Mommy's Favorite Things: RECARO Performance RIDE Review



Sunday, June 8, 2014

RECARO Performance RIDE Review



I received a sample from RECARO for the sole purpose of this review

My youngest little guy is 4.5 months old now (almost 5). So it is time to start thinking about a convertible car seat. Although our infant seat goes up to 32 pounds there is no way I'll still carry him in it that long. He's already about 17 pounds and getting quite heavy. So it is time... I know that RECARO is a leading name in safety for child seats (and race car seats!) and I knew that I wanted my son in a very safe seat. 

I was chosen to review the Performance RIDE which is their convertible seat. Good from 5-40 pounds rear facing and 20-65 pounds forward facing, it's a long lasting seat and just might be the only one you need until booster ages.
We received the Marine color
The seat has a very sleek and modern look to it.
It sits straight up for forward facing and reclines for rear facing to keep baby in an optimal position. 
Recline handle. Just pull it and move the seat into position.
The seat has wonderful venting. There is mesh on the inside and holes on the outer shell which prevents child from getting too hot. Perfect for the summer.
This built in belt lock off is truly perfect for installing with the seat belt OR with a belt that doesn't lock on it's own (in an older vehicle).
The 5 pt harness is very easy to use with clips that are easy on the hands (but still difficult for little hands). Also features stripes on the straps that make it really easy to see if they've been twisted or not.

The seat features an EasyAdjust No Re-Thread Harness. Turn a knob to raise and lower the height of the straps

Here is the seat at it's lowest position and highest. 

The safety can't be beat 
The head restraint is padded with real automotive "PUR" foam for added comfort and safety. The side impact protection is designed to distinctly protect 5 vulnerable areas of a child in a side impact collision- their head, neck, pelvis, face and torso. 
Also Twist resistant HERO technology for the strap pads. 
The latch is easy to use and it stores away easily an attaches to the seat by just pushing it down.  
 my 2 year old in the seat.
and him in the car rear facing (how he normally rides)...

and forward facing, since he can do both at 29 months and 25 pounds


Seat in the car rear facing...
and forward facing

My youngest
and in the car (he was hungry at the time)

My youngest unfortunately isn't a huge fan of the HERO pads and they can't be removed. But I know they're there for his safety and he will get used to them.

Overall I really like this seat. It's super safe and I trust RECARO with my children's safety. 
Adjusting the harness is a bit cumbersome if you're using the seat for 2 different kids, but for one it's not bad at all, you just turn the dial to adjust it. Adjusting the strap tightness is easy too and fast. 

Installing the car seat was INCREDIBLY easy to do. The latch makes it really easy and it can be correctly installed in just a few minutes time. This also makes it easy to switch vehicles it's in or switch from rear facing to forward facing. 

The seat is a bit big and bulky, but in my opinion that just means it's safe. A lot of thought goes into the German Engineered, but US made car seats and I know that this is a seat my youngest will use for a very long time.

Because my children are small, even my 7 year old could ride in this seat, BUT it's high up in the car, so her head would probably hit the ceiling in the car. She is 45.5" and 44 pounds. 

The seat also features comfort enhancing memory foam.
It comes in 7 other colors as well. And 2 others exclusive to Buy Buy Baby

Price: It's on Amazon for $249.99 (some a few less). Normal price is $299.99. A competitively priced seat.

Overall: ***** hands down!

GIVEAWAY!!
Head over Here for a chance to win a Performance RIDE in the Marine color I received (goes live at midnight on 6/9)
*Disclaimer* I received an item directly from RECARO in exchange for a review. I was not paid to try out these products*
A big thank you goes out to RECARO  for allowing me to review this product


105 comments:


Unknown said...

Love the color and the durability.


dana said...

I would love this for my son!


Anonymous said...

It looks sturdy and yet comfortable. Thanks for the opportunity to win!


Unknown said...

I keep hearing about extended rear facing seats and thought they'd be really uncomfortable, but here it looks just fine! This seat looks awesome!


Unknown said...

I love that this makes it so easy to see if everything is buckled correctly and not twisted!


Sfmele said...

Looks super sturdy and easy to use! Definitely looks like it's worth the investment and I LOVE the colors it comes in!


DesiredOne said...

The car seat looks very well made. I love the safety features.


Ariana said...

I've heard good things about this brand and would love to own one. Hope they fit well in a Prius!


Stephanie said...

I really like the marine color.


Liz Parker said...

Looks like a good carseat. And your kids are cute, also :).


Unknown said...

Thanks for doing this review. I thin I am in love with this car seat. I also love how you showed your son rear facing and you did a fantastic job showing proper use of the car seat.
I might be getting a new car seat soon!


Unknown said...

This looks like the most comfortable car seat ever!


Judy said...

It seems to be quite large and full. It would be very comfortable for most sizes. I also like the options on color. I have a great grandbaby coming in a couple months. This would be nice.


Unknown said...

I love that it can adjust to lean backwards or sit more upright.


Unknown said...

I love that you can recline this car seat, that is so neat! My toddler would love it.


CrazyNutsMom said...

Car seats are so hard to mudle through to determine which works great for your vehicle, etc. Thans for sharing. Makes it easier for sure!


Unknown said...

i love how squishy, comfy and safe the car seat LOOKS. and knowing that its safe for a newborn baby ... literally ... is awesome!


DetroitDuchess said...

I will have to come to you for car seat advice when we are ready for kiddo's!


Unknown said...

That is a really good looking car seat and I love the safety features. It would be perfect my grandson.


Nate and Aimee said...

Love that it's easy to install and incline! Looks like a great seat!


Michelle said...

My baby is about to outgrow his infant seat. I think this would be a great Carseat for him!


Anonymous said...

Thanks for the detailed photos, which really help show how the seat works. I hadn't heard of this brand before, but color me intrigued as we start looking for a carseat for my littlest!


Unknown said...

Thanks for doing this review. I thin I am in love with this car seat. I also love how you showed your son rear facing and you did a fantastic job showing proper use of the car seat.
I might be getting a new car seat soon! Definitely need one for our new baby! 💗


Lisa Garland said...

I really like the safety features on this seat.loving the side impact protection and padded head restraints also, it is a very nice looking car seat!! My daughter is gonna have a baby soon and would really like this!!


Marcia Lee said...

I absolutely love everything about the Recaro Performance Ride. I love the safety for my child and the ease for me: EasyAdjust No Re-Thread Harness.


Time for Tech said...

I would love to win this! My 8 month old son is only 7 pounds away from outgrowing his carrier seat!


Anonymous said...

Great review! We will be needing a new seat in a few months and this one looks and sounds great.


Unknown said...

Great Information. I would love to win this for daughter. My daughter is gonna have a baby sister soon :)


Finamoon said...

My daughter is in need of a new car seat and this one sounds perfect! I love that it grows with the child.


Crissa Pollmann Robertson said...

I like that it has a dial to adjust the straps. Nice and easy. The convertible car seat my son is currently in is too big for my car if I want to install it properly. Unfortunately I didn't realize that until we opened the box, installed it, and threw the box away. This means no returns. Although the seat is installed securely it is technically not installed properly...it should be reclined a little more. Car seats are too expensive to just keep buying though. Fingers crossed that we win because my little guy needs a seat that will be installed correctly in my car and be far enough back that we can still drive and use the passenger seat.


Unknown said...

Firstly, I HAVE to compliment you on your review. I love the depth and detail you went to. The pictures make it look fantastic, and your little ones are just too cute.
Secondly, I'm so glad I found this post. I've got a little one due in Aug. and I've been looking for a convertible to bump my 1y/o to so I can have the infant car seat for the baby. He hasn't outgrown the infant seat, but I figured it'd be easier/cheaper to just upgrade him since it can't be too much longer before he outgrows it and his infant seat is only as old as he is so it's not expiring before I'll have a chance to upgrade again for new baby.


Unknown said...

i love all the pictures you provided, your little one is so cute! it always gives me a better understanding of the item when i see it actually being used and detailed pictures!


suzag said...

Looks very comfortable!


Abigail said...

I really like the high weight limit for rear facing use! Thanks for the review and giveaway!


Unknown said...

As much as my husband respects the Recaro company, I was happy to read a review of this seat. It seems to be an amazing seat, offering good looks as well as safety.


Jenn Hiles said...

I absolutely love the EasyAdjust No Re-Thread Harness system. I have a terrible time with this. I love that you can just turn a knob! I've always read great things about Recaro.


Gord said...

Thank you for the review.


Monicaime said...

Wonderful choices of color!! My DD is ready for a convertible seat that can last for so many years.


Gwendolyn M. said...

This looks like a very reliable and easy to use car seat. My children no longer need car seats but I have several friends with babies on the way. The safety features are great and I love the way you displayed them in your pictures. Seeing makes it easier to understand versus just reading about it.


Unknown said...

This would be so fantastic for my sweet niece who will be transitioning from her infant seat soon.


RebeccaX said...

I love that the car seat can recline.


Unknown said...

I LOVE it! Just what we've been looking for! Is it cray that I get excited over a carseat purchase? LOL


Priscilla Benavides said...

I really love the pink and red ones the most! Pink for my daughter and red or blue for my son!


Priscilla Benavides said...

I really love the pink and red ones the most! Pink for my daughter and red or blue for my son!


Diana Chastain said...

This sounds like an amazing car seat! You're kiddos are adorable I. It.


cmroberts said...

This car seat looks amazing. I love the look of it. It is so stylish. I also has no idea that this brand was top for race car seats. Make me want to get one for my baby even more ;)


Anonymous said...

My husband would love it if we had this car seat! It's good to know a fellow mama loves it too! I'm sold! ☺️


Sherrie said...

The color is great and I love all of the features. It also looks very comfy and I like that it holds up to 65lbs. This car seat would be ideal for my grandchildren. Thanks for the informative review :)


Beanybopp said...

I love how you dont have to rethread. I remember having to do that with the infant seat and boy was that a pain! Even with strollers it can be cumbersome! The bulkiness would be bit of a problem in our compact car but im sure we could get over that since Im short and I would rather have my seat up to fit the seat and have a safer ride for our son than a smaller not as safe seat.

I also love the venting...our son gets hot/sweaty very easily/fast and I always feel bad for him since there really isnt anything we can do but turn up the a/c.

It does seem to fit the smaller children better than the Britax. When we moved our son to the Britax he was 18lbs and we had to take the shoulder strap covers off. I have no idea how anyone can fit a 5lb baby in their seats like they say you can. All in all it looks like a really cool and safe seat!


Unknown said...

Love that you don't have to re thread the harness. My husband needs this in his car for our son!


Julie G. said...

I like the hero pads... We always have twisting!


hippiemama86 said...

I have this seat for my son, and LOVE it!!! We rear-faced through 3, and finally forward faced at 4, when he passed the weight limit for rear facing. It's an amazing seat. Would love to win one for our future #2. :)


Christina Skinner said...

I need a new convertible for baby number 3 coming soon. I've heard great things about these seats!


Olivia Douglass said...

Thank you for such a thorough review. We are expecing our first and definitely have been looking at reviews of carseats! LOVE the Recaro.


Sarah Elyce said...

Such a great review, which I love reading as a first time expectant mommy (due in October). I love the color you received and the pictures you took to go along with the thorough discussion of this product. Thank you again for information that is quite pertinent to my current research on baby products.


Unknown said...

Love that Seafoam color and how snug the baby looks in it.


Kassie Brown said...

The baby in the picture looks secure and I like all the side protection


rj7777 said...

I love the colors and how it reclines. I like that it grows with baby too. The vents make it more comfortable for baby too. Thanks for the great information. Rita Spratlen


Anonymous said...

I have read all about Recaro and have decided that my next car seat purchase will be theirs! Love the color of the seat you received in Marine and love that the seat easily latches in!


Unknown said...

I have been pining for this seat for a while now. I love all the safety features, but I also love the breathable material that the cover is made of. It is very, very hot where I live, and my daughter always seems to be sweaty after she rides in the car. I also really like that marine color.


Unknown said...

I love that color! And thanks for such an informative review!


Keeping Up the Faith 2021 said...

This carseat looks awesome. I have the Graco My Ride 65 for my daughter who is 5 and a little over 40 lbs, to keep her harnessed and it's pretty bulky too. This one looks a bit more secure.

Thanks so much for the great review.


tisme143 said...

LOL I love that close to last pic, he is not happy.. it just reminds me of one of my grandchildren, Now about the carseat, love the fact that it can be adjusted to fit the child's size and great safety features :) thanks for share


Unknown said...

I love that it is rear facing until 40lbs which means we could rear face until after 2yrs :) amazing!!!


Unknown said...

This seat comes in some really nice colors. I like that it has vents on the side to help with heat distribution. That has been an issue for us.


Analee said...

In the market for a new car seat for my son. This would be great.


Analee said...

In the market for a new car seat for my son. This would be great.


Starbucks Addict said...

Ooooh it looks amazing! I actually love that color, I'd use it for a boy or girl. And I love how safe it looks! I have my almost 3 year old still rear facing, this would be a perfect fit for her now and whenever we do forward face her!


Unknown said...

this seat looks great and I love the fact that it comes in so many colors..great review :) I am still looking to get a car seat and so any reviews help! :)


Unknown said...

I love the rear facing weight limit of 40lbs and forward facing of 65lbs. It means I can get a lot of use out of this seat!


Unknown said...

dat rear facing weight limit!


Unknown said...

I like that this car seat has plenty of room for the child's bottom. I also like that it can hold a child who weighs up to 65lbs.


Allyson Bossie said...

I have never heard of this brand, but I Love many of the aspects of it. It looks stylish, yet super safe, and I love that it works from infancy to 65 lbs so my 5 year old would still be sitting in it. Pretty darned awesome
allyson dot bossie at gmail dot com


Amanda Nicol said...

This is such a detailed review! Thank you! I love all of the pictures you included


Rebekah said...

Love the color of this seat and I love the great safety features of Recaros seats.


Unknown said...

This seat looks plush! That seafoam color is perfect for either gender and Recaro is just another word for safety in my book


Regan said...

I have heard great things about this seat and it was in the running when we ultimately decided on another seat. We ended up not liking that seat very much and would love to replace it with a Recaro. I love the blue you chose.


Beki Lozano said...

this car seat is awesome Love the color and the durability would love to win this for my son


Vicki Hall said...

I love how this car seat goes from 5 to 65 lb thanks for the chance to win !


back2basics said...

Love how easy it is to install!!! I also love how safe it is!!! Great car seat!!


Unknown said...

This seat looks amazing! I love how it looks and the incline! I'm having my 3rd baby in August and this would be just amazing! Thank you for the great article! xo


Earthy Mama said...

One loves it one hates it! looks like it fits your older boy better. love the color though.


Unknown said...

I love this company. I know my baby is safe in this carseat! Love the style.


Catherine said...

I have heard good things about this brand, would love the chance to try it!


Unknown said...

Thanks for writing such a detailed review! The Recaro seats look super safe!


Unknown said...

This is an amazing seat. I'm due in December and this would definitely be one I am interested in. Thanks for the review


Hayley Elliott said...

I love so many of the features of this seat. My favorites would be the padded head restraint, venting, built in belt lock off, and the stripes on the straps so you know if they are twisted. Also, this color is beautiful! We would love to have this seat and are actually in the market for one.


Jill Myrick (jsc123) said...

I love the color and the added head protection that the Recaro Car seat offers.
I also love that it can be used from 5 - 65lbs so there is no need to purchase multiple car seats.

jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com


DanceJamboree said...

I am fixing to be a new grandmother and I sure would love to have this seat.


Voorhees said...

I love the style of this car seat, and it looks super comfortable.


maria carrasco said...

I love all the features of this carseat but I really like the The 5 pt harness. I also like the design of this car seat.


Anonymous said...

The features are great. This looks comfortable.


Unknown said...

This would meet all our needs I have a 2 year old boy and another baby boy due in September :)


Anonymous said...

It seems like a super carseat and I like that it grows with the child.


Unknown said...

this looks amazing. I love that this has memory foam and mesh to keep kids cool. this has so many great features. I also love the side impact protection on these.


Unknown said...

i would love to try this!!! it looks like a great comfy carseat.


Lauryn R said...

I love this seat! It looks very comfy, and I love all of the safety features! I also really like that it can be used rear facing as well as forward facing. My daughter's car seat is getting very worn and old looking. She is 5 but on the very tiny side (only 29lbs!) So she has had her car seat for awhile. I don't like it, and would love to win this for her!


Bobbie Smith said...

I have to say this sounds like an awesome car seat. I love that it has a handle to recline the seat! I also like that it has vents on the seat cover for the little ones too. Great review!


Anonymous said...

This looks very safe!


Kristyl said...

Pick me!


Chef Amaya said...

I would love to have this for my some.


Anonymous said...

This is cool! Thanks!


Unknown said...

I love there convertible car seats. I like that this one has the padded head restraint. This is a definite must when shopping for a car seat.


Maria Elena Dominguez said...

I love that they also make seats for planes and race cars


Unknown said...

Love the color options and rear facing ability!