Radian 65/80 or Recaro Signo/Como?

MPhalenS · Oct 10, 2007

I'm hoping you can help me choose our next carseat purchase for my son.
He's 2 1/2 years old... weighs 27.5 lbs... 33" tall.
We drive a 96 Honda Odyssey and a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero (neither have LATCH) ... Mimi (my mom) drives a 2006 Buick Lucerne and we visit her often. We fly ALOT and ALWAYS use our carseat on the plane.

We are planning on trying for Baby #2 in the very near future. Currently we own a Combi infant carrier seat (can't remember which model) and a Britax Roundabout. We have an older model Roundabout as well, but it is past it's "use by date" and needs to be replaced.

I'm really looking for a carseat which will take my son through the rest of his carseat days if possible.

From what I can tell, the Recaro Signo or Como and the Radian 65/80 are really my only choices. The Britax carseats get SO enormous after the Roundabout, right? Airline travel is a big thing for us, and I don't want to buy a carseat I'll regret having EVERY TIME I fly.

So... help me out... which carseat should I buy and why? PLEASE!!! I need to purchase a new one ASAP, as my son has figured out how to undo the old buckle style on his old Roundabout.

UlrikeDG · Oct 10, 2007

Moved from the reviews forum.

I haven't used a Recaro convertible or the Radian, but I didn't find the "big" Britax Marathon any harder to maneuver through the airport than the Roundabout. It is *heavier*, but I put my seat on a 2-wheeled luggage cart with the carry-ons on top and wheel the whole thing around with one hand. Baby goes in a sling, older kid walks (and after about age 5-6, can pull his/her own seat on the cart).

katiebug · Oct 11, 2007

The Como/Signo are basically the same size as the Marathon/ Blvd.
The install of the Como/Signo might give you more room behind the driver (in my experience) but otherwise it's pretty much a wash as far as size goes between the two brands. Well, one more thing, I think it depends on the car you're putting them in - as with any seat- but for us the Como/Signo works better in the SUV & the Britax better in the sedan because the shell of the Como/Signo blocks my view in the sedan (in the RF position).
Don't have any experience with the Radian other than looking at one in person next to the Britax & Recaro's & it would be my last choice based on a completely visual experience - which isn't saying much. But lots of others here have WAY more experience than I do so that's my :twocents:

The Radian's fold up option seems interesting but I can say its HEAVY!!!