BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Review

The BOB (Beast of Burden) company began when two fathers craved something different to get their baby out and about. After searching for a stroller they could jog with, the two men created the first fixed-wheel jogging stroller. Over time, the company created a variety of joggers, including the first locking swivel front wheel that increased the versatility of the once awkward stroller. Britax now owns BOB.

Performance Comparison

Run-ability

We tested each stroller for run-ability, including tests for running, suspension, tracking, and ergonomics.

With useful adjustable tracking, handlebar height, and suspension, the 3.0 allows for some custom settings to improve running ergonomics, making it a comfortable option to push and tilt for turning.

The handlebar has five height options from 34.5 to 48 inches. It is a rotating adjustment that puts taller pushers closer to the rear axle, so you might have to make adjustments for stride and height to find a middle ground. We used two hands up and downhill to keep it smooth, but it feels lighter than other BOBs we've tested. We had no trouble running one-handed on flatter and more mellow paths.

In our tests, the front wheel wanted to pop up downhill, but this is largely mitigated with practice. The adjustable handlebar and suspension worked well with the adjustable tracking to create a stroller that is less fatiguing to run with longer.

We also testing rolling resistance to measure how far it will roll on its own before stopping. It performed well with a final measurement of 37 feet, compared to an average closer to 33 feet. Our stroller ran straight, and we didn't have any difficulty keeping it on track.

Ease of Use

The Revolution 3.0 scored below average for our ease of use tests, which could result from the older design that hasn't had an upgrade in many years.

Storage

The 3.0 has under-seat storage on par with previous Flex options and is accessible from the back and somewhat from the sides. Unlike the covered storage on some competitors, the bin is open but shares the same 10 lb weight limit. The BOB also has interior passenger pockets for snacks and water bottle storage.

The Revolution has additional pockets on the back of the canopy and seatback. Instead of only a single or double mesh pocket, it now has a zippered pocket for a phone or keys and larger pockets for other convenience items. This additional storage means you could potentially do without a parent console, which isn't great while running anyway, as items often fall out, in our experience.

Fold and Unfold

The 3.0 has the traditional BOB fold and requires two hands and three steps, including release levers, a pull handle, and a manual lock. This stroller does not self-stand and doesn't have a carry strap. Its larger size and bulky fold make it awkward to lift and carry. Unfolding also requires two hands; it simply unfolds and locks in place.

Harness

The harness on the BOB is easy to put on and take off with red plastic loop pull tabs to tighten both shoulders and waist. This simple system is easy to adjust, and the shoulder height adjustment is the non-rethread style we prefer. The buckle doesn't require excessive finger strength, and the clips pop out, making it a quick and smooth operation.

Brakes

The 3.0 has single-action brakes that engage by pressing the rocker pedal in the middle of the brake bar near the rear axle. This pedal used to be metal but has grown in size and is now plastic. It is sandal-foot-friendly and easy to set and release. The Revolution doesn't have a deceleration hand brake.

Ease of Setup

The 3.0 is easy to set up with clear instructions and limited parts. It took about 4:30 minutes to assemble. The Allen wrench you need to tighten the front axle comes in the box, but we did need to use pliers to hold the other side to tighten.

Maneuverability

The Revolution 3.0 is easy to maneuver, and its swivel front wheel can be locked in place for traversing rough terrain or uneven surfaces.

The large pneumatic rubber tires easily glide over almost any surface, and the three-wheel design makes tight turns a breeze. Despite its larger size, this stroller is easy to navigate in crowded spaces and outmaneuvers much of the competition on bumpy surfaces.

This BOB can be pushed one-handed and moves smoothly without a hiccup. We had no difficulties on flat or uneven surfaces. We only had some resistance when pushing through sand, and it managed pinecones and needles without any trouble.

Transport and Storage

If a stroller is too heavy to lift or to big to fit in your home or car, it could be a deal-breaker before you even start. We weighed and measured each folded stroller so you have the details to determine if it literally fits into your life.

The 3.0 is 27.3 lbs and measures 14,748 cubic inches when folded. These measurements make the Revolution about average for the group.

Jogging strollers are usually heavier and bulkier than a full-size stroller, but the Revolution is lighter, given that some weigh closer to 30 lbs. However, if small or light is what you are after, there are options that measure smaller and lighter.

If you remove the wheels, it can fold smaller, giving you a folded size of 10,672 cubic inches. While not practical for everyday use, the smaller fold could be helpful for longer trips or smaller trunks.

With a relatively average weight and size, the Revolution isn't impressively small or big.

Quality

The 3.0 has similar quality construction and parts to the rest of the BOB lineup, though not much has changed over the years. It scored above average for quality but struggled to keep up with newer designs and materials used in the competition.

The BOB uses thick canvas for the fabric, which gives the impression of durability and longevity. The thermo-molded seat is padded and easy to clean with a liquid-resistant coating. The frame is sturdy and has little flex or rattle, and the plastic wheels are dense and look off-road-ready.

Kids' Comfort

The Revolution has pretty comfortable seating for kids, earning one of the group's higher scores.

The 3.0 seat is a padded and molded canvas with a sling-style design. The seatback reclines almost flat, and the leg rest is stationary but padded and extends to a rubber-covered footrest. Overall, the seat is cozy enough for napping.

The sunshade is still large and covers little ones to the knees. The peek-a-boo window is smaller than in previous years but has ventilation and a vinyl window.

The new canopy has a magnet closure on the window cover, which is a much-desired improvement over the loud Velcro used in the past. The shade is sturdy, even if it looks a little frumpy when open. While the shade is extensive and useful, it doesn't look as taunt as some other canopies.

Should You Buy the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0?

We love the BOB Revolution and think it is a great option for most families. It feels like no matter what your goals are, there is something for everyone in the Revolution. This option is our pick for those looking for a long stroller life with a maximum capacity of 75, a deeper seat, and a taller canopy for comfortable seating and coverage. The BOB is easy to run with, easy to use and good quality. The only real downsides are the two-hand fold and bulky folded package, making it hard to lift and stow. But if you have the room and can lift the heft, we think you'll love this stroller.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?

If you want a high-quality crossover stroller that runs well, the Guava Roam Crossover is one of our favorites. It only has a 60lb weight capacity limit, which means the BOB would somewhat outshine it for longevity. Otherwise, the Guava is an excellent runner, has an easy, one-handed fold, and is comfy and easy to use. It is hard to go wrong with the Roam. This stroller has never flat rubber tires, a super compact fold, and the ability to lock the front wheel from the handlebar. While it doesn't have a handbrake, and the canopy could be a smidge larger, we think most families will love how well it can manage most strolling needs from running to errands.

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