Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ and the Safety 1st Guide 65.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!
At A Glance
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.58 | 4.58 |
Our Thoughts
The Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus and the Safety 1st Guide 65 are convertible car seats designed for versatility and safety. Both seats offer impressive longevity by accommodating children from infancy to the later stages of toddlerhood; however, their features and user experiences significantly differ, impacting their overall suitability to varying needs of parents and children alike.
The Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus stands out with remarkable safety features such as a steel-reinforced frame and advanced side-impact protection. This car seat is an investment in longevity, accommodating rear-facing children all the way up to 50 pounds and frequently housing front-facing children up to a weight limit of 65 pounds. Alongside its robust defense capabilities, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus boasts a slim design that is lauded by families with multiples or those wishing to fit multiple car seats in one row. Dwelling on the downside, the seat tends to be challenging during installation and seat cover reinstallation, and its size could be limiting for older, taller children.
On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 provides essential safety features and is a more budget-friendly alternative, offering a good quality-to-cost ratio. Its compact frame is a boon for smaller cars and is designed to fit three car seats across in most vehicles. However, reviews indicate some users find the seat difficult to install, with rear-facing installations noted as particularly troublesome. Concerns regarding wobbly seat stability and limited legroom for taller kids also need to be considered.
If safety ranks higher than cost on your list and you don't mind a bit of a complex installation process, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus would be the recommended choice. Its bolstered safety features and seating versatility make the car seat worth considering, especially for families with multiple children or those in need of managing space optimally. It is especially suitable for those wanting a longer rear-facing seating arrangement with a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds.
However, if budget constraints are stringent and you own a compact car, the Safety 1st Guide 65 might be a better fit. Remember, some parents have found the installation process to be frustrating and have raised concerns regarding legroom for taller kids. Please weigh these factors against the seat's more affordable price and its benefit as a space-saving option when making your choice.
Key Details
Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Guide 65 | |
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Brand | Diono | Safety 1st |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.58 | 4.58 |
1 yr Price Range | $259.99 - $349.99 | $74.99 - $99.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Offers robust safety features and long-term usability, justifying its price. |
![]() Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost. |
Safety |
![]() Steel-reinforced frame and comprehensive protection measures are a standout. |
![]() Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability. |
Features |
![]() The 12-position headrest and machine-washable cover add notable convenience. |
![]() Basic features with no significant standout extras. |
Installation |
![]() Installation and reassembly, especially of the seat cover, are noted as challenging. |
![]() Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents. |
Cleaning |
![]() The machine-washable cover is practical, but reinstallation can be cumbersome. |
![]() No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience. |
Size |
![]() Its narrow design is ideal for fitting multiple car seats in a vehicle. |
![]() Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars. |
Review | Click here | Click here |
Comparison of Specifications
While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.
We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ and the Safety 1st Guide 65. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.
Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.
Height and Weight Limits
Rear-facing
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Height Range | 18 - 44 inches | 19 - 40 inches |
Weight Range | 4 - 50 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 30 - 57 inches | 34 - 52 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 40 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 120 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Width | 17.0 inches | 19.0 inches |
Height | 28.5 inches | 22.8 inches |
Depth | 16.0 inches | 27.3 inches |
Weight | 30.6 pounds | 11.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Model Year | 2018 | 2015 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Not rated by NHTSA. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Diono car seats | See all Safety 1st car seats |
Full review of the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65 |