Clek Foonf vs. Graco Contender 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Clek Foonf and the Graco Contender 65.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
In stock
$579.99
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.70 4.77

Our Thoughts

The Clek Foonf car seat is a marvel of style, safety, and advanced features. As a parent, one of the preferred features of this convertible seat is its adaptability—it can be expertly adjusted to accommodate our children from infancy to toddlerhood. Its integration of top-tier safety technology, including a steel anti-rebound bar and energy-absorbing foam layers, is highly commendable. While this seat transitions smoothly from rear-facing to forward-facing modes, its distinguishing characteristic is that it enables children to ride in the safer rear-facing position for a more extended period—up to 43 pounds, compared to the standard of 40 pounds in most car seats.

The Foonf's narrow design allows for fitting multiple seats in a vehicle, a beneficial feature for larger families. However, this feature comes with a weighty trade-off—this seat is quite heavy. Not only does the seat weigh 38 pounds, but it's also noted that installation can be challenging. If you anticipate needing to transfer the car seat between different vehicles often, the Foonf may not be the most convenient choice because of its weight and cumbersome installation process.

In contrast, the Graco Contender 65 provides an affordable alternative to the Foonf while still offering robust safety and convenience features. The adaptable nature of this convertible seat is valuable—it grows with our children from infancy to toddlerhood and can manage a weight capacity up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing mode. The Contender 65, weighing 15.2 pounds, is less than half the weight of the Foonf, making it easier to move between vehicles and install with its practical design.

Despite its lower price point, the Contender 65 doesn't compromise on safety. Its construction is sturdy and impact-resistant, and it offers the much appreciated safety feature of an easily adjustable harness system. However, it's worth noting that the Graco Contender 65 can only accommodate a maximum weight of 40 pounds in rear-facing mode, less than the Foonf.

In terms of cleaning, both options present challenges. Based on user feedback, the Foonf requires disassembly to be thoroughly cleaned, while the seat cover for the Contender 65 is not machine washable.

When looking at both these seats, the Clek Foonf and the Graco Contender 65, you're essentially deciding between high-end, lengthy usage, and stylish design against cost-effectiveness and straightforward practicality. If being able to keep your child in the rear-facing configuration longer and having a stylish, narrow design are vital to you, the Clek Foonf offers these advantages. However, if affordability, practicality, and simplicity in transferring the seat between cars are your priority, we recommend the Graco Contender 65. Although it lacks some of the advanced features of the Foonf, it still meets the crucial necessities of safety and comfort that we as parents value for our children.

Key Details

Foonf Contender 65
Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Brand Clek Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.77
1 yr Price Range $529.99 - $579.99 $118.99 - $249.99
Current price
In stock
$579.99
Currently unavailable
-
Value

Considering its durability and longevity, it offers good value over time.

Provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it a cost-effective choice for families.

Safety

With advanced safety features, it stands out as a top choice for child car safety.

Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design.

Features

Equipped with innovative features for comfort and convenience.

Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options.

Installation

Installation can be challenging but secure once in place.

Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design.

Cleaning

Cleaning is cumbersome, requiring disassembly for thorough washing.

Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover.

Size

Its narrow design is advantageous for fitting in vehicles but is tall and heavy.

Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Clek Foonf and the Graco Contender 65. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Height Range 14 - 50 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 25 - 43 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Height Range 30 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Width 16.9 inches 20.3 inches
Height 26.0 inches 24.8 inches
Depth 12.5 inches 17.3 inches
Weight 38.0 pounds 15.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Model Year 2019 2021
Made In Canada China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Plastic

Safety and Compliance

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 2 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Attachment Methods LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Clek Foonf Graco Contender 65
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 9 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Clek car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Clek Foonf
Full review of the Graco Contender 65