In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Clek Oobr Review

While it has better crash test scores, the price, and rock-hard seating area make it an overall miss for us
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Clek Oobr Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $370 List
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Manufacturer:   Clek
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 26, 2024
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 14
  • Crash Test - 35% 8.3
  • Ease of Use - 25% 4.8
  • Weight/Size - 15% 6.2
  • Comfort - 15% 3.8
  • Quality - 10% 4.5

Our Verdict

The Clek Oobr is a high-quality, minimalistic option in our best booster seat review. It looks sharp and offers rigid LATCH installation to keep it from floating around the car when a child is not using it. It comes with some of the best crash test results for this lineup and continues to impress us when it comes to safety, just like previous testing periods. Unfortunately, this is one of the most uncomfortable seats we reviewed, and our kid tester suggested we throw it in the garbage. Given that booster-age children have no problems reporting discomfort, we caution parents it could be all they hear about on longer trips. The comfort padding is dense and rock hard, while the seat is shorter, resulting in legs dangling before the knee joint. The Oobr is heavy and cumbersome to move with a cover that cannot be removed. It is one of the most expensive options in the group, and while the quality and safety might warrant it, the rest makes it harder to accept.
REASONS TO BUY
Better crash testing
Higher quality
Rigid LATCH installation
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Super uncomfortable
Can't remove cover
Heavy
Editor's Note: The Clek Oobr was completely retested on January 26, 2024, and our new review reflects its results and comparison to a new lineup.

Compare to Similar Products

 
clek oobr
This Product
Clek Oobr
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Crash Test Booster
Editors' Choice Award
Best Booster for Most
Top Pick Award
Best Booster for Travel and Carpooling
Best Value Award
Best Booster on a Budget
Price $370 List
$295.99 at Amazon
$300 List$160 List
$159.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$36.98 at Amazon
$120 List
$89.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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63
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This expensive seat is uncomfortable and heavy, making it hard to love the better crash test ratingThis booster offers the best crash test analysis results and performs well in all metrics making it a favorite among testersGreat choice for most families with better crash testing analysis, easy installation, and cozy seating for kidsGreat for travel and carpooling, but the quality and crash results make it less appealing as an all-the-time boosterA comfy headrest and good crash test results make this lightweight choice an option that won't break the bank
Rating Categories Clek Oobr Peg Perego Viaggio... Chicco KidFit Zip A... BubbleBum Diono Cambria 2
Crash Test (35%)
8.3
8.7
8.2
6.5
8.0
Ease of Use (25%)
4.8
9.0
8.3
8.0
5.1
Weight/Size (15%)
6.2
6.9
6.5
10.0
5.9
Comfort (15%)
3.8
8.0
7.3
4.4
6.1
Quality (10%)
4.5
7.5
8.0
3.5
4.0
Specs Clek Oobr Peg Perego Viaggio... Chicco KidFit Zip A... BubbleBum Diono Cambria 2
Modes High Back Booster, Backless Booster High Back Booster High Back Booster, Backless Booster Backless Booster High Back Booster, Backless Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range 40-100 lb 40-120 lb 40-110 lb N/A 40-120 lb
High Back Booster Height Range 38-57 in 39-63 in 38-57 in N/A 38-63 in
Width 17.6 in 16.3 in 18.2 in 11.3 in 19.9 in
Weight 17.9 lb 15.7 lb 11.8 lb 0.9 lb 12.0 lb
Backless Booster Height Range 40-57 in N/A 38-58 in 40-57 in 38-63 in
5 Point Harness Weight Range N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
5 Point Height Range N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
LATCH Equipped Yes Yes Yes No Yes
#REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF!
Recline Positions None 5 2 N/A None
Foam Type EPP EPS EPS None None
Seat Lifespan 9 Years 12 Years 8 Years 4 Years from purchase date 8 Years
Aircraft Certified

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 manufacture all their car seats and boosters in North America to support business here and ensure better quality in the production process.

Performance Comparison



The Oobr performed well in our crash testing commission through the same facility used by NHTSA for its tests.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


The Oobr earned an above-average result for the crash test analysis metric. This metric combines the dummy sensor date from the commissioned crash tests to compare to the other boosters in the lineup.


Our commissioned tests were run in the same facility NHTSA uses, and we had our performed slightly quicker and on a more modern sled. Our results are not comparable to others run by NHTSA or Consumer Reports, but instead, allow you to compare results side-by-side in an apples-to-apples way to identify those that offer more than the average boost.

The Clek (black) has a slightly higher G-Forces sensor result than...
The Clek (black) has a slightly higher G-Forces sensor result than the Peg Perego (green).
The Clek had very similar sensor data for the chest clip results as...
The Clek had very similar sensor data for the chest clip results as the Peg Perego, one of the better options in the group.

Both the HIC and chest clip sensors for the Oobr dummy recorded G-force results below the average, with the chest clip sensor offering one of the best results in the group. Given the final analysis of these results, we believe this booster offers a potential margin of protection over the lower-scoring options in this review.

The shoulder strap guide on the Clek has a very narrow slit for threading.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Oobr scored below average for ease of use in our tests. The main overarching problem is both the adult and child tester struggled to get the belt buckled. The shoulder guide is convoluted and hard to thread. It holds the belt so tightly it can enact the retraction mechanism, locking it in place when it is buckled and when it is not. We've had to stop the car, turn it off, and even uninstall the seat to get the belt to reset.

The Clek has a rigid LATCH system that is easy enough to use but...
The Clek has a rigid LATCH system that is easy enough to use but takes some finagling.
The Clek LATCH connectors are rigid and extend out from the main...
The Clek LATCH connectors are rigid and extend out from the main booster to secure the seat to the vehicle.

The headrest is similar to a car headrest, and you have to press a small button to get the headrest to release for movement. It is hard to press, and the movement is so hard it feels like you want to give up before you even get it going.

Buckling the belt in using the Oobr isn't as easy as it should be...
Buckling the belt in using the Oobr isn't as easy as it should be and the shoulder belt often gets stuck, making it a challenge to buckle it.
Something about the shape or design of the Clek makes it challenging...
Something about the shape or design of the Clek makes it challenging to use and we weren't big fans.

Luckily, you won't have to move it often, but when you do, it could lead to frustration. The back itself is short, and there will be a growing distance between the headrest and seatback as your child grows.

We had to do some wiggling and finagling to get he LATCH connectors onto both anchors, and it was harder than other rigid options we've tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Oobr has a rigid LATCH system, which we usually love, but these are harder to access, and they can be challenging to connect to the vehicle anchors. It takes a little finagling to get it just right. Depending on the test car, this was more troubling if the padding on the vehicle was thick or dense and the anchors were hidden.

clek oobr - the oobr comes with a single clip-on cup holder.
The Oobr comes with a single clip-on cup holder.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This booster comes with one attachable cup holder. It works well, and our kid's water bottle fits. If you want a second holder, you can purchase one from the company website.

clek oobr - the oobr is on the heavy side, but you can reduce this by removing...
The Oobr is on the heavy side, but you can reduce this by removing the back for occasional backless use for travel or carpooling.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Size


If you are looking for lightweight, this is not the option for you. While it is marginally lighter than previous iterations, it is still a handful you won't want to carry through the airport. The Oobr weighs 17.9 lbs.


What it overdoes in weight, it excels in width with only 17.6 inches. While not the most narrow, it is narrow enough for multiple sets or passengers across.

Adjusting the headrest on the Oobr is similar to a car headrest, but...
Adjusting the headrest on the Oobr is similar to a car headrest, but it is very stiff and hard to move when you press the release button.
The headrest moves up and down on the Oobr, but it does not have any...
The headrest moves up and down on the Oobr, but it does not have any padding or support between the back and the head rest, which could be uncomfortable for taller riders.

Comfort


We hate to beat a dead horse here, but honestly, it is hard to imagine how this seat could be more uncomfortable. As one GearLab mom can attest, her kids hated this booster and complained for more than three years about how uncomfortable it was.

clek oobr - the oobr lacks a full back, and the padding is so dense it is like...
The Oobr lacks a full back, and the padding is so dense it is like sitting on a rock, according to our testers. Overall, it was considered a very uncomfortable booster.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The seat padding is very dense; rock-hard is one way to describe it. The back is shorter than most, and while the headrest moves up as your kid grows, there is a bigger gap between the two with no support. While our kid testers felt the fabric was nice, it wasn't enough to override how hard the seat was in every area, headrest and back included. Our in-house kid tester remarked we should throw it in the garage.

clek oobr - the oobr has a nice fit and finish and a modern and minimalistic...
The Oobr has a nice fit and finish and a modern and minimalistic design, but we struggled with some of the components making us worry about the quality of manufacturing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


What it lacks in comfort, it makes up for by using quality materials and a thought design that brings them all together in a way that has a lovely fit and finish. If you like minimalistic design that gets the job done, we think you'll like the look of the Oobr. The material fits the padding and shell nicely with no wrinkles or areas where it doesn't “look right.” The seat uses non-off-gassing EEP foam, and the shell and sides all look sharp and sleek. You can see the quality of this option easily on its own, but it shines even more when lined up with competitors who struggle to be this cool.

clek oobr - neither our adult nor kid tester liked the oobr as much as...
Neither our adult nor kid tester liked the Oobr as much as competitors and this makes it one we don't hate, but don't love.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Oobr?


We can't lie as some of us chose this booster for our kids in the past, and it isn't a bad seat overall, but there are higher-ranking options in this review that provide more while costing less. It isn't that the Oobr will fail you, but the discomfort for the passenger somewhat negates the better crash test score and left us feeling like we didn't love it as much as we once did. Outside of the crash test results, there isn't much to love here, and you can get a similar or better crash test analysis core in another seat that costs less and won't have your child complaining.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?


The Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is less expensive than the Clek, and it comes with an even better crash test score. The Peg is far more comfortable, and we felt it was an easier seat to use for parents and kids. We love that the side supports and headrest are highly adjustable and that the Peg is easy to buckle thanks to the lack of armrests. While some kids might want armrests, our tester felt she'd rather have no rests for her arms than sit in the Oobr ever again. If you want a quality option that potentially offers an extra margin of protection, the Peg is our choice.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz