The Cybex Topaz 2009

By Penelope
Cybex Strollers are a new line of high quality umbrella strollers premiering this season (late August, early September 2009). Cybex is a division of Regal Lager and also manufactures car seats (available late in 2009) and baby carriers.

I was sent a Cybex Topaz in slate to try out. This well-made, very lightweight umbrella stroller has some amazing features. I was very impressed to learn that, unlike most umbrella strollers, the Topaz can be used from birth! It’s very easy to maneuver, to put together (only the front wheels had to be popped on), and to carry.

What I love about the CybaxTopaz:
1. It’s super lightweight at 17 pounds.
2. Minimal assembly is required…anyone can put this together.
3. The swiveling wheels offer a terrific, easy ride. I was able to move the Topaz easily over bumpy sidewalks, and spin it around with ease.
4. It can be used from birth (most lightweight strollers can not be used until your baby is six months of age).
5. Its safety features include a five-point safety harness that is very secure and well-padded, a padded bumper, and an easy to engage rear wheel break.
6. The seat has four points of recline, including reclining almost totally flat for a napping child.
7. The seat is incredibly well-padded and comfortable.
8. The handles have a height adjustment for taller parents.
9. Adapts with the Aton infant car seat or matching carry cot (available for sale in November/December of 2009) to become a travel system.
10. It’s very compact when closed, and has a comfortable carrying handle.
11. It includes a rain cover and storage basket.
12. It has a great color selection (chili, indigo, rosin, slate, purple, and sand).

The light weight of this stroller makes it more practical and convenient than traditional strollers for quick errands and excursions. It’s great maneuverability and size make it terrific for tight spaces, moving around bends, and more. The only drawback to this stroller is that the storage basket is hard to reach, especially when the seat is fully reclined. This may not pose much of an issue to many as the Topaz has an ample-sized pocket on the back of the canopy that would easily fit a binky and small toy, cell phone, and small purse, and the handles are able to hold a diaper bag well without affecting its balance, despite it’s light weight.

This is a great quality, well-made and comfortable umbrella stroller that I recommend shoppers take a look at this fall as it becomes available in many stores.  There are four models in the Cybex Stroller line:

The Ruby weighs 12 lbs and has an MSRP of $140

The Onyx weighs 15 lbs and has an MSRP of $220

The Topaz weighs 16.5 lbs and has an MSRP of $260

The Callisto weight 18.5 lbs and has an MSRP of $330

For more information, visit www.cybexonline.com or visit www.albeebaby.com to purchase in the early fall 2009.