Evenflo Aura Select Travel System-Cypress

Comments about Evenflo Aura Select Travel System-Cypress:

As soon to be first parents of a baby boy, my wife and I were looking for mid-priced travel systems that provided alot of value for the money.This stroller will be workhorse stroller when the baby will be out for long periods of time.We went to the usual places to do our research, namely [...]. We looked at a few strollers before looking at the Aura. Tip: Regardless what stroller you purchase, look at the manufacturer's website for all stroller models and styles within models. For example, the AURA has a number of different styles (i.e. retail exclusives) and sold in various outlets. Make sure you check features for apples to apples comparisons.PROSComfort:I am 6'3" and the handle bars are set in a comfortable position. Some stroller handle bars were set too low and were not adjustable. The AURA has a one hand steering handle that is handy but might be an issue when the stroller becomes too "heavy."The baby carrier has a Z handle which is super comfortable to hold, which no other brand had we tested, even more expensive ones.SafetyThe AURA has secure strapping system and neck guards to protect the baby. The company (Evenflo) has a youtube video to show how one properly installs the car base (keywords: Evenflo and Embrace). The AURA has been tested to withstand or exceed all safety requirements.Easy to SetupOnce the stroller arrived, it took no more than 15 minutes to take out of the box and put together. The directions were easy to understand.Lots of StorageOne feature we wanted was a stroller to have decent storage to hold the baby necessities and still have room for the adults to house other items. The AURA has alot of room for both these things.Value for the MoneyIn addition to the features listed above, the AURA has: the one touch fold and close system, storage compartments for baby bottles, adult cups and a diaper/tissue holder. When we looked at other strollers offering the same features, the AURA had more features for the price.StyleAs mentioned above, the AURA comes in a variety of styles/colors. While we also liked the AURA in a blue pattern (Sterling Heights), the Cypress pattern is a classic pattern that resembles Burberry and looks even better in person than in the picture.CONSBulkyThe AURA is a WIDE stroller and might cause major grief in a crowded store or an area where space is a premium (Note: we plan to use an umbrella stroller for such occasions).HeavySince this is our workhorse stroller, we like that the AURA is heavy/sturdy. We placed this under Cons in case one is looking for a lighter stroller or will need to fold and unfold (into a car) multiple times in a day (every day).Seat PadWe noticed the stroller seat pad could have been thicker (many stroller models were as thin) and see this as a minor problem only when the baby gets bigger and will need more support/comfort from an extra blanket etc.We gave the AURA 4 stars for it meets all the major requirements we were looking for at the price point. Since our baby has yet to be born (January 2010), durability may play a factor. However, of all the strollers in the price point, the AURA seemed as sturdy or better compared to the other models.Hope this helps. Congrats!