When my son was born, I knew I needed a stroller that could keep up with our active lifestyle. We love park walks, grocery runs, and the occasional gravel trail adventure, so I was on the hunt for something versatile yet easy to use. After researching, I landed on the Graco Outpace LX Stroller, and let me tell you, it’s been a lifesaver. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by its sleek Cohen color and sturdy build. The leatherette handle felt luxe, and the assembly? A breeze, though I’ll admit the cotter pins for the wheels tested my patience for a solid 15 minutes.
Pushing this stroller is a dream. The three-wheel design with never-flat rubber tires glides over grass, gravel, and uneven sidewalks like nobody’s business. My 18-month-old seems to agree—he’s usually fussy in strollers, but the ComfiTech in-seat suspension keeps him comfy, even on bumpy paths. The one-hand fold is a game-changer; I can collapse it while holding a coffee and my kid without breaking a sweat. It fits neatly in my compact car’s trunk, which is a huge win for our on-the-go life. The SecureConnect magnetic buckle makes getting him in and out a snap, though I double-check it after hearing some concerns about it being too easy for clever toddlers to undo. The storage basket holds my diaper bag, but it’s a tight squeeze for bulkier items. Overall, this stroller’s made our outings smoother and more enjoyable, and I can’t imagine going back to my old, clunky model.
Also read:My Final Thoughts Gen7 Monaco Pet Stroller
Pros Of Graco Outpace LX Stroller
- All-Terrain Agility: The never-flat rubber tires and three-wheel design make this stroller a champ on grass, gravel, or concrete. I’ve pushed it through parks and city streets with zero resistance, making walks a joy.
- Smooth Ride for Baby: The ComfiTech in-seat suspension absorbs bumps, keeping my son comfy and calm. He’s even napped through rough trails, which is a miracle for a fussy toddler.
- One-Hand Fold: The self-standing fold is a lifesaver when I’m juggling a million things. I can collapse it in seconds and toss it in my trunk without a struggle.
- Car Seat Compatibility: It works with any Graco infant car seat, making it perfect for newborns. I love how seamlessly it transitions from car to stroller without waking my baby.
- Stylish and Durable: The leatherette handle and sleek design give it a high-end feel. It’s held up through months of daily use without a scratch.
- Easy Harness Adjustments: The no-rethread harness adjusts as my son grows, saving me time and hassle. The magnetic buckle is quick and secure for getting him in and out.
Cons Of Graco Outpace LX Stroller
- Limited Storage Space: The under-seat basket is decent but struggles with larger diaper bags or groceries. I often have to hang bags on the handle, which isn’t ideal.
- Non-Adjustable Handlebar: My tall husband wishes the handlebar was adjustable, as he has to hunch slightly. It’s fine for me at 5’6”, but taller parents might feel the strain.
- Small Cup Holders: The parent tray’s cup holders are too shallow for my water bottle or large coffee. I’ve had a few spills, which is annoying on busy days.
- Flimsy Snack Tray: The child’s snack tray feels a bit flimsy and must be removed to attach the car seat, which is a hassle for quick transitions.
- Occasional Wheel Issues: I’ve read some complaints about wheels falling off, and while I haven’t had this issue, the cotter pins during setup were tricky, raising durability concerns.
Maintenance Tips For Graco Outpace LX Stroller
- Clean the Frame Regularly: Wipe down the metal and plastic parts with mild soap and a damp cloth to keep it looking new. I do this weekly to remove dirt from park trails.
- Surface-Wash Harness: The harness can’t be submerged, so I spot-clean it with a mild soap solution and a damp cloth. This keeps it fresh without damaging the straps.
- Check Wheel Security: After my struggle with the cotter pins, I check the wheels monthly to ensure they’re secure, especially after heavy use on rough terrain.
- Store in a Dry Place: I keep the stroller in my garage to protect it from humidity, which can wear down the fabric and frame over time.
- Wash Snack Tray Properly: The dishwasher-safe snack tray is a blessing. I pop it in the top rack after messy snack sessions to keep it hygienic.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: To maintain smooth folding and wheel movement, I apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the joints every few months.
- Inspect the Canopy: The full-sized canopy can collect dust, so I shake it out and spot-clean with a damp cloth to keep it functional and shaded.
Also read:My Final Thoughts Gen7 Monaco Pet Stroller
Comparison With Other Brands
UPPAbaby Vista V2
The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a premium stroller I tested at a friend’s house, and it’s a beast with its large storage and adjustable handlebar. It’s smoother on urban terrain than the Graco, but its hefty price tag and bulkier fold make it less practical for my small car. The Graco’s all-terrain tires hold up just as well, and its lighter weight is a win for daily use.
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
I used the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 for a month, and its quick-fold mechanism is similar to the Graco’s. It’s slightly lighter but less sturdy on gravel paths. The Graco’s suspension gives a smoother ride for my son, though the City Mini’s larger canopy offers better sun protection. Price-wise, Graco is more budget-friendly.
Chicco Corso LE
The Chicco Corso LE, another travel system I tried, has a sleek design and great car seat compatibility. Its storage is roomier than the Graco’s, but it’s heavier and harder to maneuver on grass. The Graco’s rubber tires and lighter frame make it more versatile for mixed terrains, though Chicco’s handlebar adjusts for taller parents.
Britax B-Free
The Britax B-Free is a lightweight option with excellent maneuverability, which I loved during city walks. However, its smaller basket and plastic wheels don’t match the Graco’s all-terrain prowess. The Graco’s suspension and car seat compatibility give it an edge for active families, though Britax is slightly cheaper.
Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
The Summer 3Dlite is a budget-friendly, ultra-light stroller I considered for travel. It’s great for quick trips but lacks the Graco’s durability and suspension. The Graco’s all-terrain capability and sturdier build make it a better long-term investment, especially for frequent outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, the Graco Outpace LX folds with a one-hand, self-standing mechanism that’s a breeze to use. I can collapse it in seconds while holding my son or bags. The folding belly bar makes it compact, though you need to be quick to avoid scratches, as I learned the hard way.
LX in Graco’s naming typically stands for “Luxury” or “Deluxe,” indicating premium features like the ComfiTech suspension, leatherette handle, and all-terrain tires. It’s Graco’s way of signaling an upgraded, versatile model, and I can vouch for the luxe feel it adds.
The Graco Outpace LX supports children up to 50 pounds, perfect for infants to toddlers. My 18-month-old fits comfortably, and the adjustable harness ensures it’ll grow with him for a couple more years.
The Graco Outpace LX is compatible with any Graco infant car seat, like the SnugRide 30 Lite or 35 Lite Elite. I used it with the SnugRide 30, and the click-in system is seamless, making transitions from car to stroller a snap without waking my baby.
Conclusion: For Graco Outpace LX Stroller
The Graco Outpace LX Stroller is a must-have for parents craving style, comfort, and versatility.
Its all-terrain tires, smooth ride, and easy fold make outings with your little one stress-free, whether you’re on city streets or park trails.
Despite minor storage and handlebar quirks, it’s a solid investment for active families. Get yours and enjoy the ride!