Question Radian 65SL or Radian XT SL?

HeWants4

New member
So I've decided to buy the Radian. :) There is a big price difference between these two seats. I see the main difference being the 65 lb harness limit vs the 80 lb limit. Both of my kids are tall and I expect them to outgrow it in height before weight.
I was thinking of getting the 65SL, but all the posts are moms talking about only wanting the XTSL. Is there another big difference I'm missing?
I'm not trying to be skimpy with safety products, but I'll eventually be buying one, or 2 more Radians, and that's expensive!
Thanks!
 
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monica-m

CPST Instructor
I have the 65SL for DS. He's skinny so he's unlikely to need more than a 65# harness or more than a 40# rear facing limit (our goal is 4 years). I don't see the use in paying for features that we're not going to need so that made my decision easy.
 

Pixels

New member
I have both a 65 and an XT. Other than the weight limits, the big difference is the headwings.
 

lourdes

Well-known member
Since this is a post about the Radiants, have anybody here had any issues with their latch belt been loose my the child? I was doing some research online about this car seat and came across with a video of a 2.5 y/o RF loosing the lower anchor belt
 

Pixels

New member
Headwings are only available on the XT. They may provide some side impact protection. They do provide sleeping support. Radian allows use with the shoulders above the top slots, but the headwings only go as high as the top slot, effectively making the limit on the XT even with the slots. The headwings go down to the level of the third harness slots, and a child who is using the bottom slots or second slots should have the headwings moved all the way up and out of the way.
 

moonmommy

Senior Community Member
Since this is a post about the Radiants, have anybody here had any issues with their latch belt been loose my the child? I was doing some research online about this car seat and came across with a video of a 2.5 y/o RF loosing the lower anchor belt

I have had no problems with the LATCH strap on my XTSL in my 2007 Saturn Ion (center install).
 

Stelvis

New member
That was my video, I think. The company told me to fix it with duct tape, then sent me two more belts that did the exact same thing. There are dozens of NHTSA reports about the same thing. Some due to kids pushing them down, some loosening for no apparent reason. The company has never fixed the issue. If you get one, install it with the seatbelt.

It has to do with the way the tilt lock mechanism hits the belt path when installed in some vehicles or positions. The mechanism sometimes just ends up right at the edge of the belt path, causing the webbing to be at a 90 degree angle, which is precisely how those tilt locks are designed to loosen. No matter how much you tighten it down, it won't stay. The company never admitted that was the problem, they just blamed me for not tightening it enough.
 

Irishmama

New member
Is it just the XTSL or all SL that has a problem? J/K. Also, was there a problem with the harness loosening? TIA!
 

Pixels

New member
Is it just the XTSL or all SL that has a problem? J/K. Also, was there a problem with the harness loosening? TIA!

All SL seats.

There seemed to be a run of seats that had harness adjuster levers that would get stuck in the open position. I haven't heard of it recently.
 

Irishmama

New member
Thanks! Hopefully they fixed it then. I'm debating a 65SL for DH's car, I'm tired of the super tight three across in there. :banginghead:
 

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