In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo Review

Car seat attachment is not a Flex strength
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BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $550 List
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Manufacturer:   BOB
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 14, 2019
42
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 13
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat - 30% 2.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 25% 1.0
  • Quality - 10% 8.0
  • Maneuverability - 5% 9.0

Our Verdict

The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is a jogging stroller that can be combined with a variety of infant car seats with the purchase of an adapter. The adapters require assembly and screw onto the frame and car seats require two steps for attachment including straps we worry parents will skip. While we love this BOB, and many things about it, it isn't the best for combining with a car seat as a result of the two-step design. The Flex is a great jogger, versatile enough for to use as your primary stroller, and easy to push, but there are better options (even joggers) if a travel system is what you want to create.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to maneuver
Easy to use
Good quality
REASONS TO AVOID
2-step car seat attachment w/ straps
Heavy and bulky
If you think the 3.0 is the option for you, the 2.0 is similar and you might be able to find it online for a significant discount over the 3.0. It has been discontinued, but until they are all sold, you could save some money without sacrificing much.

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Bottom Line Impressive features and run-ability can't override the heft and 2-step car seat attachment methodGood choice for urban parents with quick changes between public transport and strollingGreat frame stroller with parent console and easy carrier attachmentQuality option for your strolling lifetime with easy car seat attachmentBudget-friendly, multi-seater with easy car seat connections for up to two infant carriers
Rating Categories BOB Revolution Flex... Doona Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Ease Of Attaching Car Seat (30%)
2.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Ease Of Use (30%)
7.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Weight/Folded Size (25%)
1
10.0
9.0
6.0
2.0
Quality (10%)
8.0
7.0
3.0
7.0
6.0
Maneuverability (5%)
9.0
7.0
4.0
7.0
5.0
Specs BOB Revolution Flex... Doona Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Weight 28.1 lbs 16.8 lbs 11.7 lbs 18.8 lbs 24.3 lbs
Folded Dimensions 25.5"W x 15.3"H x 37.8"L 18"W x 16"H x 28.3"L 19.8"W x 11.5"H x 33.5"L 22.9"W x 10.8"H x 30.4"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L
Capacity Limits Minimum:
Walk Only:
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 wk.
Stroller Seat: 8 wk. - 8 mo.
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 mo. - 5 yr.
Maximum: 74 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: 35 lbs/32"
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
30 Minimum: Infant - Toddler

When stroller seat is in infant mode: birth - 6 months


Maximum: 55 lbs/38"
Included Car Seat Compatibility None Doona Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
UPPAbaby
Mesa
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None Doona Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
UPPAbaby
Mesa
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air
Maxi-Cosi
Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP & Micro Max Plus,
Nuna
PIPA™, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r & PIPA lite rx
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q & Aton M
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters 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, 35LX, 40, SnugRide­ Classic Connect, SnugRide ­Classic Connect 30, 32, 35, SafeSeat
Maxi Cosi
Maxi Cosi® Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico AP
Nuna
Nuna® Pipa, Pipa Lite
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, SIP, SIP 30/30
None None None None
One-handed Fold No No Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Manual Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold No n/a Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 34.5"/48" 32.5"/39" 36"/42" 40"/43" 33"/44.7"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Storage Basket Size Large n/a Large Very Large Extra large
Included Accessories None Infant Car Seat and Stroller In One None Rain Shield, Bug Shield None
Setup Time 4:26 n/a 8:28 5:54 5:15

Our Analysis and Test Results

Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny began the Beast of Burden Company, (BOB) in 1994 with Yak bike trailers. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the bicycle pro and airline mechanic saw a need for a new type of stroller after having babies of their own which prompted the creation of the BOB Sport Utility Jogging Stroller. The men continued to advance their stroller designs and in 2005 were the first company to put a locking swivel wheel on a jogging stroller. BOB was acquired by the Britax company in 2011.

Performance Comparison



bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the carrier nestles into the bob 3.0 and works well with the canopy...
The carrier nestles into the BOB 3.0 and works well with the canopy, but parents need to ensure they always use the straps for car seat attachment as described in the user manual.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Attaching Car Seat


The Flex 3.0 can be combined with a variety of infant car seat brands with the purchase of an adapter.

Car seat adapter for the Flex 3.0
Car seat adapter for the Flex 3.0
The adapter for the Flex 3.0 clicks into the adapter hole on the...
The adapter for the Flex 3.0 clicks into the adapter hole on the fold joint.

The adapters are largely frames you need to assemble using a screwdriver before connecting to the stroller frame. Once connected to the stroller, the carrier clicks onto the adapter and requires a second step of strap connection to finish the combination.

The second strap step of the Flex 3.0 adapters hurt its overall...
The second strap step of the Flex 3.0 adapters hurt its overall performance results in the combo review as we worry parents might skip the step, leaving little ones open to potential injuries.
The infant car seat carrier clicks onto the adapter frame but also...
The infant car seat carrier clicks onto the adapter frame but also requires strap attachment for proper attachment.

It is this second step that hurt the Flex's 3.0 performance in this metric. We worry parents will intentionally skip the second step or forget making the combination potentially dangerous for little ones. That being said, if a jogging stroller is what you want and you don't want to invest in a different stroller for the first 9 months of your baby's life, then the adapters work well, but please follow directions.

NO Running Before 8 Months
Experts agree you should not take infant running until they have full head and neck control and can sit up unassisted, which typically occurs around 8 months. We suggest you consult your child's pediatrician before taking your little one over bumpy terrain or jogging.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the fold on the flex 3.0 is bulky and large making it harder to lift...
The fold on the Flex 3.0 is bulky and large making it harder to lift and carry for new moms who may have weight limits.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Flex 3.0 is a bulky and heavy stroller for a car seat stroller combination. While about average for a jogging stroller at 28.1 lbs with the car seat adapter attached, this could be prohibitively large for a new mother to lift. Folded, it measures 14,748 cubic inches, which isn't small and could be problematic.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the revolution 3.0 has a lockable swivel front wheel that helps it...
The Revolution 3.0 has a lockable swivel front wheel that helps it traverse bumpy terrain without veering off course.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The Flex 3.0 is a breeze to push and turn with large rubber tires and a lockable swivel front wheel that makes tight turns with ease and can traverse almost any surface smoothly.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the front wheel on the flex 3.0 is large with a rubber pneumatic...
The front wheel on the Flex 3.0 is large with a rubber pneumatic tire that helps it maneuver easily and over most terrains.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The 3.0 has adjustable suspension and handlebar making it somewhat customizable for pusher and passenger which can affect how challenging it is to move in small spaces or over bumps in the road.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the under-seat basket has room for a large diaper bag but only has a...
The under-seat basket has room for a large diaper bag but only has a 10 lb weight allowance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The 3.0 received top marks for ease of use in this review with no other being easier to use.

Releasing the stroller frame for folding requires squeezing both...
Releasing the stroller frame for folding requires squeezing both levers (one on each side) simultaneously.
Folding the Flex 3.0 requires a quick pull on the handle under the...
Folding the Flex 3.0 requires a quick pull on the handle under the seat; this is the second step after unlocking the dual locking mechanism on the frame.

Fold and Unfold


The BOB fold has more steps than some of the competition but it is isn't hard to accomplish. It has 3 steps and includes frame release levers, a pull handle, and manual lock. The stroller does not self-stand or have a carry strap.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the brake pedal on the revolution 3.0 is large and easy to press...
The brake pedal on the Revolution 3.0 is large and easy to press. With a rocker style design, it can be engaged and released without hurting your shoes or feet.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Flex 3.0 has single action brakes with a center brake pedal on the back above the rear axle. The pedal is an easy to use rocker-style pedal that is friendly on feet. In our testing, we had difficulties with the brakes on our 3.0 that they didn't want to completely engage with the teeth on the brakes not fully engaging with the slots on the wheel. We had to jiggle the stroller a little to get the brakes to properly engage. We haven't experienced this with BOB brakes in the past.

The new 3.0 has more storage pockets than previous iterations and...
The new 3.0 has more storage pockets than previous iterations and now includes 2 zippered pockets in addition to a large mesh pocket on the back of the canopy and seatback.
A small top pocket on the Flex 3.0 has a zipper to keep items safe...
A small top pocket on the Flex 3.0 has a zipper to keep items safe and free from debris.

Storage


The 3.0 has an under-seat basket that holds up to 10 lbs, and fit our large diaper bag inside with access from the back and sides. It also has inside passenger pockets, back seat pockets, and pockets on the back of the canopy including a zippered pocket for phones or keys.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the canopy on the revolution 3.0 has a smaller peek-a-boo window...
The canopy on the Revolution 3.0 has a smaller peek-a-boo window than previous models but the new ventilation is see-through and has the added perk of increased airflow. The cover is now silent magnet closures instead of the louder Velcro.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The new 3.0 canopy is still large like a traditional BOB sunshade but it has a smaller peek-a-boo window to make room for mesh ventilation. It also has upgrade closures with silent magnets instead of Velcro. The window is still large and easy to see through.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the canopy on the flex 3.0 worked well with our britax infant car...
The canopy on the Flex 3.0 worked well with our Britax infant car seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Setup


Set up for the 3.0 is simple with very little to add or do. It took about 4:30 minutes to assemble and the tools you need come in the box.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the revolution 3.0 is a quality stroller with the versatility to be...
The Revolution 3.0 is a quality stroller with the versatility to be your only stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Flex 3.0 is a high-quality option that looks and feels sturdy with attention to detail and an impressive overall fit and finish. We like the materials BOB uses and the frame is stable with few rattles or flexing.

bob revolution flex 3.0 combo - the handlebar on the flex 3.0 rotates on a pivot point to adjust the...
The handlebar on the Flex 3.0 rotates on a pivot point to adjust the height up and down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz