Unhappy with Marathon 70! Anybody else?

[jacobsdad]

We bought the "new" Marathon 70 a few weeks ago and have been unhappy with it compared to our older model. While it is nice to have newer, safer technology, it is very difficult to get our toddler son into. I think it is due to 2 new components of this seat - the easy adjustable strap height, and the 2 crotch strap positions.
Our son is about 38" tall and weighs about 36 lbs - average size. With our older model, we could loosen the straps with a good amount of slack to place him in. With the new model, we keep checking to see if we have loosened the straps because there does not seem to be nearly as much shoulder strap when pulled out. It is also hard to keep straps out of chair seat because the lack of "play" make it very difficult to keep them adhered to velcro tabs.
In addition, it seems that once you move the crotch buckle to the outer position (8" I think), the buckle does not stand up as high, making it very difficult to access. My son often complains it is pinching his legs when we "click it". He never did that with older model.
We also noticed our son quickly figured out how to loosen the straps by himself while seated in the chair. He's never did this with old seat (even after years of use). This is a big safety issue it seems.
While I like the safer technology and easier adjustment, the use of it has made it very frustrating. We are most likely returning it (at a considerable loss) and purchasing the older model.
Interested in knowing if others have had similar issues or if we have overlooked something (studied manual).

[Joolsplus2]

This sounds familiar...oh yeah, everyone who owned the Roundabout HATED the Marathon when it first came out. I mean, despised. HUGS were a pain, harness adjuster sucked, velcro didn't line up as well, belly pads fell off, kids could easily loosen their harnesses (there's a 'kit' online to fix that, I think they tried to modify the seat to make it harder for kids to fiddle with, but if you don't return it, call them and complain, they'll probably make a new kit for the new model).
Is he still rearfacing? Or did you buy another convertible for a younger child to graduate into? If no to both, then the Frontier would be a better choice, or the Nautilus, they will last absolutely years and years longer than the Marathon.

[AnnieW625]

Originally Posted by Joolsplus2

This sounds familiar...oh yeah, everyone who owned the Roundabout HATED the Marathon when it first came out. I mean, despised. HUGS were a pain, harness adjuster sucked, velcro didn't line up as well, belly pads fell off, kids could easily loosen their harnesses (there's a 'kit' online to fix that, I think they tried to modify the seat to make it harder for kids to fiddle with, but if you don't return it, call them and complain, they'll probably make a new kit for the new model).
Is he still rearfacing? Or did you buy another convertible for a younger child to graduate into? If no to both, then the Frontier would be a better choice, or the Nautilus, they will last absolutely years and years longer than the Marathon.

FWIW I never had the Roundabout because DH convinced me we needed the Marathon instead because of the higher weight limit and I ended up hating the Marathon (as did DD1 until she was about 2/1/2) so yeah I hear you on disliking carseats that most people here on this board think can do no wrong. I think I had an issue with each one of those things Julie described in her post. DD1 loves her Frontier. The only downside of the new FR85 in my opinion is the non moving arm rests. I love that they move on our model.