Clek vs. Diono: Who’s the Car Seat King? (Best 2023 Comparison)

Are you searching for the perfect car seat for your newest addition to the family? If so, then look no further!

We have done all of the research about Clek vs. Diono car seats, allowing us to compare the two brands and determine which is truly worthy of being called "the king" regarding safety, convenience, and durability. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything—from pros & cons to installation tips.

Take Away Key Points:

Clek or Diono: Which convertible car seats do you choose?

Things might be pretty challenging when selecting among the two giants in the car seat industry. Both Clek and Diono provide supreme convertible car seats for your little ones, but only one can be the final winner. 

To decide better, we compared the two biggest competitors, Clek Fllo and Diono Radian 3RXT convertible seats. And who will be the king? Read below.

1. Best convertible car seat: Safety features

Regarding safety features, our best convertible car seats have excellent safety ratings.

The Clek Fllo convertible car seat is one of the best options out there, with a design that looks sturdy and comfortable - almost like a tank! It also comes with an energy-absorbing base to reduce forces of impact. 

Plus, Advanced Side Protection helps lessen the side impact force and an Anti-Rebound Bar (ARB) for added protection when in the rear-facing position. To finish it off, there's a 5-point harness for ultimate safety. Overall, the Clek Fllo convertible car seat offers superior protection against potential dangers.

On the other hand, the Diono Radian 3RXT convertible seat features a full steel core construction. Thus the convertible car seat benefits from a vehicle-grade material that can take punishment in an impact. This safety feature adds peace of mind for many parents and keeps your child intact in crash forces.

In addition, the Diono Radian 3RXT features energy-absorbing foam that neutralizes shock force, and a 5-point harness keeps the child securely restrained in one spot throughout. So, this safety feature might be a better choice in a car accident.

So, the winner is Diono Radian 3RXT.

2. Weight limit & height limit

These two car seats are ideal for extended use. They are ideal for a growing child and will save you money if you need more than one car seat for your little ones. So, let's see their height and weight limits.

The Clek Fllo car seat is designed to accommodate infants or children up to six years old, offering both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. Its lower rear-facing weight limit is 14 pounds, while its upper rear-facing limit is among the highest in the industry. So you can keep your little one in the rear-facing mode until at least four years of age (two years being the minimum).

Regarding forward-facing weight limits, the weight limit should not exceed 65 pounds or 49 inches for the best possible protection for the forward-facing mode. Unfortunately, this convertible car seat isn't exceptionally light, weighing 25 pounds.

Compared to Clek Fllo, the Diono Radian 3RXT is an all-in-one car seat, offering four different modes to accommodate your child from infancy to early adulthood.

The Diono Radian 3RXT provides rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes (high-back and backless booster modes) with a lower rear-facing limit set to five pounds for newborns and an upper weight limit of 120 pounds, or 62 inches of the maximum height limit in a booster seat.

Parents can opt for an extended rear-facing mode that supports up to 50 pounds, so it's the same as what the Clek Fllo offers. However, the Diono Radian 3RXT complies with the AAP standards for the extended rear-facing position, making it a better choice. 

As a versatile all-in-one car seat solution, this Diono Radian 3RXT model does come at the cost of additional weight - weighing 28.3 pounds. However, although slightly heavier, the car seat is highly rated among experts, so it again gets our vote.

3. Installation mechanism

Parents find installing parts challenging, as they must ensure they have installed the car seats correctly. The installed models must provide maximum safety for kids. So, let's see how our competitors should be installed correctly for a potential crash.

Installing the Clek Flo car seat - which can be a costly purchase - is not always straightforward. While the forward-facing mode is relatively simple and fast, the rear-facing mode requires more engineering skills.

After removing the seat cushion, you must open the belt locks before guiding the seat belt or LATCH system through the belt guide. The belt must remain beneath the guide when closing, or else the plastic casing may break, resulting in an unwanted forward-facing mode.

The Clek Fllo is not so super easy to attach and install in your vehicle. It would be best to refer to the instruction manual or watch various videos on installing the seat. On the other hand, it might be more complex to install than the Clek Foonf, which contains a rigid LATCH system, so the Clek Foonf offers easier installation.

On the other hand, the Diono Radian 3RXT is quick and easy to install. Installing the seat in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes is effortless. In addition, you can opt for the seat belt or LATCH connector to install the seat in the vehicle. 

To install the Diono Radian 3RXT properly, you must put the LATCH or belt through the belt path. Then, you must tighten the belt or LATCH straps and connect the anchors and connectors well to ensure the seat will not move. Once you install the seat, you need to check its tightness. And that's it.

So, we prefer the Diono Radian 3RXT more.

4. Material/fabric

Kids can be pretty messy on trips. So, it's always good to know if you can machine wash the fabric cover and material in an accident.

The Clek Fllo contains merino wool for the cover. Although your baby will be comfortable in the vehicle, parents will have issues with the cover. The fabric is delicate, so the material cannot be machine washed. Only hand-washing is allowed. And, for those who like quick cleaning and don't have that much patience, the Clek Fllo is not the best solution.

The Diono Radian 3RXT is an entirely different story. You can easily machine-wash the car seat cover and the material. But, of course, washing the car seat cover on a gentle cycle using cold water is best. But it's faster than the Clek Fllo, so we like Diono better.

5. Extra features

The Clek Fllo may be able to make up some ground with its secondary features. It offers a fixed recline angle, though you can use a pool noodle underneath the base to level it out. The headrest is adjustable, while the Diono Radian 3RXT comes with nine recline positions for comfort. So your child will have enough room to grow comfortably.

Unfortunately, you have to manually rethread the five-point harness system each time when adjusting the headrest on either car seat. Also, neither model has more than one cup holder; the Diono Radian 3RXT has a flexible one, but two would have been ideal.

There are special instructions for attaching the cup holder on the Clek Fllo and Clek Foonf car seats. So, we still prefer the Diono Radian 3RXT model more than Clek.

6. Price points

Both models are expensive car seats, and the Clek Fllo is an even more expensive car seat than its competitor. Although it's a high-quality seat, Clek Fllo has a higher price point for its features.

In addition, it's not as flexible as other models (Clek Foonf or similar Clek models) or its counterpart Diono. So, there should be various improvements in the price in the future. We hope we'll see them soon.

On the other hand, the Diono Radian 3RXT seat also comes with a higher price tag, but the seat is an all-in-one model for a developing child, so it's understandable it will have such a price.

In addition, the model has various recline options, higher crash-test results than the competitor, better side-impact protection, different recline positions, more room for growth, and quick installation with LATCH or seat belts.

But, of course, it still has room for improvement compared to various Britax or Graco models. However, we choose it as a top choice for a growing baby for its overall features and benefits.

7. Travel-friendly

It's not that the Clek Fllo is not a good car seat; on the contrary, you will love its design and travel-friendly features.

The Clek Fllo is FAA-approved for air travel, so the seat is convenient for all travel types, although it's slightly more robust than the Clek Foonf. So, regardless of the vehicle you use for the travel, the Fllo is a perfect travel buddy due to its narrow profile!

On the other hand, the Diono Radian 3RXT is also travel-friendly and suitable for all travel types, regardless of the vehicle you use. The seat is FAA-approved for air travel, but only in the harness system.

As the airplane does not support the booster seats, you can use the Diono model only to rear-face or forward-face your baby. So, this time, both seats get our points.

Significant similarities between the Clek Fllo and Diono Radian 3RXT

Although there are too many differences between the models, there are also similarities.

For example, both car seats are designed for safety and convenience, with features like a steel core frame for added strength, adjustable headrests for comfort, and side impact protection.

Additionally, both car seats have a five-point harness system and can be used in forward-facing or rear-facing mode.

Significant differences between the Clek Fllo & Diono Radian 3RXT

When choosing a car seat for your little one, the Clek Fllo and Diono Radian 3RXT are two of the most popular options. However, while both seats offer excellent safety features, there are some significant differences between them that you should consider before purchasing.

The first difference is in size. The Diono Radian 3RXT is slightly larger than the Clek Fllo, making it better suited for bigger kids. It also has more comfort levels and a cup holder, which can be helpful for long trips. On the other hand, the Clek Fllo is made in Canada and is machine washable, so it's easier to keep clean.

Another important difference between these two car seats is their weight limits. The Diono Radian 3RXT can hold up to 120 pounds, while the Clek Fllo can only hold up to 65 pounds. This means that if you have an older child who needs a car seat, then the Diono Radian 3RXT might be a better option for you.

Finally, regarding safety features, both of these car seats offer excellent protection for your child. The Diono Radian 3RXT has side impact protection and energy-absorbing foam, while the Clek Fllo has rigid LATCH, providing extra security in an accident.

Overall, both of these car seats are excellent choices for keeping your little one safe on the road. However, depending on your needs and budget, one may be better suited for you than the other.

Clek Fllo: Pros and cons

If you choose the Clek Fllo, here are some of the crucial factors you should consider:

Pros:

- one of the safest car seats

- almost none of the toxic chemicals and fire-retardants

- the narrowest seat you can buy, suitable for three across, and leaving extra room for children in the vehicle

- the anti-rebound bar for crash impacts

Cons:

- although FAA-approved, TSA experts do not recommend it

- no rigid LATCH like the Clek Foonf

- hard to install

- price point

- no recline options

- tiresome washing process

Diono Radian 3RXT: Pros and cons

If you opt for the Diono Radian 3XRT seat, here are the basics you need to know:

Pros:

- high crash-test results

- baby will not slouch or slide down

- machine-washable

- all modes of use, leaving space for growing

- comfortable with various recline modes

- easy LATCH/seatbelt installation

- easy and light to move around and travel with

- side-impact protection with padded and soft materials for additional support in a crash 

Cons:

- the gray fabric is not the best solution for stains, although you can machine wash it

- for stains, you might not be able to remove the cover, so you must spot-clean them 

FAQs

Is Diono made in China?

Diono seats are engineered in Seattle, Washington, but manufactured in China.

Are Diono car seats airline approved?

Yes, the Diono car seats are FAA-approved in rear-facing and forward-facing modes, not in booster modes.

What is so good about Clek?

Clek has different seats known for their innovative design, maximum safety standards, and user-friendly materials without toxic content. Also, they are FAA-approved for all travel types.

Is a Clek car seat better than a Diono?

No, Diono is much better in all the features listed above. Simply put, Diono will create more space and better protect your child in both harness and booster types than Clek.

Clek vs. Diono: Which has a better rear-facing infant car seat?

Both support kids up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position so you can choose either model.

Clek vs. Diono: Which has a better all-in-one car seat?

Diono has a better all-in-one car seat, as the Radian 3RXT model comes with all four modes: rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back booster, and backless booster.

Clek vs. Diono: Which car seat has the higher safety rating?

Both competitors have excellent safety ratings; however, Diono has a slightly higher rating.

So, what is your final choice?

If you need a new car seat, consider convertible models to ensure your little ones can use them for an extended period.

If you cannot decide between Clek vs. Diono models, we vote for Diono as it has better features and qualities than Clek. Besides, it comes at a lesser price, which makes it even better for further use.

However, if you prefer Clek models more, feel free to opt for the Fllo, as it's an ideal choice for all kiddos waiting for the best car seat for them.