The Complete Maxi Cosi Pearl Pro 2 Review
Posted by Julie Monson on
Julie Monson
Occupational Therapist & Car Seat Technician.
The Maxi Cosi Pearl Pro 2 is the updated version of the original Pearl Pro (previously called 2Way Pearl). It is part of the 3way Family; with the FamilyFix3 base (previously called 3WayFix) isofix base is also compatible with the Jade carrycot, Pebble Pro/Rock infant seats as well as the Pearl Pro 2 and Pearl Smart toddler seats. This gives you approximately 4 years' use out of the isofix base. It is quick and easy to install and transfer between cars. It allows rear facing and forward facing until approximately 4 years. And, most importantly, it gets good safety ratings by ADAC.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2
- Easy and fast installation
- Audio-visual indicators on the base to alert you if installation is incorrect
- Good padding
- Additional insert for support of children under 2 years of age
- Additional base can be bought for a second car
- Base is compatible with Jade, Pebble Pro and Rock infant seats
- Easy-in harness making it more convenient to buckle your child in
- Free swap service (Maxi Cosi replace a car seat for free if it has been in a crash)
CONS
- Slightly complex removal of cover
- Limited legroom for child in rear facing
WHAT ARE THE WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2?
The Pearl Pro 2 is an iSize approved car seat from 67-105cm/18.5kg in rear facing or 84cm-10 5cm in forward facing. This usually lasts average-sized children until they are approximately 4 years old. It is safest for children to rear face as long as possible.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2?
The Pearl Pro 2 can only be installed using the FamilyFix3 isofix base, which provides additional peace of mind thanks to its audio and visual confirmation when the connection is secure. The base will sound an alarm if the isofix or support leg come loose. It cannot be installed with seatbelt or without the base.
The impact-absorbing material in the top side wings provides enhanced safety in a side impact collision.
It scored an overall score of "good" by ADAC with low risk of injury in a frontal impact collision and average risk of injury in a side impact collision.
WHAT ARE THE COMFORT FEATURES OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2?
The Pearl Pro 2 provides optimal ease of use and comfort, due to the easy-in harness which has springs in the harness so that it is easy to strap your child in.
There is no release tab to loosen the harness. Instead, when the buckle is released it automatically releases the harness, making it easy to get your child out the harness. This is also ideal to preserve mom’s nails!
It has 3 recline settings for rear facing and 2 for forward facing. In rear facing, the seat must be fully reclined until your child is 97cm tall.
When it is fully reclined in rear facing, the child will probably be high enough to see out the window in most cars. Legroom for the child is limited.
There is a removable insert that provides support, safety, and comfort for children under 2 years of age. This insert must be removed once the child reaches 84cm. This insert was not part of the original Pearl Pro. The inlay has 2 sides with different material; it provides breathability during summer, and soft and warm cover for winter.
HOW IS THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2 INSTALLED?
The Pearl Pro 2 can only be installed in conjunction with the FamilyFix3 base, which requires isofix brackets in the car. It is quick, easy and almost foolproof to install! The Pearl Pro 2 can be separated off the base, making it lighter to move between cars. A second base can be purchased for additional vehicles.
HOW TO INSTALL THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2 IN REAR FACING?
You’ll need to assemble the anti-rebound bar as per the manual. Attach the isofix connectors of the FamilyFix3 base and the indicators will light up and an audible alarm will sound when both isofix arms are attached to the isofix brackets.
The base should then be pushed as close to the vehicle backrest as possible, by pushing it from side to side, for a secure installation.
The support leg should then be adjusted to the correct height in the footwell of the car. The audio-visual alarm will alert you when it is done correctly. The Pearl Pro 2 is then clicked onto the base and reclined to the correct setting.
HOW TO INSTALL THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2 IN FORWARD FACING?
The Pearl Pro 2 is easy to switch from rear facing to forward facing. Put the Pearl Pro 2 into the most upright position and then release the seat from the base. Turn it to forward facing and click it onto the FamilyFix3 base. The audio-visual indicators will let you know when it is correct.
HOW TO REMOVE AND WASH THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2:
The covers and shoulder pads can be removed for washing but are a little tricky to do so. The cover should be washed at 30° C in a delicate wash cycle or by hand with a mild detergent.
HOW LONG CAN The MAXI COSI pearl pro 2 BE USED FOR?
The Maxi Cosi Pearl Pro can be used for up to 12 years, provided it hasn't been in a crash or dropped. Maxi Cosi offer a free Swap Service. If your car seat has been in an accident, Maxi-Cosi take your car seat and replace it with a brand new one for free. So you can be confident that your child is safe. They analyse the seat to get valuable information about how their car seats perform in collisions.
Read more about the Maxi Cosi international car seat swap service
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2?
The 2 year Warranty covers all manufacturing defects on car seats, strollers and/or carry cots in materials and workmanship when used in normal conditions and in accordance with the user manual, for the first user.
To request repairs or spare parts under the warranty for defects in materials and workmanship you must present your proof of purchase
IS THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2 COMPATIBLE WITH MY CAR?
In order to install the Pearl Pro 2, the car requires isofix and the support leg may not rest on an underfloor storage compartment. A rear facing car seat must never be installed in front of an active airbag. Click here to check if your car is on the approved fit list:
https://www.maxi-cosi.com/international/car-seat-advisory-tool#/
WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2?
In rear facing, it takes up approximately 75cm of cabin space.
In forward facing, it takes up approximately 70cm of cabin space.
OUR VERDICT
The Maxi Cosi Pearl Pro 2 achieved good safety ratings by ADAC and allows extended rear facing until approximately 4 years, which is safest. It has the added benefit of the option of forward facing if absolutely necessary, although this is not recommended. It is a comfortable seat for toddlers and does not take up excessive amounts of legroom from the person sitting in front of it.
The easy-in harness makes it easy to buckle and unbuckle your child. It is a practical and user-friendly car seat. The 10 year lifetime warranty and free swap service, as well as Maxi Cosi's excellent after sales service make this a seat that is definitely worth considering.
Our Products
Precious Cargo is a proud distributor of Maxi Cosi products in South Africa. Feel free to contact us for more information or to arrange a fitting.
