Dec 13, 2004 7:14:44 AM

SoCal Alan
Rennteam Master
SoCal Alan
Loc: Orange County , United States
Posts: 4547, Gallery
Registered on: Mar 6, 2004

Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

The Porsche Zoom child booster seat fits snugly onto the rear seat of my 997. Much better than the booster seat I had in it before. It allows for side adjustment outward of the arm rests (approx 6 inches total), but I don't know if adjustment outward can be done and still fit in the rear seat of the Porsche. Maybe this was done for the benefit of the front seat, which this seat also supports. The vertical back cushion can be adjusted to accomodate different heights so that the shoulder seat belt can properly go over the child's shoulder. The only problem with this seat (and probably any other booster seat for this car) is that the vertical back cushion is exactly that - vertical. And this is because the rear seat cushion of the Porsche is vertical. So if you're child likes to take a nap while you're driving, chances are he/she will end up not being very comfortable. Now, I've toyed with the idea of pulling the lower cushion forwared to allow a slight angle for the rear seat cushion but that looks pretty awkward, in addition to the base of the booster seat not fitting as nicely in the rear seat of the Porsche.

I also ordered the air bag deactivation kit but I'm not sure I'm actually going to get it because everything I've read (including the instructions for the Zoom?) tells me that my child would be safer sitting in the back. So, I'll wait until he outgrows the booster seat before I let him sit in the front.

Is the Porsche seat worth it? I spent over $300 for it, while the Graco Turbobooster that it replaces is about $50. I would say for me, yes, because it is such a nice fit and it looks pretty good back there. And, if I'm going to spend $100K on a car, what's another couple hundred.

Here's a picture of it in action. I adjusted the vertical back cushion up 4-5 inches to make sure the shoulder belt was routed over my child's shoulders...

Dec 13, 2004 7:16:04 AM

SoCal Alan
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SoCal Alan
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Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Picture 2 of 3.

Dec 13, 2004 7:16:56 AM

SoCal Alan
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SoCal Alan
Loc: Orange County , United States
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Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Picture 3 of 3.

Dec 13, 2004 1:25:07 PM

Texas911
Senior
Texas911
Loc: Houston, Texas - USA
Posts: 766, Gallery
Registered on: Aug 21, 2003
Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Looks exactly like the Britax Booster...



But I think the Porsche seat has the transponder to turn off the airbag. That would account for the $200 difference. I'd return it if you don't plan to use it in the front seat.

Dec 13, 2004 2:12:08 PM

colonel
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colonel
Loc: NJ, USA , United States
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Registered on: Aug 29, 2003
Reply to: Texas911

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

I will need to put a child seat in the rear seat as well when my car arrives.

I'm thinking about removing the rear seat back and the bottom cushion to get more room? what do you think?
My only concern is that it will make the car seat less safe without the seat back???

Dec 13, 2004 2:23:11 PM

RC A
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RC
Loc: Germany , Germany
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Registered on: Mar 26, 2002
Reply to: Texas911

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Quote:
Texas911 said:
Looks exactly like the Britax Booster...



But I think the Porsche seat has the transponder to turn off the airbag. That would account for the $200 difference. I'd return it if you don't plan to use it in the front seat.



Porsche child seats DO NOT have transponders, the airbag deactivation works differently. You can use ANY seat, no problem but you need the deactivation kit. It remains a mystery why Porsche doesn't offer the deactivation as a standard option, I was so furious about it because the kit wasn't available when I got my car in July (of course not, because no customer cars around ). I got the very first deactivation kit through the "intervention" of somebody at Porsche directly, otherwise I would have waited another one or two months.
A lot of 911 owners have kids, the airbag deactivation kit should be STANDARD! Do you hear us, Porsche?

I'm actually using the Porsche Junior seat for my 4-year old daughter in the front. She loves to ride in the rear but I avoid using the Zoom (I have it in the Cayenne) because I love to do fast turns and the Porsche Junior seat is much better regarding side grip and overall body grip.
To make it a "safe" ride, I move the front seat as much as possible to the rear and my daughter really loves it to sit in the front next to me. I also raise the seat, so she can watch the surroundings much better.

The Porsche Junior seat is the one in the middle but without the "table" (only needed for Isofix connection and children below a certain weight). Caution: for bigger kids, NO Isofix connection is allowed!!! Read the manual carefully! This seat is approved up to an age of 7 or 25 kg of weight. Highly recommended, especially if you love to do some fast turns with your kid (don't worry, to use "Sledgehammer's" words: I know what I'm doing. ).

Dec 13, 2004 3:26:33 PM

vtrader
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Loc: Los Angeles
Posts: 1041, Gallery
Registered on: Jun 6, 2004
Reply to: RC A

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Quote:
RC said:
...Porsche child seats DO NOT have transponders, the airbag deactivation works differently. You can use ANY seat, no problem but you need the deactivation kit. It remains a mystery why Porsche doesn't offer the deactivation as a standard option, I was so furious about it because the kit wasn't available when I got my car in July (of course not, because no customer cars around ). I got the very first deactivation kit through the "intervention" of somebody at Porsche directly, otherwise I would have waited another one or two months.
A lot of 911 owners have kids, the airbag deactivation kit should be STANDARD! Do you hear us, Porsche?

...


Does the kit also deactivate the passenger side airbags also or just the front passenger airbag?

Dec 13, 2004 4:45:08 PM

SoCal Alan
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Loc: Orange County , United States
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Reply to: Texas911

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Quote:
Texas911 said:
Looks exactly like the Britax Booster...




Could the base be a different size? I don't know. I always thought I was buying a customized seat from Britax.

Dec 13, 2004 4:46:59 PM

SoCal Alan
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SoCal Alan
Loc: Orange County , United States
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Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Maybe the $200 price difference is because of the Porsche logo?

Dec 13, 2004 5:43:11 PM

MKW
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Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Down side of this seat, from my experience, is that because the car's rear seat back is so upright, once the kid falls asleep, he/she is slumped forward due to the slack in inertial seat belt with head against stomach or front seat back - not safe . You could " solve " that be pulling the belt all the way out , setting up the ratchet , but I think that's equally dangerous, as it could progressively tighten to where the kid can't take a deep breath. I found a different small booster seat with built in shoulder harness that worked better when the kid fell asleep.

Dec 13, 2004 7:42:02 PM

bdballa
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bdballa
Loc: Ft. Lauderdale,Florida, USA
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Registered on: Nov 3, 2004
Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

I have the Porsche Junior seat to accomodate two children (one at a time). It works very well for my son who is 4 yrs. old and about 40 lbs. My daughter is 18 months and about 27 lbs. and she needs to use the impact table which looks somewhat uncomfortable. The top of the table comes to the top of her chest and it looks like her arms are almost hanging over it. They are both safe but my daughter doesn't enjoy the ride nearly as much as my son.

Dec 13, 2004 9:51:58 PM

alin2
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Reply to: bdballa

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

RC, Bdballa:

How does the Porsche Junior seat fit in the back?

Thanks!

Dec 13, 2004 10:05:54 PM

SoCal Alan
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SoCal Alan
Loc: Orange County , United States
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Reply to: alin2

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Hi alin2,
did you ever get my email response? I sent this to you some time ago.

Dec 13, 2004 10:07:02 PM

bdballa
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Reply to: alin2

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

alin2

It's a booster and is secured by the vehicles seatbelt. The rear seatbelt in the 997 has a ratchet device built in and once it's extended all the way it ratchets back and stays at the desired position.

Dec 13, 2004 10:24:23 PM

alin2
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Reply to: bdballa

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Alan,

I did get the email. I PMed you back...err...at least I thought I did it correctly. Thanks for the help!

bdballa,

Ah...I meant how does it "fit" in the back interms of room, how far forward do you have to put the front seat, leg room. etc. I'm trying to decide on a seat for my 3 year old that does love to fall asleep in the back...

Dec 14, 2004 1:15:11 AM

SMF997S
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SMF997S
Loc: No. Woodmere, NY, USA
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Reply to: MKW

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

I purchased the Zoom seat from Suncoast Motors, http://e-partssales.com/ Contact Phil at parts@suncoastmotorsports.com . Online pricing was about $179.00. I liked the seat so much , I did purchase the Britax Bodyguard for $129 from local kids store for my second car. Very, very similar in size and features as the zoom seat. I liked the color of Zoom better and what the heck for 50 bucks i got the logo.

i have to disagree with the above mention of not using the retraction function of the seatbelt. If you read the instructions carefully, it is recommended to use this function. It will restrain both the seat and child and prevent lateral tipping in turns. I dont think you have to worry about over retention. The seat design will prevent that from happening.

I will not place my son in the front, the rear is the safest seat in the car.

Dec 14, 2004 2:25:14 AM

rockhead
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Loc: USA, Seacoast NH
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Registered on: Nov 5, 2003
Reply to: SMF997S

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Thanks SoCal Alan for posting the pictures. The seat looks so much safer and looks so much better than my Graco. Thanks again for keepng my daughter safer.

Dec 14, 2004 2:54:34 AM

bdballa
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Loc: Ft. Lauderdale,Florida, USA
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Reply to: alin2

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

alin2

Ooops...sorry for the confusion. The fit is snug. The Junior seat in bulkier than the Zoom but it seems to provide superior support. I remove the back seat bottom for a better fit and to save the leather. The front seat has to be well forward to allow for sufficient room for my son. No room for a front seat passenger really. When the kids aren't with me I remove the seat so the front seat passenger can move their seat as they wish. The first picture is front seat comfortable for passenger the second is front seat fully forward. Hope this helps.

Dec 14, 2004 2:55:15 AM

bdballa
Newbie
bdballa
Loc: Ft. Lauderdale,Florida, USA
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Reply to: bdballa

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

2

Dec 14, 2004 3:50:51 AM

SoCal Alan
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Loc: Orange County , United States
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Registered on: Mar 6, 2004
Reply to: rockhead

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Quote:
rockhead said:
Thanks SoCal Alan for posting the pictures. The seat looks so much safer and looks so much better than my Graco. Thanks again for keepng my daughter safer.



No problem. I'm glad to help. I get so much use out of this forum that I feel obligated to give back when I can.

Dec 14, 2004 2:05:58 PM

alin2
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Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Alan, Bdballa:

I echo rockheads comments...thanks for all your insight!

Dec 14, 2004 2:09:35 PM

alin2
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Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Bdballa:

Sorry... a couple of questions. Looking at the pictures and from the description from your posts, I assume that the vehicle seatbelt is what secures the child in the Junior seat? So your don't have to use that enormous and uncomfortable "tray" thing in the official Porsche pictures?

Dec 14, 2004 4:55:17 PM

bdballa
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bdballa
Loc: Ft. Lauderdale,Florida, USA
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Reply to: alin2

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

The seat secures using the rear seat belt. The pictures show the setup for my older child. The impact table must be used with my younger child and also secures using the rear seat belt. There's a guide for the belt on the impact table...it's very secure but not so comfortable for the child.

Dec 14, 2004 8:49:06 PM

brente2
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Reply to: bdballa

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments


I purchased the Britax Starriser Comfy and it fits well in the back seat. The width of the base is adjustable, so you adjust it to fit (pretty much the narrowest setting is needed).

I had looked at the Britax Bodyguard (which also has an adjustable seat), but the base of the bodyguard doesn't detach, so you cxan only use it as a full booster.

Dec 15, 2004 12:52:45 AM

Zeke
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Zeke
Loc: Texas, USA
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Reply to: MKW

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

I bought the Britax Starriser for $80.00 in Dallas at
The Right Start. It is on the web. Fit is excellent. I was quoted $500 by the dealer for the airbag deactivation for front seat usage. You can also remove the back rest and use only the booster.

Dec 16, 2004 3:37:25 AM

Bitko
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Bitko
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Reply to: Zeke

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

I am sure Porsche doesn't make booster seats, they are most likely custom made for Porsche by Britax or Recaro.

Dec 16, 2004 4:39:49 PM

brente2
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Reply to: Bitko

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Quote:
997C2S said:
I am sure Porsche doesn't make booster seats, they are most likely custom made for Porsche by Britax or Recaro.



Britax makes their seats

Dec 21, 2004 3:17:30 AM

SoCal Alan
Rennteam Master
SoCal Alan
Loc: Orange County , United States
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Registered on: Mar 6, 2004
Reply to: brente2

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Couple of other points I'd like to add since I took the wife and kid for a weekend drive down the coast. Since the rear seat cushion is near vertical, anytime we were on a decline, my son was leaning significantly forward, along with the seat back cushion. I thought that looked pretty uncomfortable for him.

On the other hand, my wife commented on how much more leg room she has on the passenger seat front because it seems like the Zoom was a better fit than the Graco TurboBooster it replaced. My 4-year old had room for his legs and my wife (who is 5'2") had plenty of leg room. She commented on how it did not feel as claustrophobic with the new seat in the back.

Dec 29, 2004 7:41:48 PM

ssp
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Reply to: SoCal Alan

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

I think you can remove the backrest of the Porsche-Britax booster seat and only use the bottom part. The bottom part is really what is needed for safety if the child is old or big enough. This gives the child a little more room and not be so propped-up especially if he falls asleep. The drawback is that if you do this you will not have the sleeve to hold the shoulder part of the seat belt, and it ends up in their neck too much. You can try this set up when the child is older or bigger than my 5 year old. I have the deactivation bar in my 996 and he loves to be in the front with me. In the back he is too upright and complains of getting dizzy. Without the backrest part its a little more comfortable except for the seatbelt in his neck. My 2 cents

Dec 29, 2004 8:16:16 PM

SoCal Alan
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SoCal Alan
Loc: Orange County , United States
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Reply to: ssp

Re: Porsche Zoom Child Booster Seat Pictures / Comments

Thanks, I'm going to start removing the back cushion on the booster seats as he will turning 4 this saturday. Here's a good link for a chart on when to do what:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/
 
 
 
 
 
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