What made you decide to go with the Radian (besides that great deal you got!) over another? Well I had a Britax Marathon and I have to say I loved the seat, it installed SO easily, it was a great seat, he was so comfy. But it doesn't offer much leg room as they start to get bigger, it also only has a 35lb RF limit vs the Radians 45lb. The Radian also has a taller shell, so since your son is really long that would be a really good option for him. It can be kind of hard to install in some cars though. But it's very thin so if you have more kids it will work 3 across in almost every car.
What is the difference between the 80 and XTSL? Seriously, I can't find that anywhere. From what I see, it seems like the weight limits are the same either way. The weight limits and the shell of the carseat are the exact same, the difference is the head rests which offer more SIP...but mostly they are only beneficial once FF...RF alone offers alot of SIP so it's not a big diff between the 2. I have the XTSL I really like it and love the head rests, they seem more comfy when they sleep in it.
About the scenera, it is just as safe in terms of what has been tested. It doesn't have SIP..but like I said RF has that anyways. It has a MUCH shorter shell so I highly doubt you'd make it to 35lbs RF in it. He'd probably be lucky to make it to 2-2 1/2...if he's tall maybe not that long. With traveling the Scenera is actually a great seat because it's very lightweight. The Radian folds and has the straps to put it on your back but it is heavy. If you are flying you should always put them in the car seat...I have to say I didn't when I have flown before, I held them in my lap for under 2 and checked the car seat....but that was before I knew. But that is the recommendation, it is not required. I think either of those would be great travel seats. I personally wouldn't buy the used one only because for the same price or $10-20 more you can get it brand new, have your pick of prints (There are alot more available online then in stores) and with the expiration date, that one might not have much life left depending on how long they have had it.
It is more than 17in for sure...that is the seat depth. It is a very reclined seat when rear facing, it can be hard to get it upright. Also with the tall shell it might not work well for a compact car. I would look into the Graco MyRide, it is only about $150, has a 40lb RF weight limit and 65FF, so still good, has a pretty tall shell, but it isn't as tall as the Radian. It should get most kids to atleast age 3, some to 4 RF so would be a great one for the price. If you go to babies r us they will let you try it in your car, they don't carry the radian though. Iknow Buy Buy Baby has it, not sure if they have those where you are? I would imagine they don't have LoneStar baby I think it's just a TX company.
So it's more effort but at least I'm not damaging her!
