What would you pick here-RA or MA

a_js

New member
I have an opportunity for a great deal on either one but I have to pick one.

I would rather get the RA since we have a small backseat. However. We had a RA for ds, who was an absolute moose of a baby. 90th %tile for height and weight and 24M clothes by a year. We have a picture of him at his second Christmas RF'ing in the RA (so about 18 months old) and he was nearly out of it by both height and weight. He outgrew the MA RF'ing by weight at 20 months (33 lb) but would have still fit by height. He outgrew it FF'ing by height at 3.5 IIRC.

Given that my first was giganto-baby (he has since slowed to 50th% height, 40th% weight) I feel like I should err on the side of caution and go with the MA. However, if they both have a 35lb RF'ing limit, and the second one won't necessarily be quite so huge, I would love the extra room in the backseat that the RA would afford us. It also costs less, although not that much. Is there any chance of a kid RF'ing till at least 3 in the RA?

Thoughts welcome :)
 
ADS

all together ooky

New member
Are you talking new RA 50 and MA classic? I thought they were the same size shell. The RA 50 just didn't have the lock-offs and the LATCH bars.

The old RA was smaller but they haven't made that in a while.

Now they have the new line with the RA 55 and MA 70 too.
 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
They only retired the regular Roundabout last month. Since she mentions very different sizes for when each seat was outgrown, and her DS is older, I'd wager it was a Roundabout 40 and a classic Marathon.

I'd get a Marathon. It doesn't take up that much more space once a child can sit more upright.

Wendy
 

a_js

New member
You're right, Wendy. He never used the RA ff'ing, but it wouldn't have lasted long as such anyway, lol.

I think the Marathon is probably a better bet (and I wouldn't use it for a newbie so it could be more upright) but oh, that push button harness adjuster on the RA. How I miss it.
 

abigaylebelle

Active member
Is there any chance of a kid RF'ing till at least 3 in the RA?

My ds, who is 3.5, fits rf in a ra (35lb rf/40lb ff). He isn't unusually small in general although he is fairly short in the torso (almost 12"). It has been lovely for us but if I were buying a seat for a child of unknown size I would hedge my bets and get a marathon. If I absolutely loved the ra I would plan ahead to purchase another, larger rf seat and relegate the ra to back up status.
 

thepeach80

Senior Community Member
My kids would've never made it to 3yo rfing in the RA, that includes Evan who was below the height chart from 6 mos to just recently. He has a long torso for his height though.
 

cookie123

New member
Is it for the Newborn? If so, neither the old Ma or Ra will fit. How about a True Fit. You can use it with the headrest part off for quite awhile and it fits a newborn.
 

Sceason1972

New member
I had a RA for DS and a MA for DD. DD was not huge by any means but would have outgrown the RA way too soon.Altogether you will get a lot more use out of the MA (RF and FF.) The MA does not take up much more space. I also preferred installing the MA - esp. with LATCH.
 

jujumum

Well-known member
My son is not tall and does not have a long torso. He outgrew the old RA style at exactly 24 months. We LOVED that seat and needed the space at the time, so I don't regret it. I'd only recommend an RA if you plan on buying a different convertible down the road. Otherwise, regardless of the deal, I'd skip both and get an MR. The MR just takes a tad more space rf than the old RA. :D
 

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