Britax has been making car seats for more than 35 years, according to the Britax USA website. Britax sells infant carriers, compact and mid- to high-capacity convertible car seats and forward-facing harness and harness booster car seats. The Britax Decathlon and Marathon are two types of high-capacity convertible car seats offered by Britax out of many that provide both rear and forward facing installation, accommodating a child from birth until early childhood.
Specifications
Both the Britax Decathlon and Britax Marathon car seat have the same specifications according to Britax USA. They both accommodate a weight range of 5 to 65 lbs., up to 49 inches in child height and a shoulder height of 10.75 to 16 inches.
Energy Management
The Britax Decathlon and Marathon car seats offer the same energy management features like side impact cushion technology that reduces side impact crash energy by 50 percent and diverting crash forces away from your child. They also both have true side impact protection in the adjustable head restraints and in the side walls, distributing crash forces that shield from vehicle intrusion and minimize side head movement. Both car seats have an anti-roundabout bar for stabilization in car crashes, five-point safety harness system, energy-absorbing Versa-Tether that anchors the car seat to the car, harness ultra-guard system (HUGS) which provides resistance to forward movement during crash impact, energy absorbing base and EPS foam in the shell lining of the car seat to absorb energy in the event of a crash.
Fit & Comfort
Both the Britax Decathlon and Marathon car seats offer rear- and forward-facing recline, high density comfort foam, premium plush seat covers and have higher weight limit seat capabilities, accommodating a weight of up to 65 lbs. The Britax Decathlon car seat has multiple buckle positions while the Marathon does not. The Decathlon also has an infant positioning system which provides extra padding for comfort. The Marathon which does not have this system.
Ease of Use
The Britax Decathlon and Marathon both offer the same easy-to-use features of push-button latch connectors, built-in lock-offs which lock seat into place, belt holders, small contoured base and color-coded vehicle belt guides for easy installation.
Reviews
According to Viewpoints Network, the Britax Decathlon received high review ratings with an average of 4.56 out of 5 points based on construction, comfort, ease of install, style, quality, higher weight limit and value. The Britax Marathon received a higher review rating of 4.79 with reviewers stating that this car seat was worth the extra money and liked the comfort and safety features.
