Britax- Roundabout, Marathon 70, Boulevard 70?

Silver Member Joined: Oct 08 2009 Posts: 596

I am trying to figure out the differences between these car seats. We have a Camry, will be fitting one of the above-mentioned convertibles (rear-facing) plus a Graco Snugride 35.

Opinions? And why?
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Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18312

Roundabout has smaller limits than the Marathon, doesn't include a no-rethread harness, less padding. It's also cheaper.

The Boulevard is similar to the Marathon, but with extended head wings for better side impact protection. These take up more space if that is an issue.
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Silver Member Joined: Oct 08 2009 Posts: 596

So Boulevard seems the best, no?

Also, do the factors about the other car-seat and the make of the car make a difference?

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18312

Yes, it does make a difference. The Boulevard, for example, might not fit depending on how the other seat is placed and how big the car is because it takes up more width.

It's also more expensive, and there is no data to confirm that the money spent on that will result in better safety. It's your call as a mother if it's worth it or not.

Silver Member Joined: Oct 08 2009 Posts: 596

The reason I thought it was better was because it has larger limits and better side impact protection, and comes up top in my research online, not the price Smile

How do I know if the sizes are too big? And if I don't go for the Britax then what would I go with?

Gold Member Joined: Sep 13 2010 Posts: 2128

we have the marathon. it is 40 dollars cheaper than the boulevard and I didnt think there was a substantial difference to justify it.

I had both my twins in marathons and they outgrew them. I was annoyed because I THOUGHT I would go straight from an infant seat to a rear facing convertible, turn it around, and then go straight to booster. My twins are only 5 and my girl twin outgrew the marathon months ago... my boy twin is just outgrowing it now--- lonnnng before 65-70 pounds. My daughter was maybe 50 pounds when she outgrew it and my son is now about 45 pounds but outgrowing it in height.

Don't let that "70" fool you.

So after buying 2 infant seats and 2 marathons, I also had to buy 2 frontier 85's.

If I had it to do over again (might have another kid someday) I'd see if there is any car seat like the frontier 85 that can rearface rather than bother with the infant seat AND the marathon AND the frontier 85. The biggest, best, largest weight carseat that can rear AND frontface and harnesses to 70-80 pounds is what....? I have NO idea. If you were frontfacing I'd tell you to just go for the frontier 85. We rearfaced until about age 3, but from 3 to 5 the kids were front facing in marathons.

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18312

Radians do that.

Bleemee, Britax is a name. It's not the "best" car seat. The best car seat is the one that can be safely installed in your car, fits your child well, and also has the features you want Smile

You might have seen the MA65 vs BV70 or something, because the limits are the same in both 70 versions AFAIK.
Boulevard has an extra level of foam, though, besides the headwings.

They don't have the best height limits, but they're comfortable seats.

Silver Member Joined: Oct 08 2009 Posts: 596

So how do I know which is best for my car and fits my child well?

(I do know I want rear-facing, safe as possible, and it should last as long as possible till the booster.)

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18312

You can post on car-seat.org with specifics about your vehicle, children's ages/sizes, and budget and they can help very well. You don't even need to sign up, though if you do, it's easier to post.

Silver Member Joined: Oct 08 2009 Posts: 596

Thanks so much!

Active Poster Joined: May 26 2011 Posts: 73

http://www.target.com/p/Britax-Marathon-Classic-Solstice/-/A-13220490

Please note, the Marathon Classic and Roundabout 50 are only sold at Target - and are different from the Marathon 70 & Roundabout 55 (I have specifically recommended the classic & 50 as they are 1 inch taller in seated height than the 70 and 55).- quoted from the car seat lady

I love this carseat- and my son is only 11 months- but already 30 inches or maybe even 31 inches and he has a good few more inches until he will have to be turned forward facing, he also still has plenty of leg space. additionally, this was really easy to install and the straps are a breeze to adjust and they do not get tangled.

I bought my mil and mom an evenflo and the britax is so much easier to install and adjust. I also tried out the graco myride - and his head was much closer to the top and in addition, it was bulkier.

Active Poster Joined: May 26 2011 Posts: 73

fyi- I payed $150 for the carseat on sale a few months ago

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18312

So it will only take you to 2 RF?

Active Poster Joined: May 26 2011 Posts: 73

the carseat woman told me he can stay in it as long as his head is one inch below the top and she said to ignore the weight. I personally do not see putting him rf longer than 2 regardless, but well see.I have no idea for how long hell continue to grow taller, I do see that some of his length is def. in the legs but his head was too high in his infant seat. She told me that this is the tallest carseat on the market so far I have not see a taller carseat.

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18312

You mean in actual stores vs online? Because it's not the tallest carseat on the market, but very possibly the tallest car seat in the brick and mortar stores we have in Baltimore which have pathetic selections Very Happy

Active Poster Joined: May 26 2011 Posts: 73

very true what u said about baltimore Smile

. I dont know I emailed the carseat lady and this is what elisa and her mother told me, as you see I wrote the marathon classic is taller than marathon 70. I did say I wanted to spend under 200. also I did try him out in the graco and a few others and his head was the lowest in the marathon. just for future purchases what better carseats do you know about.

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18312

Under $200, not many.
The TrueFit has a pretty high shell and you might want to try that in your price range.

(I take it the carseat lady is Debbie?)

Active Poster Joined: May 26 2011 Posts: 73

yes the carseat lady is debbie and both her and her daughter recommended the britax. but yes, I did not find anything under 200 that was better nor did they have any suggestions and our stores do not carry any nor does target online or babies r us. but thanks for the info for now im loving the britax my son fits in it well and its comfy and installs nicely