Have you ever gone looking for something and instead of finding whatever it was that you were looking for, you stumble across something even better? That’s what happened today at CarseatBlog!
Behold the new Frontier 85 SICT (Side Impact Cushion Technology) available at Amazon.com for as low as $240 on sale.
How does Side Impact Cushion Technology work?
Side Impact Cushion Technology is comprised of patented energy-management cushions on either side of the child seat. During a side impact crash, the energy-management cushions compress to absorb the incoming crash forces safely expelling the air through strategically placed vents.
These robust air chambers require up to 10 times more force to compress than competing technologies, which results in the transfer of significantly more crash force energy AWAY from your child. This is important because the amount of force required to compress the cushions is directly related to the amount of energy diverted away from your child. It is important to note that the cushions do NOT deploy upon impact, like vehicle airbags do.
In addition, Side Impact Cushion Technology is the first and only technology to offer protection by:
- Absorbing side impact crash forces before they reach your child, resulting in fewer head injuries.
This is important because head injury is the leading cause of death for children in vehicle crashes, and the amount of crash forces reaching the child’s head determines the severity of a head injury.- Providing an energy-absorbing surface area along the full length of the seat, protecting your child’s head, neck, and torso.
This is important because incoming crash forces are not limited to the head area.- Offering a soft, protective surface for the adjacent passenger in a side impact crash.
This is important because adjacent passengers are vulnerable to injury from contact with child seats in a side impact crash.
Now, if you have your heart set on a Frontier 85 but the SICT model doesn’t work for your situation (or your budget), don’t be alarmed. The current Frontier 85 model without the side-impact cushions probably isn’t going anywhere. The SICT model is presumably an addition to the current Britax lineup, not a replacement for the current Frontier model.
The only other differences between this new model and the current Frontier 85 model appear to be cover related. The SICT models will feature an Easy-Remove cover which will allow for “easy cleaning without disassembling or uninstalling the car seat”. And last but not least, it looks like none of the initial fabrics are mesh!
Cardinal (Red), Onyx (Black) and Portobello (Gray) all appear to be meshless (yes, I just made up that word), which I’m sure will make a lot of people happy! Thank you, Britax!
(now hurry up and get busy on those Livia, Maui Blue & Cowmoo SICT covers, k?) 😉
We promise to share details on price and estimated availability as soon as we have the info. In the mean time, check out our full review of the current Frontier 85 model HERE.
There’s also some information on the upcoming Britax B-Safe Infant Seat, courtesy of Rated By Mom. It appears that it will be less expensive than the Chaperone, omitting some features like the anti-rebound bar and True Side Impact protection. It also appears to be shorter and lighter, too!
Product Weight (lbs): 16 (car seat only 9.8)
Product Dimensions (in): 17.5W x 24.5H x 27.5D (handle up)
Product Dimensions (in): 17.5W x 15.5H x 27.5D (handle down)
Seat Back Compartment Height (in): 20
Seat Area Depth/Width (in): 13/19
Shoulder Width (in): 10
Harness Slot Heights (in): 5, 7, 9, 12
Buckle Strap Depth (in): 3.5, 5.5
Check out the preview at Rated By Mom. Stay tuned for our full review!
Do you have any thoughts re Recaro ProSport vs Britax Frontier 85 SICT vs Britax Frontier.
FYI my daughter is tiny — but finally outgrowing her Maxi Cosi Priori which we have enjoyed. appearance wise “we” Like the Recaro in Riley and Britax F85 in the hot pink (what can I say, she rolls that way!)
If you do have input I would appreciate an email response. Thank you!
Hmmm… I might be able to justify this in my 2003, no side curtain airbags, captain’s chair in my minivan. It’s taller than the FR80 that’s there now, so my littlest can be harnessed longer. The big kids? They are on their own, I guess…this seat might as well say “Mom loves ME best!” on the cover, huh? lol. (but for the kid in the middle next to it, it might be nicer to slam into than the old FR…)
Oh man, the frontier was wide enough! I feel like this would be hard to fit anywhere other than captains chairs, which completely defeats the purpose.
Awww the Frontier and Advocate had a baby!
It sounds like a neat feature if you can accommodate the extra width in your vehicle. I have been wanting to get a new Frontier for my 4 year old since I want to use his MA as a backup seat. Since I am not in a hurry and he sits in a captains chair (no space issues) I am going to wait until these come out…unless this feature costs an arm and a leg.
oooh. for some reason those cushions are more agreeable to me there than on the Advocate convertible. Kind of in a, “why didn’t they do that in the first place?” way. I wonder if the regular Frontier85 covers would fit.
but SICT? really?