In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Review

Mid-range priced jogger with good features for everyday outings and moving off-road or taking a run
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BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $550 List
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Manufacturer:   BOB
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Mar 31, 2024
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 7.1
  • Maneuverability - 25% 8.8
  • Transport/Storing - 15% 5.0
  • Quality - 10% 8.0
  • Kid's Comfort - 10% 7.1

Our Verdict

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.
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
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

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Full-Size Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Double Duty Jogger
Best Value Award
Lower Price Impressive Full-Size Stroller
Best Value Award
Budget Full-Size For Growing Families
Price $550 List
Check Price at Amazon
$700 List
$699.99 at Amazon
$650 List
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$650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$350 List
$281.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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66
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Great jogger for double duty as a standard stroller with more potential for adventuresA quality choice that uses thoughtful design to create an easy-to-use option, but it has a higher price and a larger foldThis jogger is a dual-purpose choice with better storage and easy maneuverability over most surfacesWhile it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goalsA 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%)
7.1
8.5
8.4
7.8
8.0
Maneuverability (25%)
8.8
8.3
8.5
7.1
5.4
Transport/Storing (15%)
5.0
6.7
5.7
6.8
4.2
Quality (10%)
8.0
9.3
8.0
8.0
6.7
Kid's Comfort (10%)
7.1
8.5
6.7
7.6
7.3
Specs BOB Revolution Flex... UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Thule Urban Glide 2 Cybex Balios S Lux Evenflo Pivot Xpand
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"
Measured Weight 29 lbs 25 lbs 26 lbs 25 lbs 30 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 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
Folded Volume 14,748 cu in 12,469 cu in 15,388 cu in 11,904 cu in 16,790 cu in
Handlebar Height Min/Max 34.5"/48" 40"/43" 30"/46" 39.5"/43" 33"/44.7"
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 13 lbs 30 lbs 14 lbs 24 lbs 11 lbs
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
Wheel Type Pneumatic Foam Filled Plastic Pneumatic Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic
Brake Type Single Single Single Single Single

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.

Each side of the Revolution has a squeeze handle that needs to be...
Each side of the Revolution has a squeeze handle that needs to be operated simultaneously to initiate the fold.
The fold handle on the Revolution is read and located under the back...
The fold handle on the Revolution is read and located under the back of stroller near the seat bottom.

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.

The storage bin on the Revolution has good rear access, but the mesh...
The storage bin on the Revolution has good rear access, but the mesh sides can lead to dirty contents as road dirt is kicked up by bigger tires.
WHile the Revolution bin is big enough for our large diaper bag, the...
WHile the Revolution bin is big enough for our large diaper bag, the weight limit is only 10 lbs. This is the average limit for this style of stroller.

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.

bob revolution flex 3.0 - the harness on the revolution has covered shoulder straps and a...
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.

bob revolution flex 3.0 - the revolution is not the biggest jogger in the group, but it isn't...
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.

You can see the quality of the Revolution in the material choice and...
You can see the quality of the Revolution in the material choice and the manufacturing finishing details.
The front wheel on the Revolution offers alignment adjustment to...
The front wheel on the Revolution offers alignment adjustment to keep the wheel straight when running.

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.

bob revolution flex 3.0 - the inside seating area of the revolution includes some padding on...
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.

bob revolution flex 3.0 - the recline on the revolution creates a cozy napping spot.
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.

bob revolution flex 3.0 - the canopy on the flex is giant and covers a significant amount of...
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