What is rigid LATCH?

zeo2ski · Feb 6, 2009

Ok, I think this is a technical question, but maybe it needs to be moved, idk.

I don't have LATCH in my '98, so I've really never checked it out too much. What is rigid LATCH and why is it desirable? Also, what are the "alligator" clips and what is that opposed to? I've installed a TF with latch before, and other than that the only seats I can go look at for comparison are BLVDS, RN, and a snugride. Oh and I could check what is on the scenera, c.sport, and cosco highbacks at walmart, so out of those seats, what has what so I can compare?

Thanks.

LISmama810 · Feb 6, 2009

Rigid LATCH refers to connectors that are attached directly to the seat with no webbing to tighten, like the clek. Very few US seats have it, and none of the ones you mentioned do.

"Alligator" LATCH connectors are the thick black kind, like the ones on Britax seats. You push them on and they have a push-button release. I don't know why they call them alligator clips, because they look nothing like alligators to me, but whatever.

The other kind of LATCH connectors are hooks, that look the same as many tether hooks. It's like the kind on the SnugRide, Scenera, etc.

Rigid LATCH is supposed to provide a better install because there's no margin of error in the tightening (since there are no straps). They supposedly perform better in crash tests. LATCH spacing must be the standard 11", and it can be tricky in some cars if the anchors are buried or otherwise placed weirdly.

Alligator LATCH usually wins out in popularity over the hook kind because they are so much easier to uninstall. However, I find that things usually install more easily with the hook kind if the anchors are buried.

Pixels · Feb 6, 2009

I have an infant seat base with rigid LATCH on it. Let me know if you want me to get it out of DH's car and take a pic so you can see.

Alligator connectors get their name from alligator clamps, which get their name from the similarity to the jaw of a gator.

BTW, don't do a Google image search for "alligator clamp" at work or in front of children.

LISmama810 · Feb 6, 2009

pixels99 said:
Alligator connectors get their name from alligator clamps, which get their name from the similarity to the jaw of a gator.

Yeah, but those actually look like alligators.

lenats31 · Feb 6, 2009

This is rigid latch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwFOrIZv19o

The leg goes instead of a top tether. Many EU cars do not have the top tether anchor points, and retrofitting them is not allowed.

Lena

zeo2ski · Feb 6, 2009

Thanks all, that is what I figured just wanted to be sure.

pixels99 said:
I have an infant seat base with rigid LATCH on it. Let me know if you want me to get it out of DH's car and take a pic so you can see.

Oh no, don't bother with that, I was just wondering. I get the idea now.
And I won't google it...

What is rigid LATCH?

zeo2ski

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Pixels

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