In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Britax Marathon ClickTight ARB Review

Lower crash test results hurt this option that is otherwise impressive
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britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $350 List
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Manufacturer:   Britax
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Dec 21, 2021
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 17
  • Crash Test - 35% 4.5
  • Ease Of Install - LATCH - 20% 8.5
  • Ease Of Install - Belt - 15% 8.6
  • Ease Of Use - 15% 7.6
  • Comfort / Quality - 10% 8.6
  • Weight / Size - 5% 4.5

The Skinny

The Britax Marathon ClickTight utilizes the ClickTight system that makes installation virtually foolproof and removes the need for extra strength from the equation. We think the Marathon is a good-looking, high-quality convertible car seat that is very easy to use. The fabric is friendly and durable, the plastic shell is stylish and keeps straps contained, and the non-rethread harness adjustment can be made with your baby in the seat. However, it isn't the best choice for city dwellers as it is heavy and unsuitable for carrying very far. It is also expensive, and the crash test results are below the average in this review. The ClickTight installation may still have you considering this stylish option. If so, we suggest the Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB, which scored significantly higher overall and only costs $10 more than the Marathon.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy ClickTight installation
Comfy quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier
Price
Clip LATCH anchors
Below average crash test results
We are linking to the Marathon without the ARB. If you would like to create the same seat we tested in our review, you'd need to also purchase the Britax Anti Rebound Bar Accessory to pair with it.

Editor's Note: On December 21, 2021, we made additions to this review that include details on which seats we would recommend and what other options caregivers might consider.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Value Award Editors' Choice Award   
Price $350 List
$299.99 at Amazon
Check Price at Amazon$235 List
$234.99 at Amazon
$230 List$220 List
$219.97 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
68
73
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66
Star Rating
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Pros Easy ClickTight installation, comfy qualityGreat crash test results, easy to use, attractive price, lighterBest crash test results, rear-facing till 50 lbs, pricePrice, easy to use, best head sensor crash testPrice, easy LATCH installation, easier to use
Cons Heavier, price, clip LATCH anchors, below average crash test resultsHarder to install using the vehicle beltNot the best quality, harder belt installationLess padding, somewhat harder to install using vehicle beltAverage crash result analysis
Bottom Line Lower crash test results hurt this option that is otherwise impressiveA lightweight, easy to use seat with excellent crash test result and priceBest crash test results on a budget-friendly seat that lets little ones sit rear-facing for longerBetter crash test results make this easy to use, inexpensive seat a winnerSlightly better than an average seat with no real standout features
Rating Categories Britax Marathon Cli... Britax Emblem Graco Extend2Fit Britax Allegiance Graco SlimFit All-i...
Crash Test (35%)
4.5
8.0
8.5
8.0
6.0
Ease Of Install - LATCH (20%)
8.5
7.2
6.6
7.2
7.9
Ease Of Install - Belt (15%)
8.6
6.0
7.0
6.0
6.6
Ease Of Use (15%)
7.6
7.6
7.3
7.6
7.4
Comfort / Quality (10%)
8.6
7.4
5.8
6.8
5.8
Weight / Size (5%)
4.5
5.5
5.0
5.5
5.0
Specs Britax Marathon Cli... Britax Emblem Graco Extend2Fit Britax Allegiance Graco SlimFit All-i...
Crash Test HIC Score 371 218 214 186 320
Crash Test Chest G Clip 48 42 40 43 43
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight 5 - 40 lbs 5 - 40 lbs 4 - 50 lbs 5 - 40 lbs 5 - 40 lbs
Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight 20 - 65 lbs 20 - 65 lbs 22 - 64 lbs 20 - 65 lbs 22 - 65 lbs
Max Rear Facing Passenger Height Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint 40" and the child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the child restraint.
Max Forward Facing Passenger Height 49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the head restraint. 49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the head restraint. 49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the seat shell. 49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the head restraint. 49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the seat shell.
Measured Rear Facing Seat Weight 27.9 lbs 18.8 lbs 18.7 lbs 18.5 lbs 18.6 lbs
Measured Forward Facing Seat Weight 26.9 lbs 18.8 lbs 18.7 lbs 18.5 lbs 18.6 lbs
Width 18.2" 18.9" 19.6" 18.8" 19"
Recline Positions 7 1 Rear Facing
2 Forward Facing
4 Rear Facing
3 Forward Facing
1 Rear Facing
2 Forward Facing
4 Total
2 Rear Facing
2 Forward Facing
1 Booster
Max Recline Angle 53° 42° 51° 42° °
Shoulder Harness Positions 12 10 10 10 10
Crotch Strap Positions 2 2 2 2 3
Built in Lock Off ClickTight System Yes No Yes No
Anti-rebound Device Yes No No No No
Head Support Yes No No No No
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
No Rethread Harness Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Seat Ball in Tube. Line on Decal Ball in Tube. Line on Decal Ball in Tube.
Foam Type EPP EPP EPS EPP EPS
Seat Lifespan 10 yrs 7 7 yrs 7 10 yrs
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year

Our Analysis and Test Results

Britax has been around for over 70 years in Europe. In 1939, British Accessories joined Romer in Germany in 1971 and launched their first safety seat in 1973. Britax went on to acquire other companies with a focus on safety seats in Australia and New Zealand. In 1990, Britax worked with other international organizations to develop the IsoFix, which became the LATCH method's foundation that emerged later. Britax brought its first safety seat to the US in 1996. They go on to introduce a convertible car seat, booster seats, and fan favorite infant car seats to the market. In 2002, LATCH anchors and continued improvements for safety and installation ensue. Britax also makes strollers and accessories.

Performance Comparison



britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the arb like the one seen here on the marathon clicktight arb is...
The ARB like the one seen here on the Marathon ClickTight ARB is supposed to limit or prevent car seat rotation that can happen during a crash.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Crash Test


Every seat for sale in the US must meet or exceed the Federal guideline minimums outlined in the FMVSS 213. However, some perform better during professional testing than others, indicating a possibility for an additional margin of protection. The Marathon results, as recorded in crash test dummy sensors, indicate that the Marathon results are basic and below the average for this group of products.

The head sensor result (HIC) for the Marathon was 371, where the maximum allowed is 1000, and the lower the result, the better. The chart below shows this result in comparison to the best HIC score in the group of 186 for the Britax Allegiance.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the britax marathon hic result is almost twice that of the...
The Britax Marathon HIC result is almost twice that of the Essentials by Britax Allegiance where a lower result is preferable.
Credit: BabyGearLab, MGA Research
britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the chest clip result for the marathon of 48 where 60 is the maximum...
The chest clip result for the Marathon of 48 where 60 is the maximum allowed and lower is better, couldn't compare to the Clek Foonf result of 33.4.
Credit: BabyGearLab, MGA Research

The chest sensor results (g clip) for the Marathon was 48 where the maximum allowed is 60, and once again the lower result is better. The graph above shows the Marathon results compared to the best result in the group of 33.4 for the Clek Foonf.

The analysis of sensor results and the comparison of the data to the competition earned the Marathon a below-average result compared to the competition.

This seat also includes an anti-rebound bar (ARB) for rear-facing installation. Our preliminary test results with infant car seats indicate that the ARB does help reduce the sensor results and is, therefore, a potentially useful safety addition.

The LATCH strap on the Marathon threads high under the seat bottom...
The LATCH strap on the Marathon threads high under the seat bottom but is easy to tighten using the ClickTight system that secures the seat by latching the seat bottom.
The LATCH installation of the MArathon in the rear-facing...
The LATCH installation of the MArathon in the rear-facing configuration includes threading the LATCH strap under the seat to use the ClickTight system.

Ease of Install - LATCH


The LATCH installation of the Marathon includes the ClickTight technology, which makes installation virtually foolproof. The seat installation involves threading the LATCH strap, attaching them to the car anchors, and closing the seat bottom to tighten the strap. If the ClickTight emblem on the front is once again horizontal, you know the installation is correct. Read the manual for complete instructions.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the more basic clip style latch anchor seems oddly placed on this...
The more basic clip style LATCH anchor seems oddly placed on this higher end seat. However, it is safe, just harder to use than the push button style we prefer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Marathon has basic clip-style anchors compared to the more comfortable push-button anchors we prefer. Both are safe, but the button style is easier to remove.

The level on the Marathon is a ball inside a plastic encasement. It...
The level on the Marathon is a ball inside a plastic encasement. It helps parents determine when they have found the right angle for installation.
The Marathon has nine recline angles designed to help ensure the...
The Marathon has nine recline angles designed to help ensure the proper angle for installation is obtained based on the passenger's age and weight.

The Marathon has a ball-style level on the base of the seat. This level helps parents find the right angle for proper installation. The Marathon has seven different recline positions that help parents find the correct installation angle for the seat based on the weight and age of the passenger.

Installing the Marathon in the forward facing position using the...
Installing the Marathon in the forward facing position using the vehicle belt uses the pathway furthest back on the seat. This path is the same as the one used for the LATCH strap.
The ClickTight installation system on the Marathon utilizes the same...
The ClickTight installation system on the Marathon utilizes the same vehicle belt path as the LATCH strap.

Ease of Install - Belt


With the ClickTight methodology, the Marathon is easy to install by any method, including using the vehicle belt. While not as impressive as other ClickTight options, we suspect parents that don't install car seats for a living (like we do) won't notice the difference.

A quick peek under the Marathon seat bottom shows how the belt is...
A quick peek under the Marathon seat bottom shows how the belt is threaded and makes it easier to understand how pressing the seat bottom down will tighten the strap automatically.
This photo shows the threading path for forward facing configuration...
This photo shows the threading path for forward facing configuration of the Marathon installation using a yellow "belt" for clarity.

To install this seat in the front-facing configuration, you need to lift the seat up (above left), thread the belt across the back, and push the seat down to tighten the strap (above right). While not truly a belt lock-off (depending on seat installation method and placement, it is more of a tensioner), it does help stabilize the seat on the vehicle belt to avoid movement.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the rear-facing configuration of the marathon incorporates the...
The rear-facing configuration of the Marathon incorporates the ClickTight seat bottom and an anti-rebound bar (ARB).
Credit: Abriah Wofford

For the rear-facing connection, the belt will thread lower on the base, but the seat bottom still works the same by raising and lowering to secure the seat in place.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the marathon is very easy to use and tied with several other...
The Marathon is very easy to use and tied with several other products, most of them made by Britax.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


This Britax option is as easy to use as the other Britax products we tested in this review.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the marathon clicktight has a non-rethread height adjustment that...
The Marathon ClickTight has a non-rethread height adjustment that works by sliding the headrest assembly up and down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Marathon harness has 14 height positions and a two-position crotch strap, ensuring that almost every child can have a custom-fitted harness. The height adjusts with a non-rethread assembly that slides up and down with a squeeze of a button. This task can be accomplished with your baby in the seat for quick adjustments every time.

The Marathon buckle and chest clip are both stiff but still easy to...
The Marathon buckle and chest clip are both stiff but still easy to use.
The harness release button is located above the ClickTight indicator...
The harness release button is located above the ClickTight indicator emblem and is under a plastic flange that should prevent little ones from messing with the button.

The buckle and chest clip (above left) are somewhat stiff, like all of the Britax options. However, you can work them with one hand if you need to; they are probably stiff to help prevent older children from using them. There is a pull strap at the foot of the base to tighten the harness, and it loosens with a push of the button above the ClickTight emblem (above right). Both work well, and the strap doesn't require exceptional strength to use.

The Marathon has a plastic pocket on the base for tether storage to...
The Marathon has a plastic pocket on the base for tether storage to keep the strap out of the way when not in use.
The user manual of the Marathon stores in a pocket behind the seat...
The user manual of the Marathon stores in a pocket behind the seat back fabric. The location will prevent the manual from getting lost or in the hands of children, but if your child gets sick or spills a beverage the manual may suffer.

LATCH Storage


The unused LATCH anchors connect under the seat on the base to keep them out of the way. The tether hides in a plastic pocket of its own (above left) for a self-contained unit. The user manual is kept under the fabric on the seatback with a tab label. This location is handy and out of the reach of children, but it could get messy if there are spills or someone gets sick.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the cover fabric on the marathon comes off in four pieces to reveal...
The cover fabric on the Marathon comes off in four pieces to reveal EPP foam for crash impact absorption.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Cover


The cover of the Marathon comes off in four pieces and must be hand washed only. Britax is pretty serious about this point, as the manual has bold red letters telling you not to machine wash. It also must be line-dried, so you'll want to plan before washing it.

Britax uses durable yet friendly materials to create the Marathon, a...
Britax uses durable yet friendly materials to create the Marathon, a pleasing and functional seat.
The Marathon has a hard plastic shell that keeps the LATCH straps...
The Marathon has a hard plastic shell that keeps the LATCH straps and tether contained and out of the way.

Comfort/Quality


The Marathon ClickTight is a high-quality product with impressive quality and comfort. While this is the lower-level ClickTight, it is still significantly nicer than much of the competition (above left). With durable materials in a closed design, which works as expected, it is hard to find fault with this car seat. This option has less padding and a thinner headrest than the other ClickTight options in this review, but it is well-made, and the fabric is soft. The smooth fully contained seat (above right) gives the Marathon a sleek and clean overall look.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the bottom of the marathon is relatively smooth with a rubber...
The bottom of the Marathon is relatively smooth with a rubber anti-slip rim and no sharp edges.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The bottom of the seat has a rubber rim to help stabilize it, and there are no rough edges that could dent or damage your vehicle seat.

britax marathon clicktight arb convertible car seat review - the marathon is heavier in the rear configuration thanks to the...
The Marathon is heavier in the rear configuration thanks to the anti-rebound bar, but either way it is heavier than the average product in this review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight


The Marathon is somewhat heavy, as are all of the ClickTight products we reviewed. It weighs 27.9 in the rear-facing configuration and is slightly lighter in the front-facing mode. This car seat is not the best option for parents looking to carry their seat or who plan to use it in the city on public transportation. The Marathon measures 18.2 inches wide, making it narrower than some but not as good as others that measure 17 inches. If you need to fit multiple people or safety seats in one row, this could be a contender, depending on your car.

Should You Buy the Marathon?


Probably not. In this review, several other car seats score higher in important metrics and overall, including two different Britax seats. While there is nothing wrong with the Marathon, perse, it isn't as impressive as some of the competition, and it sports a fairly high price for a lower score.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?


If you like Britax, the Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB and the Britax Emblem earned higher overall scores, and your budget could be the deciding factor. The EMblem costs significantly less, has a higher crash test result analysis, and is still easy enough to install. While it isn't as flashy, it is a good seat for the price and one of the highest-scoring in the review. If you want something with thicker padding and a potential edge for comfort that is also easier to install, then the Boulevard could be the one for you; it is easier to install and has a slightly higher crash test analysis score.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz
 

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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