Radian XTSL vs. Boulevard 70 for big baby

MJrouge · Jun 17, 2011

I'm looking for a convertible seat for my 4-month-old son, who is already 20lbs and 27" - 97th-99th percentile for height and weight. I'd like him to RF as long as possible. My two-year-old daughter (28lbs and 35") is RFing in a True Fit Premier, which has worked great for her, but I have excluded from my choices based on the 35lb RF limit.

I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, and I remove the carseats a few times a month, so I'm concerned about getting a good install with the Radian XTSL. I've read that the Boulevard 70 is easier, but also that it could be a tight fit for a bigger kid. I'd appreciate any advice.

Thank you!

wendytthomas · Jun 17, 2011

You've heard exactly right. The Boulevard is significantly shorter than the Radian, but the Radian more difficult to install in some cars.

How about something like the Evenflo Triumph 65 or Safety 1st Complete Air, both with tall shells and 40 pound weight limits? Both are easy to install.

Wendy

swtgi1982 · Jun 18, 2011

I would say the XTSL for a kid that size. Where are you located? Maybe someone local to you has a radian you can try to see how it works. I install mine with the vehicle belt and have no issues.

kalamos23 · Jun 18, 2011

I had a baby with those exact same stats at 4mo, she hit 36lbs at 18m, but didn't hit 40 lbs until recently. Her stats are current and she is still rfing in an xtsl at almost 3. I would definitely get a 40lb weight limit seat.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Car-Seat.Org

MJrouge · Jun 19, 2011

kalamos, thanks for sharing your daughter's stats, I figured my son will end up somewhere in that range.

I ordered a Radian XTSL from Diapers.com before posting this (knowing that I could send it back if necessary) so I do have a Radian XTSL to try. I'm a bit concerned after reading about the recent LATCH failures though!

linneabw · Jun 20, 2011

My son was always in the 97th percentile until about a year, then he dropped to the 50th, so I thought I'd be able to get him to three in a 35lb rfing seat. Then he went back up and is now 35 lbs at 2yrs3months. So we had to go and get radians, which is what I wanted in the first place. Although, I ended up saving money! I got a RA50, TF, and three radians for around $580 and sold the trufit for $75. And I currently have 4 seats (baby #2 due soon), I would have paid $510 for two seats!!

Radian XTSL vs. Boulevard 70 for big baby

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