2017 Evenflo Maestro 2-in-1 Combination Harness Booster Review

Evenflo Maestro Quick Review

The 2017 Evenflo Maestro 2-in-1 Combination Harness Booster is a Stage 3 carseat that is most appropriate for preschool and school-aged children. It is safe, lightweight, budget-friendly and stylish. For all of those reasons, the Maestro has been on our list of Recommended Seats for years. It’s easy to install, easy to use properly and the tall top harness slots combined with the 50 lbs. weight limit means most average-sized kids will fit in the 5-point harness until they are the age and size to safely transition to booster mode. The 2017 Evenflo Maestro is a forward-facing only carseat for kids at least 2 years old. It can also be used as a highback booster for kids over age 4 who weigh more than 40 lbs.

Evenflo Maestro Specs:

With 5-point harness:

• Weight: 22 – 50 lbs.
• Height: 28 – 50″
• Age: At least two years old
• Fit: Child’s shoulders are at, or below, the top harness slots

As a highback booster:

• Weight: 40 – 110 lbs.
• Height: At least 43″
• Age: At least four years old
• Fit: Tops of child’s ears are at, or below, the top of the child restraint headrest

Maestro Features:

• 4 sets of harness slots
• 2 crotch strap/buckle positions
• May be installed with LATCH to the full 50 lbs. harnessed limit of the seat
• Converts to highback booster
• Can use LATCH in booster mode
• Energy-absorbing EPS foam
• Buckle pockets (on certain models) keep harness out of the way while loading and unloading child
• Cover is machine washable
• Dual cupholders
• 6 year lifespan before expiration

Maestro Fashions:

“Essentials” model line:

• Wesley (Amazon/Target/Walmart)
• Taylor (Amazon/Target/Walmart)
• Thunder (Target/Amazon/Walmart)
• Aspen Skies (Target)

    

“Performance” model line:

• Chelsea (Target)
• Dylon (Target)
• Biscay Bay (Target)
• Nightfall (Evenflo website)
• Raspberry Punch (Evenflo website)
• Provo (Babies R Us)

     

Measurements:

• 4 Harness slot heights: : 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″
• 2 Crotch strap/buckle positions: 5″, 7″
• Weight: approximately 10 lbs.
• Widest point across: 19″ at cupholders

Fit-to-Child Comments:

• Forward-Facing with harness:  Tall top harness slots allow most children to be harnessed until age 5-6 forward facing until the 50lb maximum of the seat. Some children will reach the 50lb limit before outgrowing it by height. Low profile seat allows child to get themselves into the seat with minimal help from parent/caregiver.
• Highback Booster:  Good choice for transitioning out of a harnessed seat into a booster. Maestro will only last a short time as a booster after being outgrown as a harnessed seat, due to the non-adjustable headrest. You will need another booster seat after the Maestro is outgrown by height at approximately age 6-7 based on your child’s height.

 

Evenflo Maestro Advantages:

• Budget-friendly
• Lightweight
• Relatively narrow
• Easy to use
• Can use LATCH up to 50 lbs.
• Can use LATCH in booster mode
• FAA approved for aircraft use
• Made in USA!

Disadvantages:

(All of the disadvantages listed below occur when the Maestro is being used in booster mode)

• Non-adjustable headrest
• Not very tall in booster mode – your child will need another booster seat after this one is outgrown
• Weight and height limits for booster mode are unrealistic

Conclusion:

The Evenflo Maestro is a nice, lightweight, forward-facing carseat that is also budget-friendly. It has been on our list of Recommended Carseats for years. The tall top harness slots combined with the 50 lbs. weight limit on the harness is enough to get many kids to the size/age/maturity to safely transition to a booster. Just don’t expect them to use this seat very long in booster mode. You will definitely still need another booster after this seat is outgrown. You can install Maestro with LATCH up to the maximum harness limit of 50 lbs. If installing with LATCH isn’t an option, then you must read your vehicle owner’s manual to determine how your seatbelts lock in order to properly install this carseat with seatbelt. The Evenflo Maestro is FAA approved for aircraft use and is also on our list of recommended seats for airplane travel.