Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Review

Joovy is a family company operating out of Texas and California. It started in 2005, creating useful and functional designs for everyday use. They make a variety of gear types from bottles to strollers and most things in between.

Performance Comparison

Run-ability

The Joovy may not be the best option for serious runners. The Joovy has a locking front swivel wheel, but it does not have adjustable tracking (something serious runners want and found in options like the Thule Urban Glide 2). However, despite the lack of adjustability, it tracks relatively straight, though some extra effort is involved in keeping it on track.

It also doesn't have an adjustable handlebar (like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0), so this might make it harder to use for taller or shorter parents. While pushing and running with the front wheel locked, it is average compared to the competition. The safety strap is nicer than others, and it can be attached to the handlebar when not in use. It is attached low on the frame, and it allows the user to choose which wrist to wear it on.

Ease of Use

The Joovy isn't the easiest option to use on an everyday basis.

Fold and Unfold

The Joovy Zoom is relatively easy to fold and unfold. It requires two hands and three steps but doesn't have an auto-lock or self-stand. It folds similarly to some standard strollers with a pull handle on the seat and a release lever elsewhere. Unfolding is about as easy with two hands and two steps.

Brakes

The brakes are single action and challenging to use whether you are setting or releasing them. The pedals are not sandal foot friendly and are very stiff.

Sunshade

The sunshade is large and offers good coverage past the knee. The canopy sits higher up on the frame than some of the competition, so it is less effective at blocking lower sun and wind. It has a big peek-a-boo window, but the cover has hook and loop closures that can be loud.

Storage

The storage bin is disappointing in a group with many better options available. This bin is only medium compared to the competition, and it has a maximum weight allowance of only 5 lbs. Some of the competition, like the BOB Alterrain Pro, hold up to 10 lbs and come with a cover to keep supplies contained. We fit our large diaper bag inside, but access is challenging and only available from the back. Access is further limited thanks to a strap and low bar across the bin.

The Joovy has a mesh pocket on the seat back and dual mesh pockets in the seating area for the child. It also comes with a neoprene parent console with double cup holders and a covered pocket too small for larger smartphones. The console has a maximum weight allowance of 5 lbs. The console itself is removable and washable.

Harness

The 5-point harness is one of the easier options to use. This harness is easier to take off than put on, but both are straightforward. The straps pop out of the buckle when released, so it can be operated with one hand to open. This harness has various shoulder height options and an adjustable crotch strap.

Seat

The Zoom has a short padded leg rest that is not adjustable. It travels down to a footpad that feels like rubberized mesh and should be easy to hose clean. The seatback reclining feature requires two hands and is challenging to recline and raise.

The photos above show the Zoom with the seatback upright and canopy closed (above left), the seatback fully reclined, and the canopy fully open (above right).

Ease of Setup

The Joovy took almost 6 minutes to set up from start to finish. It has good documentation, and no tools are required.

Maneuverability

The Joovy is easier to push and turn than much of the competition.

The Joovy is one of the easiest to push and turn on flat, hard surfaces. It is responsive, almost too sensitive, as we experienced some tippiness when turning the stroller at speeds. However, this makes it easier to turn in tight spaces and negotiate crowded places.

Pushing and turning on rougher terrain is challenging but not prohibitively difficult. It is a little tougher on grass and gravel but better than much of the competition. The front wheel seemed to have more problems negotiating the larger rocks, but the riding experience for the passenger was smoother.

Weight and Folded Size

The Joovy earned weighs in at 25.9 lbs. This weight is neither heavy nor light for this group.

Jogging strollers are often more substantial than full-size strollers. However, when folded, the Joovy is 14,515 cubic inches, making it one of the smallest in the group. It can be slightly smaller by removing the quick-release wheels. The Baby Trend Expedition is lighter and smaller than this option.

Quality

Joovy has durable but coarse fabric that is not as nice on the skin as the competition. The seat and leg rest have less padding than we like, but soft straps will be nice for bare skin. It has a sturdy frame with less flex than much of the competition, but it has exposed fasteners that make the overall fit and finish appear cluttered.

The wheels on this stroller are spoked aluminum, and the tires are pneumatic rubber, with more wobble in the wheel connections than others. The handlebar is a fixed height and average size with a firm foam cover for comfort. The handlebar could be bigger in diameter and curved for better ergonomics.

This stroller has non-adjustable rear suspension. Thanks to the sling-style seat and shocks, the overall ride comfort level is good, but it could use more padding.

Should You Buy the Joovy Zoom?

We like the bright red fabric on the Joovy, but it isn't a stand-out in this competition and didn't score well overall or in our tests for run-ability. With a lack of adjustable features that improve individual running ergonomics, it isn't as easy to run with and caused some fatigue during testing. The stationary handlebar, suspension, and tracking create a stroller serious runners are bound to be disappointed in, making it one we don't think should be on anyone's shortlist.

What Other Jogging Stroller Should You Consider?

Depending on your running or adventure goals there are better options in this review for consideration. If budget is a concern but you want the smooth maneuverability of a jogger style option, then the Baby Trend Expedition is one to consider. It is good for occasional jogging and performs well in tight spaces for running errands instead of cross country, but serious runners might be disappointed with its lack of adjustability. The BOB Rambler is also a potential option with a lower price than other BOBs without sacrificing quality or run-ability. While not as cheap as the Zoom, we think the Rambler is worth the additional money for the better run-ability. If your budget is somewhat higher, we absolutely love the Thule Urban Glide 2 and its ability to work double duty as a jogger and everyday stroller.

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