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Safety First Guide 65? Do you like it?
- Thread starter bnsnyde
- Start date
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Personally, I dislike it. I don't like the way the headrest pushes forward kids' heads, especially as they get bigger, and I don't like the install much (same as most Dorel seats) for RF. I personally prefer the SureRide for a budget seat, for oh so many reasons! But some people hate the SR, it's all personal preference. 
happiness-and-balance
New member
I had one very briefly and was so-so about it. It was nice for ERF but a PITA to install sometimes and the headrest sits so far forward that it can push the child's head forward a little. I really think it fits a niche, though, and is great for the price!
creideamh
Well-known member
Personally, I dislike it. I don't like the way the headrest pushes forward kids' heads, especially as they get bigger, and I don't like the install much (same as most Dorel seats) for RF. I personally prefer the SureRide for a budget seat, for oh so many reasons! But some people hate the SR, it's all personal preference.
Agreed completely.
It's not the upright- I don't mind an upright install/seat. In fact I prefer it. No matter the angle you put the Guide at, though, when you get to the higher settings especially, the seat pushes the head forward at a quite extreme angle.
I hear it was done on purpose. You know, like active head restraints in cars...
But other companies whose seats are designed that way don't have it so... extreme.
But other companies whose seats are designed that way don't have it so... extreme.
1mommy
New member
My oldest son rf in it and has no problems other then the occasional head flop when sleeping, it's not my favorite seat to install and needs noodles, but isn't That bad. I have a friends son (17 months) who has the Eddie Bauer version and ff without complaint so I guess it varies from kid to kid and depending on the car. I bought it because I needed a low profile and compact seat that was also cheap and would last a long time... it works for us *shrugs*. I did try out the SureRide and found it easier to install and generally liked it better because the sides gave my son a place to rest his head when sleeping, and if you get it on sale it's roughly the same price but it didn't fit so I returned it.
I have one as the lightweight travel seat for my 3 year old. She is still rear-facing and does well in it that way so far. I have also installed it forward-facing for a couple of plane flights, and it installs well on the plane either way.
Overall it's fine - I find it to be an easy install in either direction, and my daughter has had no complaints about comfort. When she sleeps in it, the head rest does cause head slump, but it doesn't seem to be a problem at other times.
For a while I actually had it as the main seat in my car, but she missed the cupholders from her other seat (a MyRide 65), so now it's just for travel.
Overall it's fine - I find it to be an easy install in either direction, and my daughter has had no complaints about comfort. When she sleeps in it, the head rest does cause head slump, but it doesn't seem to be a problem at other times.
For a while I actually had it as the main seat in my car, but she missed the cupholders from her other seat (a MyRide 65), so now it's just for travel.
SavsMom
New member
Personally, I dislike it. I don't like the way the headrest pushes forward kids' heads, especially as they get bigger, and I don't like the install much (same as most Dorel seats) for RF. I personally prefer the SureRide for a budget seat, for oh so many reasons! But some people hate the SR, it's all personal preference.
Agree 100%
I had one for awhile but it kept over reclining and it was making me insane.
plagermand
New member
I must be the oddball because i love my Guide 65. Google the noodless install or Google Guide 65 mini review CSFTL and that will bring up a video where you install by getting behind the seat and using your hips to help. I never need noodles or towels for any vehicle we have used so far and takes about two minutes each time either LATCH or belt. Both my 2 year old and small 4 year old still fit rf in it. Decent material and not too shallow and sides aren't too high.
I'm very familiar with the noodleless install, it's not a new technique. It doesn't work in all vehicles- super contoured back seats will cause slippage over time, and leather can be an issue too if it's quite slippery. I don't like the install with or without noodles. I prefer one that stays put without all that effort.
kaharris83
New member
It is our travel seat too. We've used it several times both rear and forward facing with no problems. We have never used a noodle. I prefer it to our Sureride because it is more compact.
Thus was my problem. I'd get a solid install but it would move after a few uses.
SavsMom
New member
Exactly.
I'm not a tech but do have friends that ask for seat recommendations. I prefer recommending a seat that allows a simple install without the need for noodles or a tedious install.
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