Question Radian XTL vs. Frontier 85 for my 2 boys

[jawynn]

I am looking for carseats that will last for the longest amount of time. My boys are tall, have long torsos, and are very solid.


DS#1-26 mo, 36lbs, 33" height, 13" torso height
DS#2-4 yr., 45lbs. 43"height, 15" torso height


For DS#1, I was thinking the Radian XLT. He could sit RF for 9 more lbs (to 45lbs), and would have shoulder height room for 5 more inches (to 18"). (He is currently FF in a Recaro Signo). Based on DS#2's current size, the Radian XTL would last DS#1 about 2 more years. But then I would have to buy another carseat with higher harness height limit (Frontier 85?)

For DS#2, I can't find a seat with a harness limit higher than 20" and/or RF with more than 45 lb. RF limit. So, I was thinking the Frontier 85. He is currently in a Frontier, which I purchased by mistake, when I thought I was buying the Frontier 85. Frontier only has 17-18" top harness heights compared to Frontier 85 20" harness height limit. At least with the Frontier 85, DS#2 would have 5 more inches in harness height limit.

Any suggestions? Thanks!!
DS#1 10-01-08
DS#2 11-29-06

 

[wendytthomas]

For DS#1, I was thinking the Radian XLT. He could sit RF for 9 more lbs (to 45lbs), and would have shoulder height room for 5 more inches (to 18"). (He is currently FF in a Recaro Signo). Based on DS#2's current size, the Radian XTL would last DS#1 about 2 more years. But then I would have to buy another carseat with higher harness height limit (Frontier 85?)

Five inches above his shoulders is about five years of harnessing time. I don't know if you'd need anything. It should last him rear facing two more years, then forward for several beyond that.

For DS#2, I can't find a seat with a harness limit higher than 20" and/or RF with more than 45 lb. RF limit. So, I was thinking the Frontier 85. He is currently in a Frontier, which I purchased by mistake, when I thought I was buying the Frontier 85. Frontier only has 17-18" top harness heights compared to Frontier 85 20" harness height limit. At least with the Frontier 85, DS#2 would have 5 more inches in harness height limit.

With a 15" torso and in a seat with 18.25" top slots, he's got about three years harnessed in his Frontier. I wouldn't change a thing. He doesn't need to be harnessed until he's ten. We aim for five to six years old, and then for however long after that a child needs until they can sit properly in a booster seat.

Wendy

 

[Carrie_R]

Yep -- I'd go with either the Radian XTSL or 80SL for the younger child. Is there a problem with what the older child is riding in at present? If not, I would leave him in the Frontier. He'll likely have plenty of time in that seat, and then you can pass it down to your younger son, or use it as a booster (it turns into the tallest booster out there right now.)

 

[featherhead]

In your other thread you mentioned that your Frontier is very difficult to tighten. Is it possible that you have the recline block in the wrong position? When using the seat harnessed the block has to be flipped to the front of the seat. I have heard that this can sometimes cause problems with loosening/tightening the straps.

 

[Unregistered]

In your other thread you mentioned that your Frontier is very difficult to tighten. Is it possible that you have the recline block in the wrong position? When using the seat harnessed the block has to be flipped to the front of the seat. I have heard that this can sometimes cause problems with loosening/tightening the straps.


For the Fronter that DS#2 is currently in, the block is flipped forward in the correct. It has always been difficult to tighten, and now especially with winter coat on!

So, it sounds like everyone is in agreement that I should get the Radian XTL turn DS#1 RF until he out grows the weight in 9 more lbs?

Thanks everyone!

 

[wendytthomas]

Definitely.

Also, it's not safe to wear winter coats in the car. Check this link out. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php...hp?aid=2211036&id=199108530&fbid=655405427102

Wendy