Regular vs Rigid?

We’re glad you asked!

The right answer is there is no right answer. Extender style comes down to personal preference, use and convenience.

A  Regular Seat Belt Extender is made out of the same seat belt strap material as the belts in your car. You can keep it clicked in to the receptacle of your car and let it rest on the seat (when not in use) or you can keep it clicked into the metal tongue piece of your car and let it dangle (when not in use). 

These Extenders come in 7”, 10”,  or 15” lengths, or an  Adjustable model. The Adjustable can add anywhere from 9.5" - 25” of extra seat belt length. 

Regular Seat Belt Extenders fold around the body smoothly, like your existing seat belt. They’re great for securing big bulky booster seats that might cover up the car’s existing seat belts or adding a little bit of extra length to your car’s seat belt if you're plus-sized or wearing bulky winter clothes.

If you're purchasing a Seat Belt Extender to give as a gift or keep in your car for a variety of people to use, the Adjustable Extender is a good choice.

In contrast,  Rigid Seat Belt Extenders are designed to stand upright, so they don’t have the same “floppy” qualities of a Regular Extender. Most people prefer to keep the Rigid Extender clicked into their car’s seat belt receptacle.

You can choose from 3”, 5”, 7”, 8” or 11” models. Sometimes the Rigid 3” Extender is called the  Mini Extender. 

Rigid Extenders are especially great for easy seat belt receptacle access - they raise the receptacle right up. If you get annoyed by having to fish around for the receptacle when you get in the car, the Rigid Extender will make your life so much easier! Rigid Extenders are also great for passengers who may have limited mobility in their arms, hands or shoulders.

No matter which Extender style you decide to go with, it’s very important to remember that the Extenders do not add retractable length. A 7” Regular Extender is going to add 7” of extra length no matter what. An 11” Rigid Extender will elevate the receptacle 11” no matter what.

For this reason, we always recommend selecting the shortest possible Extender you think you can get away with. For most people, something in the 3” to 10” range is adequate.

If you just can’t decide which to choose, order one of each! We offer FREE RETURNS up to 365 days past purchase, so all you have to do is let us know which you don't want and we'll take care of the rest!