Coil or Elastomer Suspension: Which Is Smoother?

Two suspension words you will see on a listing

A stroller listing that names suspension usually uses one of two words: 'coil spring' or 'elastomer.' Both are the maker's way of saying the frame has a part that compresses when a wheel hits an uneven surface and then returns to shape. For a full explanation of why suspension appears on so many listings, see what suspension means.

The word names the mechanism, not the ride quality. A listing that says 'coil spring suspension' tells you the material of the spring; it does not state how the stroller feels on pavement, gravel, or grass. The same is true for 'elastomer suspension.'

This site's buying guides compare strollers on stated details only, so 'coil spring' and 'elastomer' count as stated details in a title. What those details mean for comfort and wear is a question the catalogue does not answer.

Coil spring suspension as a listing term

A coil spring is a coiled piece of metal. When a wheel pushes up into the frame, the coil compresses and then rebounds. 'Coil spring suspension' or 'spring suspension' on a title means the maker chose this metal mechanism.

The CPSC business guidance page for carriages and strollers lists exposed coil springs among the requirements the product standard addresses. That page is linked in the sources below so you can read what the standard covers.

Two listings can both say 'coil spring' and differ in spring size, count, and placement. The catalogue does not state those details, so the word alone should not decide the purchase.

Elastomer suspension as a listing term

Elastomer is a rubber-like polymer. 'Elastomer suspension' means the frame uses a block or bushing of this material to absorb bumps. The listing rarely says whether the part is a bushing, a block, or a mount.

The word does not state whether the elastomer part is replaceable, how firm it is, or how it behaves in cold weather. Those are questions for the maker's manual or support page.

If a title says only 'suspension' without 'coil' or 'elastomer,' the type is not stated. That is a missing detail, and asking the maker is the way to fill it.

How makers describe suspension in listing copy

Makers pair suspension words with performance language. Bugaboo's site mentions 'advanced suspension' for a model, Baby Jogger describes 'smooth, comfortable movement,' and BOB Gear uses 'rugged' and 'adventure-ready' in its product copy. These phrases appear in maker copy, not in spec sheets.

When a listing uses 'advanced' or 'smooth' with a suspension word, treat the description as marketing, not a measurement. The stated detail is only the word that names the mechanism.

In the all-terrain stroller guide, a stroller that names any suspension type is noted as having that stated detail. A stroller with no suspension word is not described as lacking one in quality terms; it simply does not state the detail.

How to compare suspension words in two listings

To compare two listings, put them side by side and read only the words. One title says 'coil spring suspension,' the other says 'elastomer suspension.' You now know the mechanism type; you do not know which rides more smoothly.

Read the style words too. 'All-terrain,' 'jogging,' and 'travel' often appear on listings with a suspension word, but a listing can say 'all-terrain' without naming suspension at all. Style and suspension are separate stated details, as covered in suspension versus tire size.

For your own comparison, the honest method is to look at the maker's page for each model, read the manual's care section, and ask the maker about the suspension part. The catalogue does not rank one mechanism over the other. The jogging stroller guide is a good place to see how these words appear together.

Care and wear questions for suspension parts

Suspension parts wear with use. When you unpack a new stroller and during routine cleaning, look at the suspension part for visible damage: a cracked elastomer, a corroded or bent coil. Follow the maker's manual for how to clean and care for the part. See front versus rear suspension for how the placement is described on a listing.

For any question about product safety or recalls, follow the maker's manual and read the official pages listed in the sources below, including the CPSC carriages and strollers page and the CPSC recalls page.

Ask the maker whether the suspension part is sold as a replacement part and how to order one. The catalogue does not state this. For related questions about adjusting a suspension, see suspension adjustment.

What this site cannot tell you

This site does not measure how suspension performs on real surfaces, and it makes no claim about ride comfort, durability, or which mechanism lasts longer. 'Smoother' is a question the catalogue cannot answer with stated details.

What the site can do is point you to the stated details in each listing, explain the words, and send you to the guides for the stroller style you need. The best stroller guide and the double all-terrain guide are good starting points.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What does 'coil spring suspension' mean on a listing?

It means the frame uses a coiled metal spring that compresses and rebounds when a wheel hits an uneven surface. The word states the mechanism, not how the stroller rides.

What does 'elastomer suspension' mean?

It means the frame uses a rubber-like polymer block or bushing that compresses and returns to shape. The listing rarely says the shape, firmness, or whether the part is replaceable.

Which is smoother, coil or elastomer?

The catalogue does not state which mechanism rides more smoothly. The way to decide is to read the stated details, ask the maker, and match the stroller style to where you will use it. See suspension versus tire size for a related comparison.

Do all all-terrain listings name a suspension type?

No. Some all-terrain listings name 'coil spring' or 'elastomer' suspension, and others say 'all-terrain' without naming a mechanism. A missing suspension word is a missing detail, not a fault in the stroller.

Can I replace a coil or elastomer part?

Ask the maker. Replacement parts, how to order them, and whether the part is user-serviceable are questions the catalogue does not answer.

Where do I check for recall information about a stroller part?

The care section above covers where to look.