Cosco Apex--a great "big kid's" seat for a bargain price
We are very happy with our Apex 65. DS has been using it for about 1 month now, and I'm a happy camper. He is 5 yrs old and 42 pounds. It is basically the biggest seat out there, behind the Regent, so he has room to grow. --But for almost 1/3 the Regent price--frankly, incredible. For older children, this seat is awesome, and doesn't feel or look like a "baby seat."
I knew before buying it that we would need a replacement (longer) crotch strap from Dorel, so I was pleasantly surprised when I called them and it was free, and arrived in less than 2 weeks (even though they told me it was backordered.) They didn't even charge me for shipping. The new crotch strap makes the seat awesome.
Yes, the straps are a tad bit twisty, but I don't find them OVERLY twisty. It hasn't been a problem.
My DS can COMPLETELY buckle AND unbuckle himself in the seat--which I want him to be able to do, so we worked on it. It took him a week to learn how. The new buckle made it even easier.
Even without EPS SIP foam (which is VERY hard to find in any seat) you must remember that ANY 5 pt restraint is going to provide a lot of SIP.
Easy seatbelt install in the bench of my Odyssey using the headrest behind the seat. We aren't using the LATCH, since he is over 40#. The top tether really makes it rock solid.
I have NO problems getting the headrest on the Apex to lock in place. And there IS another set of harness slots under the headrest, when it is at the lowest setting.
I got the one with the dark brown ultrasuede cover from BRU, and it's not looking dirty, even though he spills all over it regularly.
If you're looking for a "bigger kid" seat that is budget-friendly, this is it.
Also, considering all the recent hoopla surrounding the Regent (recline bar, advisory, crash tests, etc.) the Apex just seems like a wonderful alternative to shelling out nearly $300 for a 5 pt restraint.