In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

Clek Oobr Review

Impressive crash test results and quality materials make this a great choice
Clek Oobr
Editors' Choice Award
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Price:   $275 List | $260 at Amazon
Pros:  Great crash test results, high quality, rigid LATCH
Cons:  Heavy, hard to move, harder to use
Manufacturer:   Clek
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 18, 2017
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72
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#1 of 9
  • Crash Test - 35% 9
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 6
  • Weight/Size - 15% 5
  • Comfort - 10% 7
  • Quality - 10% 8

The Skinny

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 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. Also, while it is a little more expensive than some, it isn't the most expensive we tested and the crash test results and high-end materials merit the higher price tag.

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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 manufacturer all their car seats and booster in North America to support business here but also 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.
The Clek headrest has thick EPP foam and a deep pocket for additional protection.

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 one 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 and the Evenflo Spectrum which has the best HIC results in the group.
This graph is a comparison of the head sensor (HIC) crash test results for the Clek and the Evenflo Spectrum which has the best HIC results in the group.

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 456. The Oobr has one of the highest results in our tests.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.

This booster has a rigid LATCH system (above left) that connects quickly and without the need for tightening. The LATCH keeps the booster in place and prevents it from moving when not in use. The bottom has a recline adjustment (above right) that is a little harder to use, but it does make the booster marginally 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.
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.

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.


It weighs 19.3 lbs, which is 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 rather 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.
The bottom of the Clek is not as long as some of the competition, and it leaves the legs of taller children dangling uncomfortably.

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 the way the fabric feels 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 offer more support than some of the softer competition.

The Clek is a high-end booster with quality materials come together in a sturdy seat with attention to detail.
The Clek is a high-end booster with quality materials come together in a sturdy seat with attention to detail.

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 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.

Manufacturer Video



— Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz