The Joovy has recently introduced a new stroller called Joovy Groove Ultralight which is a lighter version of a very popular Groove model. I don’t know how they did it, but the Ultralight model is 5 lbs lighter than the original.
While weighing only 12 lbs (hard to believe right?), it is full of great features like deep recline, large canopy, and compact fold.
The Groove Ultralight is one of a few umbrella strollers that have a 149-degree recline (which is very deep), that is great for long naps and on-the-fly diaper changes. To give your child even more stretching room they’ve included an adjustable leg rest.
Once the seat is reclined, there is a large opening in the back that provides nice air circulation during hot summer days. When the weather gets chilly, you can cover it with the attached closure. The seat can accommodate a child from 3 months and up to 55 lbs. It does NOT take an infant car seat.
There is plenty of storage! Aside from the medium size basket which is typical for an umbrella stroller, there is also a zipper pocket in the back of the canopy two mesh pockets inside of the seat, and a mesh bottle holder/mesh pocket for small items.
The tall parents will be happy to see tall ergonomically positioned handlebars located 41″ from the ground. The fold is very easy and has an automatic lock. There is also a shoulder strap for easy transportation. And at 12 lbs it’s really a shoulder kind of stroller. What I really like about it is that despite the light weight it is still a very sturdy stroller.
OVERALL
I gave Ultralight 5 out of 5 stars because I think that it’s a fabulous umbrella stroller. It has what all the parents want: deep recline, large canopy, lightweight and compact easy fold.
If I could make any changes, I would replace the mesh cup holder with a normal one and that’s it! It’s perfect for traveling, running errands, going to the mall, and public transit.
It’s very compact, has a small footprint, and has great maneuverability. Of course, it’s designed mainly for flat surfaces, so don’t expect it to handle terrain that well.
If you live in a city like NY where there is uneven pavement, constant road construction, bumps, cracks, and weather surprises I would get a stroller with larger wheels like the original Joovy Groove or Maclaren Techno XT.
It is currently retailing for around $189 and comes in four colors. The price does depend on the color. The other day I saw the black one for only $139. It comes with a mesh bottle holder.
Buy Joovy Groove Ultralight Stroller »
Features
CANOPY
Just like on the original Groove, the Ultralight model has a great large canopy with two panels that will provide your child with plenty of sun protection.
It does have the so-called “follow-the-sun” option so you can move the canopy forward if you need more coverage. There is also a large view window with a Velcro closure. This is a great canopy for an umbrella stroller.
HANDLEBARS
The handlebars are very tall located 41″ from the ground. It’s not as tall as on the Groove which is 42″. It will be great for very tall parents. If you are much shorter, test it first. I am 5’8 and it’s perfect for me.
SEAT
The seat is 14″ wide with a 19″ seat back and a measurement of 26″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy. The Ultralight model has a one-hand strap recline system. Just like with all other strap recline systems you will need to use both hands to bring the seat back up.
Although it’s a deep recline, it’s not recommended for a newborn. In case you are wondering, this seat has a slight angle even in the most upright position. The seat can accommodate a child from 3 months and up to 55 lbs.
The seat now has a lighter nylon fabric instead of the heavier 600D fabric. Just like the original Groove model it does NOT have travel system capabilities.
There are two small mesh pockets inside of the seat where your child can store snacks, toys, or a sippy cup.
Once you recline the seat, you will see a large opening in the back that will allow for better air circulation during hot summer days. If the weather gets windy, you can cover it with an attached closure.
I really like this option instead of the canopy being attached to the back of the seat. There is a zipper pocket in the back of the canopy where you can store small essentials.
There is a mesh pocket in the back of the canopy that you can use to place a bottle of water. I wouldn’t risk putting a cup of hot coffee in there because it might spill on your child.
HARNESS
It has an adjustable non-padded 5-point harness with a medium-strength-required open buckle.
LEGREST
Even though Joovy was trying to trim down some weight, I am happy to see it still gave us the adjustable legrest.
BASKET
The basket is the same size as on the original Groove model. It’s a decent size basket for an umbrella stroller that should fit a medium size diaper bag. And just like on other umbrella strollers, once the seat is fully reclined, it’s very hard to access. Small items can be accessed from the sides.
WHEELS
It rolls on four hard rubber wheels that are only 4.5″ in diameter. Small! Don’t expect it to handle the terrain. This stroller is designed strictly for flat surfaces. The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight.
BRAKE
There is a foot parking brake on top of each rear wheel. You will need to lock each wheel individually. They are not flip-flop friendly, but they are so easy to unlock you CAN do it in flip-flops.
FOLD/UNFOLD
It has a typical compact umbrella fold. There is an automatic lock. This compact package should fit in any trunk. The folded dimensions are 12.5″ H x 13″ W x 40″ L.
Since this baby weighs only 12 lbs, you can easily carry it over your shoulder. The original model has a carry handle instead. I also think that it would be difficult to carry 17 lbs over your shoulder.
Cons
-Small wheels. The wheels are very small now. They are only 4.5″ which not going to handle that much terrain at all. But I always say, that the smaller the wheels the lower the weight of the stroller.
-Small basket. The basket is small like on most umbrella strollers and hard to access especially if the seat is fully reclined.
-Mesh cup holder. I would like to see a real cup holder instead of this small mesh pocket.
Video Review
Baby Gizmo has a great video review.
Joovy Groove VS Jooy Groove Ultralight
The main difference between the two is of course the weight and the size of the wheels.
| Groove | Groove Ultralight | |
| Weight | 17 lbs | 12.7 lbs |
| Strap recline system | One-hand | Two-hands |
| Handle bars position | 42″ | 41″ |
| Wheels | 6.5″ | 4.5″ |
| Cup holders | 2 | 1 |
| Harness padding | Yes | No |
| Travel System option | Yes | No |
| Carry handle | Yes | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | Yes |
| Price | $199 | $189 |
Specs
Stroller weight: 12.7 lbs
Weight limit: 55 lbs
Folded dimensions: 12.5″ H x 13″ W x 40″ L
Handlebar height: 41″
Seat to canopy height: 26″
Wheels: 4.5″
Overall length: 33.5″
Overall width: 21″
Warranty
Joovy provides 1-year warranty from the original date of purchase and you have to be the original owner.
Available colors
Groove Ultralight is available in four colors: triple black, blueberry, purpleness and charcoal. All of them come with a silver frame.
Where to buy it
You can get Joovy Groove Ultralight in one of the four beautiful colors for around $189. The price does vary depending on the color. The other day I saw the black one for only $139. It comes with a mesh bottle holder.
So between this and the Uppa g-luxe, if say they were the same price, which would you go with? Or are they pretty much the same? Thank you!
Do you know of a stroller with a better uprigt position than the joovy groove ultralight? I like this stroller but my son still wants to sit more upright. I’m having a hard time find information on seats with less recline. :)