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Best Golf Rangefinder

Top 10 Rated Golf Rangefinders 2025

By S. Dee Davis

Following are our choices for the top 10 golf rangefinders for the year after some testing and research. We’ve taken price, quality, and value into account when developing these ratings. Rangefinders were tested based on the following factors:

1. Weight
2. Size/portability
3. Ease of use when depressing contact
4. Battery Life
5. Speed of display response after depressing contact button (yardage)
6. Ease of viewing yardage(s) on display

Golf Rangefinder Buying Guide

Following are a few tips to help you decide which rangefinder may be right for you.

1. Consider your handicap and how precise you need to be. The lower handicap golfer may want the yardage in tenths of the yard, while the higher handicap golfer does not need this. As well, the lower handicap golfer may need the pin distance from a longer range and need more accuracy. These are factors that affect the price of the rangefinder.
2. Decide whether you need a golf watch or rangefinder. A GPS golf watch will give high handicap golfers front, middle, and back of green distances which is all they may need. This will prevent losing a rangefinder and the added time to take out the rangefinder and use it.
3. Selecting a rangefinder should have the following considerations taken into account:

• size – smaller the better
• weight- lighter the better
• accuracy
• easy ready display of distance
• easily depressed button
• fast response time in delivering the measurement
• Targeting speed – rangefinder picks up the target quickly

As an avid golfer and tennis player for most of his life, he enjoys researching the latest in golf and tennis technology as well as analyzing his own game. He has been a writer and reviewer for a dozen years… See more about S. Dee Davis

Related Golf Rangefinder Articles

Bushnell Rangefinder Comparison – What are the differences in Models?

Below is a summary of some of the differentiating features of Bushnell’s golf rangefinders on the market: Bushnell White Medalist Rangefinder – This is a good basic option and low in price at only $249, Has a 9 volt battery, No slope or OLED lit display, 4X Magnification, 2 Yr. Warranty, Distance in Yards, Lightweight ,Large design…[more]

Golf Rangefinder vs. Golf GPS Watch – Which is better?

First let’s acknowledge that use of these two products are not mutually exclusive, they have different attributes. There is no reason you could not use both a GPS golf watch which will give you accurate measurements to the front, center, and back of greens and use a rangefinder…[more]

Are Golf Rangefinders Tournament Legal?

There is a very simple formula for determining whether a rangefinder is tournament legal or not, even if it is not USGA certified. It should not have distances calculated for slope. Slope is the gradient value of uphill and downhill, and many rangefinders…[more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Golf Clubs

Following are some of the factors that we felt are most important in evaluating the top 10 golf club iron selections. Clubs were tested at a testing facility and loosely measured for the below quality points: 1. Comfort at Setup (Instilling Confidence), 2. Solid Feel at Impact, 3. Workable Ball Flight … [more]

Top 10 Golf Putters

Although some of selecting a putter is about “feel” there is more to it than that. We rate the best putters below on the following criteria: Appearance, “feel”, how well the ball rolls off the putter face, alignment characteristics, weighting balance and price/value. See the putter comparison … [more]

Top 10 Golf Drivers

We tested many of the drivers that are out there in the market today and came up with our top 10 list. There are a couple holdovers from last year. Testing and consideration were given based on distance and accuracy with the same neutral swing speed (110) in a controlled distance … [more]

Top 10 Golf Balls

The following list of the best top ten golf balls was determined from the authors opinion using the following criteria: Consistency in length off the tee, spin control and the ability to hold greens, “feel” of the ball around greens for chipping and putting, durability, and price/value. Combining … [more]

Top 10 Golf Wedges

A club class of its own, the wedges have high lofts, the short shafts, and the heavy clubheads. Out of all the irons wedges take all of these to the extreme. The purpose of a wedge is to aid players in making accurate short-distance “lob” shots, to get the ball onto the green and out of hazards….[more]

Top 10 Golf Bags

The following are our top 10 Golf Bag choices based on the following criteria: Durability, Price, Stability of Stand, Access and Organization, Extra Pockets for Accessories, Comfort of Harness strap… [more]

5 Tips for Tennis Racquet Care

By Brittany Rowland

As you well know, a tennis racquet is your primary instrument for playing the sport, and it can be quite an investment. Some racquets cost well over $100, and you want to take proper care of them so you get the most out of them. Here are some basic maintenance tips to ensure the long life of your tennis racquet.

1. Don’t abuse your racquet

This seems obvious, but some people don’t seem to realize that banging or throwing their racquets can cause significant damage to the frames, compromising the integrity of the racquet. Many racquets are composed of graphite fibers that can be damaged over time if treated to shocks and bumps.

2. Replace the grip at least twice a year

As the grip is the part of the racquet you handle the most, you’ll want to keep it in good shape, for the sake of your hand and arm as much as the racquet.

3. Keep it in the case

If your racquet came with a carrying case, great! If not, it’s advisable to get one. Cases will protect your racquet in the long term much better than a backpack or gym bag (or, heaven forbid, the trunk of your car).

4. Restring your racquet regularly

Once the tension goes out of the strings, you’ll notice a marked difference in your control and power. Experts recommend restringing your racquet throughout the year, generally the same number of times per year as the number of hours per week you play. So the more regularly you practice, the more often you restring.

5. Don’t expose your racquet to extreme temperatures

If you must endure sweltering hot summers or frigid winters when you play, then get in the habit of bringing your racquet indoors with you after leaving the tennis court. Extreme temperatures can cause all sorts of problems in your racquet: warped frame, stiff or loosened strings, and so on.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Tennis Racquet Lists

Best Women’s Tennis Racquet

Tennis is a sport that can be learned and mastered in youth and carried on for a lifetime. If you’re a woman looking for the tennis racquet that’s just right for you, then this guide may help you find what you need… [more]

Best Tennis Racquets

There are tennis racquets available for all player levels with different designs, weights, and feels. Judging racquets based on their intended level, we selected the top 10 based on the following qualities: Heavy enough to add a punch to shots and provide great control, Light enough to be easy to maneuver (and easy to arm)… [more]

Featured Tennis Articles

Prince EXO3 Black 100 vs. Prince EXO3 Rebel 95

Prince has developed the EXO3 series of racquets, designed for the advanced player. Two racquets, the Prince EXO3 Black 100 Tour Series and the Prince EXO3 Rebel 95, are both high-end racquets with several different factors. Let’s compare the two models to see if one has a distinct advantage… [more]

Understanding a Tennis Racquet’s Sweet Spot

A tennis racquet with a large, stiff head provides an expanded sweet spot, as you’ve probably heard several racquet manufacturers say. If you’re new to tennis, you’re probably wondering what exactly is the sweet spot, and how does it affect how the ball hits the … [more]

Husqvarna YTH24V48

By Jon Bannister

This is one solid riding lawnmower that comes loaded with useful features. Things like the fender mounted cutting height adjustment, air induction, anti-scalp wheels, and hydrostatic transmission all come together to make this one of the most useful tools you’ll use in the yard. It’s built for comfort too with an comfortable adjustable seat and an ergonomic steering wheel. The 48 inch cutting width may not over shadow some of the other mowers on the list, but it is modest and will get the job done quickly. It’s backed by a nice 24 horse power engine so there will be enough power to get the mower where ever you need it in the yard. It’s a great size for small to mid sized yards and doesn’t take up much space in the garage or shed. This is good because some mowers can really demand a lot of your precious storage space.

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

Best Women’s Tennis Racquet

Top 10 Rated Tennis Racquets for Women 2025

By Brittany Rowland

Tennis is a sport that can be learned and mastered in youth and carried on for a lifetime. If you’re a woman looking for the tennis racquet that’s just right for you, then this guide may help you find what you need. Be aware of your skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) as well as your particular needs on the court: power, control, maneuverability, and so on. For this top 10 list, we considered the following attributes:

1. Control
2. Construction
3. Maneuverability
4. Power
5. Durability
6. Price
7. Sweetspot size
8. Feel

Guide to Women’s Tennis Racquet
Size and Weight

The Balance between Power and Control

If you’re still new to the sport of tennis, you may be unsure about what size racquet to purchase. Depending on the racquet head size, weight, and length, the racquet will fall somewhere on the spectrum between power and control. If you’re new to the game, then you may desire power to your shots, but as you advance in skill, you’ll be able to provide the power yourself and will desire a racquet with more control.

Here’s a basic guide to help you determine the size, weight, and length of the racquet you need.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Women’s Tennis Racquet Lists

Best Tennis Racquets

There are tennis racquets available for all player levels with different designs, weights, and feels. Judging racquets based on their intended level, we selected the top 10 based on the following qualities: Heavy enough to add a punch to shots and provide great control, Light enough to be easy to maneuver (and easy to arm)… [more]

Featured Tennis Articles

5 Tips for Tennis Racquet Care

As you well know, a tennis racquet is your primary instrument for playing the sport, and it can be quite an investment. Some racquets cost well over $100, and you want to take proper care of them so you get the most out of them…[more]

Find Your Tennis Racket Grip Size

Getting the right grip size for your tennis racquet will make all the difference, not only with the quality of your game but also with the comfort of your hand, elbow, and arm. You don’t want the grip of your racquet to be too long…[more]

Prince EXO3 Black 100 vs. Prince EXO3 Rebel 95

Prince has developed the EXO3 series of racquets, designed for the advanced player. Two racquets, the Prince EXO3 Black 100 Tour Series and the Prince EXO3 Rebel 95, are both high-end racquets with several different factors. Let’s compare the two models to see if one has a distinct advantage… [more]

Understanding a Tennis Racquet’s Sweet Spot

A tennis racquet with a large, stiff head provides an expanded sweet spot, as you’ve probably heard several racquet manufacturers say. If you’re new to tennis, you’re probably wondering what exactly is the sweet spot, and how does it affect how the ball hits the … [more]

More Women’s Racquets

Maytag Bravos MGDX500BW

By Brittany Rowland

Maytag has upped the ante and included commercial dryer parts into this dryer. That is a statement of quality in itself. What parts, you ask? They include a high performance dryer motor, premium dryer rollers, and a durable 5-rib belt. Good parts are a reason to rest easy. It is also quite a big dryer with a drum capacity of 7 cubic feet. You get features like auto shut-off when clothes have completely dried, quiet operation, and a heavy-duty blower. Additionally, the sanitizing dry cycle cuts down on smelly bacteria that like to grow in damp clothes. You can get the Maytag Bravos X for as low as $689.

Quick Specs

• 11 cycle selections
• 5 temperature settings
• 43.4” H x 29” W x 27.75” D
• 7 cubic feet

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prince EXO3 Black 100 vs. Prince EXO3 Rebel 95

By S. Dee Davis

Prince has developed the EXO3 series of racquets, designed for the advanced player. Two racquets, the Prince EXO3 Black 100 Tour Series and the Prince EXO3 Rebel 95, are both high-end racquets with several different factors. Let’s compare the two models to see if one has a distinct advantage over the other.

The first thing you may look for is the price tag. The Rebel 95 comes out the winner here, priced at $95 compared to the Black 100 Tour Series’ $129 price. These are both racquets on the high end of the price scale, but they’re not as expensive as some other models available on the market, which can edge closer to $200.

As far as head size goes, the Black 100 is slightly larger, with 100 square inches compared to the Rebel 95’s 95 square inches. These are both racquets designed for advanced players who want the greatest control. The smaller the head, the more maneuverability a player has with the racquet. If you’re looking for great control, the Rebel 95 has the slight edge.

The Rebel 95 is heavier, too. It’s 12.3 ounces, while the Black 100 is 11.4 ounces. While heavier racquets produce greater power and fewer vibrations, they can also tire out the arm over time. It takes time to adjust to a heavy racquet. The Rebel 95 is head light by 9 points, the Black 100 by 4 points. For top performance and less chance of injury, you want a heavy, head-light racquet. Both of these racquets provide great maneuverability and performance, the Rebel 95 having the slight advantage.

While both of these Prince EXO3 racquets are top performers, the Rebel 95 has the advantage when it comes to price, head size, weight, and balance.

As an avid golfer and tennis player for most of his life, he enjoys researching the latest in golf and tennis technology as well as analyzing his own game. He has been a writer and reviewer for a dozen years… See more about S. Dee Davis

LG WM3050CW

By Brittany Rowland

With load-sensing technology, the LG WM3050CW uses only as much water as necessary, saving you in overall costs. The capacious 4.0 cubic foot, stainless steel drum is large enough for large, bulky loads, including comforters. We were pleased with its ability to root out tough grass stains, thanks in part to its powerful motor (1,200 rpm). Besides its superior performance, this LG model has a sleek design and easy-to-use controls with an LED display. If you plan to get a lot of use out of your washing machine, the LG WM3050CW is not a bad choice.

Quick Specs

• $719.99
• White
• 4.0 cu. ft.

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Frigidaire FAFW3801LW

By Brittany Rowland

With a 3.3 cubic feet capacity, the Frigidaire FAFW3801LW has enough space in its stainless steel drum for bulky comforters, which makes this a convenient choice for families with lots of laundry loads to complete. This Frigidaire washer is energy and water efficient, offering three soil level options so you can choose the optimal cycle for getting out tough stains. Additionally, we were impressed with the washing machine’s quiet operation and minimal vibrations; you won’t mind having this machine on a floor with bedrooms. At $699.99, it’s a great value for the average family.

Quick Specs

• $699.99
• White
• 3.3 cu. ft.

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

LG WT1101CW

By Brittany Rowland

With a tremendous 4.3 cubic foot capacity, the LG WT1101CW is perfect for houses with constant, heavy laundry needs. Its roomy stainless steel drum can fit bulky comforters, towels, and sleeping bags with ease. It has eight wash cycles to handle delicates, bright whites, and more. While the cycle times tend to run on the long side, we were very impressed with the washer’s gentle, quiet operation and with how clean and fresh clothes smelled when they came out. The spin cycle eliminates almost all of the water from the clothes before they even go in the dryer. At $629.99, the LG WT1101CW is a bargain for large households.

Quick Specs

• $629.99
• White
• 4.3 cu. ft. capacity

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

LG WT6001HV

By Brittany Rowland

This top load washer from LG is available in sleek graphite steel. The WT6001HV is a high efficiency ultra-large capacity washer, so you’ll never be worried about those giant loads of laundry. It uses SmartThinQ technology which allows you to monitor your washer remotely and even download new wash cycles. The Automatic Grid feature even tells the washer to run when electricity is the most inexpensive. It is all controled with a 7-inch touchscreen display instead of mechanical controls. This makes us a little weary since you never know what might happen to the electrical controls. The WT6001HV uses Wave Force technology to get just a little more washing power. This features uses powerful water jets and rapid drum movements to go the extra mile for clean clothes. Even cold washes clean well, thanks to the unique combination of washing motions that ensures every clothing article is reached. The extra-large stainless steel tub holds larger loads, meaning you’ll have fewer loads to run overall. For $1,497, this LG model has an attractive modern design and superb cleaning performance.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Samsung T9000 (RF32FMQDBSR)

By John E. Moore

There are two stand out features on the Samsung T9000 smart refrigerator. First is the LCD touch screen. The 4 doors are the second thing many notice. The LCD touch screen is the control center for the fridge. Here you can adjust temperatures among many other tasks. The screen can also be used to share photos and recipes with friends and family members. That seems like it would be a less useful feature with smartphones and tablets usually within arm’s reach. The idea is a good one, but probably not the most practical. The 4-doors allow for ultimate customization of how the generous amount of space is used. The top is the refrigerator part with 16.4 cu. ft. of space. The lower right side is a 6.1 cu. ft. freezer. The 6.1 cu. ft. bottom left side is highly adjustable and can be used as either as you need it. This is a great feature that will be extremely helpful to those who entertain often. This smart refrigerator from Samsung will be available in the late Spring of 2013 for a suggested retail price of $3,999.99.

Prices

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Thrustmaster VG Y-250

By Steve Holdgren

Not only does the Y-250 gaming headset from Thrustmaster sound great, but it looks great too. 50mm drivers are encapsulated in the ear cups to deliver a large sound for the best gaming experience. Highs and lows are reproduced accurately to fully deliver the sound as it was meant to be heard. These headsets feature a detachable unidirectional high quality mic. It does an excellent job of cancelling out surrounding noise so only a gamer’s voice gets transmitted. Every gamer knows how important that is. The Y-250 gaming headsets also feature inline controls for volume, bass levels, and voice feedback. Controls located on the cable make it extremely easy to adjust every aspect of sound. And most importantly, they are comfortable. That is probably one of the best qualities in a gaming headset since they will typically be worn for longer periods of time. In any case, the Y-250 gaming headset is well worth the $89.99 price. That price goes across all platforms.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headsets for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360
• Two 50mm speakers
• 10 Hz to 25 KHz frequency
• 348 to 364 grams

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS30

By Brian Jones

The LUMIX DMC-ZS30 is a feature packed 18.1 megapixels point and shoot capable of shooting 1080p video. The connectivity features are what really make this an interesting camera. Wifi makes sharing with friends and sending photos to the computer extremely easy through he 802.11 b/g/n connection. You can also connect a smartphone or other mobile device using special apps to control the camera remotely. Something like that would be a god-send for situations like family portraits with no one to stand behind the camera. The camera is powered by a wide 24mm lens with 20x optical zoom. That means it will be hard to find a shooting situation where this camera will not suffice. On top of all that Panasonic loaded the camera with shooting modes to take the pressure off when it’s time to capture the important memories. Assist feautres include: 5 axis correction for handshake and tilt, lightspeed AF for fast auto focusing, and face recognition that sees faces and adjusts the exposure accordingly. The DMC-ZS30 carries a suggested retail price of $399.99 and will be available as soon as March 2013.

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

Nikon D5200

24.1 MP DSLR w/ 18-55mm Zoom Lens

9/10

By Brian Jones

The Nikon D5200 is an update of the 2011 D5100. The most important differences are the 24.1 MP sensor, a built-in stereo mic for video, and the 39 point auto focus system found in the D7000. It weighs in at about the same as the 5100 at 19.6oz without a lens. It’s a fairly compact camera that feels good in the hands. The weight won’t bother you if you are used to shooting with a camera bigger than a point and shoot. The high resolution swivel screen is still found on this one, which is something I find useful. 75% of the time for me the screen is in the stationary position. When I want to shoot low or high, being able to turn the screen to see at any angle is a most handy feature. The 39 point auto focus system is exciting too. Auto-focus is fast and can now be used with pinpoint accuracy. The HDR mode combines the high and low exposures to form one image with all the highlights and shadows in sharp detail. For $899, the Nikon D5200 has excellent video capabilities and fast continuous shooting at 4 frames per second.

For those interested in the previous version, see the Nikon D5100 Review.

Strengths High resolution swivel LCD monitor works for most positions Fun and artistic effects like night vision, miniaturizing, and color isolation 1080 HD video shooting with dedicated live viewing and start buttons and stereo mic built-in High dynamic range (HDR) brings out detail in both highlight and shadow Continuous shooting at 5 fps (the D5100 was 4FPS) 39 point auto-focus system is a significant upgrade that helps to achieve fast pin-point focusing Weaknesses HDR mode can only be enabled for one shot at a time No weather sealing This camera may be an upgrade, but it’s hard to justify trading in your D5100 for it

 

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera… See more about Brian

Prices

Popular Baby Cribs

By Valerie Baldowski

More than one factor comes into play when deciding on what infant crib to buy when a little one is on the way. The most methodical way is to read up on reviews published by consumer groups and federal agencies monitoring the safety of cribs. But being human, many consumers make their decisions based on word of mouth recommendations and feedback – good or bad – from family and friends. This way is less objective but can often carry a lot of weight. Graco, Angel Line, Babi Italia and DaVinci cribs each received mixed reviews.

Graco has already established brand recognition with its other baby products on the market, and the Graco Sarah 4-in-in Convertible is popular with parents. Depending on the retailer, it sells for between $92.99 and $245.95.

Positive feedback on this crib from one mom in Merrimack, NH., includes the ease of assembly after it’s delivered and taken out of the box, its finish and its sturdy construction. Her constructive criticism included the difficulty involved in pulling up the crib mattress to change the fitted sheet. One parent from Minneapolis, MN, complained the crib’s mattress is so low it’s hard for short people to lean over the crib railing, reach down and pick up the infant. A mom from Salem, OR., praised Graco for pricing the entire collection, including the crib, dresser and changing table, at under $300. A consumer in Wilmington, NC., reported she shopped extensively before deciding on the Graco crib. Its pros are that it looks like a more expensive crib, it matches the other furniture in the nursery and transitioning to a toddler bed was hassle-free. Its drawback is that it’s easy to scratch the finish when assembling it.

But despite all the positive consumer reviews, the Graco Sarah has issues. April 2010 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall on Graco brand drop-side cribs due to entrapment and suffocation hazards. One of the recalled cribs was the Graco Sarah.

Consumers gave a thumbs up on the Angel Line Jenny Lind for its reasonable price, its stylish looks, its durability and safety and its ability to stand up toddler use. Its drawbacks included how hard the crib is to clean and the drop-down rail. The Jenny Lind Angel Line sells online for $150 to $200.

One mom in Longmeadow, MA., praised Angel Line’s construction and glossy finish, but acknowledged the crib, a drop-side style, was in the news for safety reasons. She was partially right. One model in the Angel Line crib collection, the Longwood Forest, was indeed involved in a recall, but not the Jenny Lind, which is a fixed side. Another consumer in Woodsfield, OH, reported the crib initially took only a few minutes to assemble. She initially liked it, but several months later had problems with it and eventually got rid of the crib. A parent in Hobe Sound, FL., complained the Angel Line Jenny Lind was difficult to assemble, the directions were confusing and a part was missing from the box after delivery.

The Babi Italia Eastside Convertible received universally positive consumer reviews for its sturdy construction and attractive finish. It retails for $427.49 to $450.

A grandmother from Eagle River, AK, reported that despite the price tag, the crib’s solid construction and quality materials made it stand out from other cribs. It was easily assembled, and has a fixed side for added safety. A consumer from Oxford, AL., noted the mattress was hard to remove from the crib, but added the snug fit between the mattress and the crib rails made it safer for the baby. The Babi Italia stood up to prolonged use and converted beautifully from crib to toddler bed back to crib, said a mom in Tucson, AZ. The parent of more than one young child, she said it was easily assembled even by one person.

The DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible received mostly positive feedback, with a few complaints mixed in. This crib sells for between $145 and $198.19.

One consumer from Hatboro, PA., reported the crib was extremely difficult to put together, and the diagrams included in the assembly directions were no help at all. Despite the trouble, the end product was well worth the effort. Another consumer from Smyrna, GA.., said the crib was fairly easy to assemble and looked great in the nursery. The price was reasonable, but the paint on the crib chipped easily. A mom in Urbana, IL., said despite hearing complaints from others about the DaVinci Emily, the crib was easy to assemble and she had no problem with chipping paint. The mattress fit tightly, the construction was sturdy and there was enough room underneath to fit a clothing storage bin.

Popular Cribs and Consumer Comments about Them

Graco Sarah 4-in-in Convertible

Easy assembly, attractive finish, sturdy construction. Mattress is hard to pull up when changing sheet, mattress is too low, paint scratches easily

Jenny Lind Angel Line

Reasonable price, durability, easy assembly. Assembly is hard, side drop-down side rail sticks, comes loose and falls off.

Babi Italia Eastside Convertible

Durable construction, high-quality materials, easy to assemble. Crib is expensive, mattress fits so tightly it is hard to remove.

DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible

Price is affordable, crib is easy to put together, mattress fits tightly, plenty of room underneath the crib. Paint chips easily, crib difficult to assemble, directions are confusing.

Stork Craft Tuscany 4-in-1 Stages

Easy assembly, sturdy construction, a good value compared to more expensive cribs. The finish on the wood smells bad, crib scratches easily, crib is too wide to fit through a standard size door.

Baby Mod Modena 3-in-1 Fixed Side

Easy to put together, stylish modern construction, quality construction. No casters on crib, doesn’t convert into a full size bed, wood finish is rough in some spots.

Valerie Baldowski is passionate about writing about everything from childrens safety and juvenile products to gardening tools. She is the mother of a high energy 8 year old child so she is accustomed to researching childrens products and services… See more about Valerie

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Baby Cribs

There are oodles of infant cribs out on the market and the sheer number of brands and styles can boggle the mind. Many of them are fairly homogenous with similar or identical features, but close scrutiny reveals a few key differences which make some brands… [more]

Car Seat LATCH System

By Valerie Baldowski

Once upon a time the rules for installing infant car seats were informal and left up to individual families, but now the rules are much more stringent. In 2002 the government mandated the LATCH restraint system, (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) which is a standardized system to ensure their safety when riding. The term is thrown around a lot in discussions of which car seat is the best, but few stop to explain in detail exactly what a LATCH in a car seat is or why it’s so important.

LATCH simplifies the correct installation of car seats without using seat belts at all. Vehicles equipped with this system have two or more sets of small bars, or anchors, at the bottom of the back seat where the cushions meet. Child safety seats with the system have attachments designed to fasten to these anchors. Most of the forward-facing infant car seats on the market have a top strap, or tether, as well, which attaches to another anchor in the car. These attachments and straps make up the LATCH system.

Using LATCH makes the process of putting in the car seat easier and less intimidating. With the older models of seats, when trying to install an infant car seat most parents got confused about which straps went where, how to tighten the seat belts and whether to put the car seat on the left or right side. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly. Most car seats, and almost all vehicles made after Sept. 1, 2002, are equipped with the LATCH system to help parents get the seats strapped in right.

One of the reasons consumers are warned about using older model car seats is that they aren’t equipped with the LATCH system, so they don’t meet safety standards in place for child restraint systems. With older models of car seats without LATCH, or older cars lacking the system, the car seat can still be installed using the seat belt. But the drawback is that once you finally get the child safety seat correctly installed and you manage to pull the seat belt tight enough, taking it out means having to fight with the seat belt to re-install it.

Some brands using the newer system include Evenflo, the 1st years, Graco, Chicco KeyFit, Peg Perego 30 and Baby Trend. Although LATCH has greatly simplified installing car seats, parents still bewildered have another place to turn to for help. Hospital Child Passenger Safety Technicians are a knowledgeable source. Local fire and police departments also have trained personnel who can demonstrate how to install the seat.

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