What is the difference between the MA and DC Latch bars?

steph · Dec 7, 2007

I thought I remember hearing that it doesn't have a LATCH bar. How does that make a big difference?

ThreeBeans · Dec 7, 2007

The DC, I believe, does not HAVE one. Meaning that instead of the nifty straps on either side that can be tightened independently, you have to tighten a single strap like every other carseat.

BookMama · Dec 7, 2007

Yep, no LATCH bars on the DC. The LATCH connectors are on a single strap of webbing, as on most other seats. There IS an adjustor on each side, though, which makes it much easier to use than other seats.

steph · Dec 7, 2007

So is it a pain???

arly1983 · Dec 7, 2007

No, I just bought a DC yesterday.

And I would say it is not a pain. The latch adjusters on either side make it tighten pretty easily. If the BV latch were a 10, I would give the DC a 8.5.

Do you have any questions or need any pics?

crunchierthanthou · Dec 7, 2007

BookMama said:
Yep, no LATCH bars on the DC. The LATCH connectors are on a single strap of webbing, as on most other seats. There IS an adjustor on each side, though, which makes it much easier to use than other seats.

that's right. There are two adjusters. It isn't any harder than the MA installation wise, and is at least as easy to switch between rf and ff. The lack of LATCH bars make it more likely to puzzle well (not that it's currently an issue). If the recent recall fixed the harness adjuster issue, I would definitely consider a DC. It's like the RA, but taller and with and adjustable crotch strap and infant padding.

steph · Dec 7, 2007

arly1983 said:
No, I just bought a DC yesterday.

And I would say it is not a pain. The latch adjusters on either side make it tighten pretty easily. If the BV latch were a 10, I would give the DC a 8.5.

Do you have any questions or need any pics?

Can you take a pic of the LATCH set up? Do you like it? Is the adjuster way easier than the BV/MA?

Niea · Dec 7, 2007

I've got a Blvd and a Decathlon and to be honest, I don't find any difference in ease of tightening the LATCH straps. Always makes me wonder why people hate the Decathlon's lack of LATCH bars. I suppose I just haven't encountered their particular difficulty.

I just kneel in the seat (not all of my weight, just enough to hold the seat down) and pull both adjuster straps at the same time. I know you're not supposed to kneel in seats anymore, but I'm not doing it to put weight extra weight in it. . .I just need a third hand.

arly1983 · Dec 7, 2007

hmmm, is it easier?

as far as force goes, it is the same I would say

as for method, I really like that it is one tug instead of pull, release, pull, release

and some how, I get more shoulder room in this than in the MA (?)

is this what you were looking for?

katiesmommy · Dec 7, 2007

It's still easy-peasy to me. But yeah, the DC doesn't have latch bars.

BookMama · Dec 7, 2007

I think it's very easy to use LATCH with the DC. In fact, I kind of like that it's all one strap because sometimes I have a hard time getting good leverage to pull on one side or the other ... with a MA, I would HAVE to pull on the side that needed to be tightened; with the DC, I can pull on either side (or both) to tighten as needed.

I'm going to try to post a pic of my DC installed with LATCH - hopefully it will work.

steph · Dec 7, 2007

How do you switch them from FF to RF?

Thanks for the pic Arly!

crunchierthanthou · Dec 8, 2007

Just like any other seat- unthread it from the rf beltpath and put it through the ff.

Do you see the small strap near the lock-off on Bookmama's picture? That attaches the LATCH strap to the shell. It rotates on the rivet and allows the connectors to be properly oriented (right side up) whether you are using it ff or rf.

sb518 · Dec 8, 2007

Wow I learn something new every day! :thumbsup:

Does anybody know if there's a difference in the last crotch strap position vs. the marathon?? Is there more room with the DC crotch strap?? I find myself wishing my MA crotch strap was moved out a little further.

arly1983 · Dec 8, 2007

Fartherest out crotch position measures 7.25 ins.

You can measure the MA and compare.

southpawboston · Dec 8, 2007

i personally prefer a LATCH bar over a conventional belt because i think the bar allows you to customize the geometry between the LATCH connector and the vehicle's lower anchors, and this allows you to get a more snug install in a broader range of cars. :twocents:

sb518 · Dec 9, 2007

arly1983 said:
Fartherest out crotch position measures 7.25 ins.

You can measure the MA and compare.

6.25in on the MA with the cover on 6.5 without.

Hmmmm now I want a DC

I tried to give you REP for helping me out but it told me to spread the love

arly1983 · Dec 9, 2007

Cool!

I knew it was farther out but wasn't sure how much...

steph · Dec 9, 2007

I guess I'll have to go play around with a DC at the store. I think for now I'm going to wait and when Ryan hits 31-32 pounds hopefully the new MA/BV/DC with a rf weight of 35 pounds will be out!!!!

I'm just so bummed about the Advocate because I really like the headwings and I wanted the push button adjuster

.

cryswilkins · Dec 9, 2007

Arly are you saying that the new DC's adjust like the RA????!?!?!?! If so I am so getting a DC, I love our RA but it is going to be outgrown so soon. Maybe for the after christmas sale I can convince my DH.

What is the difference between the MA and DC Latch bars?

New member

New member

Senior Community Member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

Active member

Senior Community Member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Sponsors

Forum statistics