BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Review

The BOB company, otherwise known as Beast of Burden, began in 1994 when Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny joined forces to build bike trailers. Headquartered in California, the bicycle professional and airline mechanic identified a hole in the stroller marketplace where a rugged jogging stroller should be after having children of their own. Over time, the men introduced the word to the BOB Sport Utility stroller and then the locking swivel front wheel in 2005. This modification resulted in a user-friendly, versatile workhorse. In 2011, the Britax company purchased BOB.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

The Revolution 3.0 includes useful features that are easier to use than some of the competition in our double stroller review. Each test metric is actually a total score derived from the results of sub-testing within the metric.

Fold and Unfold

The Revolution has a two-hand fold that is simple enough once you know how to do it. It has a manual lock and doesn't stand on its own or have a carry strap, which is a bummer for such a bulky stroller. The fold is 4-6 steps creating a product that lays on its back. Unfolding is straightforward and takes 1 or 2 hands, depending on how highly skilled you become.

Storage

The under-seat storage bin is large and fairly easy to access from the back and sides. We fit a large diaper bag inside, including supplies for two during testing. You can even reach the storage with the seats reclined, which can't be said for all of the competition.

This stroller includes pockets on the seatbacks that are mesh and hold items like wallets, phones, or keys, though reaching them is harder when the seats are reclined. Passengers also get inside mesh pockets for sippy cups or treasures.

Harness

Each seat in the 3.0 has a 5-point harness with an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder height. The harness is easy enough to adjust, but they've changed the buckle to resemble a Britax buckle more closely, and it is harder to use than the old-school BOB buckle. The harness is also more challenging to tighten for a good snug fit (in our tests), and we worry parents will leave the harness loose in frustration.

Brakes

The Revolution 3.0 Duallie sports single-action brakes with a plastic pedal centered in the back. The pedal has easy access and is easy to set and release with a sandal-friendly design.

Maneuverability

This BOB moves smoothly with little effort, either one or two-handed. While it can get heavy with weight in the seats, it still manages to be easy to push and turn over most surfaces.

Pushing over flat surfaces is super easy, especially for a side-by-side stroller, and the three-wheel trike design, coupled with air-filled rubber tires, creates a product that can turn on a dime without serious forethought.

Traditionally, side-by-side options can struggle somewhat in narrow spaces or turning, but the single front wheel allows this stroller to make tight turns. While some openings could remain problematic, this BOB is easier to manage than inline strollers.

Transporting and Storing

Pickup up and moving strollers, whether it is into your vehicle, onto a bus, or up some stairs, can be a chore. Choosing a stroller you can manage, that also fits where you need it to, is important.

Weight and Folded Size

This double jogger is heavier than much of the competition at 34 lbs. Folding it creates sort of a bulky product that measures 22,507 cubic inches.

The BOB is shorter than some, and you can make it smaller by removing the wheels, but it may not fit in every trunk or car.

Kid Ride

Keeping little ones comfy and happy goes a long way when undertaking fun or important trips. We test each stroller with kid comfort and functionality in mind.

Seat

Each seat can independently recline almost flat for custom and cozy napping. The leg rest is not adjustable, but it is well-padded and sits and a comfortable, supported angle with a useful footrest at the bottom.

The recline adjustment is still the old-school plastic toggle with two side straps that is easy to recline but requires two hands to raise. It works just fine, but some of the competition offers a push-button style that is far more straightforward.

Sunshade

Sporting dual canopies, the Duallie offers the ability for each passenger to determine the coverage they crave. They are canvas fabric, UPF 50+, and water-resistant. Each shade includes a large, vinyl peek-a-boo window and covers past the knee of most passengers. The window cover has a magnet closure, which is silent and better than the previous Velcro option.

Quality

BOB brings quality materials together with sturdy construction to create what feels like a reliable and long-lasting product compared to much of the competition.

The Revolution has a thick canvas-like material on the seat and the canopy. It is a Poly/Dobby weave, water-repellent fabric with open-cell foam padding on the seat and leg rest areas. It feels durable, is snag-resistant in our tests, and fits nicely on the frame. There is thermo-molded padding on the seat, and the stroller includes reflective accents.

The 3.0 frame is powder-coated Chromoly/aluminum. It includes tight joints with no frame flexing, even with weight in the seat. The overall stroller has a rugged and utilitarian feel with polymer composite wheels and pneumatic tires.

The BOB has a rotating adjustment handlebar with comfort foam padding and adjustable shocks. The handlebar is not the most ergonomic design, but it feels comfortable pushing even on longer trips. The overall fit and finish of the 3.0 are better than much of the competition, even if it lags somewhat behind the other high-end joggers.

Car Seat Compatibility

The BOB only accepts one infant car seat carrier (see our best infant car seat review) using a frame-style adapter. The seat and the canopy stay on the stroller when using it with a carrier so that you can avoid the disassembly required in some of the competition. This stroller works with BOB and Britax infant car seats and some models from the Graco, Chicco, and Peg Perego brands, including the Chicco Keyfit 30. The seat requires a two-step process of clicking in place and then using straps over the foot end of the carrier. We aren't big fans of the two-step process, and we worry parents will intentionally or accidentally skip the strap step, resulting in potential injuries.

Ease of Setup

The 3.0 is easy enough to assemble with a setup time of close to 6 minutes. The user manual is relatively straightforward, with useful images. The assembly doesn't require any tools.

Twins

If you have infant twins or little ones under six months old, this is probably not the best stroller for you. At least right now. This Bob only accepts one infant car seat, so it can be challenging to manage two unless you plan to wear your baby in a carrier. Jogging is not advised until babies are at least 8-12 months old (as advised by the BOB user manual). We recommend you discuss your plans for running or off-road adventures with your child's pediatrician. These concerns make the Revolution a good option for children of different ages who are old enough to sit without assistance.

Should You Buy the BOB Duallie?

We think this BOB brings the promise of all BOBs to the table with smooth maneuverability and cozy seating for children, all with quality materials. We think it is a great choice for parents who like to go off the beaten path or enjoy jogging as much as strolling. This option is a great choice for almost any family with two who enjoy getting outdoors.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?

The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double Should also be on your list of options to compare. As a similar jogger for two, this stroller offers slightly better quality, an easier folding method, and a sleeker, more refined look. Which is right for you will depend on your goals and how you see your strolling life, but we think most families will be happy with either choice as much of the functionality performed equally well in our tests. Alternatively, if you long for a great off-road or jogging stroller for two but your budget can't swing the BOB or Thule, the Baby Trend Expedition Double brings a lot to the table for a smaller price, which you are sure to love. While it doesn't have features as nice as the competition, it can get you an easy-to-push and turn stroller you'll enjoy for the price.

Accessories

BOB offers a variety of accessories to make the Duallie suitable for different adventures.

• The BOB Duallie Parent Console provides a place for parents to keep items like phones, keys, wallets, or a bottle of water.

• If you're considering starting an exercise routine, you can add a BOB Duallie Fitness Kit to your purchase to get a total body workout with your little one nearby. No need for a babysitter! You can buy this kit separately or as part of your stroller.

Manufacturer Video