csftl quick stats
- lower anchor weight limit: 50 pounds
- weight range facing forward: 30-65 pounds
- forward-facing height range: 32-49 inches tall
- high back bolster weight range: 40-100 pounds
- high back booster seat height range: 43-52 inches tall
- lowest harness position: 13 inches
- average harness position: 14.5 inches
- highest harness position: 16.75 inches
- auxiliary belt guide position: 18.25 inches to the bottom of the belt guide
- lower anchors not allowed in booster mode
- expiration: 10 years
- width at widest point (shoulder area): 17 inches
- width at narrowest point: 16 inches bottom to front
- one position crotch strap: 7 inches from back of seat shell
- seat depth: 13 inches
- case height: 26 inches
- weight: 8 pounds
- cup holders
- light for travel
- faa approved in harness mode
- easy care cover
- extremely economical
- good option for three car seats side by side
- children weighing 50 pounds or less: vehicle seat belt plus top tether or lower anchors plus top tether
- children 50 pounds or more: vehicle seat belt only plus top tether
measurements
features
installation: leveraged mode
vehicle seat belt
We install the finish on a variety of vehicles. We had a similar struggle on many of them, including a 2010 Odyssey: The vehicle’s seatbelt buckle hit the belt path in an awkward position. To alleviate this challenge, we turn the female part of the buckle 1-3 turns before fastening the seat belt. this solution worked well on vehicles with longer, more flexible buckle levers. it can be difficult to install the finale on vehicles with a tall rigid belt lever or recessed buckle levers.
Lower Anchors
The lower end anchor weight limit is 50 lbs. This means that when installing the Finale for children under 50 pounds, either the vehicle’s seat belt or the lower anchors (but not both!) can be used. here are the guidelines:
Reading: Cosco finale 2 in 1 booster car seat reviews
The top strap is a critical step of harness mode installation. the manual requires that the top tether always be used when the finale is installed in harness mode.
bottom anchor challenges
feline evaluation
adjusted to the child: harness mode
We are pleased to see that the minimum weight for the final is 30 pounds. this should help with younger passengers riding in a rear-facing car seat until they are ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat, ideally around age 4.
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the lower harness slot worked well for our model that meets the minimum height and weight requirements for the seat. there is a single crotch buckle adjustment. this can cause little ones using the seat to slide forward a bit, but it offers room for larger children. we suggest checking that children on the smaller side do not slip when buckled before using the finale for those children.
The harness seems a little short for a seat with a 65 pound weight limit. children who are at the higher end of the weight limit may not have enough length in the harness for a comfortable fit.
4 years
5 years
7 years
conversion to boost mode
To convert from final harness mode to booster mode, remove the seat from the vehicle and rotate to access the seatback. remove both sides of the harness loops from the divider plate, then remove one buckle tongue and chest clip piece from the same side. Slide the harness out of the hip slot, then pull the entire harness out. remove the crotch buckle, then store the harness and crotch buckle in a safe place.
We recommend that children be at least 5 years old before changing from a harnessed car seat to a booster seat. lower anchors cannot be used to secure the finale to the vehicle in booster mode, it must be fastened when not in use.
shoulder belt guide
kid friendly: booster mode
7 years
7.5 years
9 years old
travel
With a seemingly unrealistic weight of just 8 pounds, the Finale would make an excellent choice for air travel. It is approved for use on aircraft in harness mode. Like all booster seats, it is not approved for airplane travel without the harness as airplanes only have lap belts and booster seats require a lap and shoulder belt.
important information: where to find it
See also: Best Extended Car Warranty of November 2022
manual storage
date of manufacture and expiration
faa approval
general thoughts
At a retail price of just $49.99 (no, that’s not a typo!), the Finale represents a major innovation in combination car seats that can keep a child in a harness for quite some time. The ending shines in harnessed mode but falls a bit short in booster mode. this is a commitment we can live with. We suggest that families using the finale focus on using it in harnessed mode, then consider a different boost option when it outgrows it in harnessed mode. despite the limitations and challenges of booster mode, we couldn’t be more excited to see the finale hit store shelves!
big milestone! big giveaway!
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