I recently had a chance to review the Joolz Hub2 stroller, which seems like a perfect combination of a lightweight stroller that can still serve as a full-time stroller due to its increased basket capacity and bigger wheels than those normally offered on travel strollers.
While I haven’t personally tested the original Joolz Hub stroller, I cannot speak for what’s improved from the original Hub+ model as I haven’t tested the original version I know that the seatback height is longer on Hub2, which is an advantage. But, I tested other Joolz strollers like Aer and Geo and can compare them first-hand to those. Here’s my honest review of the Joolz Hub 2 stroller.
Pros & Cons of Joolz Hub 2 Stroller Review
Age Range – newborn to 55 pounds (25kg)
Stroller Weight – 19.4 pounds (8.7 kg)
Folded Size – 26.2 x 20.6 x 11.5 inches (66 x 54 x 30cm)
Maneuverability & Storage
The Hub2 is slightly lighter than the Hub+ without sacrificing the sturdiness and the basket can take up to 10 kg, which is a lot. You can pack a few bags of groceries and a small dog underneath without any issues. It’s deep, and offers side protection so smaller items won’t fall our.
The wheels are big and light to steer, but don’t lock easily. It’s not a problem for me, as I’ve never locked wheels unless I’m jogging (and this is what jogging strollers are for), but something to consider.
The parental bar extends comfortably, but it does make stroller longer which is never a good thing when it comes to steering (and why I always recommend side-by-side over tandem when it comes to double stroller).
Seat Design
The Joolz Hub2 seat is designed with the child’s comfort in mind, with no-retract seatbelts and a basically flat recline. The recline on Hub2 is approved for newborns and doesn’t require any additional inserts or other gadgets. However, if you wish, you can also use Joolz bassinet on this stroller that clips in with just one move.
The recline works like a charm as it’s just one clip. This is something pretty unique for strollers that still fold small and lightweight.
The only drawback of the flat recline on the stroller is the fact that the brake is located in the middle, making it harder to engage when the seat is reclined.
The seat offers removable inserts that make the air flow go through the seat, making it more breezy for the child, without sacrificing the canopy like on some other models. We love that, since living in North Carolina where it’s hot for half of the year.
I love that the legrest isn’t a weird profiled thing, as my child hated these on Uppababy or even Cybex Gazelle. This is basically an extension of the seat, which still works even if the taller child’s feet are dangling.
When it comes to cons, Hub2 seat is still on the shorter side, which creates a similar problem I saw on Inglesina Electa that a very tall child might feel squished. The seat is also narrower than even Joolz Aer (I assume it’s due to the possibility of reversing the seat). The canopy, while extensive, is fitted with the seatback, making it unusable if the child is taller than the backrest.
Fold & Unfold
The fold of Hub2 requires a few steps, but it’s pretty self-explanatory. You do need to fold the seat back and twist a little handle (see my video to show you how to fold it).
I particularly love the retractable carry strap. It might not seem needed to you, but it’s much easier to bring the stroller up some stairs or onto a bus on your shoulder than carry it by the bumper bar or other parts of the stroller. Not to mention, it also creates more durability that way.
Joolz Hub2 vs Joolz Aer
Having tested both Aer and Hub2 I can say that both strollers are good, but serve a slightly different function. Hub2 is definitely more of a city stroller meant for shopping due to its 10kg weight capacity in the underneath basket.
Hub2 advantage is also a reversible seat that’s liked by many parents of smaller children. For us, it was never a concern since our toddlers never wanted to face us, but it makes life much easier in the early months of the baby’s life.
The recline on Hub is much easier without having to use a zipper and you don’t need the extra legroom accessory as the footrest is already built in. However, this is expected as Aer is much smaller.
Joolz Hub2 Stroller: Verdict & Final Thoughts
I think Joolz Hub 2 stroller has potential as a bridge between a full-size and travel model. I can definitely see it for city lifestyle when you want to take a stroller shopping, need bigger wheels to drive on uneven sidewalks and cobblestones, but still need something compact you can store in an apartment, and most importantly, easily lift up the stairs and fit into elevators.
I would surely recommend it for someone living in a European city like London, or even NYC. However, you need to take into consideration that if your child is above 50th percentile, it might not last as long as you’d want a stroller to last.
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