Booster Fit - Performance Booster vs Parkway

[MyTwoSons]

I need help! Which looks like a better fit?

I can't seem to figure out how to get the pictures directly into this post, but here's a link to the Performance Booster pics in photobucket: http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/Mommy2sons/library/Recaro Performance Booster

And here's the Parkway: http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/Mommy2sons/library/Britax Parkway

 

[babyherder]

They both seem to provide a proper belt fit. Is there one you or your son likes better?

 

[MyTwoSons]

They both seem to provide a proper belt fit. Is there one you or your son likes better?

They both have pros and cons...that's why I am having such a hard time. I was hoping one would jump out as a better fit and that would convince me to pull the trigger on one over the other

Both allow the seatbelt to retract perfectly and DS says he likes both.

Performance Booster Pros:
**I love how sturdy and "thick" it is...just seems very stable and crash worthy
**The loose latch doesn't really bother me because in this vehicle it's not much if any looser than I would choose to leave the Parkway (I like the thought of the booster being able to "move" with the child in a crash)
**It has more seat depth (his knees bend naturally at the edge now)
**He can access the cup holders without moving out of position at all

Performance Booster Cons:
**The top of the lapbelt rides just above the red portion of the guide under the armrest (is that a problem??)
**He might be more squished in the future as he gets broader through the shoulders
**Not as tall as Parkway
**Head wings and sides aren't quite as deep as the Parkway due to how thick the back of the seat is


Parkway Pros:
**LOVE the option of the secure guard
**Safe cell technology seems like a good thing
**Taller
**Seems to surround him more (headwing and side depth)

Parkway Cons:
**He leans forward some to access the cup holders due to their placement
**The seat depth is shorter and his knees already bend out past the edge of the seat
**Headrest seems to have to be up higher for shoulder belt to be closer to neck
**Doesn't seem as "sturdy" as the Performance Booster


I've got to make a decision and send one back, but I keep waffling:dizzy:

 

[babyherder]

Hmmm. No idea if the lapbelt being above the red lapbelt guide is an issue. I need a tech for that one.

Is one more comfortable than the other? I feel like the headrest being high will be an issue in both of them at some point as your son grows. Once you move the headrest up it probably seem a little high, then kid grows more and it seems perfect, then kid grows more and it needs moved up and seems high again, etc. If your ds's knees bend past the end of the parkway now how long will he find it comfortable? How long do you want to keep him in a highback?

 

[babyherder]

Also, does his shoulder come out of the shoulder belt if he leans to the opposite side, such as resting his head on the opposite headwing?

 

[wavegal]

Personally I like the fit of the performance booster better, I think the shoulder placement is a little too close to the neck in the parkway. I wouldn't necessary worry about being higher in the red, its just a guide and still in the red area.

 

[jess71903]

I am really lusting after the Performance Boosters right now, but they're too wide for our needs, so if it fits where you need it to, my gut reaction is PB. It's also prettier .

 

[MyTwoSons]

Personally I like the fit of the performance booster better, I think the shoulder placement is a little too close to the neck in the parkway. I wouldn't necessary worry about being higher in the red, its just a guide and still in the red area.

Thank you. I don't know a whole lot about boosters yet, but my concern was that maybe the top of the lapbelt being higher than the red colored guide area rather than completely within it, might mean that in a crash the lapbelt would be pulled in such a way to make submarining under it easier. Is this an unfounded concern? The lapbelt fits low across his thighs, it just seems that the angle the seatbelt comes from the car prevents it from being completely in that red area.

I think I am nervous about this because I know that the Parkway has the secure guard and since the Performance Booster doesn't I want to make sure he isn't at greater risk of submaring due to the position of the lapbelt.

I am really lusting after the Performance Boosters right now, but they're too wide for our needs, so if it fits where you need it to, my gut reaction is PB. It's also prettier .

Yes, I think I am leaning Performance Booster. My last lingering hang-up is the lack of secure guard. And yes, I agree it is prettier, plus when DS2 turns ff at 3.5 yrs he will move into a matching Performance Sport! My second row would look really snazzy then!

 

[wavegal]

how old is your ds?

 

[MyTwoSons]

how old is your ds?

He is 6, a little over 45inches tall, and waffles between 41-42lbs. This will be a part time seat for him.

 

[wavegal]

At his age and size I wouldn't worry about submarining as much especially since the belt fit is very good