Britax Regent & Flying -- is our Evenflo Triumph still safe?

[kroppink]

Our 2.5 year-old son seems to still fit ok in his Evenflo Triumph. We're considering getting the Britax Regent at this point, primarily because it would be easier for him to climb into (right?).

First of all, if we buy the Regent, what would we take on a plane? (We just bring a seat as checked luggage.) Wouldn't the Regent be too big & heavy to want to bring as luggage? And at the price, I'd be afraid of damage. What do others do? Do you buy a 2nd cheaper seat?

Also, I'm wondering if our Triumph isn't safe anymore. After our last plane flight (where it was checked in a special car seat bag), I think the base was cracked. I'm attaching a picture. Does this compromise the safety? I try pushing down on the base there & it doesn't budge. Also, I'm attaching a picture of our straps. Is this what is referred to by "twisted straps" that aren't considered safe? They fold under at the buckle.

Thanks for the help!!!
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/35623.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/35624.jpg

[Joolsplus2]

I'd say those straps look normal for an Evenflo...when we are talking twisted, we are talking downright ropy, and that's not at all ropy.
The base... ugh...call evenflo and describe that problem to them, they may say it's not safe.

If you get a Regent, it's not going near a plane, nope (oh, it's just huge, bigger than a large suitcase when safely in it's box :/ ). You'd have to get another seat for travel (Safeguard Go, perhaps? Cosco Apex?)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx