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. Based in California, the bicycle professional and airline mechanic recognized a gap in the stroller market for a rugged jogging stroller, inspired by their experience as parents. The men introduced the world to the BOB Sport Utility stroller and later the locking swivel front wheel in 2005. In 2011, the Britax company purchased BOB.

Ease of Use

The Revolution 3.0 isn't as easy to use as most competitors, and some of the double joggers we've tested scored significantly higher.

Fold and Unfold

The Revolution has a two-hand fold that is simple once you know how; it's not a single-motion process. 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 involves four to six steps and results in a product that rests on its back. Unfolding is straightforward and takes one or two hands, depending on how skilled you become.

Storage

We fit a large diaper bag inside with supplies for two, but it was a little challenging because of the center strap in the back. It is a large bin, and with the seats upright, it's fairly easy to access from the back and sides, but with the seats reclined, access is much more limited.

This stroller includes mesh pockets on the seat backs that hold items like wallets, phones, or keys, though they're harder to reach when the seats are reclined. Passengers also have inside mesh pockets for sippy cups or treasures.

Harness

The 5-point harness isn't the easiest to adjust and includes a slide buckle adjustment for the crotch strap and shoulder height. They've changed the buckle to more closely resemble a Britax buckle, and it is harder to use than the old-school BOB buckle. The harness is also more challenging to tighten to a good, snug fit (in our tests), and we worry that parents will leave it loose in frustration.

Brakes

The Revolution 3.0 Duallie sports single-action brakes and a plastic pedal centered at the back. The pedal is easy to access, set, and release, and it has a sandal-friendly design. We miss the metal pedal on older versions of the Revolution, but this one works fine.

Maneuverability

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

Pushing over flat surfaces is super easy, especially for a side-by-side stroller. 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 in narrow spaces or when turning, but this stroller's single front wheel lets it make tight turns. While some openings may still be problematic, this BOB is easier to manage than an inline stroller.

Off-road the BOB is tough to beat and easily navigates with smooth agility over grass, rocks, bumps, and cracks on just about any terrain.

Transporting and Storing

Picking up and moving strollers, whether into your vehicle, onto a bus, or up stairs, can be a chore. The BOB stroller is larger than most, so make sure you can manage it and that it fits where you need it to.

It earned a relatively lower score for this metric, but it wasn't the worst in the group.

Weight and Folded Size

This double jogger is heavier than much of the competition at 34 lbs. Folding it creates a bulky product measuring 22,507 cubic inches. Sadly, it doesn't self-stand, so you'll have to bend down to pick it up. Be prepared to use some muscle because it's big and awkward to lift and handle, especially when navigating how to get it onto public transportation.

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. There is no handle or carry strap, which feels like a mistake in something this awkward.

Kid Ride

The Duallie knows that keeping little ones comfy and happy goes a long way when undertaking fun or important trips.

Seat

Each seat reclines independently to almost flat for a custom, cozy nap. The leg rest is not adjustable, but it is well-padded and sits at 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. It is easy to recline, but raising it requires two hands. It works just fine, but some competitors offer a push-button style that is far more straightforward.

Sunshade

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

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

Once your stroller convinces the passengers to sleep, the goal is to keep them that way so you can enjoy a relaxing break in your day. We tested the Duallie on average terrain to see how often rocky, bumpy surfaces might trigger wake-up events. The Duallie had only 10 potential wake-up events of very low intensity that most kids would probably sleep through. Thanks to the massive air-filled tires and adjustable frame shocks, this stroller performs at an elite level while protecting kids from sharp jolts that might wake them. It was one of the best in the group at avoiding jolts that could disturb slumbering little ones.

Quality

BOB combines quality materials with sturdy construction to create a product that feels reliable and long-lasting compared to much of the competition. While it isn't a top scorer, it is above average, and for the price, it doesn't disappoint.

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. The seat has thermo-molded, comfortable padding, 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 stroller has a rugged, 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 those of much of the competition, even if it lags somewhat behind 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 canopy stay on the stroller when using it with a carrier, so you can avoid the disassembly required by some competitors. This stroller works with BOB and Britax infant car seats, as well as some models from Graco, Chicco, and Peg Pereg. The seat requires a two-step process: clicking it into place, then using straps over the foot end of the carrier. We aren't big fans of the two-step process, and we worry that parents will intentionally or accidentally skip the strap step, which could lead to injuries.

Ease of Setup

The 3.0 is easy enough to assemble, with a setup time of nearly 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 managing two can be challenging unless you plan to wear a baby in a carrier. Jogging is not advised until babies are at least 8-12 months old (as stated in 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, cozy seating for children, and overall 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 3 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 comparably 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 offers an easy-to-push-and-turn stroller you'll enjoy for the price.

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