OMG Scenera in Australia!

Joddle · Nov 5, 2010

So I was browsing the car seat aisle in Big W. To my surprise I saw what I recognised as a Scenera shell. Sure enough, I read the label and sure enough it said "scenera shell model". It was so lightweight and flimsy, and only for FF 8-18kg! So, we have the Scenera in Oz

.... Price is AUD$168 though!
Will post a pic when I get on the computer -won't work from my phone.

AmieRubyJonah · Nov 5, 2010

Was it actually labeled as a scenera or did it have a different name?

Joddle · Nov 5, 2010

It was a Zuzu (Big W brand) and the model name wasn't Scenera, but on the label it says it is a Dorel Scenera shell, and has the info about the American testing standards.

TerisBoys · Nov 5, 2010

I think I found it!

http://www.igc.com.au/igc/pages/zuzu_carseats.php

Top pic?

LOL - found it on Big W's site, too.

http://www.bigw.com.au/baby/carseat...105961/zuzu-commander-forward-facing-car-seat

ETA - $168 AUD = $169 USD. For a FF only SCENERA. *boggle*

Joddle · Nov 5, 2010

Yes that's it, the Commander! I knew it started with 'C'. If it was RF too, and similar to the US price, I'd definately buy one.

BookMama · Nov 5, 2010

Strange that it's not sold for RF. I can see the sticker that marks the RF belt path when I zoom in on the left side of the picture.

TerisBoys · Nov 5, 2010

It probably couldn't pass Australia's RF tethering testing.

Not sure how someone would add an ARB to a Scenera, either.

Joddle · Nov 6, 2010

Some 'Babylove' seats over here have removable ARBs, which are just connected by popping it into the supplied holes. Then it disconnects completely and stores under the base. They could have done that. Not sure about the tethering but it wouldn't be hard to physically put one on. Also, if it's the same shell, I don't understand why it couldnt be up to the same weight limit. There is provision for HWH/ERF seats but noone will make them!

TerisBoys · Nov 6, 2010

Scenera is RF to 35/40 depending on the version and FF 22-40. So they've got the same limits for FF. You're just missing the RF component.

The reason it's so often suggested here is that it's a nice, slender seat with tall slots that will get most kids to around 4yo. Plus it's inexpensive, at around $40 US. And because of it's light weight, it makes a nice seat for airplane travel.

I've seen seats with the detachable ARB. I just meant that the shell is SO lightweight I don't see how one could be attached and be effective. Same with the tether. It's a good little seat - I just don't see it being sturdy enough for AU RF accommodations.

I'm NOT bashing the Scenera. I had two of it's predecessors (the Touriva) for William, and at the time they were the only seat that allowed him to RF past about 18mo.

AmieRubyJonah · Nov 6, 2010

I've seen them in Big W, never taken much notice as I have no need for one

BUT

If it's the EXACT same seat as a scenera, just a different name, eg. Has the same belt path etc. Is there anything to stop me buying one and installing it RF?

TerisBoys · Nov 6, 2010

I wouldn't. There's no way of knowing if there were changes/omissions to the AU version. Plus it doesn't have the RF tether/ARB that are mandatory (aren't they?) on AU seats. And it doesn't have the two lower harness slots in the cover.

At least, not without contacting Dorel for their thoughts.

Joddle · Nov 6, 2010

It doesn't have the low belt slots, or an anti-rebound bar. Also, I doubt the tether would be long enough for RF as it's only designed for FF. You *could* tether behind the seat like in the US which would be anti-rebound too, but I don't know how safe it would be. And the weight limits are rated as less on the "Commander", but if it's the same shell I don't see why it wouldn't hold up to 18kg (35-40lbs) FF. I highly doubt anyone would reccomend to use it like that, but I see what you mean! I'd love to buy one and be able to use it like that!!!
Stupid Aus.

AmieRubyJonah · Nov 6, 2010

But let's just say for arguments sake it's the EXACT same seat. It doesnt have TT or ARB in the US right?

Legallities dont bother me, I'm already using illegal radians.

*disclaimer, not actually planning on doing this as I still have no need for one, just curious, I also am very conscious about seats and their testing requirements, so if it does have differences to the scenera and has not been tests this way (no matter the country) I would not use it if you paid me*

Joddle · Nov 6, 2010

Legalities don't bother me either.
I'm actually thinking I'll call/email Dorel and see if there are any changes.
I still probably wouldn't buy one, just because of the price - it would probably work out cheaper to buy a US one and ship it over!
$168 for a FF only seat is ridiculous.

AmieRubyJonah · Nov 6, 2010

Totally agree. You can get the top 1st rated FF/booster convertibles under different comfy cruiser names for $149!

joolsplus3 · Nov 6, 2010

Did it have the split crotch strap? US seats have a single/centered strap, I thought Australian seats have to have an inverted V shaped strap?

I can't seem to tell from the picture...?

Edit...um, yeah, duh, checked the other picture, and it's obviously there. Sorry!
(Thanks for posting both links!)

Keeanh · Nov 6, 2010

Did anyone read the review on the BigW site? All 5-stars, "Great quality" "Great value"... A $170 FF Scenera?? Are you kidding me?

jourdysmom · Nov 6, 2010

Can I ask the question why the harness straps go over the top of the buckles in the US and under in Aust?

Does anyone know what I mean by that? I don't know how to word it...

Or are their pics just wrong? I know how they look here LOL

Patriot201 · Nov 6, 2010

jourdysmom said:
Can I ask the question why the harness straps go over the top of the buckles in the US and under in Aust?

Does anyone know what I mean by that? I don't know how to word it...

Or are their pics just wrong? I know how they look here LOL

I know what you are saying. I don't know why they are like that, but all seats I have ever seen have been.

mytwobugs · Nov 6, 2010

The installation demo on the igc link is interesting also.....

attach and tighten the top tether first and then install with the seat belt. hmmm.

OMG Scenera in Australia!

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