Customer Reviews

The First Years Compass Ultra Folding Booster Car Seat - Cappuccino

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I drive a van that has bucket seats with headrests that are not removable and do not raise up very high. So, it was very important to me that I get a booster with a headrest that could accomodate them, without pulling away from seats. Initially, I purchased a b505, but found that after I raised the headrests a few notches, my problem returned. I knew I wanted to replace it with a newer compass seat. The big question was whether I should go with the Compass b510 or the b530.

I experienced a lot of confusion regarding the differences between the Compass b510 and the b530. There is almost no information available, except for on car safety message boards. And, what I did find wasn't neccessarily correct. My gut told me that the b530 was the seat for me, but every site I visited said to go with the b510 - because the headrest is deeper. One site even said that the b530 is basically just the b505 with more modern fabric. I even consulted a representative here at elitecarseats.com, who had trouble answering my questions!

So, I ordered a b530, held onto my b505 and borrowed a b510 from a friend. When the b530 arrived, I lined them up next to each other and compared them. I have seen the three of them right next to each other- and I'm pretty sure I can answer all of the questions regarding the b530 that anyone might have. So, here goes:

Does the compass b530 have the new and improved belt path? YES!

Does the Compass b530 have the new and improved headrest that curves forward to accomodate vehicle headrests? YES!

Which is deeper, the headrest on the b530 or the b510? The headrest on the b510 is deeper, it's true. The newer b530 has a slightly more shallow headrest. However, it is still a very deep and safe eps foam-lined headrest. The difference appeared to be 3/4 of an inch at best. It is a HUGE improvement on the b505 (it is also a much longer headrest, height-wise) and is significantly nicer/deeper the vast majority of booster seats available on the market!

The Compass b530 is an amazingly nice seat. The fabric is high-quality and the seat is as comfortable as a booster can be. It can accomodate larger children, but still manages to cradle average-sized kids as well.

I am very pleased with this seat and so is my son. My only complaint is the lack of information available about the specific seat. I was really afraid of the b530 after reading that the headrest was not as deep, but am completely satisfied with the seat in real life. I wish I'd bought it sooner.

Finally, something that curves to fit those horrendous forward-protruding (non-removable) headrests of my XC90. It wasn't an issue with any of the LATCH-attatched seats, bc I could jam them down, but once I had to go to the car's belts in a booster I couldn't find anything to fit. The Graco Turbo Booster pushed forward and my son complained it wasn't comfy. It pushed his head fwd and he just looked like he was sitting too upright. I didn't want to go to a backless booster yet, as he falls asleep in it frequently, so I thought I was out of luck or selling my car.

My son says the Compass seat is more comfy, and the belt path really holds the belt nicely. The armrest rotates up so it's out of the way, making it easy for him to buckle up. He seems to be resting at a good incline. I'm just so happy it fits the seat, so I could keep him in a high-backed booster for another year or two. And the quality, construction, and fabric are top-notch. Very happy with the seat.

This is an excellent booster seat. We took it on a recent trip to Orlando and I put it in my large suitcase. Fit perfectly and withstood the trip well. My granddaughter loved the cup holders and it appeared to be very comfortable for her. It is very well constructed and I would recommend it. I don't think I will purchase the case because it fit so well in my large rolling suitcase.

this booster is very light weight, easy to fold and carry. my son says it's comfortable and loves using the arm rests. i love that they fold out of the way for buckling in. he is still too little to do it himself and i know others with arm rests are a pain. even though it feels very light, it still feels very sturdy and safe. i'm very happy with our purchase.

First the pros:
1. Nice looking seat
2. Pretty easy to keep clean
3. Adjustments are easy and it fits well in a small SUV (I have an Escape)
4. Does a basic job
5. Folds up if you're someone who will move it around a lot.

Cons:
1. Incredibly lightweight to the point of wondering how much protection it offers.
2. Does not give any more protection than your car. This seat uses a basic, cross over seatbelt from your car with no additional restraint or way to secure the seat into your car.
3. Cup holders. Right. They should have just skipped them altogether with how tiny these are. There is one on each side, but they aren't even big enough to hold a standard size water bottle, kid's travel cup or juice box. Who decided this was a good/useful size? Obviously someone without kids...
4. Expensive for how much you don't get. A lot of boosters go for about half what this one costs. Next time, I'll ignore all the good reviews until I can see one up-close. No more ordering without trying on something like this for me. 8(

I bought thsi product for my son who's 42" tall and weighs 39lbs. He was extremely uncomfortable in his 5 point booster and so after going through all the reviews on amazon, I setteled for this one and I have absolutely no regrets...It's just great, very sturdy, folds easily for compact storage, has very good cushioning and more than anything makes my child extremely comfortable...He earlier hated the idea of travelling but enjoys it now...I dont even have to worry when he's sleeping...I had bought a cosco Big kid booster before only to return it in a week, as it was not at all comfortable and used to shake while moving! I'm happy with my purchase. No wonder it' one fo the best selling booster seats on amazonI highly recommend it.

I am very happy with this product. I feel that my 4 year old is very safe when traveling. It is well cushioned and keeps him comfortable. He is 42" tall and 42 lbs and has plenty of room to grow. I highly recommend it.

I bought this seat for my granddaughter,and I really liked the side protection that other seats do not have. Also, it's very easy to put her in it. I also liked it because it can be folded to make it compact when not in use.

I am very happy with the First Years Compass Ultimate Folding Adjustable Booster. I was primarily concerned with safety when I was looking for a booster. I found the adjustability good for properly fitting the seat belt. I initially thought there would be latch attachment, but there was not. I soon realized that the proper fitting seat belt is the security I get in my seat belt. The only difference is that the booster has side head rest. I also like the two cup holders and the arm rests that move up and down.

When my husband bought me a BMW 328i, our Graco car seat woudlnt' fit in the seats b/c they were bucket seats. It sat lopsided and you couldnt' get to the seatbelt clip. BMW had stopped making matching Booster Seats so it took us awhile but we found this seat. IT WORKS GREAT! We have had it fo 2 years and it is in great condition. Has held up very well to my son's roudyness and abuse. Cleans easily as well.