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myonlineself 
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 Topic: Sunshine Versus Brio
Posted: 19 April 2010 at 9:55pm |
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Right - I've been going around in circles researching car seats! I had finally decided that I'd go with the Brio Zento - but then someone told me about Sunshine Kids Radian XT SL.
Anyone have any information or opinions on how these two car seats compare?
Both do extended rear-facing which I'm keen on.
One complication is that the Sunshine isn't available until July.... and I need one now, however, I do have a friends one I can use in the meantime to fill the gap (capsule harness is getting very difficult to do up with my chubby, cloth-nappy-wearing baby)!
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Mamma2N
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Posted: 19 April 2010 at 10:32pm |
Personally after reading up about both seats I would go for the Radian. It does Rfing to 20kg and 5 point harnessing (FFing) to 36kgs. It has adjustable head-rest as well which the Brio doesn't have. I have heard of many children outgrowing the Brio in both height and the seat becoming too snug well before hitting the 25kg mark.
If you order the Radian and pay before the end of April you get a discounted price of $400 with free shipping.. Brio to my knowledge is around $560-600. With that extra $200 odd you could purchase a Cosco Scenera (BOTM stock this, also The Warehouse) to tide baby over till July and potentially use this as a second seat or sell once the Radian arrives.
Have a look on TNN at the carseat forum if you haven't already - there is loads of info about the Radian - if you ask this question over there I'm sure you'd get a very detailed answer 
For me, the Radian wins hands-down 
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weegee
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Posted: 19 April 2010 at 10:44pm |
I think I just spotted you over there, and I'm always a bit hesitant posting links to another forum, but this thread over at The Nappy Network might be handy (Rochelle is the car seat queen!).
(It's at the bottom of the first page, then over the page for comparison with another couple of seats)
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Delli
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Posted: 19 April 2010 at 10:48pm |
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I also want to know the answer to this! Have seen TNN thread. But no closer to deciding. Would really want to try the seat in our car before purchasing so a bit hesitant about pre-ordering. I guess it depends on whether or not Jude grows out of his capsule before the Sunshine carseats get to NZ or not.... If he does then I guess we go with the Brio.
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weegee
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Posted: 19 April 2010 at 10:56pm |
I'll just quote Rochelle's comparison between those two, for the record:
 rochellej (on TNN) wrote:
Sunshine Radian XT SL
Pros...
* I'll need to confirm this with Nina because I understand the XT SL to be tested to 20.4kgs (45lbs) rearfacing, not 16... they are definitely using it to 45lbs in the US.
* Forward faces with the harness to 36kgs
* Fits newborns really well with the infant inserts
* Can use LATCH installation if in your car for the whole life of the seat (up to 36kgs)
* Will last most children rearfacing heightwise until about 4 yrs old & forward facing to maybe 5.5yrs old
* Tallest top shoulder slots & shell height of anything currently available in NZ
* Can be used rearfacing until there is 1 inch of shell left above their head
* Can be tethered for rearfacing under the front seat
* Steel alloy frame which is indestructible
* XT head wings provide great side impact protection & the body of seat is lined with EPS foam too for extra protection
* Has been tested with a higher standard safety test (NCAP testing) which is stricter & at higher speeds than US federal testing
* Very narrow profile which makes it perfect for using in a 3 across combination
Cons...
* It is a tall seat so *might* be difficult to install in some cars rearfacing. It has a separate boot that must be used when rearfacing which can affect the recline angle in some vehicles. This can easily be overcome if you have someone familiar with the seat & different installation tricks to show you how to do it.
Brio Zento
Pros...
* Designed in Sweden where they have been routinely rearfacing since 1965!
* Can rearface to 25kgs & until eyes & ears are level with the top of the shell of the seat
* Double rearfacing tether to the front seat
* Blow moulded shell makes the seat incredibly strong & heavy & is lined with lots of EPS foam
* Fits in most cars & can be installed quite upright & away from the seat back to give baby lots of leg room
* Comes with locking clip attached & attached pocket for manual etc so you don't loose them (this is a swedish requirement that all seats must have everything attached to them)
Cons...
* Doesn't get kids to 25kgs rearfacing... maybe until about 4 yrs max for some children. It is quite narrow through the shoulder area & children tend to grow out of it either this way or height wise.
* Not very well designed for very young babies - very little padding in the seat & no infant head rests etc
* Forward facing to 18kgs only
* No top tether for forward facing
* I wouldn't like to use it as a seat belt booster, especially with no top tether as the shell of the seat is very heavy, but it passed standards to be used this way so must be ok
* Can be tricky to install & maintain the right angle - once someone shows you how to install the seat it's relatively easy. |
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Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010
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NovemberMum
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Posted: 20 April 2010 at 12:47am |
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after reading the difference between the Brio and the Sunshine I am glad now I didnt get up getting the Brio..I like that it (sunshine)forward faces with a 5 point harness to 36kgs. I dont like the idea of having to put an 18kg child in a normal adult seatbelt (even with a booster seat)
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Bobbie
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Posted: 20 April 2010 at 10:38am |
Wow that sounds like a really interesting alternative. I don't think we can wait until July though especially as the Brio only just fits rear facing in our car so I doubt this one will sadly.
One question I would have. If the Sunshine has a very narrow profile would it not have the same issues with outgrowing in the shoulder area?
Also the Brio FF until 25kgs. The FF to 18kgs is with the 5 point harness. After that it can FF as a booster seat. Still not quite the 36kgs of the Sunshine though (that's impressive!)
ETA: Just followed the link from TNN to the international Sunshine site and the FF is to 29.5kgs according to that. Where is the extra 6kgs coming from? Is it due to different safety standards in NZ? - mind you with my titchy children it probably wouldn't matter.
Edited by Bobbie
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MamaT
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Posted: 23 April 2010 at 11:01am |
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Where can you get the Sunshine from??
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Mamma2N
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Posted: 23 April 2010 at 11:10am |
Hope2Be wrote:
Where can you get the Sunshine from?? |
Send an email to sales@skjp.co.nz If you pay in full before the end of this month you pay $399 which includes free shipping, delivery in July. Otherwise $499.
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MamaT
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Posted: 23 April 2010 at 12:36pm |
Ahh, excellent thanks. Now to continue with my convincing DH
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NovemberMum
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Posted: 23 April 2010 at 1:20pm |
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I managed to convince mine all I have to do is pay now :)
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Delli
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Posted: 28 April 2010 at 8:08pm |
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I've tried searching it (I've spent the whole day today researching actually - its exhausting!) but there seems to be conflicting views on whether a Sunshine Radian XTSL can fit RF in a Subaru Lagacy Station Wagon 1998. I just wish there were some around to try out before we buy.
Just thought I would post here in the hope that perhaps someone knew for sure if the Radian can be successfully installed our car.
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Mamma2N
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Posted: 28 April 2010 at 8:48pm |
Try looking through this thread Radian Install Thread
on www.car-seat.org
I haven't read through it but you could always ask on there too, I'm sure you'll get a good reply
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Delli
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Posted: 28 April 2010 at 9:06pm |
Tried that website quite a few times today :)
Have decided to order a Radian. it seems to fit in the middle seat of a Subaru Forrester which DP says is set on the same wheel base as the Legacy. The Forrester may have a little more head room than the Legacy but the spaces between the seats should be the same. We are due for a new car next year anyway - so by the time we need to move it to the side seat if we have more kids - it shouldn't be a problem.
One more question. With all this talk (in other threads) about faking I was just wondering where I would go to find out if this distributor of carseats is a legitimate company. Of course - I am sure she is for real! But it would be nice to have some proof (other than satisfied customers on public forums ) before I transfer $400 to her bank account....
I'm sure there is some website that you can go to to check out the legitimacy of companies but can't quite remember what it is.
Thank you!
Edited by StaceyL
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Mamma2N
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Posted: 28 April 2010 at 9:18pm |
She is affiliated with Sunshine Kids As in she is essentially their NZ distributor. I'm sure if you enquired with the US company, they would confirm this.
Not sure where you would find that sort of info otherwise - but she is fairly well-known in the carseat trade and the first shipment has already landed and been delivered to their new owners.
And you have till Friday to get in for the $400 deal. 
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Sunshine Versus Brio
