Around the store we had a certain affinity for the Phil & Teds Explorer. We loved its functionality, the way it handled, the configuration possibilities and the quality. When we heard the company was doing away with the stroller for something new we were a little crushed and very worried. Our customers loved the Explorer as well so how was something new going to be received? In our humble opinions there really isn't anything on the market quite like the Explorer so what were we going to do if the replacement wasn't as good? Our angst grew for months as we waited for the new and improved stroller to be released.
The .pdf file arrived in our email boxes full of pretty pictures of a stroller with pretty new colors and even more configuration possibilities. We were intrigued. The new stroller also wasn't one it was two, the Navigator. Needless to say this was completely unexpected. The photos showed color mixing not only of the seat but now the hood could be changed too? We definitely needed to see this stroller!
Our rep brought the stroller to the store soon after the .pdf release. We honestly were ready to not like this stroller, like when your favorite menu item is replaced by something new and seasonal, all you can think of is the dish you loved so much. As with the iphone 3, iphone 4 & the iphone 5 a lot of the changes made on the new Navigator were things we didn't even realize we needed/wanted!
With the new Navigator seat you can turn the seat fabric around so you are getting two seat colors for the price of one! The seat colors are really pretty on the Navigator. The new blue is a gorgeous shade of creamy sky blue. The red is super vibrant and the yellow is a mustardy gold. All of them are backed with a light tan color. The fabric texture is much different than other strollers. It doesn't feel like nylon as much as it feels like a cotton canvas, yet it is still washable.
Phil & Teds wisely did away with the dangling seat strap in the back of the stroller. The strap on the Explorer hung down so if you had an active second passenger in the bag the strap would dangle in their face. Now, the seat adjustment straps are neatly velcroed on the back with clips for easy positioning.
If your child has dirty feet which get all over the foot plate on the Navigator, no worries, there are now slats so the dirt is easy to clean up!
The double seat on the Navigator got an upgrade too. Instead of being stationary, as it was on the Explorer it now reclines! There are two positions of recline for your little one in the back, in case they feel the need to take a little snooze while being pushed around. The seat installs differently than before but it is still easy and fast to take on and off.
Thankfully we were left with some of the features we treasure the most, the AWESOME one handed fold, the great pockets on the side of hood, the adjustable handlebar, the locking front tire, great white wall inflatable tires, jogging strap, included belly bar, large basket and super stylish looks!
We were happy to welcome the Navigator to the Phil & Teds family. The Dot was a great addition too, all the same features of the Navigator only more compact!
We have a Navigator on the floor in the store and are happy to do demonstrations, or let you test drive outside. We love to talk about our Phil & Teds strollers so if you can't make it into the store, feel free to give us a call and we are happy to answer your questions on the phone, or via email.