Have you ever wondered what the safest car seat on the market is? Along with a few popular brands, Clek is one of the leading manufacturers offering the best safety features within their car seats.
When Clek Foonf first came into the scene of car seats, their parents did not put all their trust into it. Given that the brand is not US-based and has not been on the market for that long, you would understand the caution.
However, as soon as the Foonf started hitting immense sales and customers discovered the unique safety system, it was suddenly on everyone's wish list.
As of recently, Clek brought in a new and lighter version of the Foonf seat called Fllo. It promises the same quality and safety but with a few crucial differences. What are they?
You are about to find out in this in-depth comparison of Clek Foonf vs Fllo!
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Table of Contents
- General Specifications
- FAQs
- Is Clek Foonf safer than Fllo?
- What is the difference between Fllo and Foonf?
- How long is a Clek Fllo good for?
- Does the Clek Fllo recline?
- What age is Clek Foonf for?
- Clek Foonf vs Fllo: Which model is more suitable for airplane travel?
- Can you use Clek Foonf without base?
- Does Clek Fllo have rigid LATCH?
- Is Clek Fllo easy to install?
- How do you install a Clek forward facing Fllo?
- Clek Foonf vs Fllo: The Final Verdict
General Specifications
Criteria | Clek Foonf | Clek Fllo |
|---|---|---|
Item weight | 33 lbs in forward-facing; 38 lbs in rear-facing mode | 28 lbs in rear-facing mode with the anti-rebound bar |
Rear-facing limit | 14-50 lbs | 14-50 lbs |
Forward-facing limit | 22-64 lbs | 22-64 lbs |
Installation | Rigid LATCH | LATCH system |
Car seat height | Forward Facing: 28 - 32.5 '' | Forward Facing: 26 - 31 '' |
1. How safe are Clek seats?
It would not be fair to start the Foonf vs Clek Fllo review and not begin with comparing the safety features of these two car seats!
Currently, Clek is the leading manufacturer of the best safety car seats! It offers a variety of features which all together make for a bulletproof system! What's interesting about Clek seats is that they are built like actual tanks!
Source: YouTube.com
Energy-absorbing crumple technology
When the Clek Fllo first came out, I thought there was nothing different about it regarding safety! In this category, the two-car seats are pretty similar!
For instance, they both feature energy-absorbing crumple technology.
This aluminum honeycomb-designed zone is meant to take in all the crash forces from a collision.
The Foonf car seat uses the REACT safety system located in the base. The entire system of safety features works with the rigid LATCH, ensuring the crash energy is absorbed in the base.
On the contrary, Fllo uses the Advanced side impact protection
Advanced side impact protection
They also share the advanced side-impact protection layer and an anti-rebound bar. The anti-rebound bar is beneficial for the rear-facing mode. However, while the Foonf requires you to use it, the Fllo gives you the option to install the child seat without the bar.
While you have the option not to use one, I would still recommend you install the Fllo car seat with the bar, mainly to prevent severe injuries in a side-impact collision.
Not only does the anti-rebound bar keep the car seat stable, but it also prevents it from rebounding in rear-facing accidents. Additionally, the bar offers stability for side-impact collision since it does not allow the car seat to rotate.
2. Installations
Before comparing how well each of the Clek car seats installs, you first need to know that each installation method has its weight limit.
Both the Foonf and Fllo can be installed with a vehicle seat belt or a LATCH system. Although you can use both methods and choose the one you prefer the most, note that the LATCH installation does support bigger weight limits in both modes!
If you install the car seat using a LATCH and a seat belt combined, your little one can ride in the rear-facing seating position for much longer.
Weight Limit | Clek Foonf | Clek Fllo |
|---|---|---|
LATCH Installation | Rear-Facing: 14-25 lbs Forward-Facing: 22-35 lbs | Rear-Facing: 14-35 lbs |
Vehicle seatbelt installation | Rear-Facing: 14-50 lbs Forward-Facing: 22-65 lbs | Rear-Facing: 14-50 lbs |
Clek Foonf installation
One of the major differences between Foonf vs Clek Fllo is that the Foonf includes a rigid LATCH system. It's probably the biggest selling point of the convertible car seat and the most significant among the safety features!
The rigid LATCH connectors that are with the Foonf car seat make the entire process of installation easier! It's quicker to get the proper fit and offers extra safety.
The Clek seat is less likely to rotate in a side-impact collision thanks to the rigid LATCH. The rigid LATCH is suitable for installing forward-facing mode as well!
In the rear-facing position, Clek Foonf can be installed with the vehicle seatbelt.
Clek Fllo installation
The Clek Fllo seat can be installed with the LATCH system in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. The only difference is that this model does not offer a rigid LATCH. It instead uses the standard LATCH system with lower anchor connectors located in the base of the convertible seat.
Because the Fllo seat does not have the same LATCH or the smooth recline feature, it is around 10 pounds lighter than its competitor.
3. Recline features
Here are other significant differences found in the recline category!
The Foonf seat has three recline positions in both the rear-faced and forward-faced mode. Compared to the Fllo seat, the Foonf is a definite winner in this case!
The Fllo seat offers only one set angle in the rear-faced mode and one in the forward-faced mode.
They also differ in the overall design of the base. While the Foonf seat has a wedge-shaped base, the Fllo offers a recline mechanism foot built within the base of the seat.
4. Clek Foonf vs Clek Fllo: Which one will fit in your vehicle?
Photo Courtesy Amazon.com
Neither of these seats is compact and travel-friendly!
In addition to being heavy, Foonf and Fllo are relatively cumbersome seats to install. As a result, those with smaller vehicles often debate whether any of the Clek models would fit their vehicle.
Let's see what's the big catch!
On the one hand, we have Foonf, the master of safety and reinforced design! On the other hand, however, it's taller than Fllo.
This is mostly due to the base design. Fllo has an integrated base with the recline foot, so there are no extra additions.
Fllo can sit 1.5 inches lower in the vehicle due to the smaller design. However, both seats have the same width, so it's possible to install the three across for carpooling!
The Clek Foonf does require the anti-rebound bar in a rear-faced installation in all countries! Its competitor can be installed without one in the USA but not in Canada, where it's mandatory.
Nonetheless, the Clek Fllo allows you to install it in smaller vehicles as it is shorter without the bar.
5. Foonf vs Clek Fllo: Pros & cons
Clek Foonf
Pros:
- It's built with an elevated design, so taller kids have much better comfort. Because the seat is so high, it almost resembles a booster seat, so that it will prepare your kiddo for the next car seat model!
- Thanks to the rigid LATCH connectors and installation, your kiddo can ride in the rear-faced position much longer, preferably until four!
- The roomy design is excellent for following the child's growth!
- Foonf includes three recline positions for both installation modes! Not only does this make the convertible seat more comfortable, but it's also beneficial for younger passengers.
Cons:
- The cup holder is purchased separately
- The seat cover cannot be removed, which is alarming, especially for accidents!
- The price is significantly higher due to extra features.
Clek Fllo
Pros:
- The base and the entire profile of the seat are narrow, making it a fantastic candidate for smaller vehicles!
- The Clek Fllo price is smaller compared to Foonf
- It can be installed without the anti-rebound bar in the USA
- It's not as tall as the Foonf seat
Cons:
- Only one set of angles is available
- Includes a standard LATCH system
- The cover is not removable
- It does not offer a cup holder or an infant insert
FAQs
Is Clek Foonf safer than Fllo?
Both the Clek Foonf and Fllo are incredibly safe convertible car seats. However, there is a slightly different design and function of the crumple zone technology at the base of each seat.
The Foonf car seat offers a removable base that you can use with a child rear-facing installation, while the FLLO includes an integrated flip base for rear-facing installations.
However, the Foonf does install with a rigid LATCH system compared to the Fllo, which offers a standard LATCH attachment. Considering the rigid LATCH system is far safer in forward-facing installation, we can declare Foonf a winner in safety.
What is the difference between Fllo and Foonf?
There are a few differences between both the FLLO and Foonf car seats.
The Foonf car seat offers a rigid LATCH system with UAS connectors built into the base. They allow for straightforward forward-facing installations.
On the other hand, the Fllo car seat includes a standard flexible LATCH installation that can be used to install the car seat in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
However, the biggest difference is in the base of each convertible car seat.
The Foonf car seat includes an angled rear-facing base with a recline mechanism for only that position. On the contrary, the Fllo car seats offer a built-in recline foot with a swivel function that helps you achieve the perfect rear-facing angle.
How long is a Clek Fllo good for?
The Fllo car seats have a life expectancy of 9 years from the date of manufacture. Remember not to use the car seat past its expiration date as its safety is compromised.
You can always check the expiration date for the Clek car seats on a label or the manual.
Does the Clek Fllo recline?
Yes, the Clek Fllo does recline! This is one of the best features the Fllo offers. In addition, the convertible car seat has a recline foot mechanism you can easily adjust in rear-facing and forward-facing modes.
However, there is only one set angle in both installation modes.
Compared to the Clek Foonf convertible car seat, the recline foot on the Fllo allows the seat to be 1.5 inches lower when installed rear-facing.
To adjust the correct angle on the car seat, use the anti-rebound bar and press the car seat cushion to tighten the LATCH connectors.
What age is Clek Foonf for?
The Clek Foonf car seat is suitable for kids between 14-50 pounds. This allows for extended rear-facing rides with the Clek Foonf and Fllo car seats.
The Clek Foonf is a seat designed to keep kiddies riding in a rear-facing position for as long as possible. You can use the Clek Foonf car seat in the rear-facing position until your kiddo's fourth birthday!
Clek Foonf vs Fllo: Which model is more suitable for airplane travel?
The Clek Fllo is significantly lighter than the Foonf model, making it a better candidate for airplane travel. However, the Fllo and Foonf are cumbersome and can take quite some room in the airplane seat.
But, if you plan to take the car seat for off-board travels, then you should still stick to Fllo! Plus, you can get the Clek Weelee travel bag. It protects your car seat from getting damaged while traveling.
When you are checking the car seat as luggage or gate-checking it, the Weelee bag can make the entire transport process much more manageable. Plus, it fits in the overhead bin!
Can you use Clek Foonf without base?
No, you cannot use the Clek Foonf without the base. The car seat's base allows it to reach the proper recline angle in both forward-faced installations and a rear-facing position.
Additionally, the car seat's base is made with energy-absorbing crumple technology. This means that the force is transferred directly into the base and on the car seat whenever there is a crash.
Does Clek Fllo have rigid LATCH?
Yes, the Clek Fllo has a rigid LATCH system with UAS connectors built into the base. This installation system will allow you to fit the car seat in your vehicle quickly and effortlessly in both the rear-facing and forward-faced modes.
Is Clek Fllo easy to install?
The Clek Fllo car seat is relatively easy to install, given that it comes with rigid LATCH connectors built into the base.
However, considering the car seat is heavy and bulky, it might take some time to get a hold of the entire installation process. Additionally, the car seat allows for rear-facing mode installations with the steel anti-rebound bar, while the belt lock-offs are also easy to use.
How do you install a Clek forward facing Fllo?
You can install the Clek Fllo using a vehicle seat belt or the LATCH system.
Using the LATCH, you will need to remove the anti-rebound bar and adjust the recline positions for the forward-facing installation. Next, adjust the crotch strap to a long position, remove the LATCH belt and install the seat cushion.
Thread the LATCH belt through the forward-facing belt path and route the top tether. Proceed with lower anchor connectors installation, tighten the LATCH belt and connect the top tether.
You will do all the steps for the vehicle seat belt installations but store the LATCH belt. With this installation, you need to open the forward-facing lock-off, route the belt, tighten it, and close the belt lock-off.
Clek Foonf vs Fllo: The Final Verdict
These convertible car seats have given me quite the task! Deciding which is better almost seems impossible, especially because they share a remarkable safety program!
However, if I had to choose, my money would be on the Clek Foonf!
Sure, the Fllo is an upgraded and newer model, but there is something about the Foonf that offers me a sound mind! I bet it's those rigid LATCH connectors!
Although the price is higher with the Foonf, the seat does offer a set of features you should not look away from!
Not many convertible car seats give you the option to install them with both LATCH and seat belt, but the Foonf is there to prove everything is possible!
On the other hand, getting the Fllo version will also not disappoint those who wish their car seat to sit lower in the vehicle and want to install a three-across without the LATCH!
