No, it’s not you. It’s them. Really. It’s almost as bad as their 6 names and counting for the Alpha Omega Elite but it’s still relatively early in the onBoard game so who knows how many more versions of this seat they can come up with. Anyway, in an effort to cut down on some of the inevitable confusion – we here at CarseatBlog have attempted to give you the low-down on each of the different onBoard infant carseat models. If you find an error or omission – please let us know. This was a more confusing task than even I expected.
Similarities: Each model/version has the same dimensions. They all have the same 4 sets of harness slots and 3 positions for the crotch strap. The handle can be in any locked position while in the vehicle. They all have a front harness adjuster and a splitter plate which makes moving the harness straps to different heights quick and easy.
- Model # 22077
- 4-22 lbs, 29″ or less
- Preemie infant insert supports
- Base has built-in lockoffs
- Adjustable base has 3 positions
- Lower LATCH attachments are the standard hook-syle connectors
- Single range bubble level recline indicator
- EPP foam
- Also sold as the Eddie Bauer “SureFit” infant carseat which was part of the “Endeavor” Travel System (carseat and stroller combination)
- Discontinued in favor of newer onBoard models with expanded weight limits (I think)
- Model # 22395
- MSRP $179 – $189
- 4-35 lbs, 32″ or less
- “Air Protect” Technology for enhanced side impact protection
- Preemie insert support cushions
- Base has built-in lockoffs
- Base is adjustable and has 3 positions
- Lower LATCH attachments are the premium “push-on” style connectors
- Dual recline angle indicators (4-11 lbs, 11-35 lbs)
- Complete onBoard 35 Air review HERE
3. onBoard 35 Air SE (Special Edition)
- Model # 22395
- MSRP $199 -$209
- Same features as 35 Air (above) but with premium fabrics and embroidery
4. onBoard 35 (complete 4- 35 version just without Air Protect Technology)
- MSRP $129-$159
- Model # IC009
- 4-35 lbs, 32″ or less
- Preemie inserts
- Premium base with lock-offs and recline adjustment lever
- Standard hook-style lower anchor connectors
- EPP foam
- Dual recline angle indicators (4-11, 11-35)
5. onBoard 35 (stripped-down version)
- MSRP $99
- Model #22375
- Rated from FIVE – 35 lbs, 32″ or less
- No preemie insert (only standard head-hugger insert included)
- Dual recline angle indicator (5-11 lbs, 11-35 lbs)
- Base has no lockoffs
- Base has no lever to engage recline foot (see link below for instructions on how to recline the base)
- Base has only 2 positions – fully reclined or no recline at all (the difference is about 3″)
- Standard hook-style lower LATCH connectors
- EPP foam
OnBoard #22375 base adjustment
So I’ve heard that THESE days, the Eddie Bauer “SureFit” is the same as the OnBoard 35 Air, or possibly just the OnBoard 35 – do you know if this is true?
I have the Eddie Bauer model and the instruction manual shows both onBoard 35 and Surefit 35
Its true. I had to call the manufacturer because i was afraid of buying a new car seat. I have the Eddie Bauer infant seat as well and the woman told me that its actually the same as the Onboard 35. So that was reassuring since carseats are so expensive and finding a double stroller with a adapter that would work for it had been hard.
I just received the stripped down version of the new OnBoard 35… for us techs, it is a nice seat. I think it beats out the graco or evenflo front adjust for a program seat (yeah – this isn’t your cheap evenflo rear adjust… but I’m so done with those). And the nice thing is, it does have the ability to be used longer due to the shell length and weight limit… Install was pretty straight forward… the recline on the base was a little weird. I do like that it has indicators for 5-11lbs and then 12-35lbs on the physical seat itself.
Thank you to both DANIELLE and Y_P_W for the additional info!
Make note that there are also TWO replacement/extra bases for these seats. I believe all the seats (35# ones at least) are compatible with the same bases. The “regular” base is like the stripped down 5# version with no lock-off and the not-so-nice recline. The The “premium” base (which costs almost twice as much) is like the 4# version w/ lock-off and nice recline; I don’t know whether it comes w/ the push-on LATCH or regular connectors.
I also believe that the shape of the 5#/regular base is different from the 4#/premium base. The regular base flares out more at the belt path. It isn’t as narrow, and I could see it being more difficult to install just because of this different shape let alone the lack of lock-off and nice recline mechanism.
I got the last one for $80 on sale at Target. Didn’t much care for it an returned it. I got an onBoard 35 Air in the silver/black “Silverleaf” pattern, and my wife didn’t want it.
There are even differences with the onBoard 35 Air. There is at least one version that comes only as part of the Aerolite LX travel system – the “Pegasus” pattern that I’ve seen at Babies R Us. That one comes with a quilted satiny dual-layer canopy. The other onBoard 35 Air models I’ve seen (including the one I returned) have a thinner single fabric canopy.
Thanks for sorting this out, Kecia. Again, my mind is swimming with all these choices, though I hesitate to call them choices. I understand the desire to strip down a seat to provide a competitive, cheaper model, but to just slap what essentially looks like a Designer base on and give the seat a 5 lb. weight limit (because that’s what the Designer lower weight limit is), is weird. I’m gonna stop there. It’s such a nice seat as long as you pay $129.