Pics of the Trufit with anti-rebound foot

[natysr]

Here is a pic of Jordan RF in a proto-type.

http://alvin.smugmug.com/photos/386737082_PeYn8-M.jpg


http://alvin.smugmug.com/photos/386737008_PXddc-M.jpg

http://alvin.smugmug.com/photos/386736005_pFQrc-M.jpg

[Kat_Momof3]

I love the look of it.

my only concern now that I've seen the pic... does it prevent putting the seat more upright for older rfers??

[papooses]

DD just walked by & is drooling, begging for that seat :cool: I've taught her well ;) Too bad she's on the top slot of the Husky :rolleyes:

[barnmama25]

ooooo where did you see that at???

[natysr]

No, it does not prevent it from installing more upright. We actually did install it more upright, but could not get Jordan to get in it again.

Kimberly (Safeinthecar) and I made a trip up to Sacramento (to Goores) yesterday. It was meet the manufacturer/rep day, so the Compass rep brought that prototype.

Thanks for driving Kimberly!

[Maedze]

I like the look of the design and it takes care of the whole pain of finding a rear facing tether point.

My concern is does it somewhat lessen room for legs for older rear facers? It doesn't exactly look comfy to curl legs up on.

[natysr]

I like the look of the design and it takes care of the whole pain of finding a rear facing tether point.

My concern is does it somewhat lessen room for legs for older rear facers? It doesn't exactly look comfy to curl legs up on.

Actually, if you compare the amount of leg room he had in the pictures, with the amount of leg room he has in the Marathon in my siggy, you can see that he has more leg room in the Trufit. He has never complained about legroom in his marathon, so I don't see that being an issue.

One other thing about the seat that I thought was kind of neet, just above the harness adjuster there is a leveling window with a ball in it. It shows where the ball should be for an infant, and where it should be for a toddler. Sorry you can't see it in the picture, Jordan's foot was in the way.

[UlrikeDG]

Nice. Wonder if it will be out before Kira outgrows the RA rear facing.

[seamonkeys]

I love the blue color!! Gorgeous!

[SusanMae]

Love it!!! Hopefully there are no production problems so I'll be able to get one for this baby.

Susan

[natysr]

Nice. Wonder if it will be out before Kira outgrows the RA rear facing.

I heard it will be out in January.....

[daycaremom2002]

Does the foot make it easier to access the adjuster? I am considering getting this seat for RF use, but I was concerned about the location of the harness adjuster being pushed into the seat back.

[kalamos23]

*prays* DD, please don't outgrow your Snugride before January!!

Do you know if they are going to have a wider range of colors for the covers? I saw a cool one on the car seat blog that was grayish with ovals on it - I would totally love that as a cover choice!

This one:
http://carseatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc01185dsc01185.jpg

[natysr]

Does the foot make it easier to access the adjuster? I am considering getting this seat for RF use, but I was concerned about the location of the harness adjuster being pushed into the seat back.

Yes, there is a square hole in the foot right where the adjuster is. The foot/hole creates a small gap at the adjuster, so you can easily access the adjuster. Just make sure when installing it, the adjuster strap does not fall through the hole and get sandwiched between the foot and the seatback.

[daycaremom2002]

Thanks. That sounds easy. Now I just have to hope that my little on in the MA doesn't gain 5 pounds before this is released.

[safeinthecar]

It was really easy to adjust more upright. Also, the way the anti rebound bar hits the seat back makes it possible to install the seat sitting further back on the vehicle seat. so you can get *a lot* of legroom if you want it, as long as your seat is deep enough.

On a side note, the rep said that the HIC on the Truefit with the rebound bar is under 400. (1000 is the max, Britax MA with rfing tether is around 700)

I liked everything about the new Truefit except 2 minor details. 1. It takes two hands to close the lockoffs. That annoys me, but isn't hard to do. 2. I still think it is fuggly looking.

[abacus2]

What happens to the anti-rebound part with a FFing installation?

[featherhead]

Sounds really nice. Wonder when we'll get it in Canada :whistle:
What is HIC?

[essnce629]

I'm loving this seat! I was already planning to get a Truefit for baby #2 when it outgrows the infant seat, and that was before I learned about the new anti-rebound foot. I LOVE how spacious this seat is for an older child and all the rear-facing legroom it has. And it sounds like the foot on it solves the problem with the adjuster being hard to access.

[natysr]

What happens to the anti-rebound part with a FFing installation?

it is on a hinge at the front of the seat, so it folds under the seat to create a "base" to the seat.

[An Aurora]

I still think it is fuggly looking.

ITA. I still might get one, but it's definitely fugly.

[_Jessica_]

Ooo I like it. Hopefully, DD will get one they come out.

[snowbird25ca]

Wow, thanks for the pic's. I really like that cover - it looks very soft. :D

If the ant-rebound foot one comes to Canada while ds is still well under the weight limit, I'll buy one in a heartbeat.

And can I just say how much I love that they have a newborn and a toddler area in the recline indicator. :D

[April]

Wow, COOOOLLLL!!!! Now I definitely need to get pregnant. Maybe I'll get Allport to let me know when it's on its way to Canada so we can start TTC.:p

[Jeanum]

HIC = head injury criterion

[Synchro246]

Ok, anyone want to link me to an explaination of HIC? :)


I think the trufit is cute. Jordan is too :)

[Jeanum]

It's a measure of head acceleration over a function of time. There's an uber technical explanation of HIC at
http://www.mchenrysoftware.com/HIC%20and%20the%20ATB.htm

[horseymom]

ok, I feel stupid asking this but what is it for? what does it do? I have a TF and can imagine loving it any more LOL

[ame0312]

the anti-rebound bar?
it keeps the seat from rebounding towards the vehicle seat... kinda like a rear facing tether on britax & radian...

[Wineaux]

And... it will keep the water, snow, mud and dirt off the back of your vehicle seat!

[sunnymw]

And... it will keep the water, snow, mud and dirt off the back of your vehicle seat!

And peanut butter... :whistle:

[minismom]

Can anyone elaborate on the differences between the anti rebound bar and the RF tether? I'm thinking in both frontal and side impact crashes. I remember reading that the makers of the TF were very against the RF tether, I guess they wanted the seat to move up a little. I can see how with the bar the seat will move with the child to a certain point then stop. Can anyone explain please?

[canadiangie]

Can anyone elaborate on the differences between the anti rebound bar and the RF tether? I'm thinking in both frontal and side impact crashes. I remember reading that the makers of the TF were very against the RF tether, I guess they wanted the seat to move up a little. I can see how with the bar the seat will move with the child to a certain point then stop. Can anyone explain please?

It's interesting isn't it? ;)

We can guess lots of things here...


We can guess that the manufacturer doesn't approve of creating an anchor point (ie: including a D-ring for rf tethering).

We can guess it was a cost issue.

We can guess it was feedback from parents wanting an anti-rebound feature.

We can guess this was all part of the plan... you know, let's keep the sales going on a new seat, that now has an even newer feature.

For all we know, they just wanted to be different. The first North American mainstream car seat manufacturer to offer an anti-rebound bar on a convertible (as opposed to allowing for rf tethering).

Who knows.

But you're right, it is sort of odd.


The thing about an anti-rebound bar vs. a rf tether is that they do sort of work differently. Well, maybe not work differently, but the end result is slightly different. The rf tether allowing for less give, the foot allowing for slightly more. In the end, the use of an anti-rebond bar is going to provide more ride-down for the child, which is a good thing.


I so want to know what the story is though. When I read in the current manual that a "rf seat should never be tethered" (ie: the seat should be allowed to cocoon/rebound.. which lends itself to manufacturer philosophy on the subject), and a few weeks later saw the ABC thread with the news about the foot, I almost choked. :confused:

[snowbird25ca]

We can guess that the manufacturer doesn't approve of creating an anchor point (ie: including a D-ring for rf tethering).




This is the entire reason that Recaro doesn't allow their convertibles to be tethered rf'ing. They don't want there to be a created anchor point - they have concerns about compromising vehicle integrity - so maybe this influenced The First Years too?


The thing about an anti-rebound bar vs. a rf tether is that they do sort of work differently. Well, maybe not work differently, but the end result is slightly different. The rf tether allowing for less give, the foot allowing for slightly more. In the end, the use of an anti-rebond bar is going to provide more ride-down for the child, which is a good thing.


I so want to know what the story is though. When I read in the current manual that a "rf seat should never be tethered" (ie: the seat should be allowed to cocoon/rebound.. which lends itself to manufacturer philosophy on the subject), and a few weeks later saw the ABC thread with the news about the foot, I almost choked. :confused:

Yeah, I have to wonder if that comment is there to reassure the parents who would otherwise try and tether the seat anyways because they think the movement is bad? :confused:

It could also be that if it was tethered rf'ing, the neck loads would be higher than they want to see - maybe they tested it that way and just weren't happy with it? So they moved to plan B which involved a re-design of the seat with the ARF?

Maybe it was in the plan all along and it just wasn't ready for release until now? Or maybe it was consumer demand like you said.

Who knows... What I do know is that I'm 100% comfortable with the ARF, but not fully comfortable using a rf'ing tether with a created anchor point. Give me a dedicated anchor point that was sanctioned and I'd use it, but that discussion with Allport really made me do some thinking and I'm not sure I would rf tether my own seats anymore without more data. We still haven't heard from Britax if they did any testing in vehicles, and if so, how many... If I knew that, I would find it much easier to make a decision for myself should the need arise... Because the Radian is useless rf'ing in my truck due to insufficient recline without the rf'ing tether, so I'd have no choice but to tether it rf'ing if I wanted to use it that way...

[Synchro246]

Who knows... What I do know is that I'm 100% comfortable with the ARF, but not fully comfortable using a rf'ing tether with a created anchor point. Give me a dedicated anchor point that was sanctioned and I'd use it, but that discussion with Allport really made me do some thinking and I'm not sure I would rf tether my own seats anymore without more data...

You summed up how I feel, I think, and I didn't even have a chance to think it aloud yet. This might be why I finally gave up the idea of getting a Marathon in favor of the TF(should the need arise).
Who's Allport?

[LISmama810]

The thing about an anti-rebound bar vs. a rf tether is that they do sort of work differently. Well, maybe not work differently, but the end result is slightly different. The rf tether allowing for less give, the foot allowing for slightly more. In the end, the use of an anti-rebond bar is going to provide more ride-down for the child, which is a good thing.

It could also be that if it was tethered rf'ing, the neck loads would be higher than they want to see - maybe they tested it that way and just weren't happy with it? So they moved to plan B which involved a re-design of the seat with the ARF?

Those were pretty much my thoughts on it. I'm fine with a RF tether for older kids, but I worry about neck loads in younger babies. If the anti-rebound foot decreases the neck loads, I'm all for it. Now, do we know if that's actually the case? It seems like it would be...

[Kat_Momof3]

yes, basically the foot gives all the benefits the tether would, but without the risks for younger kids along with not having a part be so difficult to figure out (just think of how many people don't tether or tether wrong with rf Britax seats because it isn't that easy or clear cut unless you are familiar with it)

[crunchierthanthou]

yes, basically the foot gives all the benefits the tether would, but without the risks for younger kids along with not having a part be so difficult to figure out (just think of how many people don't tether or tether wrong with rf Britax seats because it isn't that easy or clear cut unless you are familiar with it)

I disagree. According to a study (http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/esv/esv19/05-0346-O.pdf) by the U of Va, the main benefit of the rf tether is in side impacts, which we know are the most dangerous types of crashes. The additional neck loading in front impacts with a tethered seat is well within accepted limits and FTMP is balanced by slight improvement in safety in that type of crash.

IMO, the rf tether really doesn’t matter when it comes to front or rear impacts. Sure, intuitively you don’t want to see the kid’s head smack into the back of the seat (or glass), but there’s not much in the way of hard data to back that up. It’s mostly a theoretical concern and we know that seats that rebound/cocoon are safe too.

I do see the ARF as a good thing- as anything that is absorbing crash forces would be. But is it really addressing a true safety concern? It prevents rebound with less neck strain than Swedish style tethering and that’s good. However, the data shows that the neck loading in a tethered seat really isn’t much of a danger (nor is the rebounding that it's preventing). However, using a tether improves performance in the more dangerous side impacts, for which I can't see the ARF doing a whole lot. :shrug-shoulders:

[snowbird25ca]

Those were pretty much my thoughts on it. I'm fine with a RF tether for older kids, but I worry about neck loads in younger babies. If the anti-rebound foot decreases the neck loads, I'm all for it. Now, do we know if that's actually the case? It seems like it would be...



On a side note, the rep said that the HIC on the Truefit with the rebound bar is under 400. (1000 is the max, Britax MA with rfing tether is around 700)


That's a pretty significant decrease in neck loads.

And LISmama - I'm in complete agreement with rf tethering young babies. I actually outright recommend against rf tethering until a minimum of 4 months when a parent is going with a seat that is can be tethered rf'ing from birth and is likely to fit a newborn. :thumbsup:


Somebody asked who Allport is - Allport is a member on the board who posts on the CDN forum. She's a CRST-I instructor and works with TC playing a role in the compliance division. It's part of how TC is getting defect investigations open so quickly lately. :p I'll tell you one thing though, it's awesome to have that resource from somebody who knows the rules and regulations relating to CMVSS intimately.

[minismom]

I disagree. According to a study (http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/esv/esv19/05-0346-O.pdf) by the U of Va, the main benefit of the rf tether is in side impacts, which we know are the most dangerous types of crashes. The additional neck loading in front impacts with a tethered seat is well within accepted limits and FTMP is balanced by slight improvement in safety in that type of crash.

IMO, the rf tether really doesn’t matter when it comes to front or rear impacts. Sure, intuitively you don’t want to see the kid’s head smack into the back of the seat (or glass), but there’s not much in the way of hard data to back that up. It’s mostly a theoretical concern and we know that seats that rebound/cocoon are safe too.

I do see the ARF as a good thing- as anything that is absorbing crash forces would be. But is it really addressing a true safety concern? It prevents rebound with less neck strain than Swedish style tethering and that’s good. However, the data shows that the neck loading in a tethered seat really isn’t much of a danger (nor is the rebounding that it's preventing). However, using a tether improves performance in the more dangerous side impacts, for which I can't see the ARF doing a whole lot. :shrug-shoulders:

Crunchy, you make really good points. Initially I was thinking how great the ARB is cause it does away with the neck load issue and still prevents cocooning all the way, but I totally forgot about side impact. That really is why I like the RF tether. The crash test NHTSA released of a safe seat performing well on side impact freaked me out. The seat did what it was supposed to do, but it totally went over to the side. Don't know how nice that would be if it was smashing against a window or for a person sitting next to it... Now for a newborn I wouldnt use the RF tether, and I guess the ARB is at least better than nothing...

[minismom]

Because the Radian is useless rf'ing in my truck due to insufficient recline without the rf'ing tether, so I'd have no choice but to tether it rf'ing if I wanted to use it that way...

Wait! Did I get that right? Your Radian is too upright? Which car do you have? I'm thinking some really really slopped seats....

[safeinthecar]

I'm not sure the ARB wouldn't help with a side impact actually. As the seat pivots toward the POI the ARB would dig into the seat back somewhat. In theory anyway. Plus, I do have to say that the ARB True Fit installed as least as solidly as a RFing tethered Britax. I couldn't move the head area of the seat side to side at all.

[snowbird25ca]

Wait! Did I get that right? Your Radian is too upright? Which car do you have? I'm thinking some really really slopped seats....

Saturn Outlook - and yeah, I wouldn't be able to get a newborn recline even with tightening the tether as much as possible - I actually got in the seat and leaned on the top of the shell & tightened the tether that way for maximum recline, but it was barely enough for ds at 10mos & wasn't enough for me to be happy with it. It's the way that the foot slides down into the seat bite combined with them being sloped. Without the tether it's just too upright.

[Kat_Momof3]

crunchier - as usual, you have amazing info.

I hadn't thought about side crashes, either.

I should have known... I was thinking last night when I went to bed that, wait a minute... Sweden has had rearfacing tethers for HOW long?? And they haven't gone to rebound bars like Australia, which has a history of being kind of behind.

Not that the rebound bar is bad... I think it's better for the younger rearfacers, but that is such a small window (under 4-6mo)... I think the tether is still better long term. We just need a better way to get it tethered, more similar to a universal way like in Sweden, where every vehicle would have it done the same way.

[CDNTech]

We just need a better way to get it tethered, more similar to a universal way like in Sweden, where every vehicle would have it done the same way.

From my understanding... Sweden's 'universal' way of tethering is two separate d-rings wrapped around the vehicle seat legs. The two separate RFing tethers attach to these d-rings. Sounds pretty identical to what we have here.

I have to think that vehicle manufacturer's are not going to great lengths to test these RFing child restraints in their vehicles in Sweden and they are instead concentrating on making the vehicles safer as the years go by, period.

If they do *not* test their vehicles with child restraints installed (ie. they use a test bench), then why all the hype for us (Canada specifically, but this relates to the USA as well) to test ours? Clearly their track record with child restraints and RFing tethers shows no concern.

I'd like to know if anyone knows *specifically* whether Sweden vehicle manufacturer's do something different when assembling their vehicles. Since their RFing d-rings hold their seats just fine, why would ours not? Basically... Are their any differences in the vehicles seat assembly?

I'm also totally confused on Compass/First Years stand on RFing tethering. When the True Fit first came out, the company was *adamant* that the seat could not RF tether because (in the company's words), the seat *needs* to cocoon. Not they *want* it to cocoon, but that it *needs* to cocoon.

Now they come out with the ARB feature and are totally fine with limiting that cocooning? I just don't get the sudden change in their stance?

[capeKO71]

It's interesting isn't it? ;)

For all we know, they just wanted to be different. The first North American mainstream car seat manufacturer to offer an anti-rebound bar on a convertible (as opposed to allowing for rf tethering).



But they weren't... we're all forgetting about the Britax gallaxy... my first convertible... loved that thing... if only it went up to 65lbs... it was an awesome seat.

[snowbird25ca]

From my understanding... Sweden's 'universal' way of tethering is two separate d-rings wrapped around the vehicle seat legs. The two separate RFing tethers attach to these d-rings. Sounds pretty identical to what we have here.


I'm also totally confused on Compass/First Years stand on RFing tethering. When the True Fit first came out, the company was *adamant* that the seat could not RF tether because (in the company's words), the seat *needs* to cocoon. Not they *want* it to cocoon, but that it *needs* to cocoon.

Now they come out with the ARB feature and are totally fine with limiting that cocooning? I just don't get the sudden change in their stance?

I think the key may be in your last question - the ARF limits the cocooning as opposed to preventing it completely. And I still have to think that some of the discussion of cocooning comes from trying to prevent parents from trying to tether the seat rf'ing. I know I see enough parents trying to rf tether their 3in1 seats that I can certainly understand them wanting to be clear about that. :shrug-shoulders:

There's a thread in the CDN/International forum that shows how to rf tether a swedish seat. It's actually tethered using some of the seat structure itself, not specifically the seat track - at least in the case of the seat shown. As to whether that affects the forces, I can't speculate. And I also can't really speculate as to how much the force being distributed between the two tethers makes a difference. All I do know is that without country specific information we can't assume that because they do it there there's no risk here. It sucks that it takes government regulations to test things like this here in North America though.

[minismom]

I think true fit's reasoning is that the ARB allows the seat to cocoon somewhat so that the child's head is not the only thing going in that direction, which seems to be the main point of concern of the RF tether, specially for smaller kids. So I think it makes sense what they did based on what they said before. I dont think they were saying the seat had to cocoon all the way, just that it couldnt be stuck. For my own seat I dont crank the tether as much as I would and I hope that between that and the fact that the tether stretches dd will be ok during rebound. I think the benefit in side impact is worth it. I wish I could see a video of a side impact with the ARB. If I can see what it does I might feel ok getting a true fit, since it has a nice tall shell that would last longer than a Britax.

Now, I dont get the whole issue with the tether point. I get it that maybe the manufacturer doesnt wanna go tell parents to find a point themselves and maybe be liable for what happens, but what's the real downside in tethering your own seat? You try to find something that's bolted to the vehicle's frame and if it turns out that it wasnt and it wont hold in a crash then so what? Isnt that the same rationale behind using FF tethers over the weight limit?

[CDNTech]

There's a thread in the CDN/International forum that shows how to rf tether a swedish seat.

Do you happen to have a link to this? I'm terrible at searching and would love to see it. :)


...the fact that the tether stretches, dd will be ok during rebound...

You try to find something that's bolted to the vehicle's frame and if it turns out that it wasnt and it wont hold in a crash then so what? Isnt that the same rationale behind using FF tethers over the weight limit?

These sentences made me stop and think...

Britax has recently changed their tethers to add the rip-stitch... which does allow extra give and ride down time for FFing collisions. If the rip stitch is going to give in a FFing collision, it should also be giving in a RFing collision. Which means it's not a hard jolt as some are thinking, but more along the lines of a softer stop... perhaps similar to the anti-rebound bar on the True Fit.

It'd be nice to see an update (using the new rip-stitch tether) on the head excursion study showing that the neck loads, while increased, were still within limits. I wonder how the new rip-stitch tether affects those limits... perhaps they are even better now and this worrying over newborns being RF tethered are slightly unwarranted (at least in the Britax seats)?

[CDNTech]

There's a thread in the CDN/International forum that shows how to rf tether a swedish seat. It's actually tethered using some of the seat structure itself, not specifically the seat track - at least in the case of the seat shown.

I found a thread, but the pictures are removed (guess I'm not quite as bad at searching as I thought. :D). I did find in my search Bonnie's (CRS) review of the Zento (http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=37085).

Other than the fact that they have two anchor points (vs. our one), they are using the same points to wrap their d-ring as we are (metal structure bolted to the vehicle). The difference is that they are also allowed to wrap their (much longer) d-ring around the hinge of the vehicle seat and use that as a (second choice) different method.

From posts by Adventuredad, it would seem that Swedish vehicles are not re-inforced or manufactured any differently than North American vehicles... which only makes sense as that would cost the vehicle manufacturer even more. However, without going through their actual documents to see the differences, I can't be certain they are the same.

Until TC comes out with solid data (ie. proof) specifically prohibiting RF tethering, I don't have a single concern with continuing to teach and recommend that parents RF tether their seats *provided* they have a seat that has the ability to RF tether and they are following manufacturer recommendations.

I know someone will be along to point out that no vehicle tells you how to wrap your d-ring, ect., ect... Can anyone tell me if *Swedish vehicles* have instructions in them for RF tethering? Or is it just the child restraint manufacturer's over there explaining/teaching parents how to use their d-ring?

I'm just wondering if this is an issue where vehicle manufacturer's don't get involved, period. I mean, no vehicle manufacturer crash tests their vehicles with child restraints in them, in every configuration... yet we have no issues with using these child restraints in these vehicles. I know we test them on a sled bench and assume they will perform pretty much the same in a vehicle, but a test sled bench is *very* different than a vehicle. ;)

Just more food for thought. :)

[minismom]

My Volvo bought in the US has tether points for RF (2 under each front seat), but the manual doenst mention them at all. The manual has a big session on child restraints, talks about latch and FF tether points and has a huge warning that says volvo recommends kids stay RFing til 4yo and explains why. Kinda what made me fell in love! :love: They could have removed the mention to the RF tether from the US versions cause most seats here dont tether. That's kind of what I think.

[Kat_Momof3]

What I meant by universal is... have it as a feature on all seats... and have the way to do it be outlined so well in the manual to give options that are clear and easy...

the option of wrapping it around the actual vehicle seat is one that we don't have here, for instance... but that's the design of the tethers.

we wouldn't have to redesign the tethers, though... if all seats had the feature, the vehicle manufacturers would (as they did with ff anchors) step up and provide rf anchors.

[lenats31]

I disagree. According to a study (http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/esv/esv19/05-0346-O.pdf) by the U of Va, the main benefit of the rf tether is in side impacts, which we know are the most dangerous types of crashes. The additional neck loading in front impacts with a tethered seat is well within accepted limits and FTMP is balanced by slight improvement in safety in that type of crash.

IMO, the rf tether really doesn’t matter when it comes to front or rear impacts. Sure, intuitively you don’t want to see the kid’s head smack into the back of the seat (or glass), but there’s not much in the way of hard data to back that up. It’s mostly a theoretical concern and we know that seats that rebound/cocoon are safe too.

I do see the ARF as a good thing- as anything that is absorbing crash forces would be. But is it really addressing a true safety concern? It prevents rebound with less neck strain than Swedish style tethering and that’s good. However, the data shows that the neck loading in a tethered seat really isn’t much of a danger (nor is the rebounding that it's preventing). However, using a tether improves performance in the more dangerous side impacts, for which I can't see the ARF doing a whole lot. :shrug-shoulders:


You do not want a child´s head to hit the car interior at all. . A strike can easierly result in head trauma. That´s what the anti rebound bars and tethers are for.

Lena

[lenats31]

From my understanding... Sweden's 'universal' way of tethering is two separate d-rings wrapped around the vehicle seat legs. The two separate RFing tethers attach to these d-rings. Sounds pretty identical to what we have here.

I have to think that vehicle manufacturer's are not going to great lengths to test these RFing child restraints in their vehicles in Sweden and they are instead concentrating on making the vehicles safer as the years go by, period.

If they do *not* test their vehicles with child restraints installed (ie. they use a test bench), then why all the hype for us (Canada specifically, but this relates to the USA as well) to test ours? Clearly their track record with child restraints and RFing tethers shows no concern.

I'd like to know if anyone knows *specifically* whether Sweden vehicle manufacturer's do something different when assembling their vehicles. Since their RFing d-rings hold their seats just fine, why would ours not? Basically... Are their any differences in the vehicles seat assembly?

I'm also totally confused on Compass/First Years stand on RFing tethering. When the True Fit first came out, the company was *adamant* that the seat could not RF tether because (in the company's words), the seat *needs* to cocoon. Not they *want* it to cocoon, but that it *needs* to cocoon.

Now they come out with the ARB feature and are totally fine with limiting that cocooning? I just don't get the sudden change in their stance?

The Swedish high weight RF car seats are very different to the US seats like the Marathon and even this new seat with ARB.

They are indeed tethered twice towards the front of the car and some of them have the ARB at the front of the seat just like this new seat coming out. BUT they also have a large steel leg that goes from the back of the seat to the floor. This is to improve the seats´ performance in rear impacts, side impacts and frontal impact crashes. the two tethers help the steel leg - known as a "foot prop" do its´ job. Both features also help the seat keeping a larger child safe in the seat.

Only ONE swedish car seat comes with the US type D-ring, and that seat is the Brio Zento

Britax Multitech foot prop:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f223/lenats31/Britax%20Multi-Tech%20car%20Seat/Marts2008008.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f223/lenats31/Britax%20Multi-Tech%20car%20Seat/Juni2008C039.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f223/lenats31/Britax%20Multi-Tech%20car%20Seat/Juni2008C040.jpg

For the record: The foot prop is not fully installed. It has not locked (red indicator) nor is it at the exact right angle.

Lena

[4BabyUnit]

Anyone know what the HIC is on the current model True Fit without the anti rebound device?

Sounds really nice. Wonder when we'll get it in Canada :whistle:
What is HIC?

[4BabyUnit]

OH MY...clearly this thread became one that I should NOT be reading. It is way too technical for me to understand? Can someone simplify for me? I JUST got a True Fit? What is cocooning? Should I be concerned that there is no rear tether or anti rebound foot in this one? There is NO way I can afford the newer one with the foot when it comes out unless someone will pay what I paid for this one I have, and I'm sure there's no way to do that. Help! I'm becoming wayyy paranoid. My step-sister was just in a horrible accident with her 2 daugthers, one of whom had to be life-flighted.

[SamPacey&Joshua]

OH MY...clearly this thread became one that I should NOT be reading. It is way too technical for me to understand? Can someone simplify for me? I JUST got a True Fit? What is cocooning? Should I be concerned that there is no rear tether or anti rebound foot in this one? There is NO way I can afford the newer one with the foot when it comes out unless someone will pay what I paid for this one I have, and I'm sure there's no way to do that. Help! I'm becoming wayyy paranoid. My step-sister was just in a horrible accident with her 2 daugthers, one of whom had to be life-flighted.

Cocooning is when a rear-facing seat moves up toward the seatback in a crash. It is acceptable and happens with any rear-facing seat that does not have a top tether or anti-rebound bar. Try not to be too concerned, it really is okay. Rear-facing is already so safe as it is, anything else (like a RF tether) is just icing on the cake, so to speak. A RF tether or anti-rebound bar will make it safER, but the seat is still safe without.

The most important thing is that you install and use the seat correctly each and every time.

[minismom]

OH MY...clearly this thread became one that I should NOT be reading. It is way too technical for me to understand? Can someone simplify for me? I JUST got a True Fit? What is cocooning? Should I be concerned that there is no rear tether or anti rebound foot in this one? There is NO way I can afford the newer one with the foot when it comes out unless someone will pay what I paid for this one I have, and I'm sure there's no way to do that. Help! I'm becoming wayyy paranoid. My step-sister was just in a horrible accident with her 2 daugthers, one of whom had to be life-flighted.

The PP has already explained cocooning. And I totally agree, don't worry about it. Many veteran members here, including lots of techs, use RF seats that have no RF tether or rebound bar and feel very comfortable doing it. Only Britax seats and the Radian allow for RF tethering and the TF will be the first convertible to have an anti rebound bar, and sometimes parents have other reasons for buying another brand of seat that are more important, like fit in your vehicle, fit for your child etc. The TF is a seat many here use and love btw.
The most important thing you can do to keep your child safe is keep him/her RF for as long as his within the RF limits of the TF. RF is much safer than FF. Also make sure to install the seat tight, with less than 1" movement side to side, following all the instructions. Also make sure the harness is always snug and the chest clip is at armpit level. Feel free to ask here if you have any more questions!

[sarahsweetpea31802]

Ooooh, I like that new gray color seat pattern with the circles on it. Looks neat-O....I agree the seats looks odd to me, but I still like it.

So January 09'??? Evan can wait Im sure!!

THanks for the info!

[cadensmommy]

does anyone know if we can preorder this seat?

[mommyof4boys]

It was really easy to adjust more upright. Also, the way the anti rebound bar hits the seat back makes it possible to install the seat sitting further back on the vehicle seat. so you can get *a lot* of legroom if you want it, as long as your seat is deep enough.

On a side note, the rep said that the HIC on the Truefit with the rebound bar is under 400. (1000 is the max, Britax MA with rfing tether is around 700)

I liked everything about the new Truefit except 2 minor details. 1. It takes two hands to close the lockoffs. That annoys me, but isn't hard to do. 2. I still think it is fuggly looking.

Hi, Could you please explain the HIC better to me. I am still confused, especially when you started comparing it to th eother carseats. Does that mean they are better or worse? Thank you so much!

[Jeanum]

HIC is an acronym for head injury criterion, a crash test measurement. A lower HIC number is considered to be better in terms of crash protection for the head. :)

[MamaLinzie]

Whats the price tag on this thing going to be?

[carseatfreak]

lenats31...that seat sure resembles my forward facing Britax Frontier... That is odd...they are just built so similar and I can see where the cupholders would be on my seat (something different on yours) and the red belt guide. Odd...

[An Aurora]

They are indeed tethered twice towards the front of the car and some of them have the ARB at the front of the seat just like this new seat coming out. BUT they also have a large steel leg that goes from the back of the seat to the floor. This is to improve the seats´ performance in rear impacts, side impacts and frontal impact crashes. the two tethers help the steel leg - known as a "foot prop" do its´ job. Both features also help the seat keeping a larger child safe in the seat.



It was my understanding that the main purpose of the foot prop is to prevent over-rotation, since they are designed to hold heavier kids RF'ing.

[USmominOz]

All of our seats her in Au have the anti rebound bar.

[Blondie87]

I didn't know if anyone has said this.. but it's available for pre-order now...

http://comfortfirst.com/p-133755-compass-2009-c670-true-fit-premiere-convertible-car-seat-free-shipping.aspx

[cadensmommy]

Ohh exciting!
I love the cranberry one!!! i am so getting this

[OwensMama]

I also LOVE that cranberry. So tempted to buy one even though I absolutely do not need it! :o

[xxluckychicxx]

OMG I :love::love::love: that Cranberry! I couldnt decide whether or not to get this or the Radian XT, and I am definately leaning towards this now!

[Kat_Momof3]

I like the cranberry... it's not red, but it's still gender neutral.

You could add a truck, car, or boat patch for a boy... or add flowers or something else to girlie it up... if you want it gender specific.

I really like it.

I like the blue aurora, too, though.

[diaperjoys]

Thanks, ladies, for a great discussion! Very helpful info!

[zeo2ski]

So what is the prefered age to begin using a RF tether? I'm curious for the future, but also is my 8 mos old (7 mos adjusted) better off in the snugride or tethered boulevard? Obviously they're both safe, but since they're both sitting here and one will be unused...

[UlrikeDG]

I would (and did) use it from birth in a vehicle that has a RF tether location. My Ody doesn't have a tether location on the driver's side, which is where my 13 mo old daughter's Roundabout is installed, so it is untethered. Rear facing seats provide excellent protection in general, so tethered or untethered, I your child is probably the safest passenger in the vehicle.

[snowbird25ca]

So what is the prefered age to begin using a RF tether? I'm curious for the future, but also is my 8 mos old (7 mos adjusted) better off in the snugride or tethered boulevard? Obviously they're both safe, but since they're both sitting here and one will be unused...

My age is around 4 months. It's not an exact age, I'm just not comfortable using a rf tether with a newborn.

[sarahsweetpea31802]

With the boot....

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-FIRST-YEARS-TRUE-FIT-CONVERTIBLE-CAR-SEAT-NEW_W0QQitemZ380092338429QQihZ025QQcategoryZ2987QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[firemomof3]

Is it just me or does the anti-rebound foot cause the seat to be at an extreme angle?

[MomToEliEm]

It has a "Do not use after January 5, 2015" statement in the e-bay listing. Doesn't the True Fit have a 7 year expiration date? If so, then this seat was made 1/5/08 (they weren't making the new seat at that time) or it was made 1/5/09 and the e-bay auction is just using the standard 6 year expiration for their reference. How could the seat be made 1/5/09 though since it is still 2008?

[crunchierthanthou]

It has a "Do not use after January 5, 2015" statement in the e-bay listing. Doesn't the True Fit have a 7 year expiration date? If so, then this seat was made 1/5/08 (they weren't making the new seat at that time) or it was made 1/5/09 and the e-bay auction is just using the standard 6 year expiration for their reference. How could the seat be made 1/5/09 though since it is still 2008?

It also says 630, which is not the new model (670 is).

[CelticLabyrinth]

It looks like a prototype seat someone got a hold of and thought to sell on ebay... :thumbsdown:

[Nisha]

Cute cover though!!!

[fyrfightermomma]

Look at the access to the harness adjuster! I want it for the ARB, but even if I didn't, I'd get it just to have that easy of access :thumbsup:

That's the best pic I've seen so far. But yes, it looks like a very extreme angle. Wonder if it's "stuck" at 45 degrees with the ARB?

I agree...probably a prototype. There's no tags or anything on it. Can't figure out the dating though

[gusmom]

because i completely missed this discussion & now am probably buying a TF --

what are they changing and what is the purpose of the thing on the bottom? it looks like it would make it uncomfortable for an older RF child if it sits against the seatback. Forgive me for being clueless! i lost about 4-6 weeks of time between my son's surgery and loss of internet after the ice/snow storms this month. if there is a thread about this, just direct me & i'll happily read :)

[crunchierthanthou]

if there is a thread about this, just direct me & i'll happily read :)

this one probably has the most info- http://car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=60147 :)

[unityco]

Is it just me or does the anti-rebound foot cause the seat to be at an extreme angle?

The rebound foot will probably make the RF angle less adjustable, but I don't think it will as extreme as the photo. I think once you have it on a seat bottom that's not straight and has some squish (unlike the floor) it will be more reasonable. :thumbsup:

I notice this seller will ship this Amercian seat to Canada, though. :thumbsdown:

[sarahsweetpea31802]

Well do you think its really a prototype? I see on the head pillow it says "The First YEars" and looks like a real First Years seat and a cute cover too!!

[minismom]

I think I remember the someone saying in the big TF ARB thread that the new model is actually easier to install more upright than the old one.

[gusmom]

thank you for the link & the thread. hmmm. for the price, i'm just as happy sticking with the britax that i know, so we may just get the current TF now. but reading the reviews almost makes me reconsider the radian again. why do some people say installation is great & others a PITA with every seat?! LOL. make the decision difficult!

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

What is the highest harness height on the True Fit seats? I love the pattern on the cover. I wonder if they will sell them in this pattern.

[NannyMom]

I agree that it must have been a prototype. The TF has a 7 year expiration, so it would have a 1/5/08 DOM. They weren't producing this seat for sale in 1/08, but may very well have been producing the prototypes. I do like the cover though :)

[UlrikeDG]

With the boot....

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-FIRST-YEARS-TRUE-FIT-CONVERTIBLE-CAR-SEAT-NEW_W0QQitemZ380092338429QQihZ025QQcategoryZ2987QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem this one probably has the most info- http://car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=60147 :)

Merged.

[Kat_Momof3]

I'm guessing someone got it direct from the first years at the ABC conference (like someone here did with a Radian seat) and are selling it.

I'd want to know from the seller the history and source of the seat to confirm safety, but I bet that's where they got it and that it's safe to use.

[Patriot201]

I love that seat (I think!). I really, really want one, but I really, really don't need it. :p

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

I bought it. :) $80.01 was the final bid. I've never bought from this seller so hope all goes well. I paid with paypal just now.

[LISmama810]

I bought it. :) $80.01 was the final bid. I've never bought from this seller so hope all goes well. I paid with paypal just now.

Congrats :) I would suggest contacting First Years to make sure the seat is safe to use. If it was indeed a prototype, they might not have intended it for use. I would also be wary if it doesn't come with the registration card attached.

It could be perfectly fine and legitimate, but the fact that this seat hasn't yet been released makes me suspicious.

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

Congrats :) I would suggest contacting First Years to make sure the seat is safe to use. If it was indeed a prototype, they might not have intended it for use. I would also be wary if it doesn't come with the registration card attached.

It could be perfectly fine and legitimate, but the fact that this seat hasn't yet been released makes me suspicious.

I will definately be calling them. I want to get my hands on the seat first. If it isn't supposed to be used well then Karley got a cushy tv chair. Actually I don't really care about the rebound bar as she's forward facing now. I just want that cover! So if all else fails and the seat can't be used I'm buying a True Fit and putting that cover on it.

I think that she'd definately have more shoulder room in a True Fit than the Boulevard seats we have. We don't use the Boulevards them much anymore now that we've been using the Nautilus. I'll let you know how we make out. I can't wait to get it.

[AustinsMommy]

I bought it. :) $80.01 was the final bid. I've never bought from this seller so hope all goes well. I paid with paypal just now.
You outbid me :(. I really like the cover also.

[2boys3girls]

Hello,
I'm not too familiar with the Trufit, but I thought there was a stabilizer foot prop (or something like that) for rear-facing that went to the floor of the vehicle. Anyone know anything about that? Thanks!

[bobandjess99]

Hello,
I'm not too familiar with the Trufit, but I thought there was a stabilizer foot prop (or something like that) for rear-facing that went to the floor of the vehicle. Anyone know anything about that? Thanks!

No. there is an anti-rebound bar, which is the gthing that props against the back of the seat to prevent rebound, but there is no European-style foot prop that goes to the floor.

[jess71903]

I bought it. :) $80.01 was the final bid. I've never bought from this seller so hope all goes well. I paid with paypal just now.

I'm so jealous! That is so cute!

[Maedze]

Have you received it yet, or talked to The First Years?


*anxiously awaiting an update*

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

I havn't received it yet. I received a email yesterday that they received my paypal payment and it would be shipping in 2-5 days and the tracking number would be emailed. It was a automated email type thing.

I emailed First Years and asked them when the C670 would be out and they said February and gave me a list of stores where it would be sold. I havn't asked about the one that I purchased yet because I want to actually get it in my hands first. I am going to call them instead of emailing them so I can actually talk to them.

I'll keep you guys posted! I'll post photos when I get them! :)

[G8r4evr]

I remember seeing that cover (in grey) linked a few months backed. Did First Years decide not to go with that pattern? =(

http://carseatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc01185dsc01185.jpg

[snowbird25ca]

If I were to make a guess I'd guess that it's maybe a tester seat - though how they could be selling it as new if it's truly a tester I have no clue. Tester's have to be certified before parents can test them out though, so it's possible it's fully certified and everything.

If it's fully usable and everything, what a steal of a deal at $88. :D

[G8r4evr]

If I were to make a guess I'd guess that it's maybe a tester seat - though how they could be selling it as new if it's truly a tester I have no clue. Tester's have to be certified before parents can test them out though, so it's possible it's fully certified and everything.

If it's fully usable and everything, what a steal of a deal at $88. :D

I wonder why they decided not to go with the oval bubble patterns. They are so cute.

The cranberry is cute, but it clashes with my interior. :(

[fyrfightermomma]

I wonder if you get rid of the infant inserts, if that's all the cranberry color there is and if it will be just a plain brown seat in which case....not pretty! lol Is there already that blue color?

[stayinhomewithmy4]

I just can't decide if I should bother getting Z a SS1 for the rest of winter or wait it out in his Connection (which he'll probably fit in until Feb) to get a new TF. I really really really want a TF Premiere. Grrr, what to do? I want to order the SS1 NOW, but I don't want it to be a waste. I also want to order a TF Premiere asap. I should probably just be patient, right? I mean he has 2 lbs left in his Connection. Why do I have such a hard time making decisions?!

If you can really use that seat, $88 is an absolute bargain! :D And I :love: the cover!

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

They emailed me a UPS tracking number today.......

It says........

Billing information has been sent to UPS. Check site later for updated shipment status or contact shipper for more details.


I'll check later tonight to see where it is in the shipping process and what day is my delivery date.

I can't wait!!!!!!:love:

[Kat_Momof3]

I just can't decide if I should bother getting Z a SS1 for the rest of winter or wait it out in his Connection (which he'll probably fit in until Feb) to get a new TF. I really really really want a TF Premiere. Grrr, what to do? I want to order the SS1 NOW, but I don't want it to be a waste. I also want to order a TF Premiere asap. I should probably just be patient, right? I mean he has 2 lbs left in his Connection. Why do I have such a hard time making decisions?!

If you can really use that seat, $88 is an absolute bargain! :D And I :love: the cover!

what I would do is wait until he's about to outgrow it... and see if any ss1s go ultra cheap on sale before then or at that point... and if the TF Premier is out.

then you can decide what you want to do at that point.

At this point, since he's got plenty of room to last out the rest of this month at least, I would play the waiting game (as long as you at least have access to a walmart in case he shocks you with a surprise growth spurt and you need to make an emergancy scenera run)

[Blondie87]

They emailed me a UPS tracking number today.......

It says........

Billing information has been sent to UPS. Check site later for updated shipment status or contact shipper for more details.


I'll check later tonight to see where it is in the shipping process and what day is my delivery date.

I can't wait!!!!!!:love:

Have you gotten it yet? :)