I recently bought this seat in solid black (rather than the Paul Frank version), for $[...]. I must say I am very impressed by this brand new seat (I think it was released in late 2008). Can be used in a variety of configurations: full back mode (33-100lbs, height 38-57in, at least 3yrs old; backless mode: 40-100lbs, height 40-57in, at least 4yrs. Comes in various colors (pink, brown, black, plus the scurvy and colorful stripy one). Conforms to Federal Motor Standards. Not certified for airline use (because airplane seats don't have shoulder belts).
Here is a list of features you will not find in the Graco popular booster seat:
1. To my mind, the biggest and most important (though not necessarily obvious to parents looking to upgrade from a convertible seat) advantage of all Clek seats: LATCH. Meaning that this seat, along with your child on it, is securely planted on the back seat and cannot move around. I remain unconvinced by seats held in place only by the seat belt and the weight of a child. Both the backless Clek booster and this one with the back (Oobr) have LATCH. Oobr in particular features an ingenious extendable LATCH that will pull out to firmly grab the deepest and most inaccessible LATCH bars.
2. Magnesium back frame to better protect the torso during a side impact and vehicle intrusion; enough said!
3. Back seat is not only removable (the lower part of the seat can be used independently, like a regular Clek seat), it also *reclines* up to 12o. Perfect for snoozing!
4. Structural headrest with deep side wings that support the head during naps, and yet do not obscure side views. The headrest connects to the magnesium frame of the back using steel rods to reduce twisting movements and improve head protection in a collision. The headrest is also height-adjustable: it has a button and several adjustment spots and can be pulled up a good 20 cm, meaning it will grow with your child. This is so well designed it looks like a regular car seat headdress in a high end vehicle.
5. Energy-absorbing foam layer to absorb energy of a side impact.
6. Nicely designed and easy to use belt guides facilitating a snug fit of the seat belt on the child's shoulders
7. Nicely padded bottom and back that doesn't cut circulation, especially e.g. under legs.
8. Performance 'Crypton' fabric: stain, moisture and bacteria- resistant. Easy to clean.
9. Plastic parts, including cup holder, are high quality. In fact, 100% North American derived content! No flimsy or suspect materials here.
10. Feels lightweight despite the sturdiness.
Other pros:
1. Ease of use- took me 3 mins to install the seat, another 1 min to buckle my son in.
2. All black version looks great, with its red contrasting parts (not too sure about the Paul Frank designs, seem overstylized to me; who wants to be driving this stripy crazy thing around for the next 5 years?).
3. Comes with a detailed instructions booklet that can be stored in a special place under the seat.
Cons:
-Price: but safety features and excellent design justify the sacrifice.
-Side contour in conjunction with armrest position reported to be somewhat restricting by my son. But maybe that's the point (to keep the child from moving around).
Overall would highly recommend! Clek Oobr Booster Car Seat, Paul Frank Zoom Julius
I purchased this booster seat for my 3 yr old daughter, she loves it.. she seems more comfortable in it than in her old car seat. It was so easy to install and it's easy to take out and put in our other vehicles. I defintely would recommend this car seat to anyone, it is pricey, but it is well worth the money.
The seat I give a 5 STAR rating. It fits perfectly in my car, the metal frame is rigid & gives me peace of mind, and my son is very comfortable in it. It doesn't hurt that he thinks the Paul Frank design is cool, too. However, this item that I purchased in March '11, was actually manufactured in December '09. I contacted Clek, and they state that the seat should only be used for 7 years. It is upsetting that already it's expectancy is cut short by a year and a half. Amazon has offered to refund or exchange, but the box is already gone & I'm not sure if the hassle is worth it. When thinking about purchasing this item (which I can recommend), keep in mind that you might not get the most current model from Amazon.
LOVE this booster. Very cute style for our preschool boy, seems ultra-sturdy, newly styled LATCH attachments are great, and a lot easier than our old ones. Only small flaw is that the shoulder belt is a pain in the butt to pull out (in order to put it on), when fed through the should belt guide. Honestly, it is more work to put him in this than it was to get him in his five-point carseat. BUT, as I said, all-in-all, we still love this booster.
I honestly thought this was too pricey for a booster but the soft cloth, the bright pattern and thoughtfully designed latch system make it completely worthwhile. My daughter immediately sat in it and was sitting much taller than the cheaper booster we had gotten for her and I know the seat belt positioning provides for the appropriate safety while she is still growing. The cup holder "drink-thingy" has a very nice form, size and style.
This booster will definitely last for years with its sturdy construction and removable seat and cushion for easy cleanup. The vibrant colors really create an aesthetic appeal that completes the package. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? YES. - Toddler Car Seat - Drying Rack - Britax - Car Seat'
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