For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

do you know (besides price) what the difference is between the Marathon, Decathalon and Boulevard? Everything is starting to look/sound the same to me.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

WE're getting the roundabout because its smaller in size and will fit in our car. Honestly the difference between the 3 you mentioned are more comfort and padding. They're all pretty much the same safety wise.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

Well the one that comes to me right off the bat is that the 1st two only have side impact -whereas the last one you mentioned has true side impact.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

We are getting the Boulevard.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

We got a Marathon for the SUV and a Roundabout (smaller) for the Jetta .......

I honestly felt the same as you do after awhile. WHAT the hell is the difference ????

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

Comparison chart

Boulevard has Side Impact Protection, which is why we went with that one.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

We own two Boulevards. We chose the Boulevard because of the harness adjusting and true side impact protection. Side impact aside, DH was sold on the Boulevard when he discovered that you don't have to take apart the car seat to adjust the harness as the baby grows. He hated doing that with the travel system!

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

the marathon is bigger than the roundabout...weight limits, 3 strap adjustment levels, and overall size. if you plan to travel a lot you may want a smaller convertible to take with you places. padding makes most of the difference between them. some fit better in certain cars...check carseatdata.org or call Chris from the Nassau County Traffic board. Albee baby has some good prices on Britax.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

i believe it's the padding. i know one of them doesn't have it (i think the marathon), one has it and you CAN'T remove it, and the other has it and you CAN remove it. there might also be a difference in how much padding the last two have.

sorry i can't remember which names go to what.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

Here we go

The Roundabout is the smaller of the four main seats Britax sells. The seat is a convetable seat and goes to 35 pounds rear-facing and 40 pounds forward facing. It is a great seat, but I tend to advise the purchase of the Marathon because of the higher weight. New Roundabouts have side inpact protection.

The Marathon is a great seat. It is also a convertablle seat that can be used up to 35 pounds rear facing and up to 65 pounds forward facing. It comes with side impact and on average allows children up to 5 stay in a 5-point harness.

The Deacathalon is similar to the Marathon, but has additional padding to accomodate babies. It also can go up to 35 pounds rear facing and 65 pounds forward facing. Unless you are planning to use the seat as your first seat, the additional cost for the pads is not necessary, buy the Marathon.

The Boulevard is a great seat in that it comes with the side wings. It also goes to 35 pounds rear facing and 65 poubds forward facing. The only complaint I have heard ove the years is that for taller children the wings tend to push down on the shoulders of a child.

Overall the Britax line is a great line of products, my favorite is the Marathon, but choosing any of the four seats in never a mistake.

Message edited 3/13/2009 10:56:43 PM.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

I have the Boulevard. It has true side impact protection.

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat

The entire Briax line has side impact protection. "True side impact protection" is a result of the wings or additional head support. The word TRUE is deceiving in that it makes you forget that the other designs have side impact protection. My choosing the Marathon over the Boulevard is based on parent complaints of the wings constricting growth.

The fact is, in choosing any of these seats, choose the one you feel that you can use safely in a consistant way.

To compare Britax products, vist their website, check the compare box for each seat you may want to investigate and hit the compare button.

http://www.britaxusa.com/products/default.aspx

From the Britax Website:

Side Impact Protection:

Seats offering Side Impact Protection feature deep side walls with energy-absorbing foam that:

* distribute crash forces
* shield the child from vehicle intrusion
* contain the head and body.

Britax seats featuring Side Impact Protection include the:

Roundabout
Marathon
Decathlon
Regent

True Side Impact ProtectionSeats offering True Side Impact Protection include the same deep side walls with energy-absorbing foam that:

* distribute crash forces
* shield the child from vehicle intrusion
* contain the head and body

plus an adjustable head support lined with energy-absorbing foam that:

** minimizes side-to-side head movement and keeps the head, neck and spine aligned to limit injury.
Britax Seats featuring True Side Impact Protection include the:

Diplomat
Boulevard
Boulevard CS
Frontier

Re: For those registering for a Britax convertible car seat