For some reason I thought these shells were identical.
Supposedly they are and that's what is so confusing.
I do not know if the shells actually vary, but the presence of the head rest in the MA70 and BV70 make it very difficult to easily judge the height limit with respect to the shell. A lot of photos and comparisons are therefore done incorrectly, especially when installed at an angle.
I do agree that it's harder to measure with the head pieces and even harder on the old 65 seats with head pieces and I have wondered if this causes too much error or if the presence of the head piece alters the way the child sits in the seat. However, even if it were just an illusion, that was another motivation for me to buy the RA55 because I'll use it until she's 1" from the top and I need it to be easy to know when that is. But I would prefer to feel like I had more options.
Interesting. The only reason I got the Marathon was for the Alison cover, which was not too smart because it shows every speck of dirt. I just wish the RA55 came in cow. Then I would replace my Marathon 65 with an RA55. I much prefer the adjuster on the new models.
Thanks for sharing. This makes me feel a little better about not being able to get that. Sorry it hasn't worked out for you though.
Really?!? I love the looks of the RA55 but I was planning on a Boulevard70 just because I like the headwings for a FFer. However, if the RA55 is going to last longer as a RFing seat for kid 2, I'll definitely grab one of those and work out the FFing seat when the time comes!
As discussed earlier, I cannot explain why some of us are finding our kids seems to have more growing room in the RA55. I understand because like you, I wanted the option of a seat I'd also like to use FF, but right now my focus has to be RF. In additioj to the head piece/wings, (in case you were not aware of this) the 70 seats are supposed to have higher top harness slots compared to the RA55 so they should last longer FF. If you can, I'd recommend trying them for yourself. I hope this is helpful.