REASONS TO BUY
Rough road champ
Nibble for a jogger
Features thoughtfully arranged
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Hard to fit in all trunks
Not the easiest or smallest fold
Buckle fold close
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Review
Mid-range priced jogger with good features for everyday outings and moving off-road or taking a run
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Full-Size Strollers
The Skinny
The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is a tried and true favorite full-size stroller crossover jogger. The stroller is easy to push and turn on and off the road. It has a locking swivel front wheel and pneumatic tires that make it comfy for the pusher and the passenger. We like the utilitarian nature of this stroller and think it is a great off-roading option for those who like to adventure off the sidewalk. However, it can do double duty for everyday errands as well, with large storage, nap-able seating, and features that benefit everyone. However, it is big and clunky when folded, and folding is a two-hand deal, while other competitors are one and stand by themselves. It also lacks the sleekness of other joggers and could be more stroller than you need. Overall, it is an option for those who love the outdoors and still need something for everyday life.
Editor's Note: The Flex 3.0 is a competitor in our new testing for the full-size stroller category performed in March 2024.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  | | |
| Price | $550 List Check Price at Amazon | $700 List $699.99 at Amazon | $650 List $449.95 at Amazon | $650 List $598.73 at Amazon | $350 List $349.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Great jogger for double duty as a standard stroller with more potential for adventures | A quality choice that uses thoughtful design to create an easy-to-use option, but it has a higher price and a larger fold | This jogger is a dual-purpose choice with better storage and easy maneuverability over most surfaces | While it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goals | A budget-friendly expandable stroller with good storage but limited other features and a heavier weight |
| Rating Categories | BOB Revolution Flex... | UPPAbaby Cruz v2 | Thule Urban Glide 2 | Cybex Balios S Lux | Evenflo Pivot Xpand |
| Ease of Use (40%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (25%) | |||||
| Transport/Storing (15%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Kid's Comfort (10%) | |||||
| Specs | BOB Revolution Flex... | UPPAbaby Cruz v2 | Thule Urban Glide 2 | Cybex Balios S Lux | Evenflo Pivot Xpand |
| Weight | 29.0 | 25.0 | 26.2 | 25.3 | 30.0 |
| BGL Folded Dims. | 25.5"W x 15.3"H x 37.8"L | 22.9"W x 16.5"H x 33"L | 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L | 24"W x 16"H x 31"L | 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L |
| Capacity Limits | Minimum: Birth (car seat) 8 weeks (walking) 8 months (jogging) Maximum: 75 lbs/44 in |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 50 lbs |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 49 lbs/ 44 in |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 55 lbs |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 55 lbs/43" |
| Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight | 13 | 30 | 14 | 24 | 11 |
| Car Seat Compatibility | Britax/BOB Britax Chaperone, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Endeavours, B-Safe 35 Ultra, BOB B-Safe, BOB B-Safe 35 Chicco Fit2, KeyFit, KeyFit 30 Cybex Cybex® Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 30LX, 35, 35 LX, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect, SnugRide Classic Connect 30, 32, 35, SafeSeat Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico AP Nuna Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, SIP, SIP 30/30 |
Chicco KeyFit 35, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Aton M Clek Liing Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Mico Max Plus Nuna PIPA, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r, PIPA rx, PIPA lite rx, PIPA urbn UPPAbaby Mesa |
BOB Unity Britax Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX Compatible Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit Plus Combi Shuttle 33 Evenflo Discovery 5 Graco SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40 Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix, Citi, Pebble Nuna Pipa Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35 Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air Safe-n-Sound Unity, Unity Neos UPPAbaby Mesa |
Cybex (All) Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP Nuna Pipa lite |
Chicco KeyFit/KeyFit 30 Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax Graco all with SnugRide, SnugLock 30/35 Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 |
| Min./Max. Handle Height | 34.5"/48" | 40"/43" | 30"/46" | 39.5"/43" | 33"/44.7" |
| Wheel Type | Pneumatic | Foam Filled Plastic | Pneumatic | Foam Filled Plastic | Foam Filled Plastic |
| Brake type | Single | Single | Single | Single | Single |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
In 1994, Philip Novotny and Roger Malinowski launched BOB (Beast of Burden Company) in California. The bicycle pro and the airplane mechanic created Yak bike trailers before strollers. After having families, the two needed a different type of stroller, so the BOB Sport Utility was born. Fun fact: they were also the first to put a locking swivel wheel on a jogger in 2005. Since its inception, BOB has produced some impressive strollers. Britax purchased BOB in 2011.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Use
The Flex is about average for ease of use. Not much has changed in this stroller in a decade, and what used to be straightforward now struggles to compare to competitors.
The Revolution requires two hands to fold and can bang shins when you yank the handle to complete the fold.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
The fold is not apparent or intuitive without the instructions and doing it a few times.
It requires two hands to release the frame to fold by squeezing dual levers on each side, and then you pull a handle under the seat. It falls forward and is awkward when folded. It does not auto-lock, and the buckle to keep it folded always feels too short, even though we have accomplished it every time.
Storage
The storage bin is a good size and has easy back access. It has a 10 lb limit and it is not covered like some other joggers in this review. It has been upgraded from older versions of the Flex with two zippered pockets inside the bin. This helps keep things better organized and prevents important items like keys and phones from falling out.
The Flex also has additional storage pockets for up to 3 lbs more. There are pockets on the back of the canopy/seat and inside the seating area for passenger snacks, sippy cups, and treasures.
The harness on the Revolution has covered shoulder straps and a stiff buckle with non-rethread shoulder straps.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The harness is the standard BOB with adjustable points on all 5 points. The shoulder straps have a padded sleeve but aren't super skin-friendly. It is a no-rethread adjustment for shoulder height. The buckle is somewhat stiff but not hard to use; it just takes a little more oompf.
The brake pedal on the Revolution sits at a strange angle, but it is not hard to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
The single-action brake on the Flex is a middle pedal that is easy to press and lift to release. It used to be a smaller metal pedal and is now a larger plastic pedal that has an angled design. It is kind of at a funky angle, but it wasn't hard to use.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Flex can be used with a handful of infant car seats by purchasing adapters. These brands are Britax/BOB, Chicco, Cybex, Graco, Maxi Cosi, Nuna, and Peg Perego.
The Revolution is almost more unpacking than it is assembling and the parts go together easily.
Credit: Graham Faulknor
Ease of Setup
The Flex is easy to assemble and takes between 5-10 minutes. It comes with an Allen wrench to tighten the front axle; some might want a wrench to hold the nut. The directions are straightforward, and you might need a bike pump to inflate the tires.
The Revolution navigates the grass, sidewalk, and pop-up threshold in our tests with ease.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
The Flex is a top scorer when it comes to maneuverability. With large rubber tires, adjustable shocks, and an adjustable handlebar, the Revolution is easy to push and manipulate.
The Revolution has an adjustable handlebar that rotates on a pivot point that puts taller users with longer strides closer to the axle and increases the potential for kicking the back.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The front wheel on the BOB can be locked in place for running or moving over uneven surfaces like those found on a hiking trail. The adjustable handle makes moving up and down larger surface changes like curbs easier regardless of height.
The front wheel on the Revolution Flex is a locking swivel wheel that provides more versatility when running and negotiating tight spaces while running errands.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
On flat surfaces, the Flex is easy to move. It turns easily, and despite the longer length, it feels nimble if you just watch the nose to avoid bumping into things. It does feel more like an off-road SUV than a sports car.
The shocks on the Revolution are adjustable and can make pushing easier and riding more comfortable.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Off-road, the Flex is the champ and a standout in the metric. The adjustable shocks mean you can keep the ride comfortable and help offset the struggle of pushing a stroller over uneven terrain.
The Revolution is not the biggest jogger in the group, but it isn't a petite flower either.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
The Revolution is best for those with larger cars or SUVs or those who plan to adventure right out their front door. It does not score well in the transportation and storing metric because it is large, heavy, and awkward when folded. This jogger weighs 29 lbs in our tests, so while it isn't the heaviest jogger in the review, it is a beast nonetheless.
The Flex is only 14,748 cubic inches when folded. This isn't the smallest option, but smaller than most other joggers. The real problem is that there is no great handle to carry it, and the larger wheels get caught on things when lifting it into a car.
Quality
The Flex is a nice quality stroller with one of the higher scores in this metric. The frame is a solid aluminum with a plastic hinge where the parts come together and fold. It has a utilitarian look and feel and is not as sleek as other BOBs in this review, but it still looks nice and has limited exposed fasteners.
The fabric on the main seat is a rougher canvas built to last over time with less consideration for being skin-friendly. It has a tight weave and is relatively easy to keep clean. The canopy and footrest feel even more durable, which is nice given the wear and tear they will undergo as little ones get bigger and climb into and out of the ride independently.
The Flex has larger, dense, plastic wheels with higher-quality rubber and pneumatic tires. They roll true and do not wobble. The overall fit and finish are good, but the Flex has a more rugged feel than some of the other joggers we tested.
The inside seating area of the Revolution includes some padding on the seat with interior pockets for storing snacks and treasures.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
Kid comfort on the Flex is better than most, with a higher score for this metric. The sling-style seat is padded, and the lack of frame provides some give for bumpy roads. The adjustable shocks can also offer a little support so little ones feel less of every rock and twig.
The recline on the Revolution creates a cozy napping spot.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The seatback reclines enough for napping while the leg rest is stationary. The footrest is narrow but still comfortable as the legrest is wide. The adjustability of the setback is a somewhat dated mechanism of two straps running through a central plastic toggle. It takes one hand to lower the seat back to infinite possible positions and two hands to pull the straps to raise it back up.
The canopy on the Flex is giant and covers a significant amount of the passenger.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The canopy is one of the largest in the group and covers a significant length of the stroller. It has a vinyl window for peeking at passengers and a mesh window for ventilation. Both have a flap with magnetic closure. This is a step up from the Velcro closure on older models of the Revolution.
Should You Buy the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0?
We love the Revolution and have traditionally given it awards in multiple categories. While it missed an award for full-size strollers, it could still be one to consider if you were hoping to buy a single stroller that can work for jogging, moving off-road, and everyday errands and tasks. Two other joggers scored higher than the Flex, but if you love a BOB or had your heart set on one, we think you'd be happy adding a BOB to your gear lineup.
What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?
If you want a jogger that can be your full-size stroller, then the Thule Urban Glide 2 is our pick. This option has a similar price to the Flex, and it earned higher scores in several metrics. It is easier to fold and push, folds somewhat smaller, and has a lighter weight. If budget is a concern and a jogger is on your mind, we like the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec. This inexpensive option offers enough to keep you moving to the store, park, or a gentle jog.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz
You Might Also Like
