-
Welcome! CLICK HERE to ask a question about the best carseat or safest choice for your family. Visitor posts subject to approval.
Britax "Check Fit" fix
- Thread starter rfk
- Start date
ADS | |
happiness-and-balance
New member
Due to color, pattern, and/or fabric differences?
cupcakepirate11
Active member
We have the zebra and cow 
happiness-and-balance
New member
Honestly... because it's zebra
Yeah I'm leaning that way. Just occured to me that there might be Labor Day deals coming, which would be helpful for getting two of them. So just a bit more time to deliberate...
First, it's not a federal standard of any kind.
Second, they didn't do poorly, even based on the methods used. My experience is that older kids fit well, the ones most likely to need the booster given the very high harness limits.
Plus, it's a somewhat subjective fit test in the first place and no type of crash testing is involved.
And most importantly, they offer a free fix that is basically guaranteed to keep the lap belt in position if adjusted correctly. And, unlike any other booster, also provides a 4th point of restraint to prevent submarining. In my opinion, it's better than any redesign for the lap belt path. Of course, you could have the updated belt path design AND the SecureGuard clip;-)
I just received my updated model but haven't opened the box.
Hi -
Looking forward to your impressions on the revised seat - especially installed with belts/child in place.
I think my frustration on this saga goes back to the last year's IIHS evaluation:
"A surprise came from Britax, a company whose boosters have consistently earned the top two ratings. This year, three new Britax models didn't make their debuts as BEST BETs or GOOD BETs. They are the Frontier 90, Pinnacle 90 and Pioneer 70. These highback seats replaced two Britax boosters that previously earned the top rating."
"The highback Britax Frontier 85 was a BEST BET last year. In IIHS evaluations, the seat correctly positioned the lap belt across the dummy's thighs in all test conditions. Britax introduced the Frontier 90 in 2013. The geometry of the highback booster's armrest doesn't consistently provide the same lap belt fit as the earlier model. In 2 of 4 test conditions the lap belt was too high on the dummy's abdomen, although the shoulder belt fit was good."
"...booster seats have consistently improved. We've never had a seat go the wrong way.
That is, until this year.
When Floyd started evaluating the Britax Frontier 90, he was taken aback by what he found: The lap belt was too high on the dummy's abdomen in 2 of 4 test conditions that represent a range of vehicle safety belt setups. A booster seat needs good lap belt fit, in addition to good shoulder belt fit, in all four conditions to earn a BEST BET rating.
"Britax surprised me," Floyd says. "I did the test and then got the Frontier 85 out of storage to compare the designs. Britax changed the armrest's geometry, and that put the lap belt in the wrong place to earn a BEST BET or GOOD BET." The Frontier 85 was a BEST BET for 2012."
All that said, I'd certainly agree that the 4th point of restraint in conbination with the revised belt path is the best solution!
I tried to load up two Zebra seats to an Amazon cart, but it told me only one in stock. Also tried two Congo seats, same thing happened. Just sent a note to customer service about it. So, the adventure continues...
nataliem257
New member
This exactly. It's different for the HWH seats, I imagine a very small portion of the people who buy frontiers are putting really small kids in it, which is where the belt fit problems originated in the test from my understanding.
The IIHS testing is an important mark for manufacturers to hit, but it is problematic because it is only one subjective fit test on one size dummy on a test fixture. Put varying sizes of kids on a real automobile seat and things can be a lot different. We assume that models with a Best Bet will also tend to work better in the wide array of possibilities with real kids and cars, but you never know!
In any case, the SecureGuard clip is a great feature and unique in boosters. My son uses it in his Frontier and Parkway when he rides in them. I don't think it was a band-aid, but a real fix and perhaps better than the updated design.
Of course, for the IIHS to test it with the SecureGuard clip would require Britax to ship it with the clip included in the box and also change the instructions and lables, which I'm guessing would be a lot more expensive than transitioning to a new armrest design and supplying free SG to those who request them. And adding another $10 or more to the msrp is a big deal. Just a guess.
In any case, the SecureGuard clip is a great feature and unique in boosters. My son uses it in his Frontier and Parkway when he rides in them. I don't think it was a band-aid, but a real fix and perhaps better than the updated design.
Of course, for the IIHS to test it with the SecureGuard clip would require Britax to ship it with the clip included in the box and also change the instructions and lables, which I'm guessing would be a lot more expensive than transitioning to a new armrest design and supplying free SG to those who request them. And adding another $10 or more to the msrp is a big deal. Just a guess.
Persimmon
Active member
Thanks for this. I was wondering about the possibly better than the updated design part. I bet it is better for my must be in constant motion DS! I called about my Pinnacle and they are sending a free SG. :jive:
Well thanks for the (non-) update. I was already thinking about waiting until after ABC Kids Expo (Sep 7-10), just in case there was any big, breaking news. So, just a few more weeks.
I assume you'll be there, camping on the show floor? Or living large in a Vegas hotel?
Did you ever receive the redesigned seat from Britax? Would like to know your thoughts on it before I purchase a pinnacle.
I did, you can read about it here:
http://carseatblog.com/30336/britax-combination-seats-booster-lap-belt-guide-changes/
Honestly, I think the original version plus the free SecureGuard clip would be as good or better than the revised version. The only drawback of the SG clip is the extra step for the child which only takes a few seconds. Granted, you could always buy the revised version and pay for the option sg clip as well.
You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.
 |  |  |
Please Support Car-Seat.Org with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC