the newer Techno XLR model. As far as I can tell, the newer model is a bit more expensive and a bit bulkier but is potentially more comfortable for the wee one. Are there are other major differences between the two and do any of you have a pronounced preference for one model or the other??

Thanks so much for your help!! Hoping to buy whatever pushchair we decide to go for this week because only have about 10 weeks to go til d-day!!

The XLR can be used with a carry cot so the baby can lay completely flat, it has a wider more padded seat too.
I wanted to get the XLR, but as my Ds is now a toddler and its only a second buggy I decided on the XT, slightly more basic but when I bought it it was nearly £100 cheaper!

If this will be your only buggy I would reccomend going for the XLR.

Mothercare have the XLR for £220 and free delivery and with the mother and baby club vouchers that brings it down to £200 so I'm pretty tempted!!

All that includes is the seat liner, head hugger, footmuff and raincover so I know I'd have to buy the carrycot separately if we wanted to use that (tho it looks like the baby can still lie more or less flat without one??) and I'd still need to get a carseat separately but if it really does last the distance from birth until the baby is going to be 2 or so, then it doesn't seem like a bad deal....

I have had both - currently have an xlr and is much more comfy (ds is a big 2.6 year old)...xt is much lighter and easier for shoving in boot of car. I would go for the xlr - especially if you are tall

Thanks for the feedback! I'm going to go to Smyths this afternoon cos apparently they have a Maclaren XLR in stock so I can go and have a nosy at it.

I think I'd been put off the XLR by the fact our car is so small but after talking to DH last night we're thinking of changing the car anyway, since we only share one between us and a small 5 door is prob going to be more practical than a Fiesta so we should have a bit more room in the boot which opens up our choice of buggies a bit further....

I had an XLR from birth with no carrycot and DS was snug and comfortable. Great pushchair for tall people as well, DH (6'5) has no excuse not to push it!

Ha ha, perfect. I'm 5'8 or so and DH is 6'1 so we're not giants by any means but I've found myself slightly stooping over to push other buggies and I can only imagine how much of a pain this would become over time!!

Thanks for the carrycot feedback too, I really don't think I'd use this all that much so I was really reluctant to buy one unless absolutely necessary.

Off to Smyths after work to see if the XLR appeals to me as much when I see it in front of me as it does online - they only stock the Penguin colour scheme, tho, and I have my eye on the black and champagne one...

Spent a bit of time in Smyths last night comparing the Techno with the two Graco Mirage/Mosaic systems that I was originally keen on. In so many of the online reviews, people complained the wheels went wonky on their Gracos not long after they bought them and I have to say that even on a brand new shop model which the sales assistant said they'd only had in for a couple of weeks it was determinedly veering to the right!!

Really liked the Maclaren XLR - only drawback is small storage basket but I decided all the pros outweight the cons and I ordered it off mothercare last night - only came to £198 which wasn't too bad.

Has anyone bought the lay flat carrycot to go with the XLR? Is it any good?

I would be interested in your experiences if you get the carrycot LittleMiss - am thinking of getting one. Got the XT for DD and it is brill but for new baby wanted parent facing mode at first so may buy XLR like you but get carry cot. I have seen it and it isn't big though so probably only last about 3-4 months I imagine.

I agree both of these pushchairs are great for tall people as have some of the highest handles on the market - I always check when buying or considering it as we are both tall.

Yes that's what i was thinking fifitot, buggy was already £198 and carrycot is another £60 on top of that and, like you say, it looks like you'd only really get 3/4 months use out of it. but might go for it anyway, can always use again for subsequent babies and might provide a bit of peace of mind (and maybe even peace and quiet if it helps them sleep!) for first few months. i'll keep you posted tho!!

Thanks! I guess once you'd used it you could always sell it as would be in decent condition.

I am trying to get a carry cot on ebay for DC2 for the XLR but they are all being put on for £35-40 which seems a little ridiculous considering you can get a new one for £60 (unsurprisngly they are not selling)

£35-40? bit steep for second hand!! as you say, if it's £60 for new then you might as well go for that and have the warranty that comes with it...