Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 Review

The Peg Perego Company started in 1949 with the creation of a baby carriage by founder Giuseppe Perego. The 60s saw the growth of the company through a variety of strollers and the creation of an adjustable high chair. The 70s brought the invention of an umbrella stroller and ride-on toys for children with the first 6-volt products and the sealed gel-cell battery. The 80s saw the rise of the Pilko strollers and the 12-volt two-cell battery that is still the industry standard. Peg Perego is responsible for the entire development process from concept to shipping and everything in between. They strive to develop innovative products that make life easier with a sophisticated style. They also make car seats across all categories from top-ranking infant car seat, convertible car seats, and booster.

Performance Comparison

Crash Test

The Flex has an odd mix of the best results for the chest clip and one of the worst results for the head (HIC) sensor. This HIC result hurt its overall score, leaving it average overall. All of the boosters in this review meet or exceed the Federal minimum guidelines for safety and are, therefore, considered safe.

The Flex has the best chest (g) sensor data in the review with a 39. The maximum chest clip score the NHTSA regulations allow is 60, and anything lower is better. This graph only shows the Flex results as a comparison with the best isn't possible since it is the best.

The Flex score for the head sensor (HIC) is 757, where the maximum allowed is 1000 (lower results are better). While this value is less than 1000 and therefore considered safe, it is one of the highest results in the group. The top result for the group is a score of 390, almost half that of the Flex. These results indicate a basic level of protection compared to the average for the group despite the impressive chest results.

Ease of Use

The Flex is easier to use than some of the competition. This booster connects to the car using a rigid LATCH system that is easy to use and secures the booster, so it isn't floating loose when not in use.

The seatbelt retainers are simple and easy. Our little testers felt it was the easiest one to use by themselves, both for securing the shoulder belt (above left) and for buckling the belt (above right).

Adjusting the height of the headrest/retainer is also one of the easiest (above left), and the width is also somewhat adjustable for fit or comfort with a turnable knob on the back (above right).

The Flex has a flip-out cup holder (above left) that is sort of flimsy and not as useful in real life as it sounds on paper. A recline feature also adjusts from the front (above right). This feature is super easy to use and increases comfort for better napping possibilities.

Weight and Size

The Flex is somewhat light and narrow compared to some of the competition. This booster weighs 14.5 lbs, which is almost average for the group. The width is one of the narrowest we saw in this review, with a measurement of 17.3 inches. The only narrower choice we tested were backless boosters. This weight and size will likely be more than you want for carrying it while traveling, but it could work for carpooling if the shift from one car to another was infrequent. The width would make it easier to fit three car seats across a back seat, and the booster itself isn't as cumbersome as much of the competition. While not as convenient as the backless booster, we believe the high back boosters are inherently safer thanks to the shell design.

This booster can fold into a smaller package to make it easier to store, move or carry; however, this package has to be opened before putting it in the car, and it won't change the overall weight.

Comfort

The Flex has a soft cushion and fabric with thick padding. Little testers like the way their legs fell, but they didn't like the lack of armrests, and the headrest design looks like it isn't supportive of comfortable napping. Unlike some of the competition, this is one of the few products where grownups and kids alike had similar views on comfort.

Quality

The Flex has thick, cushiony padding and skin-friendly fabric that feels durable and soft. The shell is simple with a clean look and feels sturdy at the smallest height but starts to flex as you expand the backup for taller children resulting in a fairly flimsy feel. Peg uses EPS foam which is the industry standard but not as nice as the EPP foam found in some competitors. The overall fit and finish are better than some, but they don't feel as good as the Flex looks.

Should You Buy the Flex?

The Flex is an expensive booster that doesn't offer enough to justify the price, in our opinion. This booster performed only average in our tests compared to the competition. While there is nothing wrong with this seat, it has an average crash test result, and it scores well for quality and comfort; there is nothing about it that makes it a standout or justifies one of the highest prices in the review. The only advantage to the Flex is the high weight limit of 120 lbs and height limit of 63 inches.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?

With a list price of almost half the Flex, the UPPAbaby Alta has a higher crash test score and offers more for comfort and quality. If finding the option with the best crash test score is important, the Clek Oobr is the one for you. While it has a higher price depending on the color, the steel frame design and quality are worth the additional price in our book, and more than one BabyGearLab team member has the Oobr in their car.

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