Rate your P&T Vibe or Explorer/Sport
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Category: Product Reviews
Forum Name: Product Reviews
Forum Description: Cot or bassinette? Which pram is best for you? How about nappies? Check out our Product Reviews board to find out what other Mums and Dads think and share your thoughts!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=39684
Printed Date: 14 August 2025 at 6:54am
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Topic: Rate your P&T Vibe or Explorer/Sport
Posted By: squoggs
Subject: Rate your P&T Vibe or Explorer/Sport
Date Posted: 24 June 2011 at 3:53pm
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HI, I am looking at either the P&T Vibe or Explorer with double kit (think that is what the Sport is now called), or the yet to be on the market Mountain Buggy +One.
PLease could you tell me how you find your Vibe or Sport/Explorer, which bits you like or dislike etc. Also, Vibe owners, how do they go off-road? I have had mixed reviews from so many people, some saying they are great, others that they are terrible and definitely not for off-road use. Now I am just confused but want to have a better idea before I go out and drop a grand one a new one! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 24 June 2011 at 11:55pm
I love my Explorer (we upgraded from the sport). I have nothing bad to say about the pram itself. To me, its a combination of the sport, dash and vibe all in one  The one thing I dont like is the double kit seat, it doesnt recline!
But, I was at the Pregnancy and babies expo today and spoke to a PnT lady there about putting a Hammerhead DK onto the Explorer. She said it is do-able, as they are the same frame, but if you want to use the Explorer with the capsule as well as the Hammerhead DK, the weight distribution may not be even and could cause it to topple over etc. We didnt use the capsule in the Sport when we had that, and dont plan on using the capsule in the Explorer this time, so will probably get the Hammerhead DK so we can use it in a recline if we want. I do like the new Verve, but wont be giving up my Explorer any time soon. ETA - The PnT lady also said, the Explorer hasnt been (safety) tested with a reclining DK and capsule, hence why the Explorer DK doesnt recline. Hope that makes sense? ------------- Our Angel July 08  Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
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Posted By: Bets1
Date Posted: 27 June 2011 at 9:42am
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Hey I have sold my Vibe as it seemed to have never ending problems. Bad steering, brakes kept sticking, horrible off road, But it looked great! They most recently replaced the frame with the Vibe 2 frame which seemed more stable but wasn't up for long walks still. It seems since production moved to China they have become much worse. Even the lady in the shop said she wished they didn't have to sell them as it is such a nightmare dealing with them.
I couldn't face waiting for the Mountain Buggy to come on the market so got an ABC adventure buggy, made by the original makers of Phil and Teds. As number 2 is yet to arrive we haven't needed to use the toddler seat but have put DS in and he seems to love it. They are definately not as nice looking as the Vibe much more industrial. Hope that helps a little. |
Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 27 June 2011 at 10:36am
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Thanks thats great! I spend up to 2 hours a day walking mainly on gravel and bush tracks so need a really tough pram. One friend swears by her vibe, and another thinks they are crap. I have managed to wear out the wheel bearings on my valco in less than 12 months, so thats how tough I am on prams!
Keen on P&Ts and MTB+1 as the sunshade covers both kids, whereas the valco one doesn't go over the toddler, and the toddler seat is too upright. Do the ABC buggies do these things? Also heard good things about the sport, does anyone have any experience with them? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 14 August 2011 at 7:11pm
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Just bumping this thread instead of starting a new one.
We are also thinking of getting a P&T Explorer or a MTB+1. squoggs did you end up buying either? DS is 18 months and quite tall and a heavy 14kg, DD is 3 months so whatever we buy we want it to last us as long as possible, especially when spending such a large amount of money on it. We looked at the City Select but the hoods on the seats really put us off, it looked as though DS would already be too tall for the seat 
I like that the MTB+1 has the skateboard/scooter option which would be great for DS when he's a bit older and as far as I know, P&T's don't do skateboards. Does anyone have any pros/cons for either or buggy? I know the MTB+1 is pretty new and may not have even come out in NZ yet but if anyone has any input I'd be really grateful! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 14 August 2011 at 8:17pm
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Funny, i was just looking in here! We will be buying the MTB+1 when kiwibaby stocks them, I'm not due til Nov so have a bit of time.
My reasons for MTB vs P&T explorer are: - Both kids can see forwards when older, I do a lot of walking for long periods so don't want either getting bored and throwing tantys. Also concerned a bored toddler might stick their fingers into the spokes on the P&T as they are level with the wheels - MTB just seemed stronger and sturdier, the P&Ts explorer just seems flimsy in comparison. Also P&T feel really top-heavy and unstable with todder on front, my husband was especially concerned with this. - The skateboard is a good option for a toddler than can't make up his/her mind whether they are walking or going in the pram, might save tears and tantrums! - MTB is a better price - $899 includes pram, double seat and carry cot (and maybe sun/rain covers too - can't remember) as opposed to the equiv set up for P&T being closer or just over $1000 Anyway, these are just my reasons! I am yet to see it in person, but 99% sure we will get MTB. When Kiwibaby get one in, I am heading there to compare the 2 prams next to each other. The lady at KB said her only concern with the +1 was that the babies head was right under the toddlers feet but as she hadn't seen one then either she wasn't sure if it would be a problem. I am also anxious to see how the sunshade covers them - don't want one that can't see anything. Sorry for the novel! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 14 August 2011 at 9:05pm
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Thanks squoggs, it's always good to hear others perspective so I'm glad you wrote a novel hehe
I get what you're saying re both kids being able to see out of the MTB+1 and that's what I like about it too. However DH doesn't think the MTB will be as comfortable for DS who is really tall already, getting him in and out of the back of the pram seems like it would be hard and the leg room just doesn't look like it's enough. On the other hand, I like that you have more 'striding' room when pushing the MTB as the toddler seat isn't down by the ground. Also, after asking on Facebook, a friend said the scooter attachment on the MTB wasn't actually that great and it wasn't easy to steer. She also mentioned it felt as though it would tip over if her toddler leaned out. The board accessory was one of the main reasons I was lookinat MTB"s. We are going to go and have a good look at the Explorer tomorrow so we shall see!
Such a hard choice though, I have a feeling no matter which we buy I'll think 'maybe I should have bought the other one' for some reason or another!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: InthemiddleMummy
Date Posted: 14 August 2011 at 9:19pm
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ive got an e3 v2 phil & ted and its great, 5 years old, and If You dont want to spend $1000 or so buying the new explorer one I would recommend it as an option to purchase one off trademe. there is a section oh website to buy parts etc if you buy an older model
http://shop.philandteds.com/parts/e3-v2 my friend has just got a new explorer (had a sport that got damaged) and she loves it. but insurance paid for it so didnt have to fork out the over $1000.ooo just an idea as not everyones budgets stretch to that amount for a pram, there are lots on trademe and seem to sell between $200-$400 depending on condition and accessories. |
Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 14 August 2011 at 9:44pm
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Thanks Girls Rock, I've had a look on TM but they hold their value pretty well and a lot go for $500 - $700 even though they aren't in brand new condition (as they wouldn't be being second hand) so I figure if we're paying that much we may as well pay a bit extra and have it brand new in the colour we like
But we are going to have a look at the P&T tomorrow and I'll have to really love it to buy it brand new so we'll see what happens. If I'm unsure I might just wait for the MTB+1 to come out or keep an eye on TM for a cheaper second hand P&T. Glad to hear your friend loves her explorer, the more research I do, the more I'm falling for the explorer  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 15 August 2011 at 5:09pm
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Just an update - we bought the P&T Explorer today, I LOVE it!!!
We got it with the doubles kit for $849 so I'm happy with that price. We will be using it for many years so I think it's justified. The best part is that DH loves it as much as I do, so I didn't even have to twist his arm 
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 16 August 2011 at 6:57pm
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Cool, congrats on the new toy MrsEmma. I went for another look at the explorer yesterday, and back on the fence between the 2 prams again....4th of sept I am going to kiwibaby to compare them side by side (thats the day the MTB+1 is due in) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: RJB00
Date Posted: 24 August 2011 at 6:28pm
| I love love love my Vibe, It was a toss up between the Vibe and Explorer. The only thing I have noticed with the Vibe is that the bum part they sit on is very tilted (back) and It cannot be changed, even if the back part is fully up, the explorer seat it more flat or even (So I'ts more like sitting on a seat), I'ts only when a friend mentioned that her toddler always lent ford in her Vibe that we noticed the difference... Something to look into.. |
Posted By: RJB00
Date Posted: 24 August 2011 at 6:29pm
| Oh and I'ts an amazing ofroader!! and trust me, we have done alot of ofroading in it;) |
Posted By: MummaHuhu
Date Posted: 25 August 2011 at 7:38pm
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I love my P&T double sport, best investment ever! The only bit I don't like so much is the foot brake is quite stiff to start with, (to the point where I had to use my hands to get it off) but it's loosened up heaps more now. The bonus of it is though, you know it's not going anywhere if the brake is on!
I quite like the fact that I can collapse it with the double seat still attached too (while its in the newborn setup) makes for getting it in and out of the car quicker. -------------   http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/MummaHuhu" rel="nofollow - Come on Huhu#3 ...~Chem Apr 13~ |
Posted By: clover
Date Posted: 28 August 2011 at 7:35am
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I love my vibe but I don't do a lot of off road on it, just gravel paths by the river and along stop banks. The only grizzle I'd have is that the brake can be a bit difficult to get off. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 28 August 2011 at 10:11am
We're in just the same boat, squoggs, so thanks for the thread  -------------   
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Posted By: Nades
Date Posted: 02 September 2011 at 10:17am
| P&T Explorer all the way! We LOVE it, been fantastic for my little girl, and well worth the $$$ :) |
Posted By: CrazyCass
Date Posted: 02 September 2011 at 5:59pm
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I got a P&T Sport off TM - took it to Welly last with for use with my sisters girls and YAY its pretty easy to manouver, and there is a TONNE of space under the seat to store stuff.... Needless to say my sister is a tad jealous
I like that the P&T prams are completly covered with their sun/storm covers, no bits are left poking out. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: snooze
Date Posted: 07 September 2011 at 7:22pm
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A question on this topic - what age you can put the younger baby into the seat at the back? I tried to put my toddler into the top seat in the shop and he hated it. I have a double mountain buggy which I love for walking from home (stored in garage) and wouldn't mind and in line buggy for the shops. DS 1 is 27 months and DS 2 is 2 months....
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 07 September 2011 at 9:22pm
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Snooze, I put DD in the back seat now. She's been in it a number of times as she wasn't too keen on the 'lay back' option with DS being in front of her.. she's far too nosy for that and wants to see what's going on!
With the Explorer, the back seat doesn't recline (I think the Vibe might?) DD has really good head control and the straps hold her in nice and snug so she doesn't slump which I'd say is the most important thing for littlies in more upright seats due to their airway possibly being cut off. She loves being in it and smiles away when we are out - when she's not asleep that is. squoggs did you head in to see both prams? How did you go? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 3:56pm
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Mrs Emma...I am still in pram-search hell!
This is where I am at: Have decided against +1 now, as its just too big and bulky - its even bigger than my valco! Also, when the sunvisor is down, the kid at the back can't see anyway. Plus its huge folded down. Total cost for pram + sun/rain covers + carry cot = $960 so not too bad price-wise. P&T explorer - my current pick! Like the compactness of it, and the kid at the back has never had a view so nothing will change when its moved rearwards. Just worried not robust enough. Very nice to push, and seems comfy for both kids. Cost incl pram + covers + double seat = $960 And very suprised when I had a look at the mtb duet, its not as wide as my valco - infact its wheel base was smaller than the +1! Although it looks bigger, it is infact more compact, couldn't believe my eyes and had to keep lining it up against other prams to compare. it fitted through narrower gaps than the valco! Very nice to push and probably much better config for the children. A bit more expensive though at about $1100 for pram + carry cot + covers. Not sure how it would go offroad though, guessing it would be similar to the explorer? So now to decide between explorer & duet...the search continues! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 8:04pm
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Oh no squoggs, how frustrating that the MTB was a bit of a let down in the end. Though I'm sorry you didn't find it fantastic, I am kind of glad to hear it in a way hehe! I love our Explorer but it's good to know there may have been some issues we may not have liked either.
Hmm.. I contemplated a side by side pram for a little while but the thing that put me off pretty much right away was that I wanted a pram that could just sit one child. I know you can have one in the Duet (and I'm assuming they would have made it so the weight wouldn't make it uneven/tip if there was only one child in it) but for us if we were spending $800+ we wanted a pram that would do us until our kids outgrow it. Although we only have 15 months between our two, I know at some stage DS will want to walk and likewise with DD so I wanted to ensure it could be used just as a single pram and down the line I wouldn't want to get yet another one for just one child. That and as side by sides are known for being so wide (though not in the Duet's case by the sounds) I was worried about weight and getting through shops etc. Shops are hard enough to navigate with a single pram - even in kids shops which I will never understand!! Anyway, I'd be interested to hear what you decide in the end so do keep us posted!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 9:19pm
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How are you finding the explorer MrsEmma? I am tending more towards it for the reasons you said. PLus it was by far the nicest to push and I see so many around that other people must think the same!
Interesting thing the lady at kiwibaby said to me was that the baby when moved to the back has never had a view (in the explorer) so might not miss it at all, whereas in the mtb+1 both kids can see forwards until the sunshade comes down, then the rear one can't see at all, so maybe a sticking point for me, if that gooblygook makes any sense ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 9:47pm
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I LOVE my Explorer, I genuinely can't think of one bad thing about it. It's awesome to push, the break is great, easy to fold and I love how easy the doubles kit is to take on and off. DD loves sitting in the back seat and as you say, she doesn't know any different so ANY view to her is fabulous. Of course when I am out with just her, she's in the front but it's actually good that she can't see as much in the back because she sleeps much better without all the distractions. In the front she is far too nosey to sleep!
I agree it would be more frustrating for one to be able to see and then have their view completely obstructed. Its a shame you can't use them for a week each to be able to decide, it's a tough choice especially when you are spending a good amount of money. On another note, 31 weeks!! Not too long for you now - exciting!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 10:25pm
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Thanks MrsEmma :-) Yip only 8 or 9 wks left to make decision on pram! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Brunettie86
Date Posted: 13 September 2011 at 3:18pm
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After reading this my thoughts about the P&T Explorer have been confirmed - we are getting one. Now to find the best place for a single with both covers. Baby Universe haev the lot for $799 which looks quite good. Anyone seen any cheaper than that. I suppose we could wait to see if there are sales around xmas but I so want to be organised before then! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 13 September 2011 at 8:37pm
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Brunettie86 yay, exciting!! Wow that sounds like a great price to me for the pram with both covers.
I can't remember the name of the place where we got ours and another friend recommended a place which had great prices as well, I'm on my phone now and they are bookmarked on my laptop so will look them up and come back later with the links ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 16 September 2011 at 8:14pm
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Sorry, I completely forgot to come back and update with those websites!
A friend recommended www.babystuff.co.nz - Baby Stuff And we got ours at http://winkalotts.co.nz/ - Winkalotts ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Brunettie86
Date Posted: 21 September 2011 at 2:15pm
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Awesome thanks MrsEmma! www.babyuniverse.co.nz still looks like the best deal - I might have to get the MIL to get it while it is on special (she said she will get the pram for us which is SUPER great!). ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 21 September 2011 at 8:54pm
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Yeah it sounds like it, that's a great deal! How awesome of your MIL to get it for you, what a great gift! I'm sure you will LOVE them pram as much as we do ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 22 September 2011 at 1:09pm
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Mrs Emma, we bought the explorer today :-) What finally swayed me was a friend telling me her kids were in a front/rear toddler config pram, and the oldest bashed the youngest over the head constantly....so MTB+1 out the window now :-) Def don't think the explorer is as sturdy, but THB I'll probably break any pram I own, and at least the parts are easy to get! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 22 September 2011 at 2:42pm
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Yay for getting a pram squoggs!! Another good point about the MTB+1 configuration too, that would be awful for the poor child in the front seat!
I've heard MTB's are pretty sturdy, it's a shame they don't have a better double pram but who knows what they will come up with next. Though DH has assured me this was our last pram purchase haha, he saw me browsing TM last night looking at P&T items and he freaked lol. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 22 September 2011 at 4:11pm
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hehe I have been banned too - just bought a quinny zapp for travelling over the weekend.
Have to say I'm not in love with the explorer, just wish the Valco did a better double, I still reckon its the best pram ever! I don't like how huge MBs are folded down, but the V is a triple fold, so the same robustness as MB, not much heavier than P&T, and folds down to a reasonable size. Happy enough with the explorer, but found I kick the axel when I walk so doubt I will be running with it. Oh well, when i have some time and energy, i will have to design the 'perfect' pram! Or maybe I will have to get a MB Duet too, just to add to my collection! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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