REASONS TO BUY
Better crash testing
Higher quality
Rigid LATCH installation
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Super uncomfortable
Can't remove cover
Heavy
Clek Oobr Review
While it has better crash test scores, the price, and rock-hard seating area make it an overall miss for us
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ January 26, 2024
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
RELATED: Best Booster Seats | Crash Tested
Our Verdict
The Clek Oobr is a high-quality, minimalistic booster seat. It looks sharp and offers rigid LATCH installation to keep it from floating around when a child is not using it. It has better crash test results than the average seat. Unfortunately, this is one of the most uncomfortable seats we've reviewed, and our kid tester suggested we throw it out. Given that booster-age children have no problems reporting discomfort, we caution parents that 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 might justify the cost, the rest makes it harder to accept.
Our Analysis and Test Results
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. Our commissioned tests were run in the same facility NHTSA uses, and we had our test performed slightly quicker and on a more modern sled.
Our results are not directly comparable to those of NHTSA or Consumer Reports; however, they allow you to compare results side by side in an apples-to-apples manner to identify those that offer more than the average booster.
The CLek Oobr did not perform as well as the Nuna for the HIC sensor data in our crash testing. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
The Clek performed closer to the Nuna for the chest clip sensor than it did in the HIC sensor results. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Both the HIC and chest clip sensors for the Oobr dummy recorded G-force results below the average. Given the final analysis of these results, we believe this booster offers a potential margin of protection over the lower-scoring options we tested.
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 issue is that both the adult and child testers struggled to buckle the belt. The shoulder guide is convoluted and hard to thread. It holds the belt so tightly that it can activate the retraction mechanism, locking it in place whether the belt is buckled or 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 takes some finagling. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Clek LATCH connectors are rigid and extend out from the main booster to secure the seat to the vehicle. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The headrest is similar to a car headrest, and you must press a small button to release it for movement. It is hard to press, and the movement is so strenuous that it feels like you want to give up before you even get started; it will leave you wondering if it is even meant to be moved.
With the headrest raised on the Clek, the span between the back support and headrest can be significant, offering no support. Credit: Abriah Wofford
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. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Something about the shape or design of the Clek makes it challenging to use and we weren't big fans. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Luckily, you won't have to move it often, but when you do, it could lead to frustration. The back itself is short, and a growing distance will develop 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.
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 kids' water bottle fits. If you would like a second holder, you can purchase one from the company's website.
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 a lightweight option, this is not the choice 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 a narrower width, of only 17.6 inches. While not the narrowest, it is narrow enough for multiple sets or passengers to cross.
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. Credit: Abriah Wofford
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. Credit: Abriah Wofford
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, “My kids hated this booster and complained for more than three years about how uncomfortable it is, but they were too expensive to replace.”
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; one way to describe it is rock-hard. 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 found the fabric to be nice enough, it wasn't enough to compensate for the seat's firmness in every area, including the headrest and back. Our in-house kid tester remarked we should throw it in the garage.
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 with the use of quality materials and a thoughtful design that brings them all together in a way that yields a lovely fit and finish. If you like a 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 appear smooth 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 wish they were this cool.
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?
Some of us chose this booster for our kids in the past, and it isn't a bad seat overall; however, there are higher-ranking options in this review that provide more features at a lower cost with better crash test analysis. It isn't that the Oobr will disappoint 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. Overall, 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 comes with an even better crash test score. The Peg is far more comfortable, and we found it to be an easier seat to use for both 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 armrests 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. If you want armrests, the Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 has the same price and crash test analysis. If you want the best crash test analysis, the Nuna AACE is the standout with a lower price and high-quality materials.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Clek Oobr versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $420 List |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | While it has better crash test scores, the price, and rock-hard seating area make it an overall miss for us |
| Pros | Better crash testing, higher quality, rigid LATCH installation |
| Cons | Expensive, super uncomfortable, can't remove cover, heavy |
| Rating Categories | Clek Oobr |
| Crash Test (35%) | |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |
| Weight/Size (15%) | |
| Comfort (15%) | |
| Quality (10%) | |
| Specifications | Clek Oobr |
| Modes | High Back Booster, Backless Booster |
| High Back Booster Weight Range | 40-100 lb |
| High Back Booster Height Range | 38-57 in |
| Width | 17.6 in |
| Weight | 17.9 lb |
| Backless Booster Weight Range | 40-100 lb |
| Backless Booster Height Range | 40-57 in |
| 5 Point Harness Weight Range | N/A |
| 5 Point Height Range | N/A |
| LATCH Equipped | Yes |
| Recline Positions | None |
| Foam Type | EPP |
| Seat Lifespan | 9 Years |
| Aircraft Certified | No |
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