Being an active parent is essential, but it certainly gets daunting at times. Going out for a family trip with your kids, sightseeing, or just for visiting their grandparents, the main priority of a parent is always to ensure that their child is safe.
Whether you take a rideshare or a taxi, travel vests such as WhizRider or RideSafer save the hassle of carrying a car seat or a booster seat without sacrificing or compromising your children’s safety while traveling.
A Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a snippet of the key parameters between the two vest types:
| Specifications | WhizRider | RideSafer |
| Age | 3 – 10 years old | 3 – 14 years old |
| Certification | Crash tested | FMVSS 213 certified |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years if registered online and 1 year with a warranty card |
| Longevity | Unspecified | 10 years |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Key Differences Between WhizRider And RideSafer Travel Vest
Even though they have certain similarities, the subtle differences on the other hand are interesting to look at, which makes them so different from one another despite serving the same purpose.
- Specifications
WhizRider comes in two different sizes: small and large.
The small size is for children who are 3 years old, or older and the large size is for 6 years old kids or older. Ideally, the preferred height and weight are 37.5” – 49”, 30lb – 55lb for small, and 47” – 57”, 47lb – 80lb for the large size.
The chest diameter is mentioned to be a maximum of 25”, and 30” respectively.
RideSafer is available in four different sizes.
Extra small size is for 2 – 3 years old weighing 22lb – 40lb and height 29” – 40”.
Small size is for 3 – 6 years old kids weighing 30lb – 60lb and height 35” – 40”.
For 5 – 11 years old kids, the large size is available, requiring weight to be within 50lb – 80lb and height 12” – 17”.
Finally, there is the extra-large size available for 9 – 14 years old children, weighing between 80lb – 110lb, and height 14” – 19”.
Also Read: Differences Between Kyte And Dreamland Sleep Sacks.
- Safety
Safety is the most important factor for every parent. The WhizRider was crash-tested based on The United States federal regulation standard, regulated by the NHTSA.
To ensure safety, each batch of the product created undergoes testing with the dummies representing kids of different ages.
On the other hand, when it comes to the RideSafer Vest, is American-certified with an FMVSS 213. It has been tested with a 3-year-old test dummy allowing it to get certified starting from this range.
- How Do The Vests work?
WhizRider function by adjusting the seat belt to s correct position for children to use it properly.
In order to prevent submarining or sliding forward, the leg loop is used.
Furthermore, the incorporation of reflective bindings keeps the kids visible while getting in and out at night time.
Conversely, the seat belts in a RideSafer function by getting locked in a car crash in order to keep the body in place.
It is more like a wearable booster that causes the car seat belt to lower down to a position that is good for kids to use.
The shoulders and the hips, two of the strongest point of our body, get contacted by the vest for the sake of distributing the force created due to a crash.
Additionally, the incorporation of a tether acts like a 5-point harness and maintains the upper body in order to prevent slumping.
- How To Use The Vests?
According to the official website, there are just five simple steps to use the Whizrider. Firstly, place the vest on the kids, and the second step is to ensure that the leg loop and the chest’s buckles are snapped shut.
Thirdly, put the child’s seat belt on and fasten it once they are in the back seat, and then attach the leg loop clips and lap belt to the steel. Lastly, put the steel shoulder clip on the shoulder belt from the car.
As for the RideShare, put the vest on first, of course. Make the child sit on a seat that has a shoulder belt and ensure that the child is sitting straight up keeping their back straight.
Next, buckle the belt after extending it sufficiently long to have additional slack. Insert the lap belt into the 2 clips on the thigh pad. The shoulder belt should then be fed into the top clip after being pulled snugly and done.
Here is an explainer video for you!
- Convenience
Due to the incorporation of the harness-style system into the vests, it takes around 10 seconds to put on, and another approximately 10 seconds to secure the child in the seat. That roughly makes up 20 seconds in total to be safely secured.
However, using RideShare is a bit more complex than anticipated. Correctly positioning the seat belt is a tricky part that needs to be practiced to be able to do well when outdoors.
- Facilities
WhizShare comes with a handy pouch. Being the most close-packed car seat (about the size of a medium coffee cup), it can be condensed down and squished into the backpack.
RideSafer includes a backpack, a neck pillow, a crotch strap, a tether, and an “Air-infused polymer padding” under the seat belt to prevent any bruising.
Which Travel Vest Is Better For You?
Without a doubt, travel vests are necessary for all parents who have young children or toddlers. So, which one should you get? The comparatively cheaper WhizRider or the expensive RideSafer with 10 years lifetime?
On one side of the argument, if you plan on using it for a long period of time, then RideSafer certainly is value for money. On the other hand, if you want something compact, much handier, and easier to carry, then go for WhizRider. Both vests will keep your child safe and secure.
Also Read: Graco Extend2Fit Or Nuna Rava Car Seat?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, RideSafer vests are legal in countries that comply with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
No, RideSafer vest is not currently legal in Australia.
Yes, RideSafer can be used legally in California.
Technically no. It’s not certified to be used in Europe. However, travelers can use it if their stay in the country is within 6 – 12 months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both vests make life easier by eliminating the need of carrying bulky car seats and boosters everywhere you go. The winner of the WhizRider vs. RideSafer argument varies from person to person according to their taste and preferences.
With the added benefit of portability, and at the same time, not having to compromise the safety of children, these travel vests have certainly changed the lives of parents all around the globe.
