Clek Fllo Clek Foonf
The Clek Fllo 2015 has Arrived!
As promised, the new Clek Fllo 2015 has finally arrived as an additional option for those looking to buy a convertible car seat for their child. It is NOT a replacement for the Clek Foonf 2014, but will be sold alongside it for the foreseeable future. Although the basic safety features on the Clek Fllo 2015 are almost identical to the Clek Foonf 2014, there are some notable differences between the 2 seats that parents ought to be aware of prior to making a purchasing decision between the two. Depending upon which fabric option you choose there is a slight price difference between the Fllo and the Foonf (Fllo more expensive), but not enough to make price the determining factor for most people.
Note: There is now a 2015 version of the Clek Foonf – read about it here.
The only difference between the 2015 model of the Clek Foonf and the 2014 model is that it has an extra lower harness slot at 8 inches to make it easier to get a good fit when using the Clek Infant-Thingy Insert with a newborn. The 2014 version of the Foonf can still be safely used with the Infant-Thingy Insert, but if you can afford the extra $50 or so and want total peace of mind, then I recommend the 2015 version.
One very important thing to bear in mind before choosing either the Fllo or the Foonf is that, unlike most convertible car seats, they are NOT rated as suitable for newborn babies. The minimum recommended weight limit for both seats is 14 lbs (provided they are able to sit upright unassisted) and so, if you are looking for a seat for your newborn baby, you should consider an infant seat or a “newborn-friendly” convertible car seat instead.
Note: Clek have now manufactured the “Infant-Thingy Insert” that can be used to make the Foonf and Fllo seats suitable for use from 5 lbs! You can find the Clek Inserts here.
Note: This Clek Fllo 2015 vs Clek Foonf 2014 comparison review relates to the US versions of these seats. The Canadian versions have different limits and restrictions due to differing local car seat safety laws.
So, what are the main similarities and differences between the US versions of the Fllo and Foonf seats?
The NEW Clek Foonf and Clek Fllo Seats – 2017 Update
The Clek Foonf and Clek Fllo have been re-styled and updated for 2017.
READ MY COMPARISON REVIEW OF THE 2017 VERSIONS OF THE FOONF & FLLO SEATS.
Clek Fllo 2015 vs Clek Foonf 2014 – The Main Similarities
#1 Child Weight and Height Limits
The Rear-Facing weight limits are exactly the same for both seats at 14 to 50 lbs.
Note: Clek have now manufactured the “Infant-Thingy Insert” that can be used to make the Foonf and Fllo seats suitable for use from 5 lbs! You can find the Clek Inserts here.
The Forwards-Facing weight limits are very slightly different:
- Fllo FF – 22 to 65 lbs
- Foonf – 20 to 65 lbs
Note: Although these seats are rated as suitable for forwards-facing use from 20 lbs (if child at least 1 year old), the American Academy of Pediatrics (and Clek) strongly recommends that children should remain rear-facing for at least 2 years and preferably longer. So, do NOT rush to switch your child to forwards-facing mode once they reach 20 lbs. Instead, try to keep them rear-facing for as long as they remain within the height / weight limits for that mode of use. So, the 2 lbs difference between the FF weight limits ought to make absolutely no difference since your child should still be RF beyond 22 lbs anyway. Also, do NOT use the tether when rear-facing (forwards-facing only – see manual for details).
The Rear-Facing and Forwards-Facing height limits are exactly the same for both seats:
- Rear-Facing – 25 to 43 inches
- Forwards-Facing – 30 to 49 inches
These extended limits make these Clek seats 2 of the longest rear-facing convertible car seats on the US market today. Rear-Facing is significantly safer that Forwards-Facing and any seat that promotes longer Rear-Facing gets a big thumbs up from me!
#2 Seat Width
The Clek Fllo 2015 and Foonf 2014 are 2 of the most narrow convertible car seats on the US market today.
This makes them perfect options to consider for those parents that need to fit 3 car seats side-by-side in a standard sized family vehicle.
They are both 16.5 inches wide at the widest point and just 13 inches wide at the base.
#3 Rear-Facing Installation Methods & Limits
Both seats can be installed using the adult seat belt until your child weighs more than 50 lbs.
You can find some very helpful Rear-Facing Installation Videos for the Fllo and Clek seats here.
Note that the Foonf comes with a Rigid LATCH installation system in the forwards-facing mode, whereas the Fllo comes with standard Soft LATCH.
Due to the difference in seat weight, the Fllo and Foonf have different guidelines in relation to when you can install using LATCH and when you must use the adult seat belt instead (See below).
#4 Advanced Side Impact Protection
Both seats come fitted with advanced side impact protection systems.
This comprises an energy-absorbing foam-lined headrest that is attached to the main seat frame using steel rods to better protect the child’s head area in the event of a side-impact collision. There are also foam layers on the inside and outside of the metal seat frame to absorb energy and prevent those impact forces from reaching your child’s body.
There is a slight difference in the overall energy-absorbing crumple systems used by the Fllo and the Foonf when installed in the forwards-facing mode (explained below). The Foonf is fitted with “REACT” and the Fllo is fitted with “EACT” – the only practical difference being that the Foonf comes with a rigid-LATCH installation system and the Fllo does not. This explains why the Foonf gets an extra “R” at the front of the abbreviation since it stands for “Rigid LATCH”.
Aside from the “Rigid-LATCH” difference, both have the same Energy Absorbing Crumple Technology. This EACT/REACT system comprises a series of events which occur during a collision to control the transfer of forces to your child by causing any abrupt change in momentum (i.e. the crash) to occur over a longer period of time.
#5 Metal Subframe & Anti-rebound Bar
Both seats come fitted with a steel and magnesium sub-structure and a steel anti-rebound bar to provide added seat strength, stability and reassurance.
#6 Some Other Similarities
Here is a list of some other notable similarities between the Fllo and Foonf that don’t require any more detailed explanation as they very much speak for themselves:
- Built-in Lock-offs
- Adjustable headrest
- Crypton Superfabrics (waterproof, wipe clean, anti-bacteria)
- Height adjustable crotch belt (2 positions)
- Side Impact Tested
- NCAP Tested
- Certified for use of aircraft
- 9 year seat expiration
Clek Fllo 2015 vs Clek Foonf 2014 – The Main Differences
#1 Rear-Facing LATCH Weight Limit
As mentioned above, although both seats have an excellent rear-facing weight limit of 50 lbs when installed using the adult seat belt, they have different weight limits when installed using the LATCH system.
The difference is due to the fact that the Fllo seat is significantly lighter than the Foonf (28 lbs vs 38 lbs).
The Fllo can be installed using the LATCH system up to a child weight of 35 lbs, whereas the Foonf can only be installed using the LATCH system up to a child weight of 25 lbs.
Note: Once these limits are exceeded, you MUST re-install the seats using the adult seat belt.
#2 Forwards-Facing Minimum Weight
The forwards-facing minimum weight limit on the Fllo is 22 lbs.
The forwards-facing minimum weight limit on the Foonf is 20 lbs.
As I have already mentioned, this should not make any real difference to the way in which these seats are used because your child should remain rear-facing way beyond the 22 lbs stage.
#3 Forwards-Facing Installation Methods & Limits
The Fllo comes fitted with normal US Soft LATCH, which can be used until your child’s weight exceeds 40 lbs. After that stage, the seat must be re-installed using the adult seat belt until your child’s weight exceeds the overall 65 lbs limit.
The Foonf comes fitted with European-style Rigid LATCH, which can be used until your child’s weight exceeds 35 lbs. After that stage, you can either use both LATCH and seat belt or just seat belt until your child’s weight exceeds the overall 65 lbs limit.
#4 Seat Dimensions/Weight
Not only does the Foonf weigh 10 lbs more than the Fllo, but it also has larger dimensions.
Whilst, the weight difference probably won’t make much difference to your day-to-day use of the seat due to the fact that convertible seats are not designed to be carried around with your child seated within them, the smaller dimensions of the Fllo might make a very big difference to those with smaller vehicles or those who need to have the front seats pushed back because they have long legs.
#5 Exceptionally Narrow Seat Width
Alongside the Diono Radian RXT, the Fllo and Foonf are 2 of the slimmest convertible car seats on the US market.
They are just 16.9 inches at the widest point, which makes life a lot easier for those parents that need to fit 3 child car seats in a row.
By comparison, for example, the Britax Clicktight Convertible car seats are either 18.5 or 20.5 inches wide.
#6 Some Other Differences
Here is a list of some other notable differences between the Fllo and Foonf that don’t require any more detailed explanation as they very much speak for themselves:
- The Foonf has a detachable rear-facing base
- The Fllo has an integrated rear-facing recline foot
User Review Videos
Clek Fllo 2015 Video:
Clek Foonf 2014 Video:
Different Fabric Color Options
READ ABOUT THE NEWER FOONF AND FLLO SEATS HERE.
Where to Buy the Clek Fllo and Clek Foonf Seats
Check the latest price of the Clek Fllo 2015.
Note: The Foonf 2004 has now been discontinued and replaced by a new 2017 version.
Check the latest price of the Clek Foonf 2017.
If you remain undecided, you can read more user reviews of these seats here:
Clek Convertible Seats in Canada
Find Clek Convertible Seats in Canada here.
Safety Information
After purchasing any child car seat, you should always read the User Manual thoroughly before using it. It is also advisable to visit your local Fire Department or NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Centre to ensure that the seat is definitely suitable for your child’s specific requirements and that you have installed it correctly. These services are usually provided free of charge.
You can find your nearest NHTSA Centre here.
Get in Touch
If you have any comments to share or questions to ask about my Clek Fllo 2015 vs Clek Foonf 2014 comparison review, please leave a comment in the box below or send me an email.
I really like both of these seats, and now with the new infant-thingy insert by Clek they can be used for babies as small as 5lbs.