Help!! Too many choices...

[TPLmommy]

Originally Posted by jjordan The Roundabout55 DOES have built-in lockoffs. (The roundabout 50 did not.) The main difference between the RA55 and the Marathon is the no-rethread harness on the marathon.

I have the RA55 & not having the no-rethread harness is not a big deal, IMO. It's easy to rethread when you take the cover off to wash it. I wash our covers about every 3-6 months or so. I double check my kids' heights before re-threading just to be sure it doesn't need to be moved up a notch. Unless you're using the seat for more than one child (i.e. need to move the harness up & down often) then I don't think it's worth the extra $$ for the Marathon. We paid $140 for our first Roundabout (the classic 40) & $130 for our second (the RA55) off of eBay (new, of course).

Hth!

[TPLmommy]

Originally Posted by TPLmommy I have the RA55 & not having the no-rethread harness is not a big deal, IMO. It's easy to rethread when you take the cover off to wash it. I wash our covers about every 3-6 months or so. I double check my kids' heights before re-threading just to be sure it doesn't need to be moved up a notch. Unless you're using the seat for more than one child (i.e. need to move the harness up & down often) then I don't think it's worth the extra $$ for the Marathon. We paid $140 for our first Roundabout (the classic 40) & $130 for our second (the RA55) off of eBay (new, of course). Hth!

ETA: After more research, I discovered the Marathon 70 & higher models fit up to 49" standing height & the RA55 only fits up to 46" standing height. I think the extra three inches is worth the $70-$80 extra bucks. IMO. Anyone else agree or disagree?

[TalkinBoutMyGirl]

Originally Posted by TPLmommy ETA: After more research, I discovered the Marathon 70 & higher models fit up to 49" standing height & the RA55 only fits up to 46" standing height. I think the extra three inches is worth the $70-$80 extra bucks. IMO. Anyone else agree or disagree?

The height max doesn't mean much. You can use the seat RFing until their is less than one inch of hard shell above the child's head. If you have a long legged kid with a shorter torso then they will get more time out of a seat vs one with a long torso.

Sent from my iPhone...excuse any autocorrect mishaps!

[TalkinBoutMyGirl]

Dp

[jess71903]

Originally Posted by TPLmommy ETA: After more research, I discovered the Marathon 70 & higher models fit up to 49" standing height & the RA55 only fits up to 46" standing height. I think the extra three inches is worth the $70-$80 extra bucks. IMO. Anyone else agree or disagree?

There's not 3" difference in the harness heights, though. There may be 1/2", if that. Since a seat is outgrown by height when the child's shoulders go over the top slots, they will be outgrown at essentially the same time. The RA55 and MA70 are basically the same seat. The MA70 just has more bells and whistles (ie. no rethread harness) than the RA 55. IMO, the MA70 is NOT worth an extra $70 or $80.

[TalkinBoutMyGirl]

Outgrown FFing when the child's shoulders go over the top harness slot. Outgrown RFing when their is less than one inch of hard shell above the child's head. Just to clarify.

You will be using the seat RF right?

Sent from my iPhone...excuse any autocorrect mishaps!

[TPLmommy]

Originally Posted by TalkinBoutMyGirl Outgrown FFing when the child's shoulders go over the top harness slot. Outgrown RFing when their is less than one inch of hard shell above the child's head. Just to clarify. You will be using the seat RF right? Sent from my iPhone...excuse any autocorrect mishaps!

Yeah, ERF here! I plan to buy one for my newbie (due in April) but just for comparison's sake, my 3 1/2 year old has a good 8 pounds left to gain & at least 5 inches to grow til he would need to be FF.

I guess maybe the standing height difference would make it more of a long torso kids vs. long legs kids issue???

Oh & silly me, but the bells & whistles (aka Cowmooflage!!) are worth the extra $70-$80.