Summary
Not Recommended – The cost of the Maxi Cosi Rodi is a huge negative; considering the price of the Britax maxi guard is only marginally above that of the Rodi. Other issues such as the cable ties, the pinching hazard and the headrest coming completely out; mean there are better alternatives for the money.
The Maxi Cosi Rodi AP Booster Seat claims to be the Safest and most comfortable booster seat of the market. Consider for a moment that the Maxi Cosi Rodi is only a Booster seat and with an RRP of $259, making it the most expensive booster on the market.
Ask any Car seat Professional and they will tell you that the safest option is to use an extended harnessing seat such as the Britax maxi guard or the Infa Secure Emerge
The Rodi is simply a Booster seat so there is no installation other than connecting the tether strap to the anchor point and using the seat correctly.
Is It the Tallest Booster on the Market ?
The tallest Booster on the market is the Infa Secure Visage with a torso exit marker at 57cm, 0.5 to 1 cm taller than the Maxi Cosi RODI. additionally the Visage is also a B/E combination harness and booster seat, a better deal than the Maxi Cosi RODI.
The Anti Rattle vibration dampener, is an example of a seat using features that are not required in Australia as we use a tether strap connected to the anchor point.
The author is not aware of any comparisons exist between the side protection technologies; eg ACT (Air Cocoon technology) from Infa Secure or SICT from Britax.
The Rodi has expandable side wings; similar to the Britax Kid Guard Pro. The one exception being; the kid-guard pro wings are somewhat wider and help in preventing your child from slipping out of the seat.
Arm Rest pinching hazard
Under specific car seats configurations (flat seat and reclined backrest, some examples include Nissan Xtrail, Lexus Cars) the armrest of the maxi Cosi Rodi Separates from the base of the Rodi and opens up the slot where a pin from the armrest is inserted and leads to a potential pinching hazard.
Is Maxi Cosi truly serious in holding the base of the Rodi to the Backrest with CABLE TIES
Head Rest Comes out Completely
When you open up the box for your new Rodi; do NOT grab it by the handle in the head rest and pull quickly to remove it from the box. If this is done, the head rest will completely detach from the rest of the unit. What will happen in case of an accident???
Maxi Cosi Rodi Recommendation
Not Recommended – The cost of the Rodi has a huge negative; considering the price of the Britax maxi guard is only marginally above that of the Rodi.
Additionally you get a fully harnessed seat which is easier to use and fits into the middle position of most SUVs easily. Other issues such as the cable ties, the pinching hazard and the headrest coming completely out; mean there are better alternatives for the money.