Locking seat belts: Which do you prefer?

U

Unregistered1

Guest

• Sep 20, 2008

• #1

For a lap shoulder belt, how do you prefer it lock, a locking latchplate or a switchable retractor?
I can't decide, because the locking latchplate has a tendancy to loosen over time, but the switchable retractor can cause RF and sometimes even FF seats to tip horribly, making it so that you need a PITB locking clip. WDYT?

Poll to follow if I can figure it out.

 

Nisha

New member

• Sep 20, 2008

• #2

I prefer a heavier locking latchplate like I have in my Windstar van. I've never had it loosen.
Switchable retractors are kind of a pain to get really tight, but would prefer that over lightweight locking latchplates that tend to loosen over time.
I didn't really help, did I?!

 

MissAllyLou

New member

• Sep 20, 2008

• #3

Of the two choices? Locking latchplates. I hate both, though!

 

musicmaj

New member

• Sep 20, 2008

• #4

I prefer switchable retractors so that you can lock them with booster seats. I hate them for rearfacing seats though.

 

fyrfightermomma

New member

• Sep 20, 2008

• #5

Switchable retractor all the way.

I miss them since I got my van and can't stand the locking latchplates....grrr...

 

TXAggieTech

Active member

• Sep 20, 2008

• #6

Switchable because I actually like locking clips for RFing seats.

 

BookMama

Senior Community Member

• Sep 20, 2008

• #7

musicmaj said:

I prefer switchable retractors so that you can lock them with booster seats. I hate them for rearfacing seats though.

Click to expand...

Same here. As a parent, I like switchable retractors better because my DS prefers to lock the seat belt when he rides in a booster (for field trips and such), and complains when he can't.

As a tech, I find them easier to use and also easier to explain to parents.

 

skaterbabs

Well-known member

• Sep 21, 2008

• #8

For installs I actually ptefer locking latchplates - I've NEVR had one work loose. :duck:

For boosters, yes, I prefer switchable retractors so the shoulder belt can be locked, but it's not an absolute requirement.

 

UlrikeDG

Admin - CPS Technician Emeritus

• Sep 21, 2008

• #9

skaterbabscpst said:

For installs I actually ptefer locking latchplates - I've NEVR had one work loose. :duck:

Click to expand...

Same here. I know it *can* be an issue, but it hasn't been for me, and the installation is soooo fast and easy! I could literally install seats in my Saturn SW2 with one hand!

 

MorgieBear'sMama

New member

• Sep 21, 2008

• #10

TXAggieTech said:

Switchable because I actually like locking clips for RFing seats.

Click to expand...

Same here.

 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor

Staff member

• Sep 21, 2008

• #11

musicmaj said:

I prefer switchable retractors so that you can lock them with booster seats. I hate them for rearfacing seats though.

Click to expand...

Agreed, though around here it's not usually a problem except for Snugrides. People here have Britaxes and EFTAs, so there's not a lot of tipping for rear facing seats.

Wendy

 

mish

New member

• Sep 21, 2008

• #12

It depends on what I am installing. If it is a rear facing seat I prefer locking latchplates. Booster seats I prefer switchable retractors. FF harness seat I really don't care.

 

Mommy2Five

New member

• Sep 22, 2008

• #13

I much prefer switchable retractors!