In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The Clek Oobr is a high-quality, high-backed booster with a rigid LATCH system that keeps the seat securely attached to the car. This booster has the best-combined crash test results in our best booster seat review, indicating an additional margin of protection compared to the other booster seats we tested. With a steel frame and EPP foam, this booster is designed with safety in mind. We liked the self-contained shell and narrower width of the Oobr, but it is heavier than some and not as comfortable as little ones would like. We think this booster is a [great choice for most families, but if you need a high-backed booster for travel, it may be too heavy, and the shoulder strap is a little harder to manage without help. It is a little more expensive than some, but it isn't the most expensive we tested, and the crash test results and high-end materials merit the higher price tag and make it one of the best car seats.
REASONS TO BUY
Great crash test results
High quality
Rigid LATCH
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Hard to move
Harder to use
The New Clek Oobr does not have a steel frame and is now only available with a "high-impact copolymer frame." This review is an assessment of the previous model. We will be updating our entire booster review soon, and the new version will be included in our update. Stay Tuned!
Editor's Note: The Clek update from December 21, 2021, has more information on the multiple small tests that make up the larger test metrics.
Quality and great crash test results make this heavy seat more desirable
This booster has better crash test analysis results and is super comfy, it is somewhat heavy, but the price is good
Inexpensive option that is lighter with better crash test results
Better crash test results in an easy to use, inexpensive booster
Inexpensive easy to transport booster that is great for travel
Rating Categories
Clek Oobr
UPPAbaby Alta
Diono Monterey XT
Chicco KidFit
BubbleBum
Crash Test(35%)
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
Ease Of Use(30%)
6.4
7.4
7.0
7.8
4.4
Weight/Size(15%)
5.2
5.0
5.4
5.0
8.8
Comfort(10%)
7.2
8.0
7.2
5.9
5.1
Quality(10%)
8.2
8.6
6.2
6.0
3.4
Specs
Clek Oobr
UPPAbaby Alta
Diono Monterey XT
Chicco KidFit
BubbleBum
Crash Test HIC Score
493
390
556
557
603
Crash Test Chest G Clip
40
53
42
46
45
Modes
High Back Booster,
Backless Booster
High Back Booster
High Back Booster,
Backless Booster
High Back Booster,
Backless Booster
Backless Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range
33 - 100 lbs
40 - 100 lbs
40 - 120 lbs
30 - 100 lbs
n/a
High Back Booster Height Range
38" - 57"
38" - 57"
38" - 63"
38" - 57"
n/a
Width
17.7"
18.5"
18.4"
20"
14"
Weight
19.3 lbs
16.1 lbs
14.2 lbs
10.4 lbs
1 lbs
Backless Booster Weight Range
40 - 100 lbs
n/a
40 - 120 lbs
40 - 110 lbs
40 - 100 lbs
Backless Booster Height Range
40" - 57"
n/a
38" - 63"
38" - 57"
40" - 57"
5 pt Harness Weight Range
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
5 pt Harness Height Range
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
LATCH Equipped
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Can you use LATCH in booster mode?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
n/a
Recline Positions
2
0
0
2
0
Foam Type
EPP
EPP
EPS
EPS
None
Seat Lifespan
9 yrs
10 yrs
6 yrs
8 yrs
Not Listed
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Clek was started by one of the world's largest automotive suppliers. They base their designs on thinking about the product and the experience with the goal of creating uncompromising products that are safe, comfortable, convenient, and stylish. They manufacture all their car seats and boosters in North America to support business here and to be closer to ensure better quality in the production process.
Performance Comparison
The Clek headrest has thick EPP foam and a deep pocket for additional protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Crash Test
The Clek has some of the most impressive crash test results in this review.
The Clek did not have the best score in any single crash test result, but it did have the best-combined results for the head and chest sensors in the crash test dummy. While all of the seats in this review have passed the federal minimum guidelines and are, therefore, considered safe, the Clek earned better than average test results indicating an additional margin of protection compared to the other boosters we tested.
This graph is a comparison of the head sensor (HIC) crash test results for the Clek of 493 and the UPPAbaby Alta, which has the best HIC results in the group of 390.
Credit: MGA, BabyGearLab Staff
The Oobr earned a 493 for head sensor (HIC) results. The maximum allowed is 1000, where a lower number is better. The lowest score in the review is 390. The Oobr has one of the best results in our tests. The chart below shows a comparison between the Oobr and all other seats we tested.
This graph is a comparison of the chest (g) crash test results for the Clek and the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex which has the best chest sensor results in the group.
Credit: BabyGearLab, MGA Research
For chest (g) results, the Clek earned a 40 where the maximum allowed is 60, and lower results are better. This result is only one point away from the best result in the review of 39.
While little ones can buckle themselves into the Clek, the shoulder strap retainer isn't as easy to use and most little testers needed help.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Clek is about average for ease of use with a few more features than some of the competition.
The Clek has a super easy to use rigid LATCH system that installs quickly and easily with no tightening necessary.
The Oober reclines slightly by pulling on the handle on the seat bottom. This can be done with little ones in the seat, and their weight may even make it easier to manage.
The Oobr includes rigid LATCH system connectors (shown above left) that we found fast and easy to use, and work without the need for tightening. This seat also includes an adjustable recline (above right) that we found somewhat more difficult to use than we expected, but it can make the seat more comfortable.
The shoulder strap retainer on the Clek is difficult to use, and if you leave the strap in the retainer between uses, it sometimes gets stuck in the locked position making it harder to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The should belt retainer is somewhat tricky for little ones to use, and keeping the belt in the retainer at all times often leads to the vehicle belt getting stuck.
The Clek comes with a cup holder (not with the drift color), and while it won't hold larger bottles it is removable and machine washable.
The headrest on the Clek adjusts in a similar way to typical vehicle headrests.
The headrest on the Clek is adjustable (above left), much like a vehicle headrest. Moving it up and down also moves the shoulder belt retainer. Most of the colors for the Oobr come with a drink holder (above right) except for the Drift. This plastic holder can attach to either side, and you can purchase a second one for the other side. The holder is sturdy and easy to use, but on the smaller side, and won't fit larger water bottles.
This booster is spot clean only, and the fabric is not removable. Clek sells a cleaning kit that includes a scrub brush and fabric cleaning solution.
The Clek is a simple design using nicer materials with a sharp overall fit and finish.
The Clek can be used without the seat back which makes it easier to move from car to car or transport for travel.
Weight and Size
The Oobr is a heavy but relatively narrow booster and significantly lighter than their convertible counterparts the Clek Foonf and the Clek Fllo.
It weighs 19.3 lbs, making it one of the most substantial in our tests. This size makes it harder to carry and move from car to car. On the upside, it is relatively narrow and increases the potential for multiple car seats in the same row. With a width of 17.7 inches, it is the second smallest backed booster. While the seat can be cumbersome thanks to its weight and taller headrest, the ability to use it without the back means it can still be a good option for travel or carpooling.
The bottom of the Clek is not as long as some of the competition, and it leaves the legs of taller children dangling uncomfortably.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
The Clek is more comfortable than much of the competition.
Little testers didn't really care for this seat. The seat bottom is short and leaves long legs dangling and feeling "weird." The pad is overly firm, and while comfortable for shorter distances, it may not be suitable for longer trips. Little ones also didn't like how the fabric felt or the distance in the headspace. We felt the headrest is narrow but should be better for napping. The fabric is like a high-quality towel-like material, and the seat bottom firmness should wear well over time, offering more support than some of the softer top-rated car seat competition.
The Clek is a high-end booster with quality materials come together in a sturdy seat with attention to detail.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The Clek offers high-quality materials and construction.
The Clek has a nice finished shell that is smooth with no place for gunk to collect. The padding is very firm, and it doesn't have the softer cushy feel found in some of the others. The fabric is a Crypton fabric that is high-end and supposedly easy to keep clean. The body is EPP foam, which has more tolerance for impact and doesn't off-gas compared to the boosters with EPS.
Should You Buy the Oobr?
There is no doubt that the Oobr is a booster we love as more than one BabyGearLab team member has chosen this eat for their children. The steel frame design, rigid LATCH connection, and high crash test results make this booster a winner in our review and our hearts. While some kids have said it feels too hard, we think there is much to love about this booster for most families.
What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?
While we love the Oobr, it is unbelievably heavy and is not suitable for travel or carpooling. Even without the back, it is heavier than some competition, and we think there are better choices for carpooling and travel. The BubbleBum is our favorite travel booster. This small and light booster fits in most backpacks, and little ones can use it by themselves. If you want a standard booster but the Oobr is too expensive, the UPPAbaby Alta is less expensive and offers more for comfort and quality. While it has a slightly lower crash-test score, we think it is comparable enough if money is tight.
