Britax Safe-n-Sound Graphene / Graphene + / Graphene TEX Review
Specifications
RRP
Graphene: $649
Graphene+: $699 at Baby Bunting only
Graphene TEX: $699
Type
Type A4/B convertible car seat
Weight
7.8kg
Age
Rearward facing: 0 – 2-3yrs (approx)
Forward facing: 12mo – 4yrs (approx)
Dimensions
H 68.5 x W 44 x D 42.5 cm
(52cm depth in rearward facing mode)
Height markers
Lower marker
(must rearward face under marker): 35cm
Middle marker (turn to forward facing): 39cm
Upper marker (stop use): 43.5cm
Anchoring
ISOFIX
Seat belt
Adjustability
Recline or upright
Harness
5-point harness
Other features
Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT) – Torso
Active Head Restraints (AHR)
Thermo5 Bamboo Fabric
Automatic harness reposition
Additional on Graphene+:
Thermo5 Fabric with Memory Foam
Additional on Graphene TEX:
Thermo5 Fabric with Nanotex
Seat colours:
Kohl Black, Pebble Grey, Midnight Navy
Warranty
5 years on Safe-n-Sound car seat moulding, harness and fittings
2 years on softgoods supplied with Safe-n-Sound car seat at the time of purchase (including accessories)
With extended warranty:
10 years on Safe-n-Sound car seat moulding, harness and fittings
5 years on Thermo5 soft goods.
CREP safety rating using ISOFIX
Protection rating
Ease of use rating
CREP safety rating using seat belt
Protection rating
Ease of use rating
Pros and cons
Pros
+ Narrow width, good for compact cars
+ Easy to use
+ ISOFIX attachments
+ Quality fabric options
Cons
– Expensive
– Headrest not adjustable
Bottom line:
Top of the line car seat for compact cars with Britax’s best safety features. Extended rearward facing does let you maintain the safer rearward facing position for longer (if your toddler can manage it). The seat is narrow enough to easily fit 3-wide in most cars and it is shallow enough to give the front passenger leg room when in rearward facing mode. The small size does compromise on adjustability. Quality fabric options are available depending on your preference (Plus for memory foam, TEX for NanoTEX moisture/odor repellant) are additional price options.
This is a top quality and the one you want to get if you have a compact car, but it does come at a price.
Who this is for:
You have a compact car or want to fit 3 in the rear and don’t want to compromise on safety.
What is the difference between the Graphene, Graphene Plus & Graphene TEX?
All three seats are the same base seat with the same dimensions, age ratings and safety ratings. The only difference between the three is the fabric used on the seat trim.
In terms of the differences of the fabrics, the Graphene has the regular Thermo5 fabric which helps keep your child cool and dry.
According to Britax, “Thermo5 fabric feels smooth on the skin and soft to touch. Thermo5 uses a knitted fabric which provides airflow and wicks moisture away, keeping your baby cool, dry and comfortable.”
The Graphene Plus has Thermo5 fabric plus memory foam underneath the fabric. Memory foam conforms somewhat to the body of your child and retains the shape, making the seat feel more comfortable and ‘custom-fitted’. Additionally, the Plus is only available from Baby Bunting (in Australia).
The Graphene TEX, on the other hand, still has the base Thermo5 fabric but instead of memory foam has moisture repellent features built into the fabric. This means that if liquid were to spill onto the seat, the liquid would bead up and roll off the fabric instead of soaking, which may potentially ruin the fabric.
So for $50 more, is it worth getting the Graphene Plus or Graphene TEX over the regular Graphene? That’s a question only you (and your child) can answer, but all of these options are still great choices.
