[GADGET: stroller] Orbit Baby G2 Stroller vs Bugaboo Cameleon Red Edition

With a baby on the way, we've been window shopping to check not only what's available but also what the prices are these days. The last thing I'd want to do is buy everything at the last minute and especially on impulse.

One of the items I've particularly been focusing on is a stroller. These things vary in pricing and features that you may end up unable to narrow your selection down to one.  You definitely have to do a lot of in-store testing before you decide on what's right for you. With so many different selections available,  you won't end up getting every desired feature all in one model. In fact, you'll see and read how people invest in more than one kind depending on the activity they are doing. So if your budget only allows for one, then you definitely have to do a lot of testing. That means DON'T ever buy a stroller at the first take. Go to a lot of baby stores in your area and don't be persuaded by sales talk and promotions. If they push you to buy right there and then than allow you to take your time, I would avoid that store altogether. Items like these will stay with you for quite some time so you will definitely get your money's worth. The best advice is to shop for a stroller that fits one's lifestyle. This may sound like a no-brainer advice, but trust me the moment you see the wonderful (and cool) features in each and every stroller your mind is going to wander off and think of the possibilities you can do and palces you can go with your baby in the stroller. Suddenly what you think you were shopping for isn't what you're now looking for. Be true to your lifestyle and get one that is convenient for what you really are going to do majority of the time.

As for me, I narrowed my selection down to the Bugaboo Cameleon Red Edition (for it's included bassinet, sleek all-black frame and two-wheel capability) and an Orbit Baby G2 (for it's 360 rotation and ease of docking on the stroller or vehicle).

Here's my pros and cons between the two:

Bugaboo Cameleon Red Edidtion

Pros:

• Bassinet INCLUDED (The aluminum frame is shared between bassinet and the toddler seat. You replace the fabric when you are ready to switch to the next stage).
• Mosquito net and  Rain cover INCLUDED.
• Soft, plush suspension (like a Luxury car).
• Solid no-pump tires.
• Large rear wheels for uneven roads.
• Convertible to two-wheels for unpaved roads.
• One continuous handle bar with foam that can be reversed to have either the bigger wheels be at the front for more difficult traction like sand or snow.
• All-black frame (versus the regular silver colour).
• Customizable look by buying different fabrics to create a more personalized stroller
• Able to hold various infant car seats by purchasing an adapter.
• Spacious underseat basket 
• Wheeled board attachment to let a child "piggy-back" by standing at the back.
• Lots of accessories available - Foot muff, iPhone Red Edition holder, Parasol, Cup holder, etc.

Cons:

• Reversing the handle bar is cool to have the bigger wheels up front. However, the smaller wheels are now protruding and can get in the way of your feet when walking.
• The two-wheel action is available, but will need to be used with care.
• The traditional docking approach of the seats - facing front or rear - means more care in ensuring the two points are properly aligned as well as inconvenient posture.
• No provision for a second seat.

Orbit Baby G2

Pros:

• 360 degree rotation with 4 lockable positions for the baby - forward-facing, rear-facing, side-facing (aka "restaurant mode"). No parasol accessory needed as you can make your baby completely face away from the Sun.
• 360 docking ability. Approach from any angle without twisting your body or moving the stroller around to align the two docking points. The same is true when docking the infant car seat on your vehicle.
• "orbit green" certified fabrics which features non-harmful substances and chemicals as tested by the International Oeko-Tex Association. 
• The G2 model now features no-pump air tires.
• Firm suspension for better handling (like a sports car)
• High tech parts and materials including the use of Aerospace grade aluminum on the stroller, aluminum alloy on the latches, 1680D Ballistic nylon outer skin for better durability and longer wear and tear.
• Removable bottom "cargo pod" that comes with a strap to carry around.
• Easy folding and unfolding (after removing the locking mechanism).
• Improved rubber handle bar grips versus foam grips on the first generation and on other strollers.
• Modern design that sets it apart from other strollers.
• Additional side baskets or panniers available for purchase to allow more cargo room.

Cons:

• Proprietary "SmartHub" that locks you into purchasing only Orbit products.
• Cargo Pod is smaller than other baskets and has no option to remain open to retrieve and dump stuff in unlike other strollers
• The purchase of additional panniers creates a wide stroller that may be a bit inconvenient when shopping in a crowded area.
• Rain shield and mosquito net (aka Weather Pack) is not included and purchased separately.
• Bassinet is available separately and a bit pricey and bulky considering it will only be used for 6 months.
• No provision to attach a wheeled board for a child to ride along.
• No provision for a second seat attachment.
• Limited capability on unpaved roads.

 Overall, if you've narrowed your choice down to these strollers. You really won't make a mistake choosing either. They are both similar in price. One has a bassinet included (Bugaboo Cameleon), while the other requires a separate purchase of a bassinet (Orbit G2). However, if you compute by having to equip both with an infant car seat and a bassinet then the pricing is similar. In that case, it all boils down to ease of accessing the features and looks. And that is what you alone can decide upon.