Diono Radian 3RXT Or Clek Fllo? Which Is The Best?

Finding the right convertible car seat that works for you and your budget can be tough. Here are some things to consider when deciding between the Diono Radian 3RXT or the Clek Fllo.

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Similarities

The two convertible car seats share only one thing in common, their forward-facing maximum weight limit of 65 pounds.

Differences

Rear-Facing Weight Limit. If you wish to use Fllo for newborns and smaller babies at least 5 pounds and 19 inches, you need to purchase a separately sold infant thingy.*

The country where the car seats would be used will determine which between the two is superior in terms of the rear-facing maximum weight limit. If in the US, Clek Fllo would be a better choice than the 3RXT because you can use it up to 50 pounds.

In Canada, Radian 3RXT would be a better option because Fllo’s maximum weight limit there is only 40 pounds.

Rear-Facing Height Limit. The Radian 3RXT surpasses the Fllo by only 1 inch.

Forward Facing Height Limit. The Radian 3RXT can accommodate a child up to 57 inches, while the Fllo can only accommodate up to 49 inches. Being a tall child restraint may have the disadvantage of somehow affecting the driver’s rear-view of the vehicle.

Booster Mode. The 3RXT leads over Fllo because we can use it as a high back booster seat. The problem with such 3-in-1 convertible car seats is that it is basically a chance. You would never be assured if your child will grow as you expect.

For all you know, your child would quickly outgrow the car seat and not be able to use the booster mode.

Both the 3RXT and the Fllo are narrow car seats that can fit in compact cars and also in a 3-across set-up.

Similarities

Both need no aftermarket products like towels or pool noodles for installation. However, Fllo has an optional anti-rebound bar.

If you choose not to use this ARB, you might need to use a tightly rolled towel to attain the proper recline angle. This matter about using a tightly rolled towel is not mentioned in the manual but can be read at Clek’s site.

They have the same lower anchor weight limit.

Differences

Rear-Facing Installation. For Diono Radian 3RXT, there is a detachable base that must be attached.

The new Radian 3RXT features color-coded dots under the seat itself and on the detachable base that you need to make sure are properly matched before you attach them together.

Meanwhile, the Clek Fllo has a built-in recline foot that must first be flipped and locked into place. You must always use the recline foot in the rear-facing.

Recline Angle. Fllo offers two recline positions: one for under 22 pounds and another for children over 22 pounds. There are two recline lines you would find at the side of the car seat.

We can use any angle between these two lines for children weighing over 22 pounds, which would be useful for younger, stockier babies who still require extra recline.

The 3RXT features a fixed internal recline angle. Several parents find it disappointing since they are used to the adjustable recline angles and mechanisms of other car seats.

This means how upright or how reclined the 3RXT will be will depend on your vehicle seat.

With sloped vehicle seats, the 3RXT would cause a more upright position. A vehicle with a raised seat bight (the crack found in between the vertical and horizontal parts of the vehicle seat) would make 3RXT more reclined.

Similarities

Both have steel frames. They are also both side impact-tested and are approved for airplane use.

Differences

Country of Origin. These two differ in their countries of origin.

Real-Life Crash Scenarios. Looking at customer reviews in Amazon and other online resources, you'll find that the Diono product has more testimonials than the Clek Fllo.

In one 5-star Amazon review, the parent told about how their parked car was rear-ended by a drunk driver.

The baby was seated on the side that was hit, yet he was unharmed. In another testimonial by a father, the family car rolled over, yet the three children endured no injuries, not even a scratch.

Clek Fllo was also highly rated by a parent whose car was rear-ended on a highway so she got the same Fllo car seat replacement that protected her son during the ill-fated incident.

Rebound Reduction/Prevention. For safety, both seats have advanced safety features that car seats in the higher price range can offer.

However, the 3RXT’s features are disregarded because of a lack of awareness by parents who fail to thoroughly read the user manual.

Some parents and caregivers skim through and skip some crucial contents of the manual. One of the commonly forgotten features of 3RXT is rear-facing tethering.

In the manual, it states that rear-facing tethering is allowed if the vehicle has the anchor for tethering. If properly tethered, it can reduce the rebound motion.

To know whether the vehicle allows this rear tethering, contact the vehicle manufacturer or read the airbag section of the vehicle manual.

Meanwhile, Fllo comes with an (optional to install) anti-rebound bar or ARB. As the name suggests, this feature can prevent child restraint from rebounding, which could severely injure a child.

This ARB should be installed at the foot of the Fllo so it will be more stable during impacts and collisions.

The ARB in Fllo is more preferable since right from unboxing, you could already see it and it would suggest that you should install it for additional safety.

The ARB also helps in achieving a proper recline so you would not need to place a tightly rolled towel under the seat.

Unique Safety Features. The Radian 3RXT has a Safe Stop feature. If you do not read the manual, you would miss how this can help ensure your child’s utmost safety.

This may seem like just an additional strap, but its yellow label should tell you it has its particular use, so look for it in the manual.

You must attach the Safe Stop to the harness if the seat is to be used in the forward-facing by kids under 40 pounds.

Clek Fllo has an integrated “honeycomb” safety system. This system will reduce the forces that could be transmitted to a seated child in the forward-facing setup.

What makes this better than the Safe Stop of 3RXT is that it needs not to be installed first for it to be in effect.

It is already built into the base and would be in effect once a crash occurs.

Car Crash Testing. On the webpage of Clek, they post the crash test results. It’s hard to find crash test results of Radian 3RXT online, at least as of writing this review.

Post-Accident. Child restraints that were involved in a crash must be replaced. Diono has a “Voluntary Car Seat Warranty Exchange Program.” It involves certain criteria to be met so that Diono could determine if the car seat involved in a severe crash may be exchanged for a new one.

Clek offers no similar program that will provide a new replacement for the damaged car seat. However, it could recycle the spoiled child restraint for you. 

Similarities

They are both roomy, have breathable covers, feature non-rethread harnesses (which can be a downside since many parents live hectic lives they would want things that can offer more convenience).

Differences

Weight. Both seats are heavy, but the Clek Fllo can be lighter without the Anti-Rebound Bar. If you ever need a car seat for your travels, you might still prefer the Diono product since you can fold it for carrying and storage.

Fabric Cover. The Clek Fllo features fabrics that are said to be impermeable to liquids and resistant to stains.

Removable Cover Maintenance. We can easily remove the sleek cover of 3RXT and it can be machine-washed.

It was initially thought that the cover of Fllo cannot be removed since they have pitched its Crypton fabric as a stain-proof and anti-microbial fabric.

However, if you visit the webpage from Clek, you can find instructions on how to clean the Fllo cover. You will discover that the fabric can be hand washed.

Crotch Strap Position. The Radian 3RXT has more crotch strap positions to offer since it is intended to be used until the booster mode.

Do You Need More Help To Decide Between

Diono Radian 3RXT Or Clek Fllo?

Check Out My Diono Radian 3RXT Review

Read My Clek Fllo Review

What do you think?

Cheers!

Pitin

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