First Look: Perego's Bugaboo killer---the Skate

Greatings from Vegas (and the big baby product show)!

Last week, we teased a Perego big producct announcement. Well, now we know what it is!

Take a look at the Perego Skate, a all-in-one stroller that morphes from a bassient to stroller on a single frame (it is shown here in either mode). Here are the quick details:

Price: $900. Weight: 32 pounds.
Available: November (as always, add 6-12 months to that date for actual street date, given Perego's track record).
Yes, it will hold a Perego car seat.

Note all the details on the chart (bottom right).

What do you think? Will it threaten the Bugaboo?

Let the debate begin!

Comments

[Kat]

the seat looks much taller than the notoriously small bugaboo seats.
And the bassinet attachment combined with still having it take a carseat.... combined with all that extra padding... SOOO much better than bugaboo.

The question will be... how does the steering and fold compare?

Are the accessories shown included in the 900 dollar price tag?

if they are comparable and accessories shown included... it's going to be a very competitive stroller for moms who want something like a bugaboo without the ULTRA heavy price and/or want a stroller that will last longer than the 2-3yrs it takes most kids to outgrow the bugaboos.

[Alicia]

Wow - this stroller is a lot heavier than the Bugaboo. Depending on how easy it is to fold, it might be good competition. Also, does the handle reverse or does the seat have to be reversed?

[Christie]

Not too sure - the Bugaboo Chameleon (who I think they are competing against) comes in at 20lbs and this one at 36?! What weighs so much? Why would it be better than the tried and tested Chameleon?

[Talia]

The handle probably reverses like the Uno (or Venezia). Looks a little like a Valco Rad if you ask me. Definitely a nice stroller, but with weight like that, I'm not sure this is something I could get in my car with my puny arms! I'd love to see a picture of it folded up though...if its compact enough maybe I'll get to the gym and do some curls to prepare for it...LOL I am tired of my plasticy P3 and want a new stroller; this one got me thinking but I think I'll get the Bug Cam instead. I'm going to call Peg on Monday to see when they are actually expecting it in stores. I think the longer they wait to get this to market, the worse they'll be...if they want to compete with the other expensive strollers, they better get in there quickly!

[jill]

I heard from very reliable source -- and saw a video which was distributed to retailers at the trade show - weight is low 30s , not 36 lbs,(and bug cam. is about 30) fold is unbelievably easy. It can be done w/one hand & folds very compactly. It comes complete; rain shield, hood, bassinet, chassis, expandable boot cover (for bassinet or stroller config) Hood expands for x-tra sun coverage. Adapters for Perego car seat also included. Its pushes like a dream on air tires (comes with pump) that all have ball bearings & shock absorbs. It's to hit the stores in December...can't wait to get one! Blows the bugaboo away, sight unseen, but video viewed! Perego got this one right!

[Patty]

I actually saw this product myself in Vegas and did an interview with Peg Perego's people about it. I also saw a product demo as well as a video on it.

First off, it's nothing like the Bugaboo. It may bare a slight resemblence to it, but they are very different. It doesn't have two seats like the Bugaboo and you don't have to take it apart to fold it. It also has a height adjustment, unlike the Bugaboo, that allows it to sit low or high on the base, and also allows it to double as a highchair when you go out like the Xplory does.

It actually comes with a cup holder, a rain cover, car seat adaptors, and the Borsa Skate bag that attaches under the stroller like the Xplory's diaper bag does. That's a pretty good deal, considering the Bugaboo sells all of that stuff separately.

Overall I am a HUGE Bugaboo fan and not much comes close to it in my mind. I don't like any of the knock-offs. But this stroller was different, and I don't find it to be a simple knock-off. I think it's a stroller that combines the best features of many strollers like Bugaboo, Xplory, and Quinny. At least that was my take.

[Jo]

Went to the store where I buy all of my kids furniture & things to look at strollers for my baby due in the spring. He showed me the catalogue and video for the new Skate, and it is awesome. I considered the "other", but after seeing that the Perego Skate has only one body that converts from bassinet to stroller seat, comes with accessories, is height adjustable, and has the Perego name behind it, my decision is made. They are a company that has been around for sooo many years (my mom had one for me) and is made in Italy -- sure makes me more confident than buying a newcomer who could be gone next year. The dealer, who sells all of the major brands, said his opinion is that this is above and beyond anything out there. And as he said, if you're not buying a light weight, it doesnt matter if its 28 or 32 lbs! It's the features and quality that count.

[Matt]

here the website http://us.skate-pegperego.com/

[Allison]

I cannot understand the need for yet another $1000 stroller. It's obviously the new "parents status symbol" and definitely a baby does not care what he or she's being rolled around in. I think it's a colossal waste of money. If you have this kind of money for a stroller, how about spending $200 - $300 for a decent stroller and give the difference to a charity for neglected or abused children? What a joke - the joke being the sucker parents that buy a stroller like this.

[Kristen]

It looks cool, but where's the snack tray? Somehow, they should fix it so one can be added later when the baby is older. That is part of why I love my P3 so much.

[Marilyn]

Do anyone know anything about Peg Perego's Pliko P3 Pramette? I cannot find any reviews anywhere. Not sure if that's b/c it's new or if it's just not a popular stroller. Will the Skate replace the Pramette?

[Maribel]

Just want to say that the only reason i've been researching this is b/c I saw some lady walking around with what I thought was a bugaboo except that the shade was green? I then took a closer look and saw that it was a peg p. ? How did she get it? If it's not coming out until January???? I AM COMPLETELY SURE it was this Skate? Maybe her hubby works for Peg P? Anyway just want to let you all know---IT IS-- Really nice... I'm telling you, it looks very much like the bugaboo.. I vote for this one since it comes with everything plus you don't have to take it apart. You can fold it with the seat in there and the bassinet turns into a seat for a toddler later....Kuddos Peg P! Maribel

[Paula]

I love thise stroller from what I read, It looks better than the bugaboo, but can you change the color of the fabric like the cameleon? I can´t wait to buy it...hope it really comes out on january!

[Maria]

Any specific release date yet?

[kidsme]

yes, I heard that it will be released the first of January, but I am anticipating a sell out. Every blog is talking about it and i saw the video as well...can't wait to buy it!!

[Jaime]

I love this stroller. I just found it on celebrity-babies.com and absolutely love it! I love strollers that also have pram options, but I think the price tag is a little much =(

[Vicky]

I was choosing between an Inglesina 2008 Zippy system and the Peg Skate. Loved the video, reviews and certain functions of the Skate. Went to see it in the store. I could not believe how heavy it was. Thank you very much, I am buying an Inglesina. With all the accessories (bassinet, foot muff, a diaper bag) an Inglesina is also a much better buy - at least $300 cheaper. And colours are much nicer too.

[Jayde]

I am one of the lucky people fortunate enough to get my hands on one of the first runs of the Skate. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stroller!!!! It strolls amazingly and the features are incrediable! It takes a few times of using the stroller to get used to all the features but once you have that down it’s very simple. It’s a litle heavy but for me and I feel for most people the only time I am really lifting it is to put it in and take it out of my car. I love my stroller, a great buy and should last a long time, since it’s so durable! Last I heard, they have a high demand for the stroller, so stock will be hard to find but they should be in stores in the beginning of Feb.

[Jolina]

This stroller is MUCH better. Yes it is "technically" heavier, but when used, it is such a smooth glide due to the bicycle wheel type tires, it rolls like a gem. (a nice tire pump comes stored w/ stroller too!) My two year old strolls in our neighborhood like nothing pushing my hefty infant in my Peg Carseat. If she can do it, that's all you need to know about ease. It is much easier to set up and maneuver than the Bugaboo--I'm sorry, but for the money, it's well worth the ride. Its like comparing a Cadillac to a Corrolla! LOVE IT!

[Svetlana]

There are a few things that I do not like about it.. first it does not have the reversible handle so that you can decide which wheels you want in the front and it storage compartment, I feel that its to open, things can get dusty and how much can it really hold before dragging on the ground???

The bugaboo has both of these features, and is definitely lighter and is adaptable to graco car seat which the Skate is not..

[Meeghan]

In response to Marilyn's question about the Peg Perego P3 Pramette, I find it to be a wonderful carriage and stroller. It is lightweight (under 20lbs) and I can easily carry it up and down the stairs from my second floor apartment. It also folds well, almost one-handedly, in either pram or stroller mode for easy transport by car. My daughter loves to snooze in the snug pram bed and the way the fabric totally encloses the bassinet definitely blocks the New England winter weather. A car seat can be attached as well but I have never used this feature. The only drawback is that you cannot shift the handles; the baby faces you in pram mode and out in stroller mode. If Peg Perego hasn't discontinued this model, I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs something more lightweight than the Skate (or wants to keep their stroller purchase under $400).

[jazmyn]

The skate is really big in person and though it has a lot of features, it is too big and heavy. When its folded its big and heavy to put in the trunk. What were they thinking making it so heavy. If they can find a way to make it at least 10 pounds heavy, then I would consider it in the same league as the bugaboo. You also cannot change the color.

[jp]

i sell both the skate and the bugaboo at my store and i can tell you right now the skate takes over the bugaboo in sale not a problem. i will also let u in on a little secret come 2009 they are making some more adjustments like they do after they hear the feedback...they are making the store aprox. 7 pounds lighter new colours and a bassinet stand so u can use the bassinet in the house:P i will keep you updated...i think bugaboo is also a nice stroller but if peg keeps it up there gonna sink bugaboo:)

[ew]

Did everyone notice that the Skate is now $599 instead of $899? The last comment about the 2009 adjustments makes me curious... but will the 2009 model go back to the $899 price or stay $599? And when will we see the 2009 model?

[EMK]

In response to ew: The 2009 Skate (called Skate Elite now) is going to be between 7 and 10 lbs lighter, and the basket has been modified. It's supposed to be available in March-April.
And yes, I was also surprised to find the 2008 Skate $300 cheaper, but that's probably due to the fact that it's not so popular because of the weight and the new lighter version has been anounced. I have no idea about the price of the new one, but if I'm going to splurge on a new stroller I'd rather spend a little more on the lighter one.