Like so many marketing techniques, does adding the word “Plus” to something mean it is better, or even different?

Comparing the Elvie Stride with the Elvie Stride Plus, there are definitely some changes, but first, what stayed the same?

What Stayed the Same?

The Pump Hub and Cups are the EXACT SAME DESIGN. There do not appear to have been any updates or redesigns here, which was honestly a little unexpected. The Elvie Stride (and now the Elvie Stride Plus) are solid pumps to purchase, but I was hoping for some fixes to the issues with the cups. The lack of redesign means that overall, there will still be issues with the diaphragm slipping and allowing milk into the tubing, the cups are still shallow limiting sizing options, and the issues with the air hole being too small and allowing pressure to build causing leaking/exploding cups still exists. Are these issues manageable….yes. I would count them in the category of headaches with a new pump and new pump designs. But, I would have expected a newly released version like the Elvie Stride Plus to at least have attempted to fix them.

What Changed?:

Packaging:
- The box is infinitely better.
- Packaging looks like a luxury pump should. This was an issue with the original Elvie Stride where the packaging felt flimsy and gave the pump an overall negative appeal with unboxing.
- Flanges:
  - In addition to the 24mm flanges, it also comes with a set of 21mm flanges. This means more people will get their size right out of the box.
Duckbill Valves:
- An extra set of duckbill valves is included which helps give you a little larger time cushion to put in your order for follow on replacement valves.
- FYI, duckbill valves typically need replacing, on average, every 2-4 weeks.
3 Bag Set:
- You will receive an outer bag, a cooler with ice pack, and a wet/dry bag. This bag is actually pretty well designed and feels high quality. I feel like it will be a win for those who do the cooler version of the fridge hack to have a bag custom designed for this pump.
- It’s a fairly nondescript outer bag so I don’t feel like it screams, “Here is my breast pump!” which may also be a win for many who prefer discretion. I do not see where this bag is available separately at this time, which is unfortunate, as the Elvie Stride has been widely purchased and those who purchased the original may be locked out of this bag designed for their pump.
Lanyard:
- Many people discovered that they could use a lanyard hack to help hold the Stride.
- Now, the Plus comes with one included for you! It’s fairly thin and a plain gray color which is nice for those who prefer something more muted. It could be easily replaced with any of the fun lanyards people have been using off of Amazon.