In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Review

All-terrain capability with full-size stroller conveniences
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bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $550 List
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Manufacturer:   BOB
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Dec 29, 2021
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 17
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 7.2
  • Maneuverability - 30% 8.9
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 4.0
  • Quality - 10% 8.0

The Skinny

The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is the newest version of BOB's top-ranking jogging stroller. This cool, all-terrain option is easy to push and turn like previous versions, but it includes more convenience features for storage, making it even easier to use as a day-to-day favorite full-size stroller than older versions. We love the adjustable tracking, suspension, and handlebar on this stroller that make it great for the pusher, and the padded seat, giant canopy, and interior pockets make it a comfortable ride for passengers. This is a heavy and large option that can be challenging to lift and stow. It is a good idea to try one out before you buy or purchase from a retailer like Amazon with a generous return policy in case it doesn't work in your space. Compared our favorite strollers, there is much to love about this tried and true quality stroller, and we think most families will enjoy what the 3.0 has to offer.
REASONS TO BUY
Ease to maneuver
Convenience features
Comfy
Jogging
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy and large
Harder to fit in trunk
Editor's Note: This gear review was updated on December 21, 2021, to include additional information to help your buying decision.

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Pros Ease to maneuver, convenience features, comfy, joggingEasiest to push, jogger, high quality, easy to useHigh-quality, compact fold, lighter weight, comfyEasy to navigate tight places, inexpensiveVersatile seating, feature-full, modern styling, low price
Cons Heavy and large, harder to fit in trunkBulkier, harder to transportSomewhat harder to pushLimited storage, lower quality materialsLower attention to detail
Bottom Line All-terrain capability with full-size stroller conveniencesA cool-looking multi-purpose jogging stroller that is also great for everyday useA compact, full-size with impressive features for comfort and ease of use, but it is somewhat harder to push, especially one handAn easy-to-maneuver and budget friendly option, but has limited functionalityA nice, expandable stroller with seating options for up to 3 riders and useful features
Rating Categories BOB Revolution Flex... Thule Urban Glide 2 Thule Spring Baby Trend Expedition Evenflo Pivot Xpand
Ease Of Use (45%)
7.2
7.6
7.9
5.1
7.2
Maneuverability (30%)
8.9
9.2
6.6
8.2
4.7
Weight/Folded Size (15%)
4.0
5.0
7.5
5.5
3.5
Quality (10%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
6.0
Specs BOB Revolution Flex... Thule Urban Glide 2 Thule Spring Baby Trend Expedition Evenflo Pivot Xpand
Weight 27.3 lbs 24.4 lbs 22.7 lbs 23.7 lbs 28.4 lbs
Folded Dimensions 25.5"W x 15.3"H x 37.8"L 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L 17"W x 15"H x 30"L 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L
Capacity Limits Minimum:
Walk Only:
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 wk.
Stroller Seat: 8 wk. - 8 mo.
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 mo. - 5 yr.
Maximum: 74 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 49 lbs/43.7"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 64 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 50 lbs/42"
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 55 lbs/38"
Included Car Seat Compatibility None None None Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend car seat
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None BeSafe
Izi GO Mod, Izi GO X1
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton 4, Aton 5
Maxi Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Pebble, Pebble Plus
Nuna
Pipa
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit2
Cybex
Cloud Q, Aton M, Aron 2
Maxi-Cosi
Mico 30
Nuna
Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R
None Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters Britax/BOB
Britax® Chaperone®, B-Safe®, B-Safe® 35, B-Safe® 35 Elite, Endeavours™, B-Safe® 35 Ultra, BOB® B-Safe®, BOB® B-Safe® 35
Chicco
Fit2, KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Cybex
Cybex® Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q
Graco
SnugRide­ Click Connect 30, 30LX, 35, 35 LX, 40, SnugRide­ Classic Connect, SnugRide ­Classic Connect 30, 32, 35, SafeSeat
Maxi Cosi
Maxi Cosi® Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico AP
Nuna
Nuna® Pipa, Pipa Lite
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, SIP, SIP 30/30
BOB
Unity
Britax
Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX Compatible
Britax-Romer
Baby-Safe, Baby-Safe Plus II
Chicco
KeyFit Plus
Combi
Shuttle 33
Evenflo
Discovery 5
Graco
SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35
Safety 1st
Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air
Safe-n-Sound
Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby
Mesa
None Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend Car Seat
None
Recline Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Large Large Large Large Extra large
Sun Shade Size Large Large Large Small Medium
One-handed Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold No No Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 34.5"/48" 30"/46" 39"/43" 41" 33"/44.7"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Included Accessories None None Sun Shade None None
Setup Time 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 1-5 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec

Our Analysis and Test Results

In 1994, Philip Novotny and Roger Malinowski launched BOB (Beast of Burden Company) in California. The bicycle pro and the airplane mechanic created Yak bike trailers before strollers. After having families, the two needed a different type of stroller, so the BOB Sport Utility was born. Fun fact: they were also the first to put a locking swivel wheel on a jogger in 2005. Since its inception, BOB has produced some impressive strollers. Britax purchased BOB in 2011.

Performance Comparison



bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the bob revolution flex 3.0 is a top-rated stroller with useful...
The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is a top-rated stroller with useful features and functional design.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Revolution 3.0 is easy to use with a few more features than the Revolution 2.0, making it more convenient for everyday use.

The first step to folding the BOB includes squeezing dual levers...
The first step to folding the BOB includes squeezing dual levers near the handlebar to release the frame.
The folding pull handle on the 3.0 is located under the seat in the...
The folding pull handle on the 3.0 is located under the seat in the back to fold the stroller in half.

Fold and Unfold


The 3.0 has a two-hand fold and four steps. The fold is easy to accomplish with two release levers (above left) and a rear pull loop (above right). It has a strap manual lock and doesn't self-stand. No designated carry handle makes it harder to lift and carry. Unfolding is also two steps.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the large rocker style brake pedal on the revolution 3.0 is easy to...
The large rocker style brake pedal on the Revolution 3.0 is easy to use and well placed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Flex has single action brakes with a center plastic pedal near the rear axle. The brakes are easy to operate and have a rocker movement that is foot-friendly.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the storage bin on the bob has more canvas and less mesh that...
The storage bin on the BOB has more canvas and less mesh that previous versions with the best access still being from the back.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The 3.0 has a large storage bin with pockets on the back for better organization (an upgrade from the 2.0). It fit our large diaper bag and has back and side access with a 10 lb limit.

The back of the canopy on the Revolution 3.0 includes a small...
The back of the canopy on the Revolution 3.0 includes a small zippered pocket perfect for a phone or keys.
The back of the 3.0 seat has more pockets than previous Revolutions...
The back of the 3.0 seat has more pockets than previous Revolutions with a large zippered pocket and two smaller mesh pockets as opposed to a single large mesh pocket.

While it doesn't have a console, it does have extra back pockets over the 2.0 version, including a zippered pocket. There are also inside passenger pockets for little knick-knacks, like snacks, a top-ranked baby pacifier, or a baby teether toy.

The 3.0 has a slightly smaller vinyl window but now offers...
The 3.0 has a slightly smaller vinyl window but now offers ventilation for increased airflow and visibility so you still have the same viewing area but it is structured differently.
The peek-a-boo window on the BOB now has a magnet closure cover...
The peek-a-boo window on the BOB now has a magnet closure cover which allows for silent peeking on baby compared to loud Velcro which has woken more than one resting tot.

Sunshade


The 3.0 has a large canopy with a large vinyl peek-a-boo window and mesh ventilation which is an upgrade from the previous model. It also has magnet closure which is also a much-desired upgrade.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - bob stays true to one of its finest features with a harness and...
BOB stays true to one of its finest features with a harness and buckle system that remains the same and is one of the easiest to operate.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness on the 3.0 is 5-points and padded. It is easy to use and adjust. The height adjustment is non-rethread, and the crotch strap is adjustable. The harness pull rings help make adjustments quick and painless.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the seat back on the 3.0 reclines with a single hand on the...
The seat back on the 3.0 reclines with a single hand on the adjustment button. It takes two hands to raise the seat by pulling the straps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


Like other BOBs, the 3.0 has a stationary one-piece leg rest/footrest. The leg portion is padded, and the large footrest has a durable rubberized surface. The seat back recline is almost flat, creating a very cozy napping place with a sling-style seat design.

Car Seat Compatibility


The 3.0 does not have standard car seat attachment capabilities; you must purchase an adapter separately. The adapters require assembly and need screwing onto the stroller frame. Once you click the carrier in place, you also need to connect straps to ensure a safe and proper connection. We worry some parents will forgo the strap, and this is why we aren't huge fans of two-step strap installation methods. The 3.0 can be compatible with some car seats from Britax/BOB, Chicco, and Peg Perego, including some of our favorite infant car seats, the Chicco Keyfit 30, and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35.



Ease of Setup



The 3.0 took 4:26 minutes to assemble, requiring an Allan wrench and pliers to complete. The manual is longer than it needs to be, and it increased our assembly time just by going through the pages.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the bob offers a locking front wheel so you can swivel when you need...
The BOB offers a locking front wheel so you can swivel when you need to for everyday life and you can lock it in place so you can run or move over bumpy terrain without heading off course.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The 3.0 swivel wheel is super one of the easiest strollers to maneuver. On hard surfaces, this stroller excels with easy one-handed pushing and turning. It has a smooth feel and requires little effort to move.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the pneumatic front wheel on the bob is rubber, large, and helps it...
The pneumatic front wheel on the BOB is rubber, large, and helps it move smoothly over all terrains.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

For off-roading, this BOB is one of the best. Given its jogger design, large pneumatic rubber tires (with useful tread), and adjustable suspension, the 3.0 is comfortable to push over uneven and rough surfaces like gravel and hiking trails. You can also lock the swivel wheel if you need to move over larger bumps or roots and need help keeping the stroller tracking straight.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the handlebar on the revolution is adjustable by rotating on a pivot...
The handlebar on the Revolution is adjustable by rotating on a pivot point which has a tendency of putting taller pushers closer to the rear axle. We did not have problems kicking the back of the stroller with the 3.0.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The adjustable suspension, padded sling-style seat, and rubber tires give passengers a comfy ride. The padded, foam-covered, adjustable handlebar that pivots for height helps make this stroller comfortable for the pusher as well.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the revolution still isn't a compact or lightweight option and in...
The Revolution still isn't a compact or lightweight option and in fact, has grown slightly over the 2.0 version. This larger package makes it harder to fit in smaller spaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The 3.0 is still one of the cumbersome options. At 27.3 lbs, it is the same weight as the 2.0 and above average for the review. It folds slightly larger than the previous version, with a size of 14,748 cubic inches. This folded size is one of the largest in the group, making it a poor fit for those with smaller trunks or limited space at home. You can take the wheels off for a smaller folded package, but this won't change it much and may not be enough to matter.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - since britax purchased bob in 2011 we've seen a slight decline in...
Since Britax purchased BOB in 2011 we've seen a slight decline in material quality like a shift from a metal brake pedal to plastic, but overall the Revolution remains one of the nicer strollers we test.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The 3.0 is the same quality as other BOB options and is above average for the group. The heavy canvas fabric wears well over time and several children making it a good buy if you need it for the long haul. The canvas is part of the molded seat and leg/footrest, and canopy. The padded seat has some side reflective accents, and the 3.0 storage bin has more fabric and less mesh than the previous version.

bob revolution flex 3.0 full size stroller review - the revolution flex has gone relatively unchanged for years and it...
The Revolution Flex has gone relatively unchanged for years and it remains one of the higher quality joggers on the market. However, with their complacency, the competition is growing and they might want to consider upping their game going forward.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The 3.0 has an aluminum frame with numerous connection points that are tight and don't flex. The folding joint on the 3.0 has a fabric cover, a new addition to this Revolution version. The adjustable suspension, locking front wheel, and tracking features work well, and the plastic parts do not detract from the overall look or feel.

Should You Buy the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0?


The Revolution is a fantastic all-terrain stroller that offers a smooth ride and ultimate comfort. Although not the heaviest option in our lineup, it is on the heavier side. But, if you're not planning on traveling with it, this stroller is one we think most people will enjoy using for daily outings.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


Hands down, the Thule Urban Glide 2 surpasses the Revolution, bringing a hard-to-beat design to the world of full-size strollers (and the best jogging strollers too!). This award-winning contender is lighter, one of the easiest strollers to push, and beats the Revolution in every testing metric. Also, another great perk, it's basically the same price as the Revolution. Therefore, it's a no-brainer question for us. We would choose the Urban Glide over the Revolution any day.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz
 

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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