Evenflo Maestro as Booster Review – Part XII Combo Seat Review Series

FacebooktwittermailFacebooktwittermail

I’ve decided to document how various combination (harness/booster) seats fit my youngest son in booster mode.  In these photos he is 5 ½ years-old, 48 lbs and 46″ tall.  Our full Maestro review has been delayed for some time as we were unable to procure a sample from Evenflo.  So, for a quick review of this CR in booster mode, I borrowed one from a CPST-Instructor friend of mine (thanks, Pamela!).

Since the Evenflo Maestro has a 50 lb weight limit on the 5-point harness, he’s getting close to outgrowing the harness by weight even though he still has ample growing room height wise.  He’s also well within the age and size range to use this seat in booster mode.  As with all the previous combo seat as booster reviews that I’ve done –  I’ve used the same seating position in my van – driver’s side captain’s chair in a 2005 Ford Freestar.

The IIHS booster study compared the fit of various boosters using the 6-year-old Hybrid lll dummy who weighs 51.6 lbs (23.41 kg) and has a standing height of almost 45″.  The Maestro was not rated by the IIHS in their last round of booster fit testing but after seeing the belt fit on my son (whose size is currently comparable to the 6 year old Hybrid III dummy) I would venture to speculate that it would probably do well in their testing.

The Good:   Belt fit in this case is ideal.  Lap belt is positioned low across the strong hip bones and is touching the top of his thighs.  Shoulder belt is positioned properly across his collar bone.

The Bad:  Doesn’t have much growing room in booster mode.  He will definitely need another booster once this seat is outgrown.

Bottom Line:  Even though it won’t be the last seat you’ll ever need for your child, Evenflo hit a home run with this affordable combination CR.  High top harness slots, 50 lb weight limit for the harness and very good belt fit (at least in this situation) in booster mode.   And all for under $80 – amazing!  I tip my hat to Evenflo for a job well done in this case.

11 Comments

  1. Nicole March 20, 2015
  2. megan davies March 19, 2015
  3. Stephanie March 5, 2012
  4. Mandy September 5, 2011
  5. maciascl June 26, 2011
  6. Mom of 2 boyz June 13, 2010
  7. Kecia April 8, 2010
  8. My Boaz's Ruth April 7, 2010
  9. Kecia March 30, 2010
  10. BabyKaykes March 27, 2010
  11. BookMama March 27, 2010