Earlier this year, we reported some improvements to the Britax Pioneer 70 along with some changes for all Britax Frontier 90 and Pinnacle 90 harness-to-booster models. Britax has made some additional improvements to all these models in response to a “Check Fit” rating from the IIHS that we reported last year. For many kids, there was no issue at all. For some, especially smaller kids in certain vehicles, the booster fit was not as good as it could be. Britax resolved this issue immediately by offering a SecureGuard clip upon request to owners using these products as boosters. This not only improved lap belt fit in booster mode, but also provided a 4th point of restraint, unique to Britax boosters.
In mid-July, Britax revised the lap belt guides to improve lap belt fit without the need for a SecureGuard clip. Below you can see some comparison photos between the original and revised products. In general, the original design is on the left, while the updated design is on the right. The improvement is modest, but can make a difference depending upon the child and vehicle.
The Frontier 90 and Pinnacle 90 are on our Recommended Car Seats list.
Any information on whether the Canadian versions of the seats also these updates or if not, when can they be expected to be updated?
Thanks.
Sanjay, I just saw a Frontier CT at Westcoast Kids in Calgary with the new version of the lap belt guide. The Pinnacles still had the old version, though.
I love how safe Britax is
Lame, I just bought a Frontier last week (amazon.com) and it had a DOM of July so I barely missed out on this. My 3.5 year old won’t be using it for a LONG time though in BM so when the time comes I will just get a SG clip. Thanks for the info.
It doesn’t appear to make much of a difference for Jon, but I’d expect to see a bigger difference on smaller kids anyway. I agree the SG clip would help more and do double duty as an anti-submarining device.
Elizabeth, as far as I know the only way to tell would be to have a date of manufacture in August 2014 or later. Ordering online would be hit or miss, especially with low turnover retailers. You could definitely check in store, though. But in my opinion, even if you get an older one, a free SecureGuard clip is arguably a better resolution to the IIHS check fit concern. Britax will send you one for free if you have the original version of the Pioneer 70, Frontier 90 or Pinnacle 90 and need one to get an improved booster lap belt fit.
Are the revised products available for purchase and how can you tell whether you have a revised one if you are shopping on-line. When I look on amazon it seems like they only have the older ones. Thanks.