I’ve had to hold it all in for some time now. It was almost unbearable when it arrived. It’s nice to hear about cool stuff sometimes before it hits the shelves, but it’s no fun if you can’t tell anyone! Some information has been leaking out about the new Frontier 85 for a while, but as of today, all the details are officially released and so I can discuss them too! By my calculation, it’s past midnight just about everywhere in North America, so…
…enough of my complaining and onto the good stuff. First, the obligatory unboxing video!
Next, a few of the improvements. Some readers probably already know about the big ones, but there might be a few you don’t know about yet!
- Harness weight limit increased from 80 to 85 pounds
- Top harness setting increased almost 2″, from 18.25″ to about 20″ seated height.
- Standing harness height limit increased from 53″ to 57″ (Britax numbers)
- Standing booster height limit increased from 60″ to 65″ (Britax numbers)
- Seated booster shoulder height limit increased from 21.5″ to 24.5″ (Britax numbers)
- Booster weight limit is now 120 pounds (was not listed for the original model)
- Lap belt guides updated and now seamlessly join the armrest section with no gap in between
- Armrests have a sturdier, shorter, fixed design
- Cupholders are now integrated into the front of the base, rather than extending from the side
- Harness height adjuster is revised and significantly reinforced compared to the previous one
- There are now 10 harness height positions, up from 8 in the original
- Harness strap material is a little less flexible and may help resist folding
- Harness splitter plate is now a single slot design
- Chest clip now has a graphic showing correct position instead of a Britax logo
For all the rest of the changes, you’ll have to wait for my full review later this week! I’ll also have photos, including comparisons with the original Frontier at maximum height for both harness and booster use! Britax has increased the key weight and height limits and also addressed almost every quibble with the original Frontier. That’s something, because the original Frontier was a pretty nice combination seat. The new Frontier 85 is not just the old model with inflated limits. It really has been revamped and improved. Overall, I’m not sure for what else you could reasonably ask! Obviously, some things haven’t changed from the original design. It’s somewhat pricey. It’s relatively big and heavy. It may be incompatible with some vehicles and the long/reverse belt path has a longer learning curve than normal. Beyond that, it really is great. If you liked the Frontier, you will love the Frontier 85. It’s the last child seat you will ever need once your baby is beyond 2 years old and 25 pounds! Heck, if kids run small in your family, you can keep them in the Frontier 85 as a booster (or maybe even the harness!) until they start driving on their own!
A full review should be ready by tomorrow (Wednesday). In the mean time, you can find some more details here:
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=117337
OMG!! Now to convince DH I NEED one of these
Must.Sell.Old.Frontiers.And.Buy.Frontier85s. This is drool worthy.
Aaaaagh! I wish they would accept a trade in for the old version. 🙁
WOW! I’m impressed really! I can completely justify this seat now. As soon as DS is out of the Marathon this will be the second seat to go with the Regent we already have.
ooooo I looooove it! I wonder why they don’t offer this one in Sahara? I know its not as popular but I haven’t had a single issue with it, in fact I’ve used it for 8 months without having to do anything but spot clean and it still looks new. Though I would love to see a black and lime green cover 🙂
I love the improvements… WAHHHHH… I hate that I have not the money for it AND that I already had to move Ruthie to a booster full time… or I’d have swapped the Nautilus (and some cash) for one… DARN!
Ah well… she’s doing well in her booster.
When will this be on the market?
I covet it so bad, but I don’t need it. I don’t…I don’t…..ughhhhhhh……maybe if my oldest outgrows her current frontier before she turns 6 this will be in our future.
Oh my, I so need one. It’s meant to be, it releases on DD’s birthday even.
Sqeee!
Wow, I want one! It seems to have made a lot of positive changes.
Well, now I don’t have to worry about what I’m going to do when my Regents expire!!! They addressed all my issues with not having one in this update!!!
very nice! It seems like they’re listening. I can’t wait to see what Britax does with a convertible next. (I can hope, right?)
Ignore my previous post asking about the LBP. I see that it is still an option. 🙂
oh goodness. i don’t need it. i don’t need it. i don’t need it…..but i want it. NO NO NO don’t get it. don’t get it…..
Darren,
I’d appreciate if you could also measure how wide it is at the very back where it would rest at the seat bight. My dd has a really hard time buckling in the Frontier in booster mode because it’s so wide that it presses tightly against the buckle and she really has to force the buckle past the Frontier – moving it over has helped a little, but not enough. Thanks!
I can hardly contain my excitement! How about the belt path? Is it redesigned? Is the long belt path method still allowed? Thanks, Darren! Looking forward to the full review. 😀
Ah, so, so tempting!
Wow! Darren’s really excited! I think I want one, too!
At first I thought it was a nice bright shade of orange and what a great color that was, but then realized it was the lighting. Nothing wrong with red, but orange would have been so fun…(hint, hint, Britax, if you’re reading this).
Thanks for sharing all the fun with us, Darren, I can’t wait for the full review, but this was a good first look.
🙂
Awesome! Love the raspy voice 😉 and your assitant is adorable. Oh yes the FR85 is great too.
Okay, I can now justify a frontier:) And the 9 year expiry will last for the baby, too.
Swoon. I love those cup holders! And the no mesh front, but it needs all non mesh covers.
Must get new Frontier….
I’m really, really impressed. Nicely done, Britax!