Fantastic Booster!
December 27, 2022
I have been using this booster for my 5-year-old son, and have been very impressed by the design and ease of use. Here are my thoughts on various aspects of the product:
INSTALLATION:
Installation was a breeze! The instruction manual was very clear and user-friendly.
There is a lower connector (LATCH) system that can be used for harness mode or for added stability in booster mode. The straps were easily accessible and simple to use. The "Click-Tight" feature makes it easy to reach the belt path and makes switching cars much more convenient.
EASE OF USE:
This model is an ideal choice for anyone who needs a seat that can be used for kids of multiple sizes and ages, or for someone who wants a seat that will grow with the child from 5-point harness to booster. It easily coverts from harness to booster mode, with the harness straps tucking conveniently behind material on the backrest. There is no need to uninstall the car seat to make the switch. The seat is very comfortable with lots of soft padding, and the 2 cup holders are very helpful.
One thing I will note is that my other child uses a booster from a different manufacturer, and the design is slimmer and more lightweight than this one. This makes it more convenient when switching cars often and is easier to toss in the trunk when not in use. This booster, however, seems more sturdy and protective. The adjustment levers, etc., seem more durable as well. That being said, I would probably recommend a less expensive, less bulky option for families who will be switching cars frequently.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE:
The material for the seat covers is one that will wipe clean easily. Unfortunately, it seems that most parts are not machine washable. The seat covers are also a bit more involved to remove due to the added padding, side impact protection, etc. There are lots of little crevices and multiple overlapping layers of material, which makes cleaning up crumbs and spills less convenient.
SAFETY:
My favorite feature of this booster is that is feels SO much more stable and sturdy than other brands. I am an absolute stickler for car seat safety. When expecting my first child, I was horrified to read that a huge percentage of car seats are installed incorrectly. For that reason, I always had my car seats installed or checked by a certified child passenger safety technician (many fire and police stations have at least one person with this certification). This booster has been designed to make installation as fool-proof as possible. It even has color-coded seatbelt paths so you know you've got everything in the right spot!
I was surprised to learn that many brands of booster seats do not come with LATCH systems or any other means of attaching the seat to the car. They are simply placed on the seat, and the vehicle seat belt secures both the child and the seat once buckled. While this meets legal safety standards, I am grateful for the added stability this booster offers by including a LATCH system. It can keep the base from shifting sideways during a side impact, thus helping maintain proper positioning of the vehicle seat belt.
Another obvious safety bonus for this booster is the added side-impact protection.
In summary, this is a fantastic booster that is sturdy, protective and easy to install. It converts easily from harness mode to booster mode. It is a bit bulkier and heavier than some brands, so might not be as convenient if it needs to be moved often. In my opinion, however, it cannot be beat for safety and durability among boosters.
Thanks to the Stellar Product Testing Panel for providing me with this booster seat.
This product review was collected by the manufacturer.