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Sunshine Kids Radian 80 convertible car seat

$249.99

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Our Review of the Sunshine Kids Radian 80 convertible car seat

We do our best to stay objective here at EliteCarSeats.com. We might be a retailer, but our goal is to inform and educate you about car seats while you shop. That being said, we're about to make a very bold statement:

"The Sunshine Kids Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need."

We'll get to the "probably' part in a second.*

The Sunshine Kids Radian 80 is one of two car seats produced that secures a child from birth up until they are 80lbs!! The other car seat is the Sunshine Kids Radian XT.

The Radian 80 is rear facing until your child is 35 lbs.

Once your child has reached 35 lbs or so, you simply spin the Radian 80 around your child has a comfortable and very safe forward facing car seat with a narrow profile that (and this is another one of Sunshine Kids trademarks) folds up into a slim, 7" thick package. What's more, its v-shaped top tether allows you to use the top tether when in the rear facing position. Only a select few car seats can claim this particular feature. 

Tested again and again, the Radian 80 has Safety Feature after Safety Feature

Not only does the Radian 80 exceed all Federal Safety Standards, it has numerous additional safety measures in place to ensure that your child, no matter what their age or weight, will be totally secure. Along with Recaro and Safeguard, the Radian 80 is one of only a few car seats built on a steel alloy frame; most are made entirely of plastics. While this does make the Radian 80 somewhat heavier than the average car seat, this extra weight adds a level of stability that owners of the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 already appreciate.

This added stability, and a few other safety enhancing features, only improve on the Radian 80 convertible car seat's overall appeal. In addition, the fabrics of the Radian 80's seat are plush and comfortable.

(Note: Sunshine Kids seat fabrics are not machine washable. Hand wash and line-dry only) 

A growing movement amongst car seat safety advocates encourages parents to keep their children in a car seat with a 5-point harness for as long as possible. While the Radian 65 works until kids are 65 lbs, few seats secure kids up to 80 lbs. The Radian 80 virtually eliminates the need for a booster seat.

*Bottom Line

If "the Sunshine Kid's Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need," the "probably" part of this statement comes into play when you directly compare the Radian 80 with the Britax Regent.

While the Radian 80 has a very high weight capacity, the seat width is only 10" vs. the Regent's 14" seat. However, the Radian 80 has 3" more shoulder room than the 65 lb weight capacity Britax Marathon.  

The Britax Regent may be a bit wider, but it is very bulky, is only forward facing, and does not fold like the Radian 80. Because the Radian 80 is so narrow, you can potentially put three of them side by side in the back seat. Three Regents side by side? Impossible.  

What's the difference between the Radian XT and Radian 80?

  • The Radian XT has a height-adjustable headrest while the Radian 80 has a stationary headrest.
  • The Radian XT offers amazing side impact protection thanks to 7" deep sides. The Radian 80 offers side impact protection, but the sides are not as deep as on the XT.
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Manhattan
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 convertible car seat
    Monaco
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 convertible car seat
    Princess
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Super Cool
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Manhattan without pads
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Manhattan with headrest
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Manhattan folded
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Super Cool folded
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Installed rear facing
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Safe-Stop and Super-Lock
  • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat
    Radian back
  • Forward facing
    Forward facing
  • Rear facing
    Rear facing
Rear facing
Click here to download instruction manual. (Adobe Reader required)

Car seat specs

Min child weight
5 lbs.
Max child weight
80 lbs.
Rear-facing minimum weight
5 lbs.
Max child weight - Rear Facing mode
35 lbs.
Min child weight - Forward Facing mode
22 lbs.
Max child weight - Forward facing mode
80 lbs.
Max harness weight capacity
80 lbs.
Min child height
n/a
Max child height
53"
Min child height - Forward facing mode
n/a
Max 5-pt harness child height capacity
53"
Min height for booster use
n/a

Car seat dimensions

Product weight
20.5 lbs.
Seat Base / Foot Width
17"
Seat height
28.5"
Interior seat width
11.4"
Bottom to lowest harness slot
8"
Bottom to highest harness slot
18"
Seat weight (without base)
20.5 lbs.
  • One (1) Sunshine Kids Carry Strap included
  • 5 lbs to 80 lbs in 5-point harness – Highest capacity convertible car seat
  • Steel alloy frame – Strongest convertible car seat made
  • SafeStop harness system – Absorbs impact energy in an accident
  • 4-panel system EPS safety foam – Total side-impact protection, more than any other seat
  • V-shaped top tether – Can be used rear-facing
  • 5 shoulder and 3 buckle positions – Proper harness fit for all ages and weights
  • Narrower outside width – Fit three seats across the back seat
  • Infant body support – Converts to pillow cushions for older child
  • Folds to 7 (17.8 cm) thick – ravel and storage convenience
  • Low profile – Easier to get child in and out, plus safer positioning for child
  • Removable cover must be hand washed and line-dried

    • Sunshine Kids Radian 80 convertible car seat Reviews

    Sunshine Kids Radian 80 convertible car seat

    All Customer Reviews

    Average Rating:
    Star Rating
    Highest Rating:
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    Lowest Rating:
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    Number of Reviews:
    124
    Distribution of Ratings
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    Distibution of Ratings
    Submit A Review
    Showing 1 to 9 of 124
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    Accident Tested

    5
    Reviewer: Anonymous , Colorado Springs, CO Date: June 23, 2009
    We were rear-end by a semi truck two weeks ago. We had our almost six-year-old in a Radian 80. Our two-year-old was in an Evenflo Triumph Advance with the "convenient" sliding harness tabs. My older son didn't have a scratch on him. My toddler however sustained a pulled muscle in his neck (moderate whiplash)and multiple large bruises on his thighs/shoulders which even took off some skin through his jeans. All because of the harness that was loosened and slipped down with the force of the collision. We are normally uptight about their seats not budging and having their harnesses snug, so this just convinced me that we needed another Radian. My older son has always loved his and hasn't had any problems and can get out of the seat by himself. He did however appreciate the longer buckle strap when we finally replaced it. I am more convinced now than ever that having our kids in five-point harnesses AND having their seats installed properly is the best protection we can provide our boys. We haven't tried this seat rear-facing, but I think it would work in our 4-Runner, at least in the center position. As a forward facing seat, it is extremely easy to install on our firmer, Toyota seats. And still, my husband is the ONLY person I trust to install it with his 210 lbs and perfectionist personality. I personally don't think that investing in my kids' safety takes 2nd place to convenience. You want a car seat that will provide your kids the best protection. That means it is probably best practice to NOT plan on switching it between vehicles on a daily basis and complaining about the weight! I personally liked traveling with it because the weight was in a smaller "space" as the Radian folds and wasn't awkward at all. I ordered two RadianXT models within a couple hours of our accident (had just gotten one about a month ago for our trip to Moab to keep our older son from trying to lean over in his booster in our Wrangler)Both boys absolutely love them and aren't bothered by the larger side wings. Sitting lower in the back seat also gives the older kids more room between them and the back of the front seat. Bottom line: Don't make my mistake and go for the convenience of a store-bought seat. The return shipping insurance makes this so easy to try.
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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    Love our Radian 80 Car Seat

    5
    Reviewer: Ashley B. , Austin, TX Date: May 26, 2009
    I like how compact this seat is and that it doesn't take up a lot of room in the backseat. It is a bit heavy to carry, but it folds up and you can carry it with a strap --which is really nice while traveling. I like the longer leg bed of the seat (from bottom to back of knees). We have the Britax Boulevard also, but I wish I had known about the Radian 80 beforehand. I would have got one for both girls since it goes from birth to 80 lbs!
    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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    Nice Car Seat

    3
    Reviewer: Anonymous , Eugene, Oregon Date: May 05, 2009
    I really don't have anything else to compare it to except for my infant carseat. I like how compact this seat is and that it doesn't take up a lot of room in the backseat. It is a bit heavy to carry but at least it folds and you can carry it--which is really nice when travelling. IT did get stuck on the airplane seat (embarassing) and I ended up being late for my connecting flight because of it... Also I would have gotten different fabric, the manhatten (?) (the one with the little holes) gets picked from my daughters shoes, so it doesn't look as nice. Would be great if you could switch out the covers...

    Comments from The Staff:

    Thank you so much for your review. I wanted to drop a quick note and let you know that Sunshine Kids does offer replacement covers. Please check out their accessory page for details.

    Thanks,
    Michelle
    EliteCarSeats.com

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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    Fits 3 in 1 row!

    5
    Reviewer: Renee w/3girls age 2&under , Syracuse, NY Date: April 20, 2009
    I have twin 7 month old girls and a 2 yr old, so we needed to fit 3 of these in the backseat of a mid-size car, and we did it with this car seat! They look great, have all the safety features you want and saved us from another car payment! I just don't know why this carseat isn't more mainstream... then more moms wouldn't need the gas-hog mini-vans! I love this seat, the twins were just switched to it this weekend and they were so happy to have a new seat allowing them to look around more. The only complaint people have made on this was the buckle between the legs, but there's an attachment/additional strap for bigger kids, so problem solved! LOVE THIS SEAT. I bought 3 and am buying one more today for my other vehicle.
    6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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    Love it

    5
    Reviewer: Anonymous , Western NC Date: April 02, 2009
    I love this car seat. My son is 8 months old and a big kid in everyway especially in the shoulders. The seat is rear facing due to his age and it is great. His head does not fall forward or even to the side when he sleeps like 2 of the others I tried first. You do have to have a lot of room from the back seat forward to fit the seat but I put it in the middle and it was fine. I also had a huge problem with my particular car, Toyota Landcruiser, because the back seats are deep so other car seats put him so upright in rear facing and this one does not. this seat was also simple to install. YOu do have to read the manual but it does not take long. I hope you enjoy.
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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    Perfect Fit

    4
    Reviewer: Aylin Gay , Cary, NC Date: January 17, 2009
    We decided on the Radian 80 because of its compact size and its "life expectancy". We use the Sunshine Radian 80 in our Honda Accord along with a European made Britax Rommer. I was worried that it would be too tight for my 3 year old daughter but she is comfortable in it. It sits low and is not wide and bulky like the Britax and when one my one year old outgrows the Britax, we will probably upgrade to the Sunshine 80. The only major worry I have is the buckle in the seat. Others have said that it does not have enough space. My daugher fits into it well for now. She is almost 30 pounds. It has 3 spaces and is set to the largest one right now. The second concern is that it does not recline like my Britax but my daughter has slept in it with her head falling forward or to the side(it has side cushions) for at least an hour at a time on 3 hour car trips. The seat arrived quickly and as expected. It was quite easy to set up as a forward facing seat using the latch system. I have had to move it into a small mazda and use it with the seat belt once and that turned out to be an easy move. I will be watching my daughters ability to use it because of the buckle but we are satisfied with its size, its safety record and comfort for our daughter. I do wish it would recline in a forward facing position.
    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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    First impressions CONTINUED

    5
    Reviewer: Mommy , Dayton, OH Date: December 28, 2008
    Well, we have been using the seat backward facing for several weeks now and I can say that we are still very happy! As others have stated, the seat is very large. We have a saturn outlook suv and the top of the car seat is pressed between our front seats. It fits fine but you will really want to check this factor out before buying the seat if you plan to use it backward facing. Installation was no more difficult than any other car seat. It took my husband about 15 min. We did not have a floor latch for the top tether so we ended up tethering it to a part of the seat frame that is bolted into the floor (as per instructions). The seat did not seam stable without the top tether secure. With it, its a tank! Also, as others have stated, it is very difficult to tighten the straps the traditional way in the backward facing position. We reach behind the seat, tighten the strap by hand and then pull on the lower stap as normal to secure it. Its an easy solution and doesnt really take that much more time/energy. My daughter loves this seat. The seat is made in such a way that her view is no longer impeded, so she can sit and watch the world go by to her hearts content. She is a reflux baby and has had no trouble sitting in this seat. She is 14 months and 90% for height and has no problem sitting in this seat backward facing. Also, when she sleeps her head stays upright rather than lulling forward. She was never comfortable enough to sleep in her old seat, and it was a nice seat. I dont think you would want to have to transfer this seat around a lot, simply because of its weight and size. It could be done though. This is also not the type of seat you would take out of the care and place in say a shopping cart to secure the baby in while you shop. Something we did a lot when the baby was little, so you may want to keep that in mind. We all love this seat and would buy it again with no hesitation. In fact, once she is forward facing we may buy a second one for daddys car!
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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    First impressions

    5
    Reviewer: Mommy , Dayton, OH Date: December 12, 2008
    Trying to find the right car seat has been a daunting task. I wanted to write a review that would hopefully help others suffering through this process! I ordered the Radian 80 with Princess print cover. It was ordered late in the evening, shipped the next day and arrived the day after that! Way to go elitecarseats.com! My husband and I are very pleased with what we have seen thus far. This seat is very sturdy! Our 13 month old, who is average weight and 90th percentile height, has plenty of room to grow. The shoulder straps are in the second of five slots and the buckle strap is in the middle slot. Contrary to the instructions, I decided to risk washing the cover in my newer style front loader. I washed the seat on the hand was setting, cold water and low spin. It came out great and is currently air drying. I plan to write periodic updates as we experience more of what this particular seat has to offer. The only other thing I can tell you at the moment, is that the baby loved the seat the moment she saw it! She spent most of the afternoon sitting in it while she played with puzzles/books or watched TV in the living room!
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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    Great Car Seat Will last long

    5
    Reviewer: Chu , Breckenridge, CO Date: December 09, 2008
    I have a Britax Roundabout that my infant son is using and my 2yr old son is now upgraded to the Radian80. My 2yr old LOVES his Britax Roundabout and was upset to switch. When I said that this Radian is now his new big boy seat, he's been a happy clam ever since. I was concern that the Radian has a lower seat and the sides might cover his view. But it didn't affect him at all. He's able to see outside and sleep really well in his Radian. I just have to buy the neckwings from Kiddopotomus and he was comfortable. I have used this seat for both infant and toddler and they are easy to install in both ways (front and rear facing). I have also traveled w/ them to Seattle and St. Louis. The only problem with Radian is that it is really heavy to carry. But that is fine with me, just get the Gogo Kidz and you don't have to worry about lugging it around the airport. As for the problem with the bottom buckle that was hurting a couple of kids, both my sons (skinny and husky size) are comfortable with the buckle. And if you want the front facing to recline back, just pop up the plastic incline on the bottom of the seat. It doesn't recline as far back as the rear facing, but it is still very comfortable.
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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