new combination seat

[CMeMeC]

Can someone please recommend a new combination seat? The child is 4 years old, 35lb, and 38" (I think). I have been considering a britax pioneer or frontier or a Recaro performance sport. He currently has a true fit and a nautilus that he rides in, but both could use to be replaced. He is close to outgrowing the true fit and is on the second highest slot on the nautilus. I drive an older envoy. Here's what I want: Easy to keep clean/washable fabrics and something that makes a nice booster. Here's what I don't want: a flimsy seat with fabric that stains easily or picks easily. I don't move the seat a lot, so I don't mind if it's heavy or bulky. I would like something that's easy to install, but again, I don't move it too often other than to wash it. Budget is flexible.
Thanks!
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[thepote]

I just got DD a click tight Frontier and a Performance Sport. She's 4.5, 38lbs, 43", size 5 shirts. I got them both and figured I'd put the one I liked better in my van as her "main" seat.

We ended up with the Frontier in the van, and this was after I lusted over the PS for years! The thing I don't like about the PS is the headrest... the slot settings are so far apart that if the straps are just a tiny bit over her shoulders the headrest towers over her head with only the very bottom near her head. The Frontier has a lot of settings so it's much better fitting.

The PS harness is nice, but the Frontier seems more "premium" to me. The whole thing with the nice soft harness and the hugs and shoulder pads work together to make one of the nicest harnesses I've used.

I also like the thought of the crush zone thing in the base (it's marketing, though, not proven), and the versa tether. The cup holders are the icing on the cake. We never really had cup holders and she loves them.

 

[LISmama810]

I've used all of those, and the Performance Sport is my favorite, but the Frontier is a close second. I don't think you can go wrong with either one, but it'll mainly boil down to preference. (Cup holders ARE a nice feature, LOL.) I found the Pioneer to be difficult to install and not the same quality as other Britax products.

 

[CMeMeC]

Any input on any of them in booster mode?

 

[MommyShannon]

I haven't tried the new Frontier or Recaro, but LOVE the nautilus as a booster. If it isn't about to expire, hold on to it for using as a booster. I like it much better than any of our dedicated boosters or the Frontier85 as a booster. It's the only one that we never have belt feed issues with and is great for kids to learn to buckle IF your buckles aren't too buried.

 

[CMeMeC]

I haven't tried the new Frontier or Recaro, but LOVE the nautilus as a booster. If it isn't about to expire, hold on to it for using as a booster. I like it much better than any of our dedicated boosters or the Frontier85 as a booster. It's the only one that we never have belt feed issues with and is great for kids to learn to buckle IF your buckles aren't too buried.

I agree. I do like it as a booster. It will go into the second vehicle as a harness seat now and a booster later. It is a hand me down and it's looking a little tired. It's been through 3 kids and served it's purpose, but I think it's time for an upgrade in our main car.

The true fit is a mess. I let my MIL use it for her other grandchild and it was returned filthy and stained with mud.