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 | $250 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 10
  • 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. Alos, while 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.


Compare to Similar Products

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Clek Oobr
This Product
Clek Oobr
Awards Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Best Value Award Best Value Award  
Price $275.00 List
$249.99 at Amazon - 9% off		$60.00 List
$54.99 at Amazon - 8% off		$100.00 List
Check Price at Amazon		$100.00 List$300.00 List
$279.99 at Amazon - 7% off
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Pros Great crash test results, high quality, rigid LATCHInexpensive, comfortable, easy to use, lightEasiest to use, better crash test results, priceBetter crash test results, price, lighterEasier to use, narrow width, comfortable
Cons Heavy, hard to move, harder to useWider, doesn't LATCHAverage quality, widest seat bottomLess padding, qualityHigher price, higher HIC crash test result
Bottom Line Impressive crash test results and quality materials make this a great choiceInexpensive, easy to use booster that is comfy, light, and great for most familiesNicely priced, easy to use option with better crash test resultsBudget-friendly choice with better crash test resultsExpensive, quality seat that is narrow and easy to use
Rating Categories Clek Oobr Evenflo Spectrum Chicco KidFit Diono Monterey XT Peg Perego Viaggio...
Crash Test (35%)
10
0
9
10
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6
10
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7
10
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7
10
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6
Ease Of Use (30%)
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6
10
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8
10
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8
10
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7
10
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7
Weight Size (15%)
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5
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6
Comfort (10%)
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7
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9
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6
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7
Quality (10%)
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8
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7
Specs Clek Oobr Evenflo Spectrum Chicco KidFit Diono Monterey XT Peg Perego Viaggio...
Modes High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range 33 - 100 lbs 40 - 110 lbs 30 - 100 lbs 40 - 120 lbs 40 - 120 lbs
High Back Booster Height Range 38" - 57" 44" - 57" 38" - 57" 38" - 63" 39" - 57"
Width 17.7" 19.8" 20" 18.4" 17.3"
Weight 19.3 lbs 11.6 lbs 10.4 lbs 14.2 lbs 14.5 lbs
Backless Booster Weight Range 40 - 100 lbs 40 - 110 lbs 40 - 110 lbs 40 - 120 lbs n/a
Backless Booster Height Range 40" - 57" 44" - 57" 38" - 57" 38" - 63" n/a
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 No Yes Yes Yes
Can you use LATCH in booster mode? Yes n/a Yes Yes Yes
Recline Positions 2 0 2 0 5
Foam Type EPP Air/ Crumple Zone EPS EPS EPS
Seat Lifespan 9 yrs 6 yrs 8 yrs 6 yrs 12 yrs

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Clek Oobr is a versatile booster with the best combined crash test results in the booster seat group.
The Clek Oobr is a versatile booster with the best combined crash test results in the booster seat group.

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 a 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 better ensure quality in the production process.

Performance Comparison


The comparison chart shows the overall scores for the boosters tested in this review including the Clek (in blue). Clek earned the most points overall and shined in the crash test results metric.


The sections below include details on how the Clek performed during testing. Individual performance scores were used to compute the overall score, paying special attention to crash testing and ease of use.

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 earned a 9 of 10 for crash test.


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 goes to the Evenflo Spectrum, with 456. The Oobr has the third best 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. Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is the top performer in this test with a 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 earned a 6 of 10 for ease of use.


This score is average for the group.

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 difficult 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 colors comes with a drink holder (above right) with the exception of 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 earning a 5 of 10 for weight and size.


TIt has a weight of 19.3 lbs which is the third heaviest in our tests. This 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 earned a 7 of 10 for comfort.


Little testers didn't really care for this seat. The seat bottom is short and leaves longer legs dangling and feeling "weird". The pad is overly firm and while comfortable for shorter distances, it may not be good 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 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 earned an 8 of 10 for quality.


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 with is high-end and supposedly easy to keep clean. The body is made with EPP foam which has more tolerance for impact and doesn't off-gas compared to the boosters with EPS.

Manufacturer Video




Accessories

  • Oobr Drink-thingy — This simple cup holder attaches to the bottom of the booster and provides a handy place for little ones to keep their drink. The Oobr in the Drift color doesn't come with a cup holder standard, so this is a nice addition that adds convenience. The other colors come standard with one thingy.
  • Clek offers a seat protector that goes under your booster or car seat and protects your vehicle from spills and indents.
    Clek Mat-Thingy Vehicle Seat Protector — This rubber vehicle seat protector creates a waterproof barrier between the booster and your car that helps preserve the shape of the seat and prevents your car from wear, tear and stains.

Other Versions


Clek offers the backless version of the Oobr called the Ozzie, or they have an upgraded backless booster.
  • The Clek Ollie
    Clek Olli Backless Booster Seat — The ollie is a backless booster that offers comfort and convenience. It weighs around 5 lbs can be carried hands-free and its designed to mimic vehicle seats to avoid "numb-bum" as Clek calls it. It attaches using the same rigid LATCH as the Oobr, comes with an integrated cup holder, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.


— Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz