Originally Posted by
pjcampbell
anyone think there would be any regrets buying the cheapest burley (standard Bee model). I understand it doesn't recline.. but our son doesn't sleep in the stroller so that isn't a huge concern. Any other big deals between the versions?
We ended up getting the Encore (mid-level) after going to the shop to get the Bee (entry). The three factors that led to the up-sell were:
1) Bee doesn't take the any of the stroller/jogger/ski chariot add-ons. Granted, we didn't buy any of those add ons and may never do so, but having the option appealed.
2) the handlebar that is attached to the Encore for pushing as a stroller/jogger -- and is included in the base price, but is not on the Bee-- can fold over on top of the seating compartment and function as an additional roll bar. Not sure how much difference it would make in a major or minor accident, but does seem good for some extra protection.
3) The Encore (and D'lite) have removable seat pads and pads on the shoulder straps- Bee does not. Side by side in the store this looked like a big deal, but after using them for a little while, not sure they're really worth much.
Probably no major regrets either way. I see lots of them out and about, current models, slightly older, and ones that look like old beat up in-steps but say Burley on them, who knows how many years old. And the ones that pop up on CL aren't cheap and seem to go quick.