Many parents shop for Joovy Caboose strollers after hearing glorious reviews about them. If you are new to Joovy strollers, you must be wondering what are the differences between Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller? That’s what this article is for.
In this comparison guide, we will put these three strollers side by side and list their main differences and similarities. Followed by it is a detailed review of Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Strolle. This guide will give you clarity on which tandem double stroller is the best for you.
Our Final Verdict
Winner: Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller
It is lightweight, inexpensive, features four-weight suspension
Best Premium: Joovy Caboose S Stroller
It offers premium features, has large storage, and can self-stand
Not Recommended: Joovy Caboose VaryLight Tandem Stroller
It is versatile, has large weight capacity, but discontinued
What Is Joovy?
What is Joovy anyway? For those who are wondering, Joovy is a brand that specializes in baby products and baby gear. It is a family business that was founded in 2005 in the US. Today, they have a wide range of products from baby bottles to baby walkers, tricycles, strollers, and more.
What About Joovy Caboose?
So what is Joovy Caboose? Joovy Caboose is a collection of Joovy strollers. Besides Caboose, Joovy also has many other collections such as Zoom360, Qool, TwinRoo, etc.
However, the Joovy Caboose collection mainly consists of Sit-and-Stand strollers. There are several models in the Joovy Caboose collection. They are:
- Caboose Ultralight
- Caboose Varylight
- Caboose S Premium
- Caboose Too Ultralight
- Caboose Too Sit and Stand
- Caboose Too S Premium
- Big Caboose Triple Stroller
What we will be comparing today is the Ultralight vs Varylight and S model. Many parents face the problem of deciding which one to get as they look quite similar. Read on to find the answer.
What Is A Sit-and-Stand Stroller?
Sit-and-Stand strollers are also called In-Line Strollers or Tandem Double Strollers. Unlike single strollers, this type of stroller consists of a regular baby seat and a platform or a small bench for another kid to stand on.
As the name suggests, a sit-and-stand stroller can hold two or more kids at a time. Most of the time, one child will be sitting and the other will be standing.
Sit-and Stand strollers are only necessary if you have multiple kids who need to use the stroller at the same time. That’s why tandems double strollers are most popular among parents who have an infant and an independent toddler.
Why Choose Between Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller?
Joovy as a brand is known for its stylish and modern look and user-friendly design that provides maximum comfort. Joovy by no means is an inexpensive brand but you can expect to get something that lasts years to come.
Among all Joovy’s stroller selections, the Caboose collection is the only one that offers tandem strollers. For parents who only need to hold two kids simultaneously, Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Premium Stroller are the best options.
Joovy Caboose Varylight is discontinued by the manufacturer. You can still purchase it from online retailers such as Amazon.
How To Evaluate Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller?
If you are evaluating among Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S, then you must have decided that a sit-to-stand or in-line stroller is what you need. So what criteria should you use when choosing between these three strollers?
Comparison of Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller
In this section, we will compare Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Premium Stroller side by side so that you know what the differences are.
1. Ways of Use
Similarities: All three strollers have one seat and one standing platform. They all can be configured in multiple ways.
Differences: Joovy Caboose Varylight can be used in 13 different ways. If you have an infant or newborn, you need to use a car seat to hold the baby. The infant car seat must be rear-facing and you can put up to two car seats on Caboose Varylight. If you have an infant and a toddler, then the other toddler can sit or stand.
Joovy Caboose Ultralight is also suitable for infants three months and up, toddlers, and bigger kids. The manufacturer didn’t specify how many configurations it has. But Joovy Caboose is geared more towards parents with toddlers and bigger kids. It has a bench seat and a standing platform for the bigger kid.
Joovy Caboose S Premium Stroller is the most convertible model among all three. It has 16 different configurations and you can even install a bassinet on the stroller. Like the other two models, you also need to purchase a separate infant car seat but Caboose S can only take one infant car seat at a time.
Also, take note that Joovy Caboose Varylight is only compatible with a handful of car seats whereas Ultralight and S are compatible with over 28 different types of car seats.
2. Weight and Age Limit
Similarities: All three strollers are suitable for infants only when you use a car seat and an adapter. The age limit for the back seat for all three models is 2.5 years.
Differences: The weight and age limit for the front and rear seat for each stroller is slightly different. Below are the detailed specifications:
- Joovy Caboose Varylight: the front seat weight limit is 55 lbs and the age limit is 6 months or plus; the back seat weight limit is 55 lbs.
- Joovy Caboose Ultralight: the front seat weight limit is 45 lbs and the age limit is 3 months or plus; the back seat weight limit is 45 lbs.
- Joovy Caboose S Stroller: the front seat age limit is 3 months or plus; the back seat weight limit is 55 lbs. It’s also the only model that is compatible with a bassinet.
3 Wheels and Brake.
Similarities: All three models feature four front wheels and two rear wheels. All the tires are made with a specialized EVA-rubber blend. All Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S feature a foot brake on the rear wheel.
Differences: Joovy Caboose Varylight features front-wheel suspension whereas Ultralight and S Premium feature four-wheels suspension. The latter two models will make the tide smoother especially on uneven terrains.
4. Comfort
Similarities: All three models feature a padded seat, a UV shield canopy that is oversized and adjustable, and a food tray. Additionally, all three models feature a 3-position recline front seat.
Differences: Joovy S Premium stroller features an extra-large canopy with zippered expansion. Additionally, Joovy S is the biggest model among the three and provides more space for the second kid.
5. Storage
Similarities: All three models features a storage basket on the bottom and a food tray. Additionally, you can purchase separate accessories for storage for all three models.
Differences: Joovy Caboose Varylight doesn’t have a parent organizer on the handle whereas Ultralight and S Strollers do. These pockets are convenient for phones, bottles, and drinks.
Additionally, Joovy S has the best storage among all three models. It features an extra-strong storage basket that can carry an extra 25 pounds of weight.
6. Portability
Similarities: All three models can fold down using one hand.
Differences: Even though Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller are all easy to fold down, there are some other differences when it comes to portability.
Joovy Caboose S is the only model that features a self-standing fold. It means once you fold down the stroller, you don’t have to lean it against the wall. This is useful because you no longer need to lie the stroller on dirty grounds. It also helps keep your storage place clean.
In terms of weight, the respective weight for Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller is 39 pounds, 22 pounds, and 30.8 pounds. As you can see, Caboose Varylight is one of the most sit-and-stand strollers in the market today.
7. Color Options
Similarities: All three strollers have black color.
Differences: Joovy Caboose Ultralight offers the most color selections. You can choose between five vibrant colors. Joovy S offers another gray color that is a traditional and popular choice.
8. Pricing
Differences: Among all three models, Joovy Caboose Ultralight is the most inexpensive one and it costs around $220. Joovy S Premium is the most expensive one that costs $370. Joovy Caboose Varylight is discontinued and it’s slightly more expensive than Ultralight.
Which One Is the Best: Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller?
Now that we know how the three models compare to each other, which one is for you? We will review the pros and cons of all models in the section below.
For those who are anxious about the answer, our recommendation is that the winner is Joovy Caboose Ultralight because it’s easy to carry, inexpensive, and compatible with lots of car seats.
If you have a high budget, Joovy S Premium stroller is the one to go with because it has a higher weight limit, is the most convertible, can self-stand, and has the best storage.
Product Reviews
1. Joovy Caboose VaryLight Tandem Stroller
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Joovy Caboose Varylight was one of the most popular strollers couples of years ago. When sit-and-stand strollers were still a new thing, Joovy Caboose stood out like a superstar.
Joovy Caboose has 13 different configurations. You can change the direction of the seat, install an infant car seat on it, or use it for a second child weighing up to 55 pounds.
As Joovy continues to improve on their strollers, Caboose Varilight is showing some major disadvantages. The main ones are:
- It weighs almost 40 pounds. It is quite heavy for a parent to carry around.
- It’s only compatible with a few car seats even with an adapter.
- It only has a front-wheel suspension as most other sit-and-stand strollers are going four-wheel suspension.
Who Is It for?
Joovy Caboose VaryLight Tandem Stroller is a solid choice but we don’t recommend it because there are many drawbacks. Parents considering Joovy Caboose Varylight should instead look into Joovy Caboose Ultralight.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 42″ x 24.2″ x 43.5″
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Foldable: Yes
- Suspension: Front-wheel
- Self-stand: No
2. Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
All things considered, Joovy Caboose Ultralight is the best tandem stroller not only among the three models we covered today but also compared to many other brands.
Joovy Caboose Ultralight only weighs 23.5 pounds, which is almost half the weight of Varylight. This makes carrying it in and out of the car much easier. Especially if you have an SUV where the trunk is higher than a minivan.
Additionally, it only measures 45.25″ x 21.25″ x 10″ when fully folded. It can fit in most car trunks.
In terms of life span, Joovy Ultralight is suitable for infants, toddlers, and kids up to 45 pounds. And it’s compatible with the majority of car seats. You should note though the front seat is for babies 3 months or older. So you need to get a car seat for infants.
The four-wheel suspension makes this stroller an ideal candidate for uneven grounds if you take the stroller for hiking.
Plus Joovy Caboose Ultralight offers a wide range of color selections.
Who Is This For?
Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller is for most parents who are looking for the best sit-and-stand stroller that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 37″ x 21.5″ x 41.5″
- Weight: 23.5 pounds
- Foldable: Yes
- Suspension: Four-wheel
- Self-stand: No
Video Review of Joovy Caboose Ultralight
3. Joovy Caboose S Stroller
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
For parents who are not limited by the budget, Joovy S Premium stroller is the best option that offers lots of nice features.
Comparing to our winner Joovy Caboose Ultralight, Joovy S has all the features that Ultralight has plus more.
For example, Joovy S Stroller features a fully expandable canopy that provides a bigger coverage in the sun. It also comes with a heavy-duty storage basket so that you can store heavy items such as drinks and food.
Additionally, the weight limit for the back seat is 55 pounds, which is 10 pounds more than Varylight.
The biggest advantage is that it can stand on its own once folded. So if you just took the stroller out of the car and needed to take care of something else, the stroller doesn’t have to lie flat on the dirty ground.
Who Is It For?
Joovy Caboose S Stroller is for parents who don’t go by a budget and want the best sit-and-stand stroller possible.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 44.5″ x 24.25″ x 45.5″
- Weight: 30.8 pounds
- Foldable: Yes
- Suspension: Four-wheel
- Self-stand: Yes
FAQs About Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller
What car seats are compatible with Joovy Caboose Ultralight?
Joovy Caboose Ultralight is compatible with more than 28 different types of car seats. The compatible brands include Baby Trend, Britax, Chicco, Combi, Evenflo, Graco, Maxi Cosi, Peg Perego etc.
You can find the full list of compatible brands and car seat models here.
Does the Joovy Caboose Recline?
Yes, all Joovy Caboose Strollers can recline. Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller can recline in three different positions so that your child can lie down to take a nap.
Final Words
With the clarity of all the comparisons, pros, and cons, hope you are clear about the advantages and disadvantages of Joovy Caboose Varylight vs Ultralight vs S Stroller. Our final conclusion is that most parents should get Joovy Caboose Ultralight as it’s the best overall option. For those who are fortunate to afford an expensive stroller, Joovy S is the best premium tandem stroller among all three.
Cecilia Yeung is a successful entrepreneur and product researcher. She has a background in psychology and children’s education. As a working mother of two, she loves to write about children’s education and development.
