Im swallowing my ego with this one.

So I know very well that I have expensive taste, im not sure if its just cause im all about quality or if its a complex Ive developed over time.  Either way it goes, Im also a big bargain hunter, if i cant get what I want for cheaper than normal, im all over it.  So Lancelot and I originally were planning on getting the Teutonia T-Linx travel system for baby A.  the theory being that she is our last baby, why not get what we REALLY want, no matter the cost ($700) Im well aware its not the highest end system, however after hours and hours being spent browsing buybuybaby with empty strollers of all prices, believe it or not, it was by far the best roller, and I fell in love.  we had previously thought we wanted the orbit system but after reading consumer reports and safety issues having been in its past, we decided to nix that idea completely.  Well, were nearing the point that we need to make a for sure choice, being 31 weeks into this journey isnt leavin much room for lolligaggin when we have none of the large items actually purchased, and half of them require shipping.  That being said, I was online browsing and came across Gracos new stroller in the "signature series" and decided before we take the final leap that it at least deserved a push around babies r us.  Graco and Teutonia are very similar, while teutonia is German made, they are partners with Graco when it comes to the American available products, even modeling thier infant seat after the graco snugride35.  Anywho one random afternoon between picking up Moe and waiting for Liv and Tim to get out of school, i decided to make the trip to check it out..... lemme tell ya, its just as amazing as the teutonia.  It rides just like it, and there are a few improvements on the Teut (in my opinion) as well as a couple drawbacks (also in my op) Plus #1- the price.  the t linx system is $700, never on sale, no coupons accepted.  the graco is $300 for the stroller and the average carseat is around 4150- $170 but can be even cheaper depending on seat type and sales or coupons you can catch.  Plus Numero dos- cup holders.  theres cup holders for both the parent and the kid, super great for a starbucks fan such as myself.  the Tuet sells a cup holder separately for an additional 25 bucks, and there are many different "snack trays" you can find for the baby, however, thats not exactly ideal if you ask me. Plus #3- The basket.  It not a must, just like cup holders, but with 5 kids a big basket deff has its perks.  the gracos basket is about twice the size of the teutonias, and for me, thats rather sexy.  Short comings of the graco are few, and not really short comings, but here they are- the handle.  its a funny shape, while its designed to make it so youre closer to baby, I dig the handles that you can attach the diaper bag to like the teutonias, also, the teutonia has a flipping handle making it so you can change the direction the kids facing with the pull of a button-- granted the seats are reversible on both strollers, so its not a huge deal, but I will make not of it for the die hard teutonia lovers.  Finally, for the fashion savvy mommas out there, the graco is only available in 2 very similar and rather dull patters, both mostly black, the teuts can be completely personalized, the system comes in black or red, but there are accessories sold separately to dress either color up and make it completely individual.  All in all, i really feel like theyre bout the same stroller, and after I got off my high horse and got more logical, i decided the graco is right for us, plus the strollers are so similar (almost exact in measurements) I can always buys the teutonias accessories and dress up the graco a bit :o)  moral of the story, dont let your ego get in the way of a great steal.  Im takin in an old booster to BRU for the trade in event and getting 25% off the stroller bringin it to 224, then im tradin in another used carseat for the snugride in logan, and then i plan to buy a houndstooth teutonia pad for the stroller, and voila, perfect set for us.  Im posting this in the event that theres anyone else in a similar position, maybe unable to try either of these strollers out but wanted to know how they handled, theyre both amazing, but if youre lookin for a better bang for your buck the gracos the way to go :o)
Graco stuff-

Teutonia t-duo cushion im gettin :o)


Teutonia T-Linx