Britax users: which one did you choose?

Icarriedawatermelon

For those of you who have purchased a britax convertible car seat, which one did you choose and why? I'm researching the marathon, boulevard, pavilion, and advocate. I'm strongly leaning towards the pavilion or advocate. I can't seem to find a lot of differences between them. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

hollydawnburke

We got the britax marathon because I found it on clearance at target for $130. It was such a good deal that I just grabbed it without a lot of research and figured I could return it if I didn't like it. We have been very happy with it - easy to install, straps don't tangle, Molly seems to like it. The only odd thing is how low the leg straps sit, but I am told it is normal. The target package came with sunshades and a cup holder, which was nice too.

jnsmith85

I used a B-Safe and loved it so was planning on buying Britax for our convertible, but according to CSFTL, if you have a tall child the Britax convertible's are notorious for not lasting very long rear facing... so we went with the Nextfit instead!

sweettwilight16

We went with the Marathon. I researched & that seemed to be the best balance of safety and value. I agree with PP about the straps over the legs- I always try to put shorts or a skirt on LO so there's something between her legs and the strap, so it doesn't rub. Other than that, it seems like a good choice. I didn't know about the problems people had with extended RFing until after I bought it, but so far it seems okay.

jennlin

quartermisses said:

We have a Boulevard 70 CS. It was their top-of-the-line when we bought it 3.5 years ago. 

This.

MittenJennie

I got the pavilllion. It was on diapers.com on sale, plus I got 20% off the sale price and 5% back on ebates. It felt like a win

Icarriedawatermelon

Thanks for the responses everyone!

[Deleted User]

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ncase2

cdhaslag said:

We went with the Marathon. I researched & that seemed to be the best balance of safety and value. I agree with PP about the straps over the legs- I always try to put shorts or a skirt on LO so there's something between her legs and the strap, so it doesn't rub. Other than that, it seems like a good choice. I didn't know about the problems people had with extended RFing until after I bought it, but so far it seems okay.

Exactly this!

x3

We haven't used it yet, but are planning on installing it soon. DS still fits in the infant seat, so I'm getting as much use as possible out of that thing! 

pmarie33

Boulevard

TREDgirl

We got the Advocate. 

The Marthon doesn't have the rigid side impact things at the head-just the soft cushion ones. 

The Pavilion has the SIP but not the click strap tightening things. 

The Boulevard has the SIP and the click. 

The Advocate has the SIP, the click strap tightening and then the additional side impact air things on the outside. 

They do have a shorter extended rear facing lifetime than some others out there. But I felt it would get us at least until 3 years old or so. 

edaire

I just ordered the marathon, but I'm team #shrimpybaby so I'm hoping we won't have an issue.

jennlin

FWIW, my 29mo is still RF in her boulevard. she's 75%ile.

KerCo51

We have the Boulevard and I am looking into getting a second.  DD has always been at the 90+ percentile for height, so maybe I will be getting the Nextfit.

[Deleted User]

missgpsu said:

I registered for and received a Marathon at my shower not knowing about the short shell.  It was the one Baby Bargains book recommended.  Luckily, I have a tiny baby.  We did buy a Nextfit for our other car though she if she does outgrow it, we have one that lasts longer we can always switch back and forth.

Exactly this...all of it...I like our Marathon better than the Nextfit, DS seems more comfortable in it too...but if the Marathon gets outgrown too fast RF, we will use the Nextfit as our main seat until he's ready to FF

Icarriedawatermelon

TREDgirl said:

We got the Advocate. 

The Marthon doesn't have the rigid side impact things at the head-just the soft cushion ones. 

The Pavilion has the SIP but not the click strap tightening things. 

The Boulevard has the SIP and the click. 

The Advocate has the SIP, the click strap tightening and then the additional side impact air things on the outside. 

They do have a shorter extended rear facing lifetime than some others out there. But I felt it would get us at least until 3 years old or so. 

Thanks for sharing. All of this is why I'm strongly considering the advocate. It's just a big expense x2, so I want to hear as many opinions as possible.

Thanks again everyone!

TREDgirl

Shedna said:

We got the Advocate. 

The Marthon doesn't have the rigid side impact things at the head-just the soft cushion ones. 

The Pavilion has the SIP but not the click strap tightening things. 

The Boulevard has the SIP and the click. 

The Advocate has the SIP, the click strap tightening and then the additional side impact air things on the outside. 

They do have a shorter extended rear facing lifetime than some others out there. But I felt it would get us at least until 3 years old or so. 

Thanks for sharing. All of this is why I'm strongly considering the advocate. It's just a big expense x2, so I want to hear as many opinions as possible. Thanks again everyone!

Totally understand. We had to get 4 But between sales, coupons and 0% financing we got some good prices.