|
|
|
Comment |
Sorted by
Date Written |
Good review, some issues however (Reply to this comment)
by mommy7-29-04
Your review was incredibly well written and you took a lot of time to write it, and I appreciate that. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and parents have find the seat that works for them, however, there were some, kind of misinformation/issues, things in the review that bothered me.
First off, the manual. You do not have to cut the elastic off to get the manual off. It is looped around the LATCH bar. Slide the manual through the loop, and it comes off. Also, it does that way for very good reason. Most parents (perhaps not someone as organized as you) misplace or trash their manuals for everything including their car seats, and that's just not at all safe. So they attach it to the seat in a way you can read it, and then tuck it under the cover for permanent safe keeping. One of the many ways they try to prevent misuse of the seat. As for reading it cover to cover, that's what you are always supposed to use, no matter what seat it is. Otherwise something important will be missed.
As for installation, I'm sorry you've had so much trouble, but as CPSTs will agree, the Marathon is actually just about the easiest car seat to install, and very oddly is compatible with most any vehicle because of the way it is designed on a narrow base. Perhaps get it checked by a tech and let them help? Other people have had perfect installs, both seatbelt and LATCH in those vehicles. I've istalled one, rear and forward facing in 10 different vehicles ranging 1994-2002 and can do forward facing in under 2 minutes, its that easy. Rear facing takes some more doing, but still easier than the many other seats we have owned. You deserve props for pointing out that LATCH can only be used to 48lbs, since most users don't know this (40lbs in Honda), but I suspect that LATCH may have been more difficult for you to use because the straps were on the wrong side. They are side-specific - going one way for rear facing and then they need to be switched, the right one going on the left and left on the right for forward facing.
You're also right that lockoffs usually aren't needed in anything post '97, except in the use of rear facing where locking belts can sometimes make a rear facing tilt and then using a lockoff can prevent this. I agree the locking clips on newer Marathons weren't as sturdy as the older ones, however, Britax is fast to replace them, just call. As for the narrow belt path - I can not see at all how it is narrow, since it is nearly twice the size of all those seats at Walmart, with the exception of the Evenflo Triumph/Triumph Advance. I could actually fit my hands through it without scraping them up like I did on Cosco/Graco seats.
I, too, think rear facing tethering is a confusing issue and it is being addressed in very new vehicles. A tech can usually help with this, though.
As for the recall that spurred the HUGS, the recall wasn't even on the Marathon! So it IS on the Marathon with the express purpose of making it safer. It was proven to reduce head excursion. I was worried they'd be uncomfortable, but have never heard a peep from my picky child about his Marathon or Regent.
I agree rethreading the harness is a pain in the butt! But...a pain that is there with every car seat save a few very rare exceptions, Evenflo Triumph and Britax Boulevard. Took me no longer to rethread than on any other seat I had to take apart to rethread.
I, too, took the belly pad off the Marathon, cuz it fell off all the time. I only used it when he was in shorts and could feel the buckle. On our Regent it seems to stay just fine. Removing the cover wasn't any more difficult than any other seat - considering you have to unthread the straps on most seats to remove the cover. In fact, it could actually be considered easier since the cover isn't hooked to the seat in 10 different ways like Graco and Cosco and Evenflo seats.
As for the buckles, I didn't like it at first either - but found that the easiest way to do it is do both sides simulatneously. I put the straps over shoulders at the same time, and put buckles in at the same time, then fix chest clip and tighten.
Per the crotch buckle - my son is BIG. Outgrew every 40lbs seat at Walmart at 2 years old. At 3.5 he is 42lbs and 43inches tall, the size of many 5 year olds. And he never had an issue. Kids grow up more than out. This also tails the aforementioned complaint about the Marathon not really lasting to 65lbs. It can, but that depends completely upon how your child is built. My son only got to 42lbs in this seat before he was too tall for the top slots. Most children outgrow their seat by height before weight. The average child will be able to use the Marathon until 50lbs, or about 5 years old. I feel your disappointment and frustration having a BIG kid myself, but it was a little unrealistic to expect a TALL 6 year old to still fit in the seat, when its only made to fit the average 5-6 year old.
You mention some other seats - I would say perhaps maybe only mention convertible car seats since that's what the Marathon is? I would worry that people are going to buy one of the seats mentioned, not realizing its forward facing only. The Apex65 is an OK seat, not a great one, b/c it requires the vehicle's head rest to be able to go at least as high as the middle of the Apex65's headrest in its highest position. The Apex65 has no support in the back, it gets support from the vehicle seat back and headrest. Poses a problem in most vehicles back seats, since many don't have headrests at all. And the Regent is an AWESOME Seat, but forward facing only as well.
Again, I submit a comment with respect that you have a right to your opinion.
|
Jan 16 '08
9:19 pm PST
|
|
Incredibly helpful review! (Reply to this comment)
by smiles33,  in Kids & Family
I ended up buying the Boulevard for my daughter when the huge brouhaha about the Graco Safeseat came up, as I wanted to get her out of that seat ASAP. The one thing I think that makes these other Britax models better than the Regent is that they are convertible. I wanted to keep my daughter rear-facing for as long as possible since many car seat technicians and studies say that is the safest position for infants/toddlers. Thus, I decided to wait on the Regent. Looking back now, I sort of wish I had just jumped to the Regent. :)
|
Jan 07 '08
10:58 am PST
|
|
My Daughter (Reply to this comment)
by dedras
My daughter is a little over 2 yrs old, weighs 43 lbs, and is 36 inches tall. The only reason I am looking at this seat is for the ability to use the 5-pt harness with a child over 40 lbs. This is the only seat I have found to date that will accommodate that. If anyone has another car seat that will accommodate a child over 40 lbs with a 5-pt harness I would love to hear about it. Please e-mail me at mrs_bubba@hotmail.com
|
Apr 23 '07
1:19 pm PDT
|
|
Re: a little more info on your opinions (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
Well, I recently cut this review in half to make it easier for the average person to wade through. Perhaps I cut off too much!
I can't compare the MA to the RA because I've never owned own. I can only compare this seat to others that I have owned.
There are several other car seats on the market that do not to be rethreaded to adjust the height besides the Evenflo Triumph, but again I am sharing my experience with my car seats. This is an important feature to me I can't presume to know what value anyone else places on that feature.
As for removing the cover I don't believe I indicated that any other seats were different. I was just sharing my frustrating experience with this one. I could add that because of how I had to turn this seat upside down and try to get the straps out I ended up covered in vomit and needed a shower, but I don't think that really adds to the review of the car seat and probably not something most people want to read :-)
I'm sorry, but again, I cannot compare the MA to the RA or any other car seat that I haven't used. Since I don't know what the LATCH connections look like on your RA I can't tell you if the MA is any different. I can tell you that the MA connectors are similar to the Regent but I doubt that would help you much.
But I do think I was clear with how the buckle system works. You push in one buckle but neither buckle locks in place until both are in. If this is different than the RA I have no way of knowing. But I can tell you this is different that the 5 or so (I've lost count) other seats I have owned.
As for the tether, I'm not sure what else I can say other than repeat what is in the review:
Britax warns that the seat should only be tethered to anchors designated by the vehicle manufacturer for that purpose
If your vehicle has rear facing tethers, great, but I am reviewing my car seat with my experience. So my statement:
I have yet to come across a car that has anchors installed for use with a rear facing seat.
is correct, I haven't.
I realize that not ever review can provide the same level of helpfulness for every consumer. There are close to 100 reviews on this car seat, including one I seem to remember that compares the MA to the RA. I am sure that one will answer your questions. I do think it is unfair to expect that a reviewer should be able to compare their car seat to the one that you happen to own. I can only compare to the ones that I have owned and the vehicles I have used it in. No one can tell you if any other car seat is going to provide the same experience you had with your Roundabout.
The child I would buy a Marathon for would be an infant, it is definitely not worth purchasing this seat for an older child. Not that I would recommend this seat to anyone! Since you seem to have you heart set on having a Britrax I would buy a Boulevard which addresses many of the shortcoming I have found with the MA, such as not having to rethread the straps to adjust the harness height and I *believe* it has multiple crotch strap positions.
Good luck with your decision!
|
Aug 23 '06
8:17 am PDT
|
|
a little more info on your opinions (Reply to this comment)
by mom2emma
I think that some of this reveiw can be deceptive to those that have not used many carseats. For instance the statement that it is the only carseat you have used that has had to be uninstalled and rethreaded to adjust the harness height makes it seem like this is the only seat with that problem when in reality there are only 1 or 2 seats that DON'T have that problem (the only one I have ever used that didnt have that was the Triumph) so it might have been better to compare it to one seat or specify which other seats you ahev used in comparison.
Same holds true for removing the cover, you don't specify how it is removed just that you have to "take it apart" to remove the cover but again I have never had a carseat (and I have used at well over a dozen different carseats) that didn't have that problem.
Also could have been more thorough on the LATCH system as I was curious if it had traditional clips or alligator clips like the Roundabout?
I am also a bit confused as to the buckling, does it actually not clip in if you put in only 1 side or does it just not "click" if you put it in all the way? On my roundabout if you push it in ALL the way it engages and stays just doesn't click until the 2nd side is inserted.
Also does the manual say you can only use teh TETHER rearfacing on car approved locations or does it come with the strap to use it on non LATCH clips that are anchored locations in yoru vehicle and instructions on which ones are suitable? My Roundabout comes with the strap and instructions. Though my car DOES have LATCH anchors for rearfacing LATCH (yes Ford minivans have LATCH anchors for rearfacing including on the rear of the front seats so can be easily anchored even in the 2nd row) I would possibly use this in other vehicles on rare occasion that do not.
Basically I have a roundabout now which I love and cannot see ever going back to the inconvenience of a non Britax seat but knowing I would have to spend $80 dollars to get a harnessed booster when my daughter outgrows the roundabout I am looking at getting the new baby the Marathon instead so she can have enough height to stay harnessed until 40 lbs without buying another seat. So I was trying to see what the differences were with the marathon and roundabout and if it is as easy to use but your review was quite thorough but had several confusing sections mentioned above.
|
Aug 22 '06
9:12 am PDT
|
|
Re: I can't believe (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
Aww, shucks... and thanks!
|
Jul 27 '06
3:43 am PDT
|
|
I can't believe (Reply to this comment)
by joyfulgirl91
how much you managed to cut, but it's still so informative. This is a great review. It should be on the front page.
Jessica
|
Jul 26 '06
9:03 am PDT
|
|
Re: Re: Re: I appreciate your honesty...I'm in the same boat (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
Thanks for the comment. Here is a link to the recalls:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm
The recall started with the Super Elite, where the fix was to install the HUGS. From that point on Britax installed HUGS to avoid further recalls.
I agree that there are different levels of testing, but many consumers are not aware how other groups test. For example Consumer Reports, which does provide a lot of good information, tests car seats until failure. Hopefully all parents know to replace their car seat after it has been involved in a car accident. Consumer Reports testing simulates a car seat in multiple accidents, which even if the car seat was not replaced is unlikely.
I realize that I am in the minority by not being in love with this car seat. It's been a year and a half and I still grumble at this seat on a semi-regular basis. I've certainly gotten used to it, but I don't really like it.
I appreciate the read and comment!
|
Nov 10 '05
5:25 am PST
|
|
Re: Re: I appreciate your honesty...I'm in the same boat (Reply to this comment)
by bruff
Thanks for the thorough review. We have a Triumph 5 and a Roundabout. We prefer the Roundabout for several reasons, so I was considering the Marathon for my 3 year old that is nearly 40"/ 40 lb. In the store, the HUGS system seemed a little fussy to get assembled. I have never seen a Husky in person, so I can't compare.
Where did you get the information below?
"The HUGS are not there to make the seat safer! Britax had to put them on just to get the seat to PASS the head excursion limit (forward movement of the head). "
I would like to see the testing results first hand. I'm surprised a company would publicize it's first (failing) attempt at certifying a car seat. It is very difficult to get the real story on safety issues, since emotions come into the discussion quite frequently. Just looking for more info.
Also, I would like to say that "minimum" performance standards are just that, and are not necessarily sufficient for me and my family. When buying cars, people look at IIHS testing in addition to NHTSA data, but all cars sold in the US pass minimum crash safety standards.
Thanks,
Brian
Mechanical Engineer and Britax fan (not Britax disciple!)
|
Nov 09 '05
6:28 am PST
|
|
Re: Great Review (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
Thanks - 18 months later and I still hate this car seat! Sometimes I feel like the only one.
Cosco is coming out with a car seat with a 65 lb harness and then a booster to 100 lbs. It was supposed to be out in the late spring, then summer and the latest is production to start in August.
|
Jul 20 '05
10:35 am PDT
|
|
Great Review (Reply to this comment)
by jamie_the_clam
I was starting to think that Britax put some kind of subliminal message in their carseats that when you attach one in your car, you hear over and over how wonderful it is and must share that information with everyone. Good to finally hear someone not like it. Also, it seems like Britax has some sort of monopoly on large children. Doesn't seem fair. I have 2.5yo twins, one of whom is 34lbs and I hope his growth slows down.
|
Jul 20 '05
12:05 am PDT
|
|
neuhofer... (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
just wanted to say "thanks!"
|
Jan 07 '05
7:16 am PST
|
|
Re: Britax COMPLAINERS ARE IGNORANT TO SAFETY! (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
It is quite obvious from your comment that you did not even bother to read my review. That is certainly not going to help your standing in the Epinions community.
I'm glad to hear that you and many other Britrax owners are happy with their car seats. I am not but that does not make me wrong, as you seem to think.
It is impossible to say that one seat is safer than another since seats in the US are graded as pass/fail. If it is being sold in the US it passes and there for all seats meat the same minimum safety requirements. Of course to meet the minimum requirements it is necessary that you follow all of the safety instructions, including installing recall kits in a timely manner and destroying car seats involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Most safety experts agree that the single most important aspect of child seat safety is using it properly. This is why the government has gone to "ease of use" ratings. The Marathon has received an overall "B" rating, while most Evenflo and all Graco convertible car seats receive as overall "A".
|
Jan 07 '05
7:13 am PST
|
|
Re: Britax COMPLAINERS ARE IGNORANT TO SAFETY! (Reply to this comment)
by neuhofer
Wow! Reading through your comment, I couldn't help but wonder if you had actually READ the review! I didn't see ANY suggestion on the author's part that a 5-point seat harness is NOT the safest option. And simply because a manufacturer includes this feature, does not give that manufacturer a "free pass" immunizing them from other criticisms of their product. It was also abundantly clear that this reviewer had NOT lost the owner's manual, as she referenced in detail how poor she thought it was. As for your opinion that "The Britax name has clearly earned the respect to be a safe carseat" I might tend to disagree. They're out to walk that line between product performance and production cost - just like any other company. I've actually been surprised by the number of recalls they issue, given their reputation and/or marketing of themselves as such a safety leader. You detail the recall issue regarding possible malfunction ("can versus will") in an apparent attempt to demonstrate just how great the seat is (as in: SEE, it works fabulously even if known to be faulty). I don't see this does anything to bolster confidence in the product. Simply: you were very, very lucky that in your particular car accident it WAS "may" (loosen, but didn't) and not "did". I am very glad to hear your daughter was well protected in your serious accident. But your emotions seem to have overcome you, leading to this lashing comment of a fair and thoughtful review.
|
Jan 06 '05
3:42 am PST
|
|
Britax COMPLAINERS ARE IGNORANT TO SAFETY! (Reply to this comment)
by sweetpea9102
In my opinion,those who complain about a Britax carseat are those who fail to recognize the issues of safety; which Britax clearly addresses. The five point harness is a standard feature on the Britax carseat because it has been proven to be the safest harness for a child...so stop complaining. The highway department of safety also recommends for parents to extend the time which a child is maintained in a five point harness, because of it valuable safety features.
If you have lost the owner's manual to the Britax carseat then don't displace your frustrations on the company; it is a lack of organization on your part. It is a shame that some individuals suggests that the position of the Britax carseat isn't as lavishing or as comfortable as other carseats ..such as an Evenflo was it... However, who said safety should be based primarily on comfort and fashion...it is MEANT TO BE SAFE!
In my opinion, technology has spoiled many of us...Some of us fail to realize that technology is founded by HUMAN BEINGS which are not perfect. We take for grated the days in which our great grandmothers held their children tightly on their laps in tiny cars. The Britax name has clearly earned the respect to be a safe carseat. It is a shame that a few bad apples with big mouths can affect an important decision for any parent to make..."Which is the safest carseat to buy?" Answer: BRITAX
I personally purchased two Britax marathon carseats for our daughter. One is in my husband's car and the other is in my car. Both are recalled because "the harness CAN loosen." However, keep in mind "can" and "will" are two separate actions. We were in a terrible car accident two days before Christmas day. We were traveling down the highway only to find our selves immediately hydroplaning off the road and into two trees at 60MPH. My husband and I were badly injured. The trees hit the passenger's right back side and back right bumper; which is exactly where our daughter was sitting in her BRITAX MARATHON CARSEAT. Unfortunately, both trees damaged the car beyond repair. The back bumper was completely missing and the side was severely bowed in after the accident. However,and most importantly, our two year old daughter came out of the accident scratch-free along with the Britax! The recalled Britax Marathon carseat harness did not loosen and the structure was not compromised at all!!! In fact, I meant what I said about not having one scratch on both our daughter and the carseat. Therefore, as I mentioned previously, "can" and "will" are two separate actions as far as the recall is concerned...However, we will install the repair kit as a precaution. The bottom line is the carseat unquestionably saved our daughter's life...So don't be deterred by individuals who don't understand or value the "TRUE CONCEPTS" of safety.
I would also like to recommend a full inspection of the carseats in a local store. Individuals who seek safety as the primary concern will recognize the distinct structure and top quality helmet foam located under the fabric lining in the Britax carseats; which the Evenflo and less expensive brands lack! Do not be bashful, go to a store such as "Babies R us or Toys R us" and lift up the fabric liners and you'll see what really saves lives!!! In fact, if you visit a store which has trained employees they are more than willing to help you pull up those carseats covers to show the reflection of the Britax price! In my opinion, there is no price on saving a child's life!
Thank you for your time and I hope you'll find the above information to be helpful.
Respectfully,
Grateful Britax owner.
|
Jan 03 '05
2:23 pm PST
|
|
Oh my:( (Reply to this comment)
by ladyhawk2_99
The instruction book sounds like a chamber of horrors! I'm so glad I have a small child instead of a big one!
--Sara
|
Sep 20 '04
4:42 pm PDT
|
|
Britax Recall (Reply to this comment)
by Trawma
Britax is recalling all Marathon, Husky, Wizard and Snug Seat Traveler Plus seats. The seats were made between August 2002 and this July and have the model numbers E9L06, E9L30, E9L07 and E9L32.
|
Aug 13 '04
2:37 pm PDT
|
|
Re: I appreciate your honesty...I'm in the same boat (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
I hate the seat more and more everyday. I recently had to remove the cover on the crotch strap because I could no longer fasten it. According to Britax the little fabric circle is for the child's comfort and does not effect the safety.
I also did more research on the rubber HUGS and I am trying to update my review with the information. The HUGS are not there to make the seat safer! Britax had to put them on just to get the seat to PASS the head excursion limit (forward movement of the head). They did not want to redesign the whole seat to put in wider straps so they just stuck on these awful rubber covers to pass the NHTSA testing. Without the HUGS covers the force of a crash can cause the straps to loosen.
I have heard a rumor that Nania Airway may soon be distributed through Combi. However, that likely means the price is going to go way up since Combi tends to be on the same pricing level as Britax. Before purchasing the Britax I did contact Evenflo, Graco and Cosco and they all said they did not have any plans of manufacturing a higher weight harnessed car seat.
Good luck with your decision. If I can be of anymore help please e-mail me:
mmcphee_epinions@hotmail.com
|
May 31 '04
6:59 am PDT
|
|
I appreciate your honesty...I'm in the same boat (Reply to this comment)
by izaharris
Our 2 1/2 year old daughter is tall for her age - 38". We have the Evenflo Triumph V as well and love it. The ratcheting system can't be beat for a secure harness fit. Unfortunately she's about to grow past the top harness height any day now and I've been looking at other options for a while. This is the only thing I've been able to come up with that's not a piece of junk. I really wish there were something in between this and "all the rest."
I'll keep checking back here to see if you post more detail on how this compares with the Evenflo Triumph V.
Thanks!
|
May 30 '04
8:56 pm PDT
|
|
Re: I couldnt imagine life without my MA (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
I actually have an infant seat that is rear facing to 35 lbs. I think it is a shame that Cosco stopped making them. Unfortunately #2 is very tall and she is running out of the harness length in the infant seat so I put her into our Evenflo Triumph.
|
May 11 '04
5:20 am PDT
|
|
Sorry you don't love it like we do... (Reply to this comment)
by mizgnomer
Then again we've been using Britax for a long time, so maybe it's just what we've gotten used to (although we did use a non-Britax seat recently for a short while, and I still liked the Marathon better). I really adore that seat (although I agree with you about the crotch padding -- we removed it from the Marathon but used it in the Husky and Roundabout). We didn't have any LATCH troubles, and everyone else (with kids) comments on how rock-solid it is in my car.
Oh well -- I hope it grows on you. Good luck with it!
MizGnomer
|
May 10 '04
7:32 pm PDT
|
|
I couldnt imagine life without my MA (Reply to this comment)
by stephs69camaro
then again my baby is 30 pounds at 17 months old and my first daughter (who is in a Super Elite hit 40 pounds at a tad over 2). To me, it is very important to keep my child rear facing as long as possible, and the MA allows me to do so till 33 pounds. Also, since she will most likely hit 40 pounds at around 2, it was either spend $80 on a convertible at 3 months old (when she outgrew her infant carrier) then $250 on a Husky when she hit 2, or just $249 (although you can find deals online foar around $220 shipped) up front.
Anyhow, I love my MA!!!! So sorry to hear that you have had opposite experiencees :o)
|
May 10 '04
4:27 pm PDT
|
|
Thank You! (Reply to this comment)
by mmcphee
I did stumble across the Columbia special needs and was appalled at what companies were charging for it. If we had plans to purchase a van before thinking about child #3 I would have gone with the Husky over the Marathon.
|
May 10 '04
9:28 am PDT
|
|
Great review (Reply to this comment)
by bonniesayers
I had no idea this is the same price range as the Husky. I loved our Husky and miss not having it. Sold it on ebay for $90 last December since my minivan died.
Now I am looking for another Minivan and will get another Husky. What I hate is that the car seat manufacturers add the title Special Needs and then jack up the price of special seats to $400 and $500, so the Husky was the best option and my first Britax seat.
I had Century and Eddie Bauer before that.
Bonnie
|
May 09 '04
4:58 pm PDT
|
|
I, For One...... (Reply to this comment)
by ruby950
appreciate all of the hard work and time that you put into this excellent review!
My best,
Deborah~
|
May 09 '04
4:41 pm PDT
|
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.