Verdict is in - we're getting a True Fit, not a Radian

Mommy0608

New member
Thanks to Brie (BW1426), I was able to try both seats in my car tonight. :love: So much fun playing car seats! Anyway, first we tried the True Fit... it installed beautifully! It was so easy, fit great both RF and FF, Jessie loved it, etc. The only thing I don't like is that I can't get to the harness adjuster strap while RF, but I was already aware that it would likely be an issue. I'm hoping that having a continuous harness will make it a nonissue.

Then we tried the Radian. RF, it was pretty easy, and it DID fit behind the driver's seat! :thumbsup: However, getting it installed FF was really a challenge. After much struggle and contortion, it was finally tight. I think with practice it wouldn't be so difficult though. However, I'm afraid that if anyone else had to install the seat in a rush or emergency, it wouldn't be done correctly, so I'm ruling it out. :( I want a seat that I can be confident that with some instruction, whoever is caring for my kids can install correctly, and I think the True Fit wins hands down in this aspect.

One other thing I like about the TF over the RN was the deep side wings. Jessie still sleeps in the car a lot so it might be more comfortable for her. More importantly though, we have a small car with no side curtain air bags, so I like having her in a seat with deeper wings. Of course the RN allows RF tethering which is great, but that is a moot point once she's FF, but the wings will still be helpful, so that is more important to me.

It would have been nice to get 2 RNs so I can fit a third person in the back seat, but we know we're not having more kids, and rarely would need to transport another person so this really isn't that big of a deal. The folding for travel feature doesn't really matter either, because we hardly ever fly, and probably won't for a loooong time.

I meant to take pictures when I put Jessie in the seats, but didn't... kind of forgot, plus Jessie was hopping in and out of the seats (she was having fun). ;) Of course when I get the seat I will be sure to take pictures and post them, including comparison photos with the EFTA. I'll probably stick Tyler in it too.

Again, big thanks to Brie for helping me out!! I truly appreciate it. :love:

(If anyone sees a good deal on the TF, let me know! I posted a thread in the shopping and deals section).
 
ADS

Pixels

New member
I'm glad you were able to try them both. Yes, FFing RN installs are tricky, to say the least, unless you know exactly what you are doing. I've already got it down to maybe two minutes, and I've only done it maybe 6 times total, in 3 cars. So once you've done it a few times it definitely gets easier, but I totally understand about wanting others to be able to do it, too.

DH thinks he'll be getting a RN XT for his car. I haven't told him yet that I'm considering the TF instead. I might go to Target tomorrow by myself and really play with it. Maybe even buy one (if they have any, the last few months they've only had the display model) so I can try it out in my car.
 

snowbird25ca

Moderator - CPST Instructor
Yay for carseat play dates. :D

I think you'll be happy with the TF. I've always loved how deep the side wings are and find it's generally easy to install as well. :)
 

emandbri

Well-known member
That is a very good point! I really hate installing the FF radian in Brian's car which doesn't have latch.

I think you will be very happy with the true fit! Doesn't it feel good to actually make a decision! I'm still not there yet! :whistle:
 

Mommy0608

New member
Yes, it feels good to have finally made a decision. I have spent sooo much time weighing pros and cons all week, but actually getting my hands on them was what sealed the deal. For FF I only tried to install both seats with the seatbelt, not LATCH, because if I can't get a good seat belt install it's not an option since LATCH will be outgrown before the seat is outgrown.

I'm going to get Misty Morning. Jessica will use it until Tyler outgrows the SS1, I'm hoping he can use that through the summer. Then, if Jessica is very close to outgrowing the TF RF, then Tyler will take that and she'll get a Frontier or Nautilus. However, I doubt that she'll be that close to outgrowing it RF, so we'll most likely get another TF. If that's the case, we might get a Monet for Jessica and Tyler will get the Misty Morning. Jessica's really excited to get a new seat (of course, Mommy is too!) :love:
 

NannyMom

Well-known member
I'm glad you made a decision. But you're not helping mine any :p I decided on the Radian for the top slot height.... but still kind of want the TF :(

I hope Jessie loves her new seat :)
 

Mommy0608

New member
and where are the pics from the playdate??

Um.... we kinda forgot. :eek: I got so caught up in the excitement of trying not one but TWO of my fantasy seats, plus Jessica was hopping around in and out of the seats. I promise to post pics when I get my True Fit though. I'm going to order it tomorrow (waiting to see the Sunday sale papers first).
 

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