THE QUICK TAKE: The Diono RadianR120 Convertible Car Seat is a very good car seat that should provide many years of use, making it a good value. I don't think it will be the only car seat you'll ever own, but it's a very flexible seat that covers a wide range of weight and height. It's exceptionally well made and has a number of nice features.

FULL REVIEW:

CONVERTIBLE MEANS FLEXIBLE: The Diono RadianR120 is a "convertible" car seat because it can be used in several different configurations and for different size children. It can be used as a rear-facing seat for children up to 45 lbs and 44 inches; as a forward facing car seat for children up to 57 inches and 80 lbs; and up to 120 lbs when used as a booster with the car's belts.

STURDY CONSTRUCTION: We've owned two mid-priced Britax seats, and I always thought they were pretty nice. But this Diono is in a whole different category, in terms of the sturdiness of construction and materials... Read more

My wife and I recently got this and have been very impressed with it, In 12 years of Law Enforcement experience, I have never seen a car seat made from such durable materials. I feel completely safe putting any of my three kids in this seat. It is heavy, but that is directly related to the high density materials it is made out of. I have seen many car accidents involving young children, and I feel that this seat will provide superior protection as possible and even saves lives.

This is our second car seat after our son outgrew his snap-in system seat.

So far this has been a great seat. It fits well rear facing (center position only) in our 2005 Toyota Prius and 2012 VW Jetta Sportwagan. By well i mean as good as can be expected for a convertible seat rear facing. The front seat backs touch the car seat and the car seat limits how far back the front seats can go, just enough for a 6'1" driver.

The negative feedback on this seat seems to center around the weight. And while it is heavy you need to go to the airport and see all the other parents hauling around a lighter car seat that doesn't fold and is 3 times the volume of this car seat. Use the backpack straps or better yet get the also great travel bag for this--also with backpack straps--and check the car seat at the airport. Personally I'll take the weight in a manageable package over a few pound savings and much larger packaging.

In my experience the only problems... Read more