Comparing the Graco Contender Vs Size4me 65 will make the Graco Size4Me stand out more. But that does mean that it’s worth to get the Size4Me?
Let’s see.
Graco Contender 65
Vs
Graco Size4Me 65
Ideal Use
| Contender 65 | Size4Me 65 | |
| Rear-Facing Weight: | 5 to 40 pounds | 4 to 40 pounds |
| Forward-Facing Weight: | 20 to 65 pounds | |
| Height Limit: | Up to 49 inches | |
Good All In One car Seats
Will It Fit In My Car?
| Contender 65 | Size4Me 65 | |
| Width | 20.75 inches | 18.5 inches |
| Height | 26 inches | 23.43 inches |
| Depth/Length | 27 inches | 22.05 inches |
The Graco Contender is bulkier than the Size4Me 65. It would take up more room inside the vehicle especially when the recline is maximized and installed in the rear-facing position.
Good 2-Way Car Seats
| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat, Saturn * |
Installation
| Contender 65 | Size4Me 65 | |
| Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | Yes | |
| Easy To Install Rear-Facing? | Relatively | Yes |
| Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | Relatively | Yes |
| Easy To Uninstall? | No | Yes |
Installing the Graco Contender 65 would need a little more patience than the Size4Me. Not only is the challenge in tightening the straps a common scenario for parents who got the Contender, releasing the seat from the LATCH installation can also be a pain.
Installation-wise, it is safer to go with the Size4Me.
Safety
| Contender 65 | Size4Me 65 | |
| Country Of Origin: | China | |
| Steel Frame: | No | |
| Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
| Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
| Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | |
| Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | No | |
Both seats have the same issue when it comes to safety – the harness straps.
The Graco Contender harness strap doesn’t seem to keep its tightness, especially in the chest area. It’s a problem because if you are out driving alone with your kid, you cannot possibly keep on checking on the straps if it’s still snug enough to keep your baby safe.
The Size4Me seat harness needs to be improved as well. In rear-facing mode, getting it tight enough to pass the pinch test can be easily done by helping the harness lose from the back all the way, before tightening it. BUT it would be impossible to do the same trick in the forward-facing mode, especially that the car seat’s back will be pressed firmly against the vehicle’s seat.
The Seat
| Contender 65 | Size4Me 65 | |
| Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | No |
| Seat Weight: | 15.2 pounds | 19.2 pounds |
| Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
| Roomy? | Yes | |
| No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
| Comes With An Infant Body Support? | Removable head and body support | |
| Easy To Remove Cover? | No | Yes |
| Expiration | 7 years | |
| Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes | |
| Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | No | Yes |
| Leg Straps Has Pads? | No | |
The Graco Contender seems to be ideal if a comfortable and breathable seat fabric are what you are looking for. It is also way lighter than the Graco Size4Me seat.
The “Rapid Remove” feature is only available for the seat cover of the Size4Me. If you have a child that always makes a mess inside the car, it’s good to know that you can easily remove the cover of the Size4Me for machine-washing.
The Size4Me also comes with shoulder strap pads, which can prevent rubbing of the bare straps against the neck area of your little passenger.
Compare The Price Difference
Contender 65 |
Size4Me 65 |
Check The Latest Price |
Check The Latest Price |
Conclusion
There is an approximately USD10 price difference between the two seats. The Graco Contender is more expensive. Let’s see why.
- It has a breathable seat material.
- It is more ideal for air travel since it is lighter in weight.
Let’s see what you’ll get from saving your money with the Graco Size4Me 65.
- The Size4Me is more compact.
- It is easier to install and uninstall.
- It has an easy to remove seat cover.
- It comes with shoulder harness pads.
While the above four points are good, we can’t ignore the strap issues for both seats. The seat harness is one of the most important parts of a car seat. It’s important that you can properly strap your kid in the seat.
The Size4Me has improved functionality than the Graco Contender. But I personally think that it’s not enough to get it considering that when it comes to forward-facing mode, you’ll have a hard time trying to get the proper snugness of the seat harness straps.
I’d keep looking.
Do You Need More Help Deciding Between
The Graco Contender Vs Size4me?
See My Review Of The Graco Contender
Read My Graco Size4Me Review
What Do You Think?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
I happen to have one of each of these for my twins. In the rear-facing position, I would have to say they are extremely comparable. The latch system on the Size4me is easier to use and the Size4me comes with extra padding and comfort inserts, neither of which are big advantages in my opinion.
The big difference comes when you install them in the forward-facing position. The Size4me has two positions available when the car seat is forward-facing, whereas the Contender only has one. The Contender’s forward-facing recline is quite upright and I am still unable to use it with my now 18-month olds; their heads hang to the side too much when they fall asleep.
The size4me, on the other hand, keeps them quite comfortable due to the two options for a forward-facing position. If you’re planning to use the car seat from infancy, I would definitely go with the Size4me over the Contender. Personally, I feel that either seat is too big for a newborn, but should work comfortably from about 6 months on.
Hi Kate!
I really appreciate the time you have put in to share your thoughts about these two seats! This comment is a gold mine of first-hand information which I know my readers will appreciate a lot! Thank you very much.
Kind Regards,
Pitin
I’m feeling more confident about the Contender 65. Even though it’s bigger in size and weighs more, I like the fact that it is made with a breathable material which will work better.
Hi Excelle,
Just a clarification. The Graco Contender weighs less than the Size4Me, but yes, it’s bulkier. If your vehicle is large enough to accommodate its size, then I think you won’t mind the Graco Contender 65’s size at all.
I agree with you that a breathable seat material is essential, especially if you will be using the seat for long rides and you live in a place where it’s scorching hot!
Regards,
Pitin