Austlen Entourage Stroller Review

 

            The Austlen Entourage…where do I even begin?

 

The Back Story:

A little over three years ago, while pregnant with my first child, I was looking into the perfect stroller for a growing family. I had been working in the baby industry for several years prior and had ample exposure to all types of strollers and was purely unimpressed. Price point was never an issue, but I did not want to overpay for a name brand that lacked functionality and longevity. I’m the kind of person who wants one really nice purse to last me years, not a different one for each season…same with strollers and other baby products. The best stroller I could find at the time was the Britax b-ready with the second seat and car seat adapter coupled with the Britax b-safe car seat. This set-up came to about $800 all-in-all.  My b-ready has been wonderful, still in great shape, and never let me down. However, there was always something missing.

I stumbled upon the Austlen Entourage several months back when I was browsing my Instagram app. I saw the single set up and was intrigued, then realized it had a second seat option, jump seat, and car seat capability on top AND bottom. Not only that, but it looked sleek and sturdy. As told to me by the retailer I visited, the Entourage was in the works for four years prior to its release in 2016! If that doesn’t say how dedicated they are to perfection, I don’t know what does. Perhaps the fact that only sell this one stroller as of now? Most companies roll out a whole collection of products, while Austlen is precise, controlled, and invested in quality over quantity. I cannot wait to see what they come out with next!

Please note: I have not included every single photo of the stroller and the possible configurations because, if you’re reading this, you very likely have seen the dozens of stock images around. I wanted only real photos of what I used and ones that were not already out on the web in droves. If you want more, I urge you to go to their website, look at the accessories and peek at their very informative how-to videos.

 

Where to Buy:

The biggest hurdle was actually finding a retailer to visit and play with the new stroller. I found a delightful local store, Baby Blossom (Fairfax, VA), about an hour or so away that had most of the stroller components (all but the jump seat). They were delightful, helpful, knowledgeable, and patient with me. Baby Blossom, not only did the assembly, but also demonstrated all functionality and accessories.

The stroller and accessories can be purchased directly from Austlen’s website. Also, available on their website is a list of authorized retailers, such as Baby Blossom, who carry the line. I am an Amazon fanatic, but they do not presently carry the stroller. Plus, going to brick and mortar for this purchase was almost necessary due to the lack of reviews that actually involved 2 children and I did not want to hassle with assembly.

 

My Input:

I purchased this for 2 children under the age of 3. So, this is my review of the stroller in Navy with only (for now) the addition of the second seat, cup holder, sit&stand, and stroller liners. Lili is 2 ½, Amelia is 1 ½, and I have a third girl due in late October 2017. Lili likes to sit in the front seat (she is about 34 lbs) and has climbed in the storage basket and the second seat for fun, but is most comfortable up front.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amelia happily climbs into (even when it’s not time for our walks!) the second seat and she really enjoys looking at me. Previously, she would face the bottom back of her sister’s seat so anything would be better than that! The second seat is set back into the stroller so I do not kick her, nor does she impede my stride. What is most important to me about the placement of the second seat is that when Amelia is in it and Lili is not in the top seat, I’m not worried she will tip over. My previous stroller would actually tip if she played in the bottom seat without the top occupied. Again, one less worry is a bonus point in my book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cannot speak to assembly because the amazing retailer did it for me!

The look is stunning. It is an eye-catching piece of functional art. I chose the navy/light brown leather color combination because it was just so lovely. The navy is almost a denim pattern with the swishy, washable, and weather resistant material I think should be the standard for anything baby/toddler! I like the non-standard pattern because it will show less wear and dirt over time. They are both beautiful options though!

The market tote is fantastic, but does not work very well when the second seat is in use. I did rig it up a little bit to make it more functional while not making Amelia’s view/vantage point uncomfortable. However, it is not “advised” to use with the second seat. I load it up with diapers, wipes, toys, snacks, etc. and put it in the ample lower storage basket. I did find an alternative that I mention in the next section.

The ride is smooth as silk and I can easily push and navigate with only one hand- so I can easily text and drive 😉 As I mention later on, my husband thinks the wheels are not off-road enough when going from pavement to grass and back again. I have not experienced this issue, but I happily welcome more rugged wheels as long as they are never-flat foam/plastic!

The seat liners are delightful. They look great and I like the added comfy component that is also washable. However, I did take them out for now because they are so cozy and keep the heat in. It is about 90-95 degrees here most days, and I don’t want any extra heat. I will welcome the liners once late fall and winter come.

The cup holder is OK. I don’t like that it has a cut out on the side, because my phone has fallen through it several times. Also, like most standard cup holders it does not hold my giant 32oz Hydroflask. While the stroller can fold with the cup holder, it does not have clasp on tight enough and has fallen off several times. In fact, over the past 3 days we managed to lose it because it popped off during a walk and we did not take note. Before it popped off into oblivion, it did stick out a bit thus making the already wide stroller even wider. I flipped it around to be on the inside of the frame but then Amelia tried to play with it and it fell off yet again. I will find an alternative.

Austlen was exceptionally kind to honor a promotion for a free Sit + Stand with purchase, despite being a month beyond my purchase date, so I am happy to add this to my review! I was hesitant to invest the $180 in it for fear that my 2.5 year old would have no interest in its placement. Thus far, I am very glad to have this accessory. I was using the second seat with my 18 month old but once she got a taste of the front seat, it was a bit of a battle every time. With the Sit + Stand, my 2.5 year old very happily rides seated or standing when she doesn’t want to walk herself. My general rule is that she needs to walk unless she is tired, so its nice to have the option for her to rest when we are a several mile walk. The 18 month old likes to pop in it every once and a while, but its a bit too small for her right now. It’s so easy to use, and it folds up with the rest of the stroller no problem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The handle is my favorite style. Instead of telescoping it is hinged and is adjustable for up to almost 180 degrees which is ideal for tall and short alike. The contrasting color is nice and the leather texture is pleasant to hold.

The fold took two times practicing to get down, because it is just so ingenious. It folds perfectly with the grab bar, cup holder, and second seat still in place. The weight is comparable to other double strollers, and the width/height is smaller than my previous. I have a truck though, so space isn’t really a big deal for me.

 

The length/expansion is such great concept and can easily be done with one hand while two toddlers are inside. I haven’t needed to use it fully elongated as both girls can be comfortable with it completely compact but if they want to lay back/nap or to use the awesome bassinet option on the front seat I would need to elongate it. As with any stroller of this size it won’t fit everywhere, and if you’re trying to navigate thing aisles of a packed department store, you will have to make a 2 or 3-point turn.

 

The customer service is truly personalized and receptive. I was impressed beyond words, and that is saying something because I am not easily impressed with retail experiences, just ask my husband! I watched a few promo videos/reviews and then contacted Austlen directly via e-mail, Instagram, and Facebook, all with exceptional results. I was replied to promptly, kindly, and with great information that helped me not only the buy the product but think of other things to buy alongside. I felt like a valued customer even before I had given them my money, which is really hard to come by these days. You should follow them on Instagram because they put out the pre-order new products so you can get in on the ground floor!

 

 

 

 

Something a bit odd that I really like is that both my girls can climb in and out of the seats themselves (while not strapped in). The height is just perfect, and it allows them to play independently around in the stroller when we are stopped or not actively using it. It saves my back these days too, because picking up a 20 and 30lb child over and over again is quite tasking!

 

 

 

Non-Austlen Accessories:

I love the market tote that comes with the stroller, but I do not love that I’m instructed not to use it with the second seat. Also, it is a little awkward when my 18-month-old is down staring at my feet and I can barely see her because the tote is in the way. I tried to rig it up a bit differently, which was helpful and still useful, but still wasn’t ideal. I went to Amazon, after contacting Austlen about alternatives (they say something is in the works), and found several different stroller organizers, having the best luck with the cheapest at $8! It is basic, but holds my water bottle, phone, and any little things I want handy, while the beautiful market tote is stowing everything else in the lower storage area. It is called the Keeble Outlets Stroller Organizer, and is very unassuming but gets the job done!

 

 

 

Wants:

The new beach wheels!  I didn’t realize I wanted/needed them until I found out they are all-terrain including pavement. Also, my husband mentioned his frustration while walking with the girls and having to get over into the grass that it tends to get stuck with the stock wheels.

The Britax car seat adapter. It is my most favorite car seat, and I contacted Austlen about coming soon adapters and they are coming out later this summer! I tried the Maxi-Cosi Aton 2 and hated it, so I’ll hold off for the adapters.**Update** They have come out with the Britax adapter, so if the bassinet option on the front seat isn’t adequate for my October baby, I will get the adapters and update my review.**

 

Final Thoughts:

I don’t really like star/scale ratings, so I would say STOCK the stroller is good. With the second seat, it is great. Add the beach wheels, sit+stand, Britax adapter, and a better second-seat tote option, it would be PERFECT.

I hope more folks will do a full review on experiences with 2 children, if not 3. I searched everywhere and barely found photos, recommendations, or tips. I know it’s pretty new still, but I hope I’ve been somewhat helpful. It’s a rather deep investment (over $1,000) and returning isn’t exactly an easy option. I also plan to revisit this review after having it with a bit for a newborn in the winter time!