BOB vs Thule: How to Pick the Right Jogging Stroller

Key Takeaways

 

• BOB and Thule are both well-known jogging stroller brands that make high-quality strollers

• Choosing the right one is a matter of comparing the feature list to what your needs and requirements are

• Off-road enthusiasts might prefer the BOB while pavement runners might like the Thule

• Parents who want more variety in seat positions might prefer Orbit Baby’s X5 .

For parents looking at jogging strollers, there are two brands that come up over and over: BOB and Thule. Both have made names for themselves in designing well-appointed jogging strollers, although their list of features can vary. 

The Bob Alterrain Pro is a rugged workhorse,while the Thule Urban Glide 3 offers a more streamlined design. Then the Orbit Baby X5 enters the mix with versatile seating options that are practically unheard of in the jogging stroller market.

Let’s break down the options and how to choose the jogging stroller best suited to your needs.

Who is BOB Jogging Stroller useful for? 

 

True to its name, the Bob Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller works best over rugged terrain. Trail runners and other off road enthusiasts will appreciate its ability to provide a smooth ride even over uneven surfaces.

Who is Thule Jogging Stroller useful for?

 

The Thule Urban Glide 3 is designed for serious runners who want to rack up the mileage. Everything about it, from its lightweight responsiveness to the centered handbrake, is designed specifically for running.

Orbit Baby X5 Jogging Stroller: An Alternative

 

The Orbit Baby X5 marries the must-have features of a jogging stroller with the versatility of a more traditional full-sized stroller. Traditionally, jogging strollers come with a fixed seating option—it might have recline ability, but the seat is in a fixed position. 

Orbit Baby upends that with a SmartHub base that allows for forward or parent facing seating. It’s also the same base used by the bassinet and car seat, which offers additional seating options.

Pricing

 

With intentional design and well-appointed features, these are high-end strollers with higher price tags to match. The Thule Urban Glide 3 is priced right at $800, while the Bob Alterrain Pro comes in just slightly higher at $880.

Ease of Use

 

Intuitive design and easy storage make a big difference when choosing a jogging stroller, so how do these two stack up?

Bob Alterrain Pro

 

An ergonomic, adjustable handle for your and one-handed recline positioning for your baby make sure everyone’s comfortable. The Bob offers a one-handed collapse, although its weight and bulk will make it a two-handed lift to get it into the trunk of your car.

Thule Urban Glide 3

 

The Thule matches the Bob almost feature for feature, but it shaves about 6 lbs off the weight of the frame. The result is a stroller that’s slightly more nimble and easier to steer. It’s also able to fold one-handed and collapses a bit more compactly than the Bob.

Verdict

 

The Thule edges out the Bob just slightly thanks to its lightweight and nimble design and slightly smaller footprint when folded.

Customer Support

 

User experience with BOB’s customer support is mixed. Some report their issues were resolved fine, but others report long wait times or difficulty receiving replacement parts. 

Thule users report generally positive experiences overall. The company is praised for quick responses and thoughtful solutions to issues as they arise.

Verdict

 

Thule wins in a customer support head-to-head. 

Real User Reviews 

 

Reviews by real users offer insight into how features function in every day usage.

BOB Alterrain Pro

 

• “I love this thing”

• “Did not like the hand brake - found it hard/takes a lot of force to use.”

Thule Urban Glide 3 

 

• “It really does feel like it’s gliding in the street”

• Stroller frame is longer and the seat is locked in a more reclined position

Verdict

 

Both strollers are well-loved by their respective users, so it’s really a matter of which features matter to you the most. 

How to Choose a Jogging Stroller

 

When choosing the right jogging or all-terrain stroller for your family, there are a few things you’ll want to prioritize. Consider the stroller’s wheels and suspension, maneuverability, ease of use, and comfort for both the pusher and the rider.

Wheels + Suspension

 

Large, no-puncture tires are a must for uneven terrain, and a robust suspension will provide for a smooth ride. Look for the phrasing “independent suspension,” like on the Orbit Baby X5. This means that the roughness of your stride and terrain won’t translate to your baby’s stroller experience.

Maneuverability

 

The best stroller options will allow the front wheels to swivel when needed to maneuver in tight spaces or lock into place on rough terrain or when jogging on the trails.

Ease of Use + Storage

 

Consider how easily the stroller is to set up and collapse, as well as its storage. Jogging strollers tend to be bulkier, and may have to be stored upright. Some, like the Orbit Baby X5, may have you remove the seat for more compact storage.

Comfort 

 

For your own comfort, look for adjustable, ergonomic handles and good storage options. For your child’s, you want the seat to have ample padding and recline options, a full-coverage canopy, and a five point harness to keep them secure. If your jogging stroller can also work as part of a travel system, like the Orbit Baby X5, that gives you additional seating options.

Alternative: Orbit Baby X5 Jogging Stroller

 

The Orbit Baby X5 stroller marries the sturdiness you love in a running stroller with the versatility you’d expect from a more traditional option. If you’d prefer to stick with one stroller that works for jogging or as part of a travel system, the X5 is a great solution. 

Key features

 

The X5 comes with all the standard features you’d expect in a high-quality jogging stroller. Puncture-free, high-tread, all-terrain tires with a locking front wheel. A smooth, independent suspension system to navigate even the roughest ground. An adjustable handlebar to provide the perfect ergonomic fit, and convenient storage options. 

What sets it apart are its versatility, practicality, and intuitive design. 

• Versatility

 

With the patented SmartHub technology, you can make use of the existing stroller seat (with or without the included infant insert in a forward or rear-facing position)  or sub it out for the infant car seat, toddler car seat, or bassinet. If you can dream up a seating option, the X5 can probably accommodate it.

• Practicality

 

The versatility of the X5 is what makes it so practical. For many families, a jogging stroller is an additional purchase, but because the X5 can be used from birth with its own insert or work with a bassinet or car seat to form a travel system, it’s a one-size-works-for-all solution.

• Intuitive Design

 

Small details, like a clear pocket for your phone to make it easy to navigate your favorite playlist on your run, elevate the X5 against the competition. 

Pricing

 

As a standalone stroller, the X5 is $898. The travel system with a car seat is $1,429 or you can add the bassinet too for a total of $1,769.

Where the X5 Jogging Stroller shines

 

• Seating position options. The seat can be forward or parent-facing, which is rare in a jogging stroller. You can also swap it for the car seat or bassinet without needing additional attachments. 

• Usable from birth. Since jogging with your baby needs to wait until they can sit independently (usually 6-8 months), most jogging strollers cannot be used from birth. But the X5 comes with an included infant insert, so you can start using it for walks right away.

Where the X5 Jogging Stroller falls short

 

• No handbrake. For especially hilly terrain, a handbrake can be nice.

• Seat must be removed before storing. This extra step is a little cumbersome. On the plus side, it does make the stroller more lightweight and allows it to collapse more fully.

Customer reviews

 

• “I absolutely love the swivel factor. The fact that the seat in the car and both seats in the stroller can spin 360 has been awesome and made things very convenient in multiple times.” - Reddit

• “Size is definitely on the bigger side, but not really any bigger than other semi premium travel sets. So it wasn't a concern for me. The stroller is definitely the bigger part for sure, but it still fits in all cars I’ve been in (My wife's Tuscon is the main one and it fits in there easy with plenty of room to spare).” - Reddit

Who X5 Jogging Stroller is best for

 

The X5 is ideal for a family who wants an all-in-one stroller that can also be used as a jogging stroller. Its versatility and practicality make it an attractive option, while its runner-friendly features make sure you can keep logging miles without missing a step.

The Orbit Baby X5 Jogging Stroller: the Smarter Choice vs. BOB or Thule?

 

While it lacks some of the runner-specific features of the Bob or Thule, like a handbrake, the X5’s seating options make it worth consideration. For serious runners or racers, the Bob or Thule might win out. But for most parents who want a high-quality stroller that can also be taken on runs a few times a week, the X5’s versatility could be the game changer you’re looking for.