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Much talk has gone on about the Kiwi Explorer and its replacement the
E3. They are similar in that they are single hybrid (not true jogger, not true carriage) strollers that are capable of being
doubles through the addition of a seat. In order to effectively show the differences of each model, I teamed up with
another local mom Laura, her kids, and her E3 to compare them side by side. We compared many aspects including size,
style, ease of use, and functionality. Overall we found them to be more similar than either of us anticipated! Thank you for
all your help in creating this presentation Laura!!
In April 2004, Phil & Ted's introduced the Kiwi E3 V2 (Version 2).
The V2 has taken into account some of the concerns raised by V1 purchasers with minor changes. I look forward to doing a photo
comparison at some point of the 3 strollers side by side if I am able to get ahold of someone with a V2 to help. The differences,
according to Phil & Ted's follow:
- New alloy frame (7.3kg's)
- Easier folding with 2 press-release flippercatches.
- Slide on doubles kit (patent pending) is easier to install/remove
- Seat wider by a massive 25 - 60 mm (conparing from top of the seat to
the bottom)
- Larger parcel tray
Larger footwell
- Seat base improved (moved bar underneath down and forward)
- Longer handle (75mm) for taller people and more room in doubles
- More padding and support (e.g shoulder straps)
- Longer, adjustable crotch strap on harness
- Storm and mesh covers extend over sunhood
- Double kit remains on bar for baby + toddler position - just click into
place using our (provisionally patented) unique double hinge.
- Larger newborn bed
- Embroidered E3 on seat
- Frame strap under footwell to secure folded frame
According to people who have purchased the E3 V2 and compared it to the
V1 there were other differences noted:
- More upright seats
- Covers (Storm or Sun) do not attach with Velcro
- Graphics have changed
- Slightly lighter colors
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Above- Front view of the Kiwi Explorer (Navy on left) and Kiwi E3 (Red on right). Each one holds a same age 2 year old,
though child on the left is about 2-3 inches taller than the child on the right.
Below- The same 2 year olds in the back seat of their buggies. Front seat kids are very tall girls (46+ inch, 4 year
old in the Explorer: 45 inch, 4 year old in the E3).
Above- 4 year olds in front, 2 year olds in back.
Right- Same children in front but switched. Each child we tried within the 45-47 inch range fit differently, and had
different comfort levels involved with sitting. The older children would have chosen for the front bar to be removed, however
we left it on to demonstrate the difference in "knee to chest" positioning between the kids.
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Above- Back view with the second seat attached. E3 (red) add on is closer to the ground and further away from the back
seat.
Below- The side view of the 2 demonstrates the distance, as well as the angle difference to the seat.
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Above- Full side view of each. Navy Explorer on left. Red E3 on right.
Below- Demonstrating the seat angle of each model. The angle is about the same for both. The E3 appears more upright
due to the stiffer, padded seat; the Explorer sports a hammock seat and conforms to the shape of the child a bit more.
Laura demonstrates the stride space between her and the E3 (above, red) and the Explorer (below, navy). Laura felt
comfortable pushing both, and reported no problem kicking the backseat on either model buggy. She is 26 weeks pregnant as
well.
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