Silver Cross Jet review

Targeting avid travellers, the price tag of £275 puts it firmly in the mid-price range of compact strollers. It’s far more affordable than the firm favourite, the Babyzen Yoyo, but there are cheaper styles in this category available.

Its unique fold was intriguing, and having been using the Silvercross Pop buggy for nursery runs and around town for the past 6 months, I was excited to see how the Jet compared.

Tested by

Carla is mother to 18-month-old daughter Vivienne, and she tested the Silver Cross Jet on their regular trips around the Hertfordshire town, including parks, playgrounds and cobbles.

First impressions

I was shocked at how small the package was - it really is small! I was impressed with the design of it upon opening the box. I received the silver version and while it isn’t a colour I’d choose (for practical reasons), it was very stylish.

The buggy was easy to put together (once you’ve skimmed the instructions), taking around five minutes, and everything felt very sturdy. To build it, a few pieces needed to be pushed in which was simple enough.

How is this model different from the previous Silver Cross Jet? Are there any improvements?

The new version of the Jet has a new ergonomic seat that is designed to provide better comfort. It also features improved wheels and better suspension than its predecessor. The price remains the same.

How easy is it to fold the Silver Cross Jet?

In my opinion, the fold is overly complicated – something our MFM reviewer of the previous model also remarked on. I got into the swing of it after time – and since I leave the buggy at nursery folded up, I had to get the hang of it quickly. Initially, instructions were definitely needed.

To fold, you have to:

- Press two buttons on the handlebar at the same time

- This folds the handlebar in two

- Then you need to release a pedal with your foot

- I had to use both hands to do this as you need to push inward, and I couldn’t do this with just one hand

One thing I did love is that the safety catch clicked into place by itself, which it doesn’t with my Silver Cross Pop. The bumper bar can then be used as a handle to wheel the Jet along (just like a suitcase) – that makes it ridiculously handy.

Unfolding it was a bit easier but, again, took some practice. Firstly, release the safety catch and begin to pull it open whilst also pushing the foot pedal. One big plus is that you can hear it clicking into place, so you know if you’ve done it correctly.

How compact is the Silver Cross Jet when folded?

I was surprised at just how compact this buggy is when folded – it measures a super compact 55cm x 30cm x 18cm. It takes up zero room in your house (so a great option for those without massive hallways or places to store a buggy) and it can be wheeled along very easily.

Compared to the Silver Cross Pop, it feels half the size and also stays together easily, so you haven’t got to worry about it springing open randomly. It has a protective cover too.

Does it fit well in the boot of your car?

It’s great for small cars. Our Toyota Yaris has a shallow boot and usually the buggy takes up all the space. The Jet, however, allowed us to fit a few shopping bags alongside it. In the house, it tucked neatly under our stairs and self-stands.

How does the Silver Cross Jet handle – especially on different terrain?

The Silver Cross Jet is the easiest buggy I’ve tried to push one-handed. It is easy to steer around tight corners, on gravel, grass, cobbled stones – most surfaces are fine (and not too bumpy for my daughter either).

Mounting kerbs - big, small, shallow - was a bit trickier, and required a push up with my foot. I didn’t once, and almost tipped Viv up. That’s something bear in mind.

What do you think of the chassis, does it seem sturdy?

The chassis of the Silver Cross Jet feels reasonably strong and durable. It has scratched after a few uses, but my other Silver Cross buggy did the same.

How do you rate the buggy handle?

The handle isn’t adjustable and for me, that was fine - it was a great level for my 5ft4 height. However, I can imagine for taller parents it could cause a problem. The finish is faux leather and super comfortable.

What do you think of the seat unit?

Viv seemed to be very comfortable in the seat. It’s quite squishy yet structured, and she wasn’t able to slouch (which she does in her current buggy). You adjust the seat unit back with a toggle, which is fine, but not the easiest when you’re on the go.

The Silver Cross Jet doesn’t lie completely flat, which is not a problem for us but could be a deal-breaker for some. Because of the finish - a wipe clean fabric – the seat is very easy to keep clean.

Does the Silver Cross Jet’s hood provide enough protection?

The hood has UPF50+ sun protection, which is a massive bonus, but it doesn’t have as much cover as I’d like. It covers my daughter’s face and shoulders but not a lot else. It stays perfectly in place and I love the peephole window, which is very handy to check on her.

What are the wheels like?

The wheels look on the flimsy side and have no bounce as they’re made of plastic. However, they’ve stood the test of different terrains and continued use. I’m not sure how long they’ll last but so far, so good.

How good are the brakes?

Brakes are such a big thing for buggies; if they’re bad, you notice them but if they’re good, you don’t! And these are good. Very good. They’re clearly marked as ‘on’ or ‘off’ and are activated by a flip of the foot. They’re also out of the way and didn’t impact on my use of the buggy.

One thing to note, you really do need to use the brakes! Some buggies stay where you leave them, but this the Jet is very lightweight and tends to roll off of its own accord. So you definitely have to keep putting the brakes on even when in the supermarket.

How do you rate the basket?

Size wise, the basket is fine - big enough for popping out essentials like snacks and water, which all stayed put. Accessing the basket is a little frustrating, however. You can’t really access it from the back of the buggy, only the front. This is something shoppers on Amazon have also remarked on and was also a problem for the previous model’s reviewer.

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Wheels
• UPF50+ Sun Protection Hood
• Protective cover
• Rain cover
• Instructions

What are the additional accessories you can buy?

• Jet Snuggle Pod (£70)
• Car Seat Simplicity (£175) or Dream i-Size (£195)
• Car Seat adaptors (£35)

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the pushchair?

That whilst the compact size of it is brilliant, the fold is just overly complicated!

Who would this pushchair be most useful for?

Anyone who flies regularly with a toddler. Honestly, I can imagine it to be such a useful buggy for making air travel ridiculously easy. However, some of the drawbacks of the model mean it’s not that great for an everyday runaround.

Is this pushchair worth the money?

If you fly frequently, yes – paying for the convenience of the compactness of the buggy would definitely be worth it. I also rate it as a great buggy for popping around a town or city, but not if you anticipate having to fold it a lot, as the folding mechanism is too cumbersome.

Where can I buy the Silver Cross Jet?

It is available to buy from Kiddies Kingdom, Boots and Silver Cross

MadeForMums verdict:

A nifty, lightweight star of a stroller that makes air travel or strolling around a town a complete breeze with a toddler.

Product name
Weight (kg)
Pull-along when folded (Yes/No)
Compact fold size
(Hcm x Wcm x Lcm)
RRP (£)

Silver Cross Jet
5.9kg
Yes
55x30x18
£275

Babyzen YoYo
6.6kg
No (but carry strap)
52x44x18
£399

Cybex Eezy S Twist +2
8.6kg
No (but standalone)
68x47.5x30.5
£369.95

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