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Evenflo Spectrum Review

Evenflo Spectrum
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Overall Score
Ease of Install - Latch
Ease of Install - Belt
Ease of Use
Comfort & Quality
Weight & Size

Bottom Line

Evenflo Spectrum is a super comfortable and safe booster for your child. It’s a spacious and easy to use a booster seat with a removable back. This allows you to shift from back to backless booster modes. Most importantly, its price is affordable for many families.

What We Like

  • Advanced safety via Lyf guard technology
  •  Super comfortable head-wings
  • Removable back
  • Machine-washable parts
  • Friendly price

What We Don't Like

  • It’s fairly bulky
  • There are no lower anchors

It’s tough to find a perfect booster because many that are available on the market rarely deliver to what they promise. However, if you know exactly what booster specs you should consider, then finding a perfect one for your car is not a big deal.

We have reviewed several car seats, and here we present the Evenflo Spectrum review for your consideration.

Overview of the Evenflo Spectrum 

The most outstanding feature of this booster is its advanced safety technology. The Spectrum is equipped with Lyf+Guard that lowers the injury risk during accidents. Its armrests are ergonomic and stylish for comfort. Also, the Spectrum’s removable back and adjustable headrest ensures that it fits your son or daughter as they grow up.

Do you need to shift your booster from high back to backless mode? Evenflo will enable you to do that very easily.

Its removable backrest enables you to use it as a back booster or as a backless booster. And if you have several cars but you don’t want to buy as many car seats, you’ll love the Evenflo booster. Its ease of installation enables you to easily transfer the booster from one of your cars to another.

Does your kid have a more than average bum? Are you looking for a booster that can accommodate slightly wider bums? Listen to this: Evenflo booster is spacious enough to accommodate wider bums!

With the Spectrum you don’t have to worry about your kid taking a nap during long drives. Its comfortable head-wings offer sufficient protection against slumping.

Most kids love snacks while on the move. Unique cup holders and snack trays are the most favorite features of the Spectrum for kids. But the design for the cup holders is not very conventional. Instead of the standard round shape, the cup holders are rectangular, and some kids may not like this! But they’re just fine.

The snack and cup holders are located on either side of the Spectrum. They are well-designed to keep your kid’s snacks and drinks in a good position. In addition, they can be stowed away when not in use. Kids can easily pull them out in case they need to use or push them back if they don’t need to use them.

See also: Best Booster Car Seats

Things to Consider Before Buying an Evenflo Spectrum

The Spectrum is undoubtedly designed to ensure the safety and comfort of your kid. But there are several things you should consider before buying this booster.

It’s essential to understand the booster specification in relation to your kid. Take time to look at the product review of the booster before buying it. If you don’t get the specs accurately, you may not give your children the comfort they deserve.

What to consider:

  • Age
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Ease of installation
  • Mode of use (rear-facing and front-facing)
  • The flexibility of the booster (adjustments)
  • Ease of washing
  • Safety and comfort

Who should use the Spectrum? It is the best fit for children who:

  • Are at least four years old
  • Have a height range of 44-57 inches
  • Weigh in the range of 40-110 pounds

If your son or daughter is younger than four years old, you may consider Evenflo LiteMax.

The Evenflo Spectrum is easy to install, but you cannot use it in the rear-facing mode. Nevertheless, it’s very simple to adjust the height and headrest. As for cleaning, the parts are machine-washable, so you don’t have to stress yourself.

Key Features of the Evenflo Spectrum

Installation and Setup Process

Evenflo Spectrum comes with an installation manual with perfect, self-explanatory installation instructions. The manual also has diagrammatic illustrations to make your work easier.

Do you hate reading installation instructions in product manuals? No worries. With Evenflo, you can quickly schedule a live video installation appointment with the company’s expert customer service staff. They will take you through the process step by step.

This car seat is also easy to move from one vehicle to another. However, it does not have the option of a latch connection. This means that you should always ensure that the booster is secured on the vehicle even if it’s unoccupied. Otherwise, it can come tumbling down while you’re driving, and it may injure occupants in the car in case of a bumpy ride.

Moreover, if you’re looking for a booster that can be used in rear-facing mode, the Spectrum is not your choice.

You can install Evenflo Spectrum either as a back booster or a backless booster. It’s a great booster with up to 8 height adjustments to ensure that it fits your children as they grow.

How do you determine whether to use the Spectrum in high back mode or backless mode? It depends on the age/height of your kid. The high back mode will best fit most 4-7-year-olds, while the backless way is best for most 8-10-year-olds. In either mode, ensure the best belt fit for the safety of your kid.

Here is how to easily set it up the Spectrum seat:

Setting up a high back booster

To achieve the best high back booster connection:

  • Position it on the vehicle seat (it would be a good idea to put a towel behind and under the booster to protect your car’s upholstery).
  • Place your young one in the booster seat (the kid should sit in such a way that the bottom and back are flat on the seat).
  •  If necessary, adjust the headrest (the shoulder belt should cross midway between the neck of the kid and the shoulder).
  • Fasten the kid in the booster seat to the vehicle using the seat belt. To do this, stretch the lap belt low, snug it across the hips and fasten it into the buckle. Make sure the shoulder belt threads through the shoulder belt guide correctly.
Adjusting the headrest

Once you have set up the seat, it’s essential to adjust the headrest to suit the height of your kid. To do this:

Simply hold and pull the adjustment handle sliding it either up or down as is appropriate.

Once the bottom of the shoulder belt guide is at the same level as the top of your kid’s shoulders, you have correctly positioned the headrest.

Setting up a backless booster

To achieve the best backless booster seat position;

  • First, lay the booster on its front.
  • Then pull the lever and then separate the backrest from the base.
  • Set the booster on the vehicle seat and place the kid in it.
  • Using the seat belt, secure the booster by stretching the shoulder and lap belts across your kid.
  • The lap belt must thread through the lap belt guide; since the backrest is removed, the belt guide is not needed in this mode.
  • Fasten the buckle to secure the kid in the booster to the vehicle seat.
  • Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses midway between the kid’s neck and shoulder.
  • Use a belt clip, if necessary, to adjust the shoulder belt for the best belt fit.

Whether you’re using it with backrest or in backless mode, you should keenly note the safety of the shoulder belt fit. It should never cross your kid’s neck; neither should it ever fall off the shoulder. The belt must just fit perfectly well.

Age range

Have you made up your mind to purchase an Evenflo Spectrum? Great choice, but wait a minute. How old is your child? The Evenflo Spectrum is not designed to fit children of all ages.

Recommended kids for this seat are those who are four years old and above. It can comfortably serve them until they are at least ten years old.

Therefore, if your kid is less than four years, you may have a look for alternative seats for babies and toddlers.

Design Features

Evenflo offers great boosters for the absolute comfort and safety of your child. It is designed to fit all children from the age of 4 years old. Most importantly, the booster seat is spacious enough to accommodate bigger children. This is a plus because some boosters are too narrow for bigger kids.

The most important design specifications for Evenflo Spectrum include the following:

  • Adjustable headrest – to enable it to fit children of different heights.
  • Cozy head wings – to protect your kid against slumping during nap times.
  • Eight adjustment positions for height – to fit children until they are old enough to use regular car seats.
  • Stylish and ergonomic armrests – to provide extra comfort for the children.
  • Lyf+Guard Advanced Compression Technology – is made of multi-layered energy-absorbing materials to provide maximum safety in case of a crash.
  • Machine washable –  seat canopies and pads are machine washable, making cleaning very easy.
  • Removable backrest –  makes the seat usable when children are old enough to use the backless mode.
  • Range of colors – great to meet different children’s color tastes and preferences.
  • Snack/Sip pack – located on either side to ensure your kid has enough space for snacks.
  • The snack/sip pack is removable – makes it easy to stow away when it is not in use.
  •  Expiry period of 6 years – guarantees your service until your kid is at least ten years old; enough to use the ordinary car seats.

Cleaning

Cleaning Spectrum seats is as easy as it can be! Why? Their canopies and pads are machines washable. As for the plastic parts of the seats, you may wipe them clean using a little soap with water. A soft piece of cloth is good enough to dry the surfaces.

Please note:  You must never use solvents or abrasive cleaners to wash the plastic parts. Abrasive cleaners and solvents will damage the parts leaving your booster seat looking ugly.

If it’s time to clean your seat:

  • Remove the seat pads from the base and backrest. Elastic straps hold the pads, so you need to disconnect them.
  • For the base pads, you have to disconnect the retainer clips as well.
  • Wash the seat pads separately in the machine
  • Use cold water with a delicate cycle.
  • Tumble dry for about 10-15 minutes but on low heat.
  • Wipe the harness clean using a little soap and water; allow it to air-dry.
  • Regularly inspect and clean-up the lap belt guide and the crotch buckle to ensure there are no food crumbs, liquids, or any other debris. This will ensure correct latching.

How to clean the buckle:

  • Take some warm water in a cup
  • Put the buckle in and toss gently
  • While the buckle is still in the water, press the red button severally
CAUTION!

To avoid damaging the buckle;

  • Ensure the harness strap is not submerged
  • Never use detergents or soap to clean the buckle
  • Never use a lubricant on the buckle

See more: How to Clean Baby’s Car Seat

Safety

Have you had issues with the comfort and safety of your kids in the car? Does your kid slump while dozing in your vehicle, and you’re concerned about his safety? If yes, Evenflo Spectrum is designed for you.

At the heart of Evenflo Spectrum is the innovative technology that guarantees extra safety for your child. This advanced compression technology is known as Lyf +Guard.

Lyf Guard consists of strata of materials that can absorb energy and firm up. Upon impact in case of a crash, these materials quickly compress, thereby reducing the risk of injury to your child.

 

Also, the head wings are carefully designed to protect your child from slumping during naps. This allows you to concentrate on your driving as the kid comfortably sleeps.

The Spectrum’s structural integrity test is done at about 2X Federal’s crash test standard. Evenflo boosters meet or exceed FMVSS 213, and FMVSS 302 standards. Likewise, in Canada, the seat meets or exceeds the CMVSS 302, and CMVSS 213 test standards.

Evenflo booster seats also meet the required product integrity for temperature testing at both low and high temperatures.

For the Evenflo car seats to serve your child well, always use them correctly as prescribed by the manufacturer.

The following safety tips may be very helpful:

  • Always read through the user manual before installing the booster.
  • Adhere to product specifications and follow instructions in the product user manual.
  • Don’t use Evenflo booster in the front seat of your car if it has an active airbag.
  • Never set the booster in a rear-facing position.
  • Your child’s ears should never be above the back of the spectrum seat.
  • If the belts in your car are mounted on the door, don’t use the Spectrum.
  • Always belt your Evenflo booster securely to your vehicle.
  • Each belt bust is completely routed to its belt guide.
  • Never store hard containers like cans or bottles in the cup holders.
  •  If cups contain hot liquids, do not place them in the cup holders.

Spectrum Booster Price

Although this booster comes with advanced safety technology and super comfort, its pricing is incredibly low. This makes it the best choice for many families. Whether you are buying the Spectrum directly from the manufacturer, Amazon, or any other dealer, you’re assured of friendly prices.

Depending on where you buy your Spectrum seat, you can get it in the range of $45- $70. Considering the advanced safety technology and its comfort, the price is a worthwhile investment for all families.

Specs

Child Specs

  • Weight range (high back): 40-110 pounds.
  • Weight range (backless): 40-110 pounds.
  • Height range (high back): 44-57 inches.
  • Age range: at least four years old.

Product Specs

  • Name: Spectrum
  • Brand: Evenflo
  • Color: Various
  • Expiry: 6 years
  • Warranty: Limited (90 days)
  • Weight (backless): 6 lbs.
  • Weight (high back): 12 lbs.
  • Base width: 16 inches.
  • Overall height: 35 inches.
  • Width adjustment: No
  • Latch connections: No
  • Low back shoulder belt guide/clip: Yes
  • Cup/snack holder: Yes

Packaging Specs

  • Width: 20.5 inches
  •  Weight: 13.6 pounds.
  • Depth: 13 inches.
  • Height: 25.13 inches.

Competition: Outstanding for Advanced Safety and Friendly Price

There are numerous booster seats on the market. However, not all of them are equal in terms of safety, comfort, and price. It’s wise to make a little comparison before falling for the many sales offers. Here is a quick review of how Evenflo compares with similar booster seats.

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

It offers several recline modes. However, if you are looking for one which provides a backless mode, then, Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 may not be an excellent choice. Although it comes with a cup holder on either side, Chicco KidFit does not have snack trays.

It’s also quite heavy. This means that it’s burdensome to move around with it. Ironically, it is relatively narrow. This makes it a little unfriendly to bigger kids who may not fit in comfortably.

Compared to the Evenflo Spectrum, Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 is too expensive for many families. Its retail price range is $190-$210.

Britax Frontier ClickTight Booster Seat

This is a great choice to consider. It suits kids from as young as two years old. However, it’s also very heavy, making transfers between cars quite hectic. Its installation is also a complicated affair with the installation manual offering scanty explanations. Instead, the manual will refer you to the manufacturer’s website.

Adjustment of the headrest is sometimes a little hard once it’s installed.

In terms of pricing, it’s super expensive compared to the Frontier ClickTight and Evenflo Spectrum. If you must buy it, then you should be willing to part with anything in the range of $230-$250.

Evenflo Maestro Booster Car Seat

This alternative offers the stiffest competition to the Evenflo Spectrum. Graco TurboBooster review shows that it can also be used in the high back mode as well as in backless mode. It’s suitable for kids with weight ranging from 30-100 pounds in high back booster mode.

The high back booster mode height range is 38-57 inches. In the backless booster mode, the weight range is 40-100 pounds, while the height is 40-57 inches. It also has cup holders on both sides as well, but it also lacks snack trays just like the Frontier ClickTight.

When it comes to portability, the Evenflo Maestro is very convenient to carry along.

Its price is reasonably on the lower end. It ranges from $25-60 depending on whether it’s a high back booster or a backless version. Evenflo Maestro is an excellent choice for many families.

However, Evenflo Spectrum beats it in terms of safety and comfort. The LYF guard technology is unique to Evenflo Spectrum.

The Verdict: Evenflo Spectrum Review

Every booster you purchase should be able to offer excellent comfort and absolute safety to your child. As a parent, you should never compromise on these two principal goals while purchasing a booster for your kid.

That said, you can only buy what you can afford. If you can get one that offers both super comfort and extra safety at a reasonable price, you should grab it.

We have conducted several reviews for similar products on the market. Our verdict is that Evenflo Spectrum is an excellent choice if your kid meets its product specifications outlined above. It guarantees your child great comfort and maximum security enabled by its LYF guard technology.

The Evenflo Spectrum booster seat is also super easy to clean and convenient enough to carry from one vehicle to another.

We highly recommend that you try it.

See also: Best Car Seat Buying Guide

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