Question EFTA vs new 3-in-1

Sorry if this has already been discussed.

Would you still choose the EFTA over the new 3-in-1 (35lbRF/50lbFF) seats? Don't these come out about equal for fit after the change? I've been thinking about this and I'm wondering if there is some factor I am missing.

It would really depend on the vehicle. The old 3in1 seats are a huge space hog back to front, and all I see in the new seats is a taller shell so I think it potentially could be a bigger space hog. I haven't actually installed one to see if it is the same in that regard or not though.. The seat is still going to be difficult to install rf'ing in some vehicles, but there are other seats that are tough to install in some vehicles that we still recommend, so I don't know how big a factor that would be for me..

It's still more money than the EFTA, though I imagine if the walmart ones go on sale it'll become pretty close in terms of that.

As long as somebody knows not to use it as a booster, and it fits in their vehicle, I don't have any reason to recommend against it. The old 3in1 seats weren't horrible as long as they fit... they just were over priced for a seat that didn't last long enough and made horrible boosters. Plus way too many parents ended up using the built in booby trap of that top headrest position with the harness, which made them hard to recommend.

Assuming the fit was equal in the vehicle with both seats, and the child found both seats comfortable, I'd *personally* be inclined to still choose the EFTA unless I needed the 35lb rf'ing limit. But I love the knobs and the infinite harness on the EFTA, and hate how the 3in1 seat adjusters always seem to get stiff to use after awhile. And the EFTA overall is still a little less expensive.

But I think in most cases neither is better than the other... the exceptions being the higher rf'ing weight limit in the 3in1's or if one seat is a better fit than the other. :thumbsup:

mommycat said:

Sorry if this has already been discussed.

Would you still choose the EFTA over the new 3-in-1 (35lbRF/50lbFF) seats? Don't these come out about equal for fit after the change? I've been thinking about this and I'm wondering if there is some factor I am missing.

Click to expand...

I'm guessing since you're debating convertible seats and not combination seats, this is for a rf child? If so, then the 3-in-1 with it's 35lb rf limit makes more sense IMO. You already have the older 3-in-1 (in your siggie) so you're probably familiar with the install tricks. I'm assuming it will fit in your vehicle front to back. I'd lean towards the least expensive version available (as in not the $230 Eddie Bauer Elite bells & whistles version)... most likely the wal-mart one for $150.

If it fit, I'd choose the 3-in-1. I loved it for RF. And, it's narrower than the ETA (if you take off the base.)

Thanks for the answers! Angie, I guess I wasn't very clear - I am not actually shopping for a seat but I do advise a lot of parents on seat choices so I wanted to be clear on what I was telling people. It used to be an easy choice before ("don't get a 3-in-1 if you can help it) and now I was trying to get a handle on how the new seats compare. As you say, for someone looking for a convertible to replace an infant bucket, the 3-in-1 makes more sense assuming they have the room and want to ERF. Obviously these are not the only 2 choices, but I want to have the pros/cons clear in my head.