Sizzlin’ Summer Sweeps #giveaway Day 29: Jeep Overland Limited Jogger Stroller $189 (ends 8/29)

This post is part of the Sizzlin’ Summer Sweeps – 31 Days of Giveaways for July 2010, brought to you by Crazy Coupon Mommy and Sisterly Savings! Make sure you check out all the other awesome giveaways you can enter!

Living near the beach and wanting to be able to get some exercise this summer, I was in the market for a nice baby jogger that wasn’t going to break the bank.  Ben and I have had our eye on the Jeep Overland Limited Jogger Stroller for probably a year now – first seeing it at Babies R Us while making our Baby Shower Registry.  So I was just thrilled when Kolcraft allowed me to review this highly popular and sought after goodie :)

I’ll start off with Ben just absolutely fell in love with this stroller as soon as he laid eyes on it.  Over the past year, I have casually been looking at other joggers and every time I would show one to him on the laptop, his immediate response was “I thought we were getting the Jeep one.  I like the Jeep one.”  Then his eyes would glaze over.

I will admit, I had initial reservations about the front wheel being fixed.  I knew this stroller, by design, was not for “walking” or running errands…it was for running your 9 months worth of cake-eating baby bootie off! Technically, I’m not a runner.  Or jogger.  Or even fast walker.  Although, I figured the stroller would help to inspire me :)

First opening the box

The really big box arrived and I just dreaded opening it and putting it together.  This was DEFINITELY a job for dad so we waited until he had a free moment (what’s that?).

Opening the box top “confirmed” my fears that this was more than likely going to be an evening long task and that I should probably grab Ben a nice cold beverage from the fridge.  He laughed at the gesture, but of course happily accepted the beer :)

Pieces laid out and ready to go

But once we got all the pieces out and laid along the floor – the task quickly became surprisingly simple.

The majority of the assembly was already completed and really all that needed to be done was put on the wheels and assemble the breaking mechanism.

We opened the box at 10:00pm (yes, we got a late start), had it unpacked and laid out by 10:03pm, had the wheels attached by 10:11pm and it was fully assembled and ready to go by 10:26pm!

So don’t let the project of assembly intimidate you – as you can see, it was actually pretty easy…and only took about 1/2 can of beer :)

Whistler waving "Hi" (his newest 8 mo old trick)

Features:

Music on the Move

This is a really great feature that provides some entertainment for you, while still allowing you to hear your baby and the outside world (unlike headphones).  It’s basically a speakerbox that holds your iPod or MP3 player and connects via the headphone jack.  It has just one simple on/off button and runs off 4 AAA batteries.  (The volume is controlled by your MP3 player.)

The “box” is removable which allows for a pretty good sized middle storage compartment on the tray, in between two over-sized drink/cup holders.  (I have read other reviewers complain that the cup holders were too small for a sports bottle, but they must be using something really big because I was able to put any sports bottle we had lying around in them!)

Front wheel guard / foot rest

Soft-ride 16 inch air filled tires

The tires are big and wonderful.  Since they are air filled, they provide for an extremely smooth ride – on pavement or on rugged terrain.

The front fixed front wheel allows for better handling when jogging and also helps easier steering if you’re off-roading or using the stroller in the sand.  (I found that pushing it in soft sand was a little difficult – but I don’t think any other stroller would have done it!  The fixed front and large wheels really is what made it even possible at all!  And once I got down to the wet sand by the break – it was smooth sailing.  It felt like it was going on its own :))

*But let me stop here to remind you that this jogger is DEFINITELY made to be on the go, and handles best when you are running.  The fixed front wheel makes it fairly annoying to maneuver in small spaces (like trying to get out of our cramped apartment!) and if you are only “walking”, you do have to push down on the handle to “pop a wheelie” to do any sort of turn.  So if you are looking for a “walking” stroller only, you may not be happy with this one.*  Personally, I don’t really mind.  Its kind of like getting an arm workout in too! :)

I really like the over-sized front wheel guard because it keeps me for worrying about the little one’s feet – especially while bouncing around or going fast.  It has a great design that has a built-in foot rest!  (which Whistler is no where near reaching yet – lol)

Adjustable height handle

Smart Handle^® adjusts to multiple heights

There are two large orange buttons on either side of the handle that act as pivot points.  This allows for a fairly large range of motion which suits many different heights and hand position to suit your comfort.

Ben is 6’2″ tall and had to hunch over a little on some of the other strollers we tried in the store.  I’m only 5’1″ and usually the handle height is uncomfortably high, and puts stress on my shoulders.  This lovely handle adjusts to fit us both perfectly.

The Jeep Overland Folded Up

Convenient Free-Stand™ stands upright when folded

Folding this bad boy up is pretty easy – but it certainly does not fold flat.  It is cool that it is still standing and pushable while folded, but this isn’t something that would fit in the truck of any car.

*note* You definitely need an SUV or van if you wanted to take this somewhere.

Seat Position Adjustment Strap

Multi-position reclining seat

The seat reclines by adjusting a strap on the back.  This is ingenious because it does not limit the number of positions you can create.  It’s also very easy and quick to adjust.

*note* the seat does not fully recline.  Its gets pretty close (maybe a 20 degree angle), but it does not go absolutely flat.

Plenty of space for Freebies!

Large storage basket

You guys know me, Whistler and I like to make our daily/weekly runs down to the corner CVS and I *need* a basket that will hold all my shopping deals and freebies.  This definitely gets an “A” in that department!

(Fun Fact: See the blue thing under the pillow?  Its my Couponizer! – lol.  I always take my coupons with me when I go out – even for a walk :))

Moveable Child Tray

Child tray with cup holder

There is a cup holder/tray for the kiddo too!

They really thought ahead by making it movable so that you can rotate it up and out of the way for toddlers climbing in on their own.

Then it “locks” back down into place and can only be released by pretty a small button firmly on the side in an inconspicuous spot…ie, little one won’t be able to figure it out!

Odometer and Hand Brake

Speed & distance odometer

One of the coolest features of this stroller is the speed and distance odometer.

It’s great to see how fast, far and how long I have been walking or running.  Showing the speed is a great motivator and can also help you to keep a constant pace.

The hand brake is also handy to grab, attached right to the center of the handle.

*warning* this brake is for the front wheel, so I would recommend not grabbing it forcefully if going at a higher speed.  It might cause you to “endo” in the bike/motorcycle world = front tire stopping and the rear lifting up.  Just be aware to brake gently and smoothly :)

Rear / Foot Brake

The rear brake is controlled by a foot lever.  It’s really convenient to press and it locks up the stroller very well.

However, getting it to “unlock” isn’t as easy.

I couldn’t figure out how to do it with my feet so I just reach down and pull up on the lever with my hand.

That’s not so convenient, but also not too big of a deal.

5 Point Safety Harness

Adjustable five-point harness, safety tether & reflectors for safety

The child restraint is a 5-point safety harness.  This makes me feel comfortable that the little guy isn’t going to come bouncing out at any given point :)

It comes with padded straps to keep from rubbing against his face, which is a thoughtful accessory.

There are numerous safety reflectors on the stroller and it also comes with a wrist strap to keep it from “running” away from you.  Great!!

Sun/Weather Canopy

Retractable Canopy

The retractable canopy is large and allows for good coverage of the baby.

It also has a fun little roll-up window that allows you to see in to peek on your little one when needed.

The entire canopy also unzips for easy removable or cleaning.

Overall Impression

I really like this jogger stroller.  It gets an A+ for the jogger stroller category and a B as an all-around stroller.  My only suggested improvements would be:

1. Make the front wheel adjustable from fixed to swivel so that this would make an awesome all-purpose stroller
2. Make the rear foot brake release something that can also be done with your foot
3. Allow for a deeper recline
4. Add a volume adjustment to the Music Box

All in all, the features and robust set of bells and whistles make the Jeep Overland Limited Jogger feel like a luxury item without a luxury price tag at only $189.99 Suggested Retail.

Whistler Hams It Up

Wanna win it?

The folks over at Kolcraft have generously offered a giveaway for one lucky Crazy Coupon Mommy/Sisterly Savings reader to win their very own Jeep Overland Limited Jogger ($189.99 Retail Value!)

How do I enter?

PLEASE follow directions!! Entering the giveaway is not hard – but if you do not complete the MANDATORY entry FIRST, your comments/entries will be deleted. If you have any questions about how to enter, please contact me…or just look at the comments above you and you will get the idea!

Just complete each of the following tasks and leave a comment for your entry(s)! Please leave one comment per task completed. (ie, if you do three of the following, you should leave three SEPARATE comments) Must be over 18 to enter. US residents only.

MANDATORY ENTRY – You MUST do this FIRST. If you do not do this, none of the other entries below will count and they WILL BE DELETED.

1. Visit and subscribe to Kolcraft’s Baby Matters Blog and then come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did so and why you *need* this stroller!  :)

LOTS OF WAYS TO GET BONUS ENTRIES!! Once you have completed the above mandatory entry, you can do as many of the below as you like for extra entries Good luck!

(If you already are a subscriber, follow on Twitter or like on Facebook, that counts as one entry, so be sure to leave a comment saying you already do so!)

1. Subscribe to Crazy Coupon Mommy via RSS Reader or email
2. Subscribe to SisterlySavings via RSS Reader or email
3. Follow Kolcraft on Twitter
4. Follow CCM on Twitter
5. Follow SS on Twitter
6. Tweet about this giveaway (just click on the retweet button at the very top right corner of this page – all the way up at the top! You can do this daily for extra entries! Just leave a comment each day you complete this task)
7. “Like” Kolcraft on Facebook
8. “Like” SS on Facebook
9. “Like” CCM on Facebook
10. Enter the Colorado Trip Sweepstakes and leave a comment letting me know you did :)
11. Share this giveaway on Facebook by clicking on the Share button below in the comment form!
12. Share this giveaway on Google by clicking on the Buzz button below in the comment form!
13. Vote for me on TopMommyBlogs (Be sure to click on words that say “Click here to vote”. You can do this daily for extra entries! Just leave a comment each date you vote.)
14. Become a public follower of Crazy Coupon Mommy (Scroll all the way down to bottom of this page and look for this button
15. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with a link to your blog post (this earns you 3 entries! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each!)
16. Got a blog or webpage? Place my link button on your site and leave the URL of where I can see it.

***IMPORTANT*** You need to leave a separate comment for each of the above that you complete. Each comment acts as one entry, so if you only leave one comment saying “I did 1-3 above” then you’ll only get ONE entry instead of the 3 you deserve!

Contest will end 8/29/2010 at 11:59pm PST. The winner will be chosen randomly via computer using “And the Winner is…” WordPress Plugin or Random.org. Winner will be notified by a blog post (so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so that you don’t miss the winner announcement!). Winner must respond within 48 hours or another random winner will be chosen.

Many thanks to Kolcraft who provided me with a sample for the purpose of this review, as well as one prize package to giveaway to a randomly selected winner. I was not required to write a positive review and no other type of compensation was received. My reviews are always 100% honest and 100% my own.

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