Sunshine Kids Radian Review

[skipspin]

Sunshine Kids Radian Folding Car Seat (Avg retail $199 with free shipping)

General Product Info from:
http://www.go-baby.com/Products/sunshinerad.html

Radian™ is a Convertible Car Seat for rear-facing children 5 to 33 pounds and forward-facing children (from at least 22 lb) up to 65 pounds in a 5-Point harness system. Maximum child height is 49 inches. Radian folds, making it perfect for travel with the kids and convenient storage.
Product Features:
Five shoulder positions and three buckle slots provide the best harness fit.
Wide belt paths with rounded edges allow easier installation and tightening.
V-shaped tether can be used rear-facing, LATCH equipped. (Tether is not IMO, v-shaped)
Folds to 6.5 inches thick for convenient travel and storage.
The only car seat made with a full, steel alloy frame, for incredible strength.
4-panel system of EPS safety foam for increased safety, including side-impact protection.
3 inches more interior shoulder width of any car seat in its class. Its unique design is more than 2” narrower on the outside making it easy to fit 3 seats across.
3 inches longer seat bottom and the forward-facing recline option provides increased comfort for longer rides and more leg support for the older child.
Radian is approved for Aircraft Use.
Exceeds all US safety standards
Product Dimensions:
Product Dimensions Open – 28.5"H x 17”W x 16"D
Product Dimensions Folded – 28.5"H x 17”W x 6.5"D
Product Colors:
Champagne - tan and charcoal ultra-suede fabric
Coastal - steel blue and gray ultra-suede fabric
Desert - two-tone tan ultra-suede fabric
Granite - gray and black, ultra-suede fabric

MY REVIEW:

Compatibility in different Vehicles:
The Radian does have some compatibility issues. If you have seatbelts that come out well-forward of the seat bite and no LATCH available this may not be the seat for you. Also, rear facing installs where there is a medium-length female buckle stalk or locking latch plate may not work. All LATCH installs and other installs that I have tried have been great, with a top tether making the installation even more secure. LATCH can be used until the child is 48 lb, then the seatbelt MUST be used. The Radian is quite narrow and fits well with other car seats and in three-across situations.

Latch:
The LATCH strap is attached with a webbing strap to the seat and is very easily moved from the rear-facing, forward-facing, and storage positions. The LATCH connectors are the Britax-type push button clips and are adjustable by pulling one strap tight. The top-tether is a single and easily adjustable strap and there is also a storage compartment for it.

Rear-facing use:
The Radian has a “foot” or “boot” that must be used for rear-facing. This makes it a little more difficult to use than a seat with an adjustable base (like a Britax convertible), but it still works well. It can be tethered rear-facing.
As far as recline angle, it’s not able to be adjusted at lot, but I have gotten a 40-45’ angle easily without using the tether to add more recline. Because of this, the Radian will take up slightly more room than a Britax convertible would rear facing for older kids who don’t need the 45’ recline. The space seemed about the same with a Radian and Britax 65 lb convertible both reclined to a 45’ angle.
My 32 lb almost three-year-old daughter seemed very comfortable rear-facing in this seat. She is just under the rear-facing weight limit and has only in the past month or two started riding forward-facing on a regular basis.

Forward-facing use:
This is a great seat for forward-facing, especially for older kids. It sits quite upright, but the sides are deep enough to do a good job for sleep support. I would say it has sleep support similar to a Graco Cargo, but more than a lot of other combination seats. Because it is not up on a large base it is easier for older kids to get in themselves and looks a lot less like a “baby” seat.

Comfort and Appearance:
This seat got my daughter’s gold-star comfort rating. She was asleep within five minutes on her first ride in the afternoon! (Forward-facing) The padding is nice and there are no rough edges or un-padded areas. I have had problems with my daughter getting red pressure-marks in her Evenflo Chase combination seat and even after five hours buckled in the Radian seat there were no marks on her and no complaints. The seat is also very comfortable to sit next to because of the narrow seat and low profile. It was installed in the center third row seat of a Chevy Uplander (mini-van) with my husband and I on either side for the five-hour trip and was much better to sit next to than out Evenflo Chase. It was narrower, and smoother on the outside edges.
I have the coastal (blue) color and it has so far help up great with two weeks of constant use and moving. In the last week I have USED it in eight different vehicles and four different airplanes- so that’s a pretty good record.
The cover is relatively easy to take off with some practice. It requires hand washing with mild detergent (I used Woolite Dark) and line drying, but looks just like new when it dries. It took over 24 hours for mine to dry, but I didn’t wring the cover out aggressively and I live in a humid area.

Use during air travel:
We successfully installed the Radian forward-facing on the two different types of commercial aircraft on our recent trip. No belt-extender is needed since the fabric can be opened to access the belt-path. The buckle was nearly in the middle of the seat and can be pulled tight by once again accessing the belt path. As a bonus, because the seat is low it worked great with the tray tables.
I did not have the chance to install the Radian rear-facing on the airplane, but imagine that it would be substantially more difficult. First, the “foot” would have to be added to the seat if it has been folded up and the belt bath would be a lot more difficult, if not impossible, to access. I may try on my next flight if there is time. On the positive side I would feel comfortable using the Radian forward-facing for any child over 1 yr and 22 lb on an aircraft because the crash dynamics are different from that in an automobile and the likelihood of an accident are much less.
The folding feature is great for transportation purposes. The seat is heavy so you won’t be running through the airport as you might wish! I was able to carry it on my back using the harness straps that some though the back over my shoulder. My husband could not get the strap over his shoulder and was quite frustrated trying to carry it and ranted a bit about how backback straps should be a standard feature. The seat did fit in our Zooper umbrella stroller folded, or unfolded with a child in it. I imagine it would fit in many strollers this way. I will also consider trying to use a luggage carrier on our next airport adventure next month when we may not bring the stroller at all. I don’t have access to the bag available for the Radian, but will probably purchase one and update my review later. I had also considered routing a strap through the unused harness slots for a makeshift backpack straps, but want to check and make sure this would not damage the seat or affect its safety in a collision.


Overview:
I would recommend this seat in a variety of different situations. It’s nice to have another option to harness past 40 lb or for taller kids.
Aside from the size/folding issue I would still recommend a Britax convertible for a primary rear-facing seat because it is easier to use and more compatible in general with different vehicles. Although there is no reason the seat wouldn’t work for a young baby, the Britax seats seem to “look” more comfortable for rear-facing kids, especially those under one year. It would make a great second rear-facing seat or a travel seat that will last most children for the full 7 years if used from birth.
As long as the fit was good in the vehicle I would recommend this hands-down for forward-facing kids over 30 lb. It’s easier for them to climb into, looks less like a baby seat, and has harness slots higher than the Britax convertible seats, but is smaller then the Husky. The only disadvantage is that it does not have the SIP wings of the Boulevard. It does have EPS foam in sides of the shell.

Photos: http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/skipspin/Car%20Seats/Radian/

Joy Miller
Mommy and Child Passenger Safety Technician
Tester: 34 mo old 34" 32 lb

[PattyM]

where is the side impact protection located? in the body? the description reads that it includes SIP but you mention it is not in the wings(near the head).

thanks for the help! i am trying to figure out the future configuration for my 43" 4.5 yr old and my 36" 27 month old. i need 2 of my 4 seats to have SIP.

[skipspin]

I already PMed you- but for other's info:

There are no SIP wings like on a Boulevard or Parkway, but the shell does offer SIP because of the EPS-foam lined shell the is designed to protect the head in a collision.

[ccjones]

where is the side impact protection located? in the body? the description reads that it includes SIP but you mention it is not in the wings(near the head).

Have you ever seen the SIP wings that stick out on either side of the child's head in a Britax Boulevard? Well, like the Britax Marathon and Decathalon, the Radian does NOT have these wings. However, the sides of the Radian seat-shell, in particular by the head/shoulder area, are lined with EPS foam (the kind found in bicycle helmets), which offers SIP. What skipskin was trying to say is that, like the Marathon and Decathlon, the Radian does not offer the true SIP (with the wings) that is touted as a safety feature for the Boulevard.

HTH!
Colleen

[skaterbabscpst]

FWIW, I installed Julie's Radian in my 1993 Suburban today. It installed VERY well in the 3rd row lapbelt and 2nd row outboard (locking latchplate), but not at all in the 2nd row ALR lapbelt.

[chaoticoctopus]

I've finally gotten around to installing my Radian RF this past weekend, just to see how it fits in my vehicle. Here are some of the stats:

Vehicle: 2003 Chevy Astro, 8-seats (2 bench seats in back).
LATCH and Tether equipped: both outboard seats in front row; tether only in back row passenger-side outboard.
ELR seat belts (retract automatically, but only "lock up" with sudden force; requires use of locking clip).
All following installations are front row, outboard.

RFing:

LATCH: The RF base/foot/boot/whatever you want to call it, is fairly simplistic but easy to install, and considering that it gets wedged up into the seat bight, seems solidly-enough attached. In my vehicle, however, the base is the same width as my LATCH anchors!! The base covered them up, and made it very difficult to get a solid installation. I finally gave up and went to using the vehicle's ELR belts with the locking clip.

Vehicle belts: As stated, it was necessary to use a locking clip. I didn't have to wrestle with it nearly as much as I do with my AOE RFing to get a solid install, and was able to do it myself with just my own body weight against the seat. It wasn't rock-solid like I get with FF/LATCH, but it was acceptable. The latching (receiving) end of my vehicle's seat belts lays a bit high against the RF beltpath, but it wasn't impossible to get it tight enough. The locking clip did end up being enclosed within the beltpath, however, but TMK this shouldn't be a problem.

The angle of the seat was almost a perfect 45 degrees before I tried using the tether. Per the manual, tether is not required, but is still recommended for RF use. Also per the manual, it pictures using a tether anchor *in front of* the seat when the Radian is installed RF. It shows the rear anchors as being used for FF. In my first bench row, there are no tether anchors forward of the bench. The only option would be to run the tether under the seat to the rear anchor. Does anyone know if this is acceptable? I'd rather use the tether than not, but not if the only option is using it incorrectly. Oh, also, tethering the seat made it recline a bit lower than 45 degrees. It lays pretty flat! Maybe 55-60 degrees. Possibly ok for a young infant (?), but not necessarily so for an older child. Good thing I'm not needing to use this seat RF at this point, nor do I envision needing to in the future. :)

FFing:

LATCH: This seat installs FF like a dream in my Astro using the LATCH. Postion the Radian between the anchors, click on the LATCH connectors, tighten. A little knee in the seat to provide some weight, and it's rock-solid. Attach the tether under the vehicle seat's headrest, down the back and onto the tether anchor. Tighten. DONE.

Vehicle belts: Only slightly less simple. Must attach and adjust the locking clip first, which is only a little tricky, again due to where the locking clip lays against the beltpath. It takes a little more pushing and body weight to get the seatbelt fastened once everything is in the right place. Probably easier with two people, but I was able to manage it on my own and got an acceptable installation. The tether proved to be of substantial help in keeping the seat stable with the seatbelt, whereas with the LATCH install, the seat was already rock-solid and the tether just seemed to be a safeguard.

I haven't tried installing this seat in the back bench row yet. The passenger side outboard has a rear tether but no LATCH, and a fraying seatbelt that needs to be replaced, so no safe way to install it there currently. Driver's side outboard has no LATCH, no rear tether for FF, although I could technically do a RF installation with seatbelt and the tether anchor on the seat in front of it. No reason to bother attempting it right now, though, so I think I'll pass until the weather gets cooler.

Hope this info is helpful to somebody!

[skipspin]

To keep the recline not more than 45' attach the RFing tether, but pull it just till the slack is out, NOT tight. You would have to call Sunshine Kids about using the tether under the seat. Britax says "no," but SK may not.

One other question. Are you SURE you need a locking clip. If you are in doubt, use one for sure, but to my knowledge all cars after 97 have to have lockable seatbelts (except in the drivers seat). They can lock by pulling them all the way out, OR with a latchplate that lock. I have heard some people say that sometimes the locking latchplates don't work well, and they have to use a locking clip, but your van is new enough that it shouldn't be required.

[skaterbabscpst]

the way the LATCh law is written allows vehicle manufacturers to not include a locking mechanism on seatbelts in positions with LATCh, so some manufacturers removed them in some vehicles oin those positions.

[chaoticoctopus]

When I had my seats checked last week, they showed me how to use the locking latchplates, but we all had a hard time getting them to reliably stay locked. The ease with which they will release makes it iffy using them. When I find it necessary to switch from LATCH to the seat belts, I will use the locking clip just to be on the safe side.

I haven't contacted SKJP about the tether anchor question yet. Anyone who has, or knows, I'd appreciate the info. As it is, I have no need to RF the Radian, but if I ever need to for someone else's child, I'd like to know how best/safest to install it WRT the tether.

Thanks.

[skipspin]

Okay, that makes sense. :-) I just didn't want you to be going to all the trouble using the locking clips IF you have switchable retractors and didn't know it.

[skaterbabscpst]

Have you tried flipping the male end of the buckle upside down (180*)?

[SommerNyte]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents. :)

We got our Radian today and it installed forward facing in the center position of our 2005 Dodge Neon with LATCH with no issues. I had my husband tighten the bottom strap and it is in solid -- it doesn't wiggle at all. We also used the top tether.

I had a harder time installing my Britax Galaxy in the same position in the same car.

I am totally happy with it!!! My DD is 3 years old, 37" high and 32 lbs.

[becca011906]

MY REVIEW:

Compatibility in different Vehicles:So far i've had this seat in my normal every day car that's a land rover discovery, and it's installed with the LATCH and teather in the out board seat behing the driver. I have tried seat belt instulation and i think it would be possible if i had someone who was a little bigger (like dh) to put some extra weight into tightening it, we'll cross that path later on. I have also had a GREAT install in a ford explorer '02 i think it was, it's my best friends husbands truck and she was picking up dd last week, no latch so we used the middle lap blet that has locking retractor, it's took some pulling but it was like a rock when i was done, also it wasn't tethered. I've also put it in my dh's police cruiser that's a crown vic 02 no latch so seat belt that rectracs (clicking) got an eceptiable install, but it still moved about 1/4 an inch or so on the belt path again no top tether.


Latch: I LOVE this latch it's the easy britax style, dh can even figure out thoes! LOL very easy to tighten if you pull it though the veclro "holes in the seat cover, ROCk solid in my car with in minutes.


Rear-facing use: I've put the seat in only briefly b/c dd that typically uses it is 35lbs but i put her in the scenera and my younger 2 yo rfing the radian to see how the install was. the boot kinda worries me if i lose it, and also the fact that it's not adjustable, but the recline was fine. I wasn't able to use it tethered rfing b/c i wouldn't find ANYWhere at all to put the D ring kinda mad me made, but what can you do. it dose take up a LOT of room rfing, even in a big car like a land rover, there is NO way it could go behind the driver side.


Forward-facing use: So easy to install w/ latch, we use the slight recline b/c dd still falls sleep a lot in the car. the back tethere is kinda v shaped but not britax v shaped, it has a small v by the car sat then joins to on strap, better teather then cosco but not as nice as the BIG v that britax has. DD can get in the seat VERY easily b/c it doesn't have the HI sides that most convertables have... All and all we really do like this seat a lot


Comfort and Appearance:DD loves the seat it's the blue that's not avaliable any longer, she says it's so soft, microswade feeling . she is able to sleep in it and most of the time her head will not flop forward, she is using the 2 second to the top slots and i think will not out grow this seat till about 6 years or so. She likes the middle chest clip is very easy to use and she can help with some of it.


Overview : I would definantly recomend this seat if you can get a proper install, and if you are needing a smaller seat. i still can't get 3 across though with a scenra, radian and parkway... but still slimer then most.!!

You can see picutres in my siggy link below! :)

[Morganthe]

Ok, here's my opinion of the Radian 65.
I'm not even attempting a rear facing hookup, there's just not enough room in our cars with the front seats all the way back like we drive. DD at 34.5lbs is over the limit anyway. No other babies are planned and if one happened to arrive, a newer vehicle would definitely be in the immediate budget.

1999 Toyota Camry -- Center seat position. Facing forward. I used the locking clip since I distrust the pull out/lock seatbelt system that may or may not be installed. It's not mentioned in my car manual.

It was difficult getting the seat absolutely tight. There's a slight hump and the seat is wider than the center spot. The seatbelt stalk was almost jammed into the opening of the belt path on the carseat making it harder to get tighter. If I had passengers, they would have difficulty buckling in. I wasn't happy no matter what I did. Outboard would probably be easier, but around here, I do NOT want her in that position.

Even with the base pulled out for a slight lean, imo, it's still too upright if she fell asleep. Her head would loll about. Probably having a small pillow or rolled up towel would help.

1996 Jetta (Trek edition)-- I am absolutely thrilled with the Radian for that car! Excellent hookup with the rear center lap belt (I used the locking clip to ensure that it remained tight). The seatbelt stalk fits just up against the entry of the belt path. Very stable and secure. Much easier than the Camry to install and there's plenty of room for passengers on each side of the Radian.

I was also very surprised to discover that there was already a tether hook on top of the back dash. I was able to hook up the 'safe stop' and the rear tether within 5 minutes.

I am pleased to say that the Radian is 'one' with the Jetta. It feels as if it is a part of the car and not an addition. Absolutely rock solid and I"m much happier with my daughter being with my husband in that small car than ever before. The car seat back slants slightly more than in the Camry and I think she'll be much more comfortable over a long period of time.

I don't have LATCH in either of my cars, so that was unchecked.

[joolsplus3]

Just to clarify... a locking clip is NOT appropriate to use on a lapbelt. Your installation is unsafe with it on. This page has more info on seatbelt types, and if you find your Toyota has switchable retractors, I would recommend using them, versus the locking clip A) because it's just as safe B) Locking clips are such a pain :P :)

Anyway, glad it's working so nicely in the Jetta, and the top tether is in there...bonus!

:)

[ts_peach]

FWIW i got a really nice tight fit in the center position FF using the lap belt with one full twist in the female buckle in our 91 honda accord (going to try FF outboard and FR outboard at another time, my hands hurt from getting all three other carseats to fit in the backseat ).

[jamwith3bugs]

We have our Radian RF in the 2nd row captain chair behind the driver in our 2004 Odyssey. It took me a minute to figure out the latch and I couldn't tighten it tight enough - but when my husband came home - he sat on it and tightened it right up! (Total time - 10 minutes for installation and it's SOLID!)

As for fit - my little bean is 18 months old and is using the 2nd lowest slots! I put my 5 yr old (big boy!) in it and he has about 2 inches to go and I also put my 6 year old (boys) in it - and he had about a 1/2 inch left to the top slot!

They all fit in it fine! We went with this seat unstead of the Marathon b/c when I sat my older kids in the Marathon they looked SO cramped! They had plenty of shoulder room in the Radian! It looks like it will last our little bean the entire life of the seat (6 yrs!) YEAH!!!

I haven't tried it FF or in any other seat in the car - but I will try them all and post my findings!

[musicmaj]

I have our Radian installed FF on the drivers side captains chair of our 04 Odyssey. The seat is for my 43lb, 43 inch almost 5 year old son. Because he is over 40lbs, I have to use the seatbelt to install instead of latches. It installs very well, but was difficult. It is easiest to install with two people, one to kneel in the seat and one to tighten the seatbelt. I had to twist the female end of the buckle two times to get a tight install. I have not tried to install this seat in any other place in the van yet, but when we go on long trips I would like to install it in the third row next to my daughter so they can both watch dvds together.

I love the seat. My son has almost three inches of torso growth in it. Although it is a narrow seat he has plenty of shoulder room. My 6 year old daughter is the same size as my son and also still fits in the seat.

[Wineaux]

Has anyone tried out the new Radian80? Also, the Radian65 and Radian80 don't have a way of attaching to a compatible stroller do they? I'm pretty certain with their folding design that it's not possible, but it couldn't hurt to ask could it? :)

[scatterbunny]

I don't know of any convertible seat that is compatible with a stroller, only infant seats.

The Radian 65 and 80 are the same seat with the same top slot heights, no kid will actually get to 80 pounds in this seat before getting too tall for the top slots.

[Wineaux]

I don't know of any convertible seat that is compatible with a stroller, only infant seats.

The Radian 65 and 80 are the same seat with the same top slot heights, no kid will actually get to 80 pounds in this seat before getting too tall for the top slots.

That's what I thought on the convertible. I didn't realize that the Radian 65 and 80 were identical in regards to the same top slot heights. That's a bit of a bummer. I could hope for a short kid, but that's most certainly NOT in the cards for us. Very tall families and a history of big babies on both sides. We're hoping for a Supermodel or a Football player to care for us in our dotage... :p

[canadianmom2three]

This may be off topic a bit - but anyone have trouble with the harness length on the Radian 65? My son who is 4.5 has very very little harness room left - so little that if he is even wearing a fleecy sweater he is really tight - am I failing to adjust something?? he is not a heavy nor really tall kid, just an average 4.5 year old...Thx - Amy

[AdventureMom]

I was curious if the folding feature caused concern for any of you? What is the folding mechanism failed during a collision and the seat folded on the child...? Just a thought. But is that possible?

Maria

[skipspin]

I think the seat would physically break before it would fold if it's locked. If you've ever played with one you probably wouldn't worry. It's VERY strong and not "floppy" at all like you might imagine when you hear "folding car seat." Maybe I'll take a photo of the mechanism that locks it. It's pretty beefy looking :-D

[unityco]

I was able to hook up the 'safe stop' and the rear tether within 5 minutes.

Just got a Radian, and when I read my manual, it says the "Safe Stop" is for the harness adjuster (only for children under 40lbs) not for the tether - does yours say something different?

[Morganthe]

Just got a Radian, and when I read my manual, it says the "Safe Stop" is for the harness adjuster (only for children under 40lbs) not for the tether - does yours say something different?

Sorry to be so long in responding, I just saw this post.

Top of page 24 of Radian manual
"Forward-facing lap belt installation
-For lap belt installation ONLY use SafeStop with top tether and with child under 48lbs (see page 26)

from page 26
"SafeStop is a load-limiting device designed to absorb energy and reduce impact to a smaller, forward facing child.ALWAYS use SafeStop with LATCH or Top tether with forward facing child under 48lbs

It's like doing tax forms -- always being refered to another line or page :rolleyes:
But since my dd is about 35lbs or slightly more clothed, her Radian is set up facing forward via the car's center lap belt + top tether.

The Safestop is hooked up correctly to her harness Yoke on the backside of the seat. (not to the tether itself, which might be where my original posting might have confused you).
hth :)

[Kristy00]

The Radian that I ordered from Canadian Tire was delivered today. (Great service - I ordered it online less than 5 days ago!) Unfortunately we just couldn't get it to install in our 2000 Dodge Caravan. The install was FF on a two seater bench seat. We have to use a locking clip with our belts, and it wanted to sit partway in/on the beltpath of the seat. Once we did up the belt and attempted to move the seat, the pressure and angle of the seat and the locking clip caused the locking clip to slip out of position.

I really am disappointed. This seat seemed excellent in all other areas.

[bestjob-mommy]

QUick question..... from the pics its seems the lower straps hit higher on a child, not on their thighs. Is this correct? Are there pics of children in this seat somewhere. I like that this seat sits lower than the MA, and has higher harness slots.

[Dragonflymama]

When I installed our new Radian 65 last night, the manual said that the Safe Stop strap MUST be used for LATCH+Tether installations FF under 40 pounds and not with any other install configuration.

This seems contrary to what has been posted on this thread. Maybe I'll go down to the car at lunch and check the SK Radian65 manual. Weird that the instructions would change on the same seat. MAybe I read the manual wrong yesterday? I'll have to check it out!

[canadianmom2three]

http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t120/canadianmom2three/Car%20Seat%20Pics/th_IMGP1809.jpg

My DS aged 4.5, 45lbs and 45" tall, with a 16" torso. Just moved him to the top slots a few weeks back. The lower part of the harness seems like any other to me, haven't really noticed it sitting high...

[brayg]

I ordered a Radian65 for my 36lb 4 year old for in my husband's extended cab pickup, as the rear benches tend to be smaller than a regular seat. I wasn't aware of the learning curve on installation and I consider myself to be very proficient in getting a rock solid carseat install on all seats I've used previously (quite a few, lol).

With a lot of effort, I got the Radian installed in the truck in the outboard position behind the driver. I did have to twist the stalk 3 full times but it was solid. Used it a few times and then decided to try it in my 1999 Grand Caravan with captain's chairs. I had a Marathon in there at the time.

I have to say that I like the Radian in my van even more than the Marathon (never thought I'd say that...) and I like the Marathon in the truck more than the Radian, due to the fact that the Marathon sits up higher and he can see more.

What I really like about the Radian is 1. it's quite the multitasker. It can be used RF as an infant all the way till 65lbs--at right around $200 (I got mine cheaper than that), it's a great value. 2. for my older child, I like that this seat doesn't look like a "carseat", but it kind of meshed with my vehicle and looks like a part of the vehicle and not a big clumsy seat. I also like that it's not flimsy.

There are a few things I don't like, but I think that they aren't prohibitive in me choosing it again if I were to go back in time. The main thing was having the patience to figure out the install. Seeing as I think that rock solid seat installations are unfortunately the overall minority, I can't see all parents having the fortitude to work around a difficult install and it may just be installed incorrectly/unsafe. I dislike the fact that the harness *can* get caught up in the back and make adjustment difficult/impossible, thus requiring you to uninstall the seat and fix it. I've heard that SKJP has corrected that issue on the newer models. The other thing I don't *love* is that it's touted as being a "folding carseat" and though I don't need to use that feature for anything, I found it to be rather difficult and can't imagine folding it up and carrying it on a regular basis.

I've already started thinking about what seat I'll choose once my ds outgrows his Marathon in my husband's vehicle (it may be a while) and the Radian will definitely be on my list.

[Loves2sing]

I just bought this seat a week ago for my 21 month old daughter, who is RF. I must say that I love this seat. We had a tight but easy install in the back of my 2003 Focus Wagon. Jenna has way more leg room in this seat RF than in her MA RF. I love that. I just wanted to add my :twocents:

[Holly]

Hi everyone, I am brand new here! I havent read through all the replies, so sorry if this is already mentioned. I just bought the Radian 65 yesterday for my daughter who will be 2 next month and I installed it yesterday. We have a 2007 Toyota Camry and I installed it forward facing with the latch system. It is ROCK SOLID there, it feels like it is part of the car and not a separate seat, which is awesome in my opinion! It was easy for me to figure out too!
We didn't go anywhere today so I havent used it with her, but she did get to sit in it while I was adjusting the harnesses inside before installing it and she loved it! It looks so comfy, I cna't wait to use it tomorrow!

Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know, if you have a 2007 Camry, it is very compatible with it, at least forward facing. I haven't tried it rear facing at all yet.

[sixboys]

Okay, I wanted to add my :twocents: to this review!

I recently received the Radian 65, and I bought it specifically to fit on the "jump" seat (front row center between the driver's and passenger's captain's chairs) in a Ford Excursion. We were not happy with DS#5's Britax Blvd. in that position as it sits so high.

I was able to get a rock solid install using the lap belt on our jump seat. I had to twist the stalk three full turns as it otherwise came way too high into the belt path. But, once I twisted the stalk down and got that baby cinched tight it's not budging an inch.

The Ford Excursion is built on the same chassis as the Ford F250 and F350 Superduty pickup trucks, which is how we were able to replace our center console with a factory jumpt seat. If you are the owner of any of these trucks, I highly recommend the Radian 65 as a good option for a harnessed seat in the front row. :thumbsup:

[Kleine hexe]

What I really like about the Radian is 1. it's quite the multitasker. It can be used RF as an infant all the way till 65lbs--

RF to 65#? I read it goes RF til 33#.

[UlrikeDG]

She means it can be used RF for an infant and all the way to 65 lb (front facing, of course).

[supermommyof2]

I live in Canada and was very excited to find the Radian as a cheaper alternative to Britax seats. My husband was impressed with the "safe-stop" as he has experience in construction safety training and they use similar devices in fall-protection. At the time we bought it, the seat was only rated to 48lbs here, but very recently was changed to 65lbs. It's been less than a year since we bought ours, and from what I know about the testing methods in Canada (previously they just didn't test them over 48lbs, which is a pretty dumb reason in my opinion), I'm hoping that no changes were made to the seat and I'll be able to use mine past 48 to save me buying an extra seat. (I'm waiting for a response from SK regarding this)

I've only used the Radian with my oldest son, at 4 yrs he's 38lbs and I'm not sure how tall, but I just moved the harness to the highest slot (his shoulders are dead even with the second-highest). He's always been a bit taller than average (although not sure where he gets it from!) so I was extra happy to find the Radian. I couldn't imagine moving him to a booster in the near future! Back to my review...As for the install, I found it a little difficult until I figured out a couple things. Since the belt track is so much lower than a lot of carseats it gets a little tricky. We have a 06 Toyota Sienna and I've had the Radian FF in the middle row (bucket seats) and FF in the rear bench, all with Latch. I think I briefly tried with the seatbelt, but gave up because Latch was just easier, from previous experience with other seats. I don't remember reading that Latch can't be used over 48 lbs, I'll have to check on that. I haven't installed it RF, but I'll have to try it soon because I'll be needing it soon for a baby I just started babysitting. I had trouble tightening the Latch until I discovered I could pull it through the openings in the seat cover to get a better pulling angle (on the same side of the buckle). The most difficulty I had installing the seat was in the 3rd row bench. The Latch anchors are slightly narrower than the seat and since the belt track is so low I had to play with the recline of the bench and ended up using the the built-in recline on the Radian as well and finally got it solid.

In Canada it's mandatory to use a tether FF, so that was nothing new to us. I don't really understand the V in the tether, though, maybe it attaches more securely to the seat(?), but it works fine. The only thing I wonder about the tether is that where it's attatched to the Radian is much lower than the top of the van seatback. On one of our previous carseats, the Costco Touriva, the tether came out the front of the seat under the seat cover and over the top edge of the shell, it seemed like it would do a better job keeping the seat from flying forward. Over all the Radian is rock-solid, so I'm not worried about it.

As to the comfort of the seat, my 4 yr old doesn't complain. The crotch strap seems a little short, but like I said, he doesn't complain! I think one of the comments I read was about the harness straps seeming too short with a bigger child and I have wondered about that too. My son is just under 40lbs now and it seems like there's not a lot of extra length, not to mention the safe-stop makes the harness a bit longer and we won't be using it much longer. It's not my biggest concern, though, because I'm a stickler about getting the harness is as tight as I can pull it, I use two hands and lean my weight into it. I do wonder about his head rolling around when he goes to sleep, it does tend to tip forward. I have seen some pictures (I think on the SK website) of the Radian with head cusions that are bigger than the infant ones (maybe the body cushions do double-duty?), but I don't think you can get them separate. I would like to know where to get them if anybody out there knows about them. I'm not sure what the seat's like with a young baby yet, but the infant cushions that are included with some models look like a good idea.

Over all I highly recomend the Radian if, and only if, you can get it installed tight enough in your vehicle as there are some vehicles that are just not compatable.

UPDATE:
I have gotten a good RF install in most positions both with Latch and seatbelt. I was, however, disappointed to re-read the manual and discover that Latch can only be used up to 48lbs (not sure how I missed it the first time), after that you have to switch to the vehicle belt. Unfortunately I can't get it anywhere near tight enough FF with the seatbelt due to the buckle being forward of the back of the seat. Maybe I'll be adding a Marathon to our collection eventually...

Further update:
I'm learning new things every day, so pls forgive my updates! I did get a MA (DOM Sept 07, YAY) with the new Canadian 65lb sticker, and am using it RF for a 13mo old I babysit. With the top slots fitting shorter than the Radian, I'm still out of luck finding a seat to harness past 48lbs (DS1 has 10lbs and 2" left in the Radian). I did just recently get the Radian installed w/the SB in the middle 3rd row of my 06 Sienna, I'm pretty sure it's acceptable, but waiting for a tech to confirm (due to a gap in the seatbacks, see the Radian successfull install thread (http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=18235&page=8)) Other note, I have since discovered that my Radian is one of the short-strapped ones, I'm waiting to get my new one, should be a new DOM and stickered to 65lbs:thumbsup::thumbsup:!

[Granola]

Hi - I'm new here, but have been lurking for a while.

We were very happy with our Radian from an installation standpoint, but ended up returning it due to several issues. I e-mailed back and forth with Russ but we couldn't find a resolution.

Harness straps: Our harness straps were too wide for the buckle tongues and had lot of "folding over" issues, and we were concerned about possible fraying. The buckle tongues were also difficult to move up and down because of the strap width.

Crotch strap position: Even in the outermost position, the crotch strap seemed too far towards the back of the seat to fit my average size son (35 pounds, almost-40" tall at 3-3/4 years old). At the outermost setting, the crotch strap was at its limit and was tight on him and coming up from underneath of him. We were concerned that if he grew even a little, he would no longer going to fit comfortably in this seat given how tight that strap was on him. Russ sent us a longer strap but that didn't help because the strap was still coming from underneath my son, so lengthening it did not result in a fix that would accommodate a growing pelvis, especially for a boy. Also, Russ said that the outermost crotch strap position definitely measures 7.5". We measured ours (and sent him photos) and not only did ours not measure 7.5", it did not even measure 6.5" out from the back of the seat. We noticed that the crotch strap positions were not equidistant from one another (I don't know if this is the same with other Radian 65s or just ours) but perhaps that was the issue with our crotch strap position not fitting well.

We were told by Russ to take the cover off and the outermost crotch buckle position should measure 7.5". It didn't (and we feel that what matters is how it fits and measures with the cover on, of course. We were also told the cover would stretch in the "butt" area and allow a better fit in time, allowing our DS to sit "deeper" in the seat. :confused: He said "kinda like a pair of jeans, it will fit better in time." In our minds, the seat should be right from day one and this wasn't acceptable to us.

At that point we just gave up and returned the seat to Target. We were so bummed about it because we love the fact that it could fold and be taken on an airplane easily and it did install well in several vehicles for us.