Cosco Apex 65 Lancer vs Blue?

[bbygrl99]

My friend has a 3yr old that weighs about 40lbs and she is looking into this seat. Is there any difference between the Lancer and the Blue? The blue looks like it has more padding?
Lancer-http://www0.epinions.com/content_218900172420
Blue-http://www.babyuniverse.com/pro.asp?id=100596&rc=dealtime100596&srccode=cii_13736960&cpncode=09-30756461-2

Thanks for any info!

 

[my3girls]

As far as I know the cushy padding is the same for both those, the BEST thing to look for in an Apex is the EPS/EPP foam in the headrest area, not all of them have it. It seems like the only one with it is the "Biltmore" version: http://www.specialtybaby.com/sa1stsibiboc.html although.... they don't bother to mention it in that description. You could try calling Dorel (that makes Cosco and Safety 1st) and ask if all Biltmores will have EPS or EPP foam - 1-800-207-8182 or they probably have a contact page at www.djgusa.com Good luck!
p.s. - your friend has tall enough seat backs or headrests for the Apex, right? Full support behind the seat is REQUIRED! Scan from the Apex manual: http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/m3glaura/car seats/100_1643.jpg

 

[scatterbunny]

I do think the Modern Blue version has more padding. At least, the Lancer I saw last year had NO padding except for the removeable insert, and the Modern Blue I saw last month had good padding in the seating area even without the removeable insert. Maybe they started adding more padding to all versions of this seat recently, I can't say for sure.

 

[my3girls]

You're probably right, Jenny. I've never seen the modern blue in person, glad you can give another (better) opinion! LOL! I find it weird NONE of the descriptions (I did froogle.google for awhile last night before posting) mention EPS or EPP foam, not even Dorel's website. To me the availability of foam in the head are is HUGE!!!

 

[bbygrl99]

Thank you all for your help, she knows I am obsessed after finding this website so she wanted to get the best seat.. I am still researching to find which one is safest... thank you all!

 

[scatterbunny]

For quite awhile Dorel fought the EPS/EPP movement. They didn't think it was cost-effective or worthwhile. But they finally jumped on the bandwagon with the Apex and Uptown. I don't know that ALL versions of the Apex have EPP foam, but I know the brown Eddie Bauer version does, and the Modern Blue Safety 1st version does. Hopefully others who've checked out the other versions recently can comment on those!