Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Review
Our Verdict
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This Product
Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Jogging Stroller | Best for Small Budgets | |||
Price | $340 List Check Price at Amazon | $600 List | $650 List $649.95 at Amazon | $173 List $144.99 at Amazon | $150 List $129.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This reasonably priced option lacked some features that make running easier and wasn't as thoughtfully designed as competitors | An excellent performer for both running and everyday life, it is hard to go wrong with this compact folding jogger | Higher-priced option that offers impressive performance and useful features, but the included safety sheet says "not suitable for running" | The Race Tec is somewhat nicer than other Baby Trend joggers we've tested, but it isn't the best for running | Budget jogger that is lightweight and easy to maneuver but it lacks dedicated running features like tracking and suspension |
Rating Categories | Joovy Zoom 360 Ultr... | Guava Roam Crossover | Thule Urban Glide 3 | Baby Trend Expediti... | Baby Trend Expedition |
Run-ability (35%) | |||||
Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
Maneuverability (20%) | |||||
Transport and Storage (10%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
Kid Comfort (5%) | |||||
Specs | Joovy Zoom 360 Ultr... | Guava Roam Crossover | Thule Urban Glide 3 | Baby Trend Expediti... | Baby Trend Expedition |
Capacity Limits | Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 75 lbs |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 60 lbs / 42 in *car seat adaptor (sold seperately) allows for usage from 0 - 6 months |
Minimum (Walk Only): Infant Car Seat: Birth Stroller Seat: 6 months Jogging & Off-Road: 6 months - 4 year Maximum: 75 lbs Total Capacity Limit with 49 lbs as max seat weight |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 50 lbs / 42" |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 50 lbs / 42" |
Measured Weight | 25.9 lbs | 28.5 lbs | 26.2 lbs | 28.1 lbs | 23.6 lbs |
Measured Folded Dimensions | 35.3" x 25.7" x 16" | 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1" | 37" x 26.6" x 15.2" | 36.5" x 24.5" x 16" | 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1" |
Folded Volume | 10,650 cu in | 7,488 cu in | 14,960 cu in | 14,308 cu in | 12,679 cu in |
Handlebar Height - Min/Max | 41" | 34" - 45" | 38.5" - 45.3" | 41.5" | 41" |
Fixed/Swivel Wheel | Swivel | Swivel | Swivel | Swivel | Swivel |
Measured Rolling Resistance Average | 24 Ft | 24 Ft | 44 Ft | 21 Ft | 45 Ft |
One-handed Fold | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Auto or Manual Fold Lock | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual | Manual |
Self-standing Fold | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Included Accessories | Parent console (removable) Tire pump |
Parent console (removable) | Parent Console (removable) Child Tray (removable) |
Parent Console (removable) Child Tray (removable) |
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Setup Time | 10 - 15 mins | 5 mins | 15 mins | 5 - 10 mins | 5 - 10 mins |
Warranty | 2 Year warranty | 2 Year warranty 60 Day trial period |
Limited Lifetime warranty on Frame / 3 years fabric and parts | 1 year limited warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Joovy is a family company operating out of Texas and California. It started in 2005, creating useful and functional designs for everyday use. They make a variety of gear types from the best baby bottles to strollers and most things in between.
Performance Comparison
Run-ability
The Joovy may not be the best option for serious runners. It has a locking front swivel wheel, but it does not have adjustable tracking (something serious runners want).
However, despite the lack of adjustability, it tracks relatively straight, though some extra effort is involved in keeping it on track. It also pulled to the right in our tests, running uphill.
It also doesn't have an adjustable handlebar, so this might make it harder to use for taller or shorter parents. It sits at 41 inches from the ground. The safety strap is nicer than others and can be attached to the handlebar when not in use. It is attached low on the frame, and the user can choose which wrist to wear it on. It also does not have a deceleration brake. The stroller feels light and we were able to run with one hand on flat surfaces, but the pull to the right uphill requires two hands.
This stroller has suspension, but it isn't as useful as competitors, and we still felt significant vibration and bumps translating through the frame. It struggled over rocks and soft sand with some bouncing and jarring.
Our tests showed significant rolling resistance. This is one of the shortest rolling distances in the group, which could translate to a more fatiguing run than competitors with less resistance. After running more than 5 miles, it feels like a jogger better suited to pavement and other flat surfaces than trails or uneven off-road environments.
Ease of Use
The Joovy isn't the easiest option to use on an everyday basis, with one of the lowest scores in the group for this metric.
Storage
The storage bin is disappointing in a group with many better options available. Compared to the competition, this bin is only medium and has a maximum weight allowance of only 5 lbs.
Some of the competition holds up to 10 lbs and comes with a cover to keep supplies contained. We fit our large diaper bag inside, but access is challenging and only available from the back. Access is further limited thanks to a strap and low bar across the bin.
The Joovy has a mesh pocket on the seat back and dual mesh pockets in the child's seating area. We like the seat interior pockets, which keep items kids want nearby.
It also comes with a neoprene parent console with double cup holders and a covered pocket that is too small for larger smartphones.
We weren't big fans of the way the cup holders stick out when in use. The console's maximum weight allowance is 5 lbs and is removable and washable.
Fold and Unfold
The Joovy Zoom is relatively easy to fold and unfold. It requires two hands and three steps but doesn't have an auto-lock or self-stand.
It folds similarly to some of our favorite full-size strollers with a pull handle on the seat and a release lever elsewhere. Unfolding is about as easy with two hands and two steps.
Harness
The 5-point harness is one of the easiest options to use. It is easier to take off than put on, but both are straightforward.
When released, the straps pop out of the buckle so they can be operated with one hand to open. This harness has various shoulder height options and an adjustable crotch strap.
Brakes
The brakes are single-action and challenging to use. A rolling metal bar extends across the back between the two wheels. It is a step down to set and a lift from the bottom to release.
It is so hard to move and so stiff that it took a good kick to ensure it was engaged. We recommend pushing the stroller to ensure the brakes are engaged. Given the stiffness, we don't think it is foot-friendly.
Ease of Setup
The Zoom is easy enough to assemble. It took us 10-15 minutes to unpack and put together. The documentation it comes with is good. We only needed a bike pump to fill the tires, choosing not to use the flimsy pump it came with. We appreciate the manual's written instructions instead of drawings.
Maneuverability
The Joovy scored below the average for maneuverability. While it wasn't the best in the group and perhaps is good for the price range, it couldn't match the maneuverability of higher-end options.
The Zoom performed better on flat surfaces and indoors than it did off-road on uneven surfaces. It managed our obstacle course fairly well and had no trouble with doorways and tighter spaces.
Once the terrain became more unpredictable, the Zoom started to struggle. Soft ground, like sand, required more pushing and made turning more difficult. Bigger rocks were also a problem, as the Zoom started to get pretty tippy on uneven surfaces.
When things got rough, the front end was resistant. The movement didn't feel smooth, and extra vibration came up through the handlebar. While it managed each change in terrain, it didn't feel as equipped for the journey as some of the competition.
In our maneuverability tests, we also assessed how well the Joovy managed to go up and down curbs. The taller fixed handlebar could be more of a challenge for more petite pushers to get the best leverage to push down to lift the front end.
Transport and Storage
Thanks to its lighter weight and smaller folded size, the Joovy earned a relatively high score for transport and storage. The Zoom weighs in at 25.9 lbs, which is neither heavy nor light for this group but is below the average weight.
The Zoom measures 35.3" x 25.7" x 16", which is 10,650 cubic inches. This is one of the smallest folds in the group, with fewer joggers managing to be this small when folded.
Quality
The Zoom scored below average for quality, but it isn't even close to being the lowest in the group. It has durable but coarse fabric that is not as nice on the skin as the competition. The seat and legrest have less padding than we like, but soft straps will be nice for bare skin. It has a sturdy frame with less flex than much of the competition, but it has exposed fasteners that make the overall fit and finish appear cluttered.
The wheels on this stroller are spoked aluminum, and the tires are pneumatic rubber, with more wobble in the wheel connections than others. The handlebar is a fixed height and average size with a firm foam cover for comfort. The cover feels like it won't wear well over time and didn't fit tightly to the bar on the ends. The handlebar could be bigger in diameter and curved for better ergonomics.
The overall fit and finish are okay, but this impression changes when side-by-side with other joggers. It isn't as sleek or polished-looking as most other choices.
Kids' Comfort
The Zoom did not perform well in our tests for kid comfort, with one of the lowest results in the group.
The sunshade is large and offers good coverage past the knee. However, the canopy sits higher up on the frame than some of the competition, so it is less effective at blocking lower sun and wind. It has a big peek-a-boo window, but the cover has hook-and-loop closures that can be loud.
It has a short padded leg rest that is not adjustable. The leg rest travels down to a footpad that feels like rubberized mesh and should be easy to clean. The sling-style seat reclines low enough for comfortable napping.
The seatback reclining feature requires two hands and is challenging to recline and raise. It features a strap that travels along the back of the seat with adjustment points on each side. While it gets the job done, it isn't the best design and is convoluted compared to other strollers.
Should You Buy the Joovy Zoom?
With a mid-range price, we were hoping to love the Joovy Zoom. However, it ended up feeling like a meh relationship we should have ended before he got that into us. The Zoom is not the best for running, and given that is why you'd be considering it, it is a disappointment. While it performed well for transporting and storage, it was an uninspired option that paled compared to the higher-ranking strollers.
What Other Jogging Stroller Should You Consider?
The Guava Roam Crossover is a compact, true crossover option we love. This stroller is great for running and getting things done indoors. It has passenger and pusher features and offers a sleek, high-quality look. If you want a jogger that will work for children up to 75 lbs for a longer lifespan, then the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 could be the right fit. This tried-and-true traditional option has a locking swivel front wheel for easy switch-ups between running and casual adventures.