I'm considering these two convertible car seats for my 8.5 month old son. He is about to outgrow his Graco Snugride. From what I understand the Britax is wider, shorter, and lighter. The Radian65 is narrower, taller, and heavier. The Radian65's seat can fold for easier travel. I know the Britax is highly rated and that the Radian65 is comparable, but I was wondering if anyone has personal experiences comparing them. Also, do you know of any places that sell the Radian65, so I can take a look at it?
I have the SunshineKids Radian and LOVE it! I bought it after my son outgrew his Britax Marathon when he was 2 1/2. I bought mine from Elite Car Seat online and highly recommend them.
(**I think Right Start at Clybourn Corridore sells the Radian.)
Don't be fooled by it being narrow, -- I thought my son, who is tall, wouldn't fit right, but he is 3 1/2 now and there is plenty of room on either side. Plus he has so much room still to go with the 5 point harness, and my son is now over 40 inches tall.
The fabric is what sold me. It's this cool mesh and soft velour combo that never looks dirty (I got the grey) and is designed to keep the kid's skin cool. I have washed the cover a number of times with no problems and it looks brand new.
I have had no problems clicking the seat in-- it takes 2 minutes and it is super secure. I didn't think the Britax could be beat on that one! I have also used it in my sister's car and was surprised at how easy it was to thread the shoulder strap in and how secure it was again.
I just love this design, and love the way it fits my child. It's his favorite seat.
I can go on, but I'll let others chip in. Britax rocks too but SunshineKids surprised me and I am happy I chose it.
Karen
I second everything Karen already posted. I put my daughter in the Radian65 from her Graco Snugride. It takes a minute to get used to installing it, but it's a snap once you get the hang of it. I traveled alone with my daughter twice this summer on an airplane and it went right on me like a backpack. I had absolutely no problems installing it in our rental. In my experience, it is the tightest fitting convertible carseat out there. Once you tighten it, it does not move an inch. I feel extremely safe with my daughter in it. She is now 18 months and has plenty of growing room. I bought mine online because The Right Start was sold out, but I was there a few weeks ago and I saw someone buying one. Good luck in your research.
Hope this helped.
I agree with both of the moms. I have both the Britax and the Radian65 and like both of them. I personally like the Britx for my "little guy" because the Radian seems "big", but I KNOW that it is designed to be a rear facing convertable seat as well so I do believe it is safe fore him. Since we have both I use the Britax for the little one and the radian for my 3 year old. I'm pregnant with #3 so we will be buying another Radian for my then to be "middle" guy. I have zero hesitations about purchasing another one. I also love that 3 can fit into the back of most cars...a huge plus for anyone thinking about having 3 kids.
Both are well made car seats, but I think the Radian will be more comfortable for your child as they grow and get bigger.