Help me compare convertibles...

We're in the market for a new convertible, and I'd pretty much decided on a Triumph Advance, due mostly to higher harness weight and price. But now that albeebaby.com has such good deals on Fisher Price SVD and the Erin Marathon, I'm torn!

The new seat will be for my older daughter, who will turn 4 at the end of the month. She is about 38 inches tall and about 35 lbs. The baby (also a girl) will then inherit her current seat (regular Triumph), and then will move into the new convertible when the old Triumph expires.

So help me out! I know the RF and FF weight limits for each, but who knows...

highest harness height for each?
seat width for each?
shell height for each?

Also, even on sale, the Marathon is still $80 more than the others. Help me understand what that $80 pays for other than the pretty cover, LOL! (Which I do love, BTW.) From what I understand the FPSVD is basically the same seat, but maybe I'm missing something.

Also--anyone know the date of manufacture on albee's FPSVDs? I sent an e-mail but did not get a response.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

highest harness height for each?

17.25" for MA and FPSVD, I've heard some say 16.5" for the TA-but I didn't measure it

seat width for each?

Internal (like shoulder room) or external (how much room takes up in car)?? The TA seems to have more shoulder/leg/wiggle room and seems to take up more width in the car (mostly due to the side knobs for adjusting the harness with). The FPSVD is the same width as the MA.


shell height for each?

Again, MA and FPSVD are the same. From pictures people have taken here, it looks like the TA is the same as the Britax/FPSVD. It looked the same to me at Target, too.

Also, even on sale, the Marathon is still $80 more than the others. Help me understand what that $80 pays for other than the pretty cover, LOL! (Which I do love, BTW.) From what I understand the FPSVD is basically the same seat, but maybe I'm missing something.

Pretty covers, built in lock-offs for seatbelts that don't lock or to help keep the seat from tipping where the shoulder belt pulls on it(great for forward facing!!!), velcro to hold the straps back, crotch padding, an extra 10 pounds use (but same harness height, so only matters if your child has a shorter/stockier build), and a tether that can be used rear-facing. Definitely worth the extra $$, but if you need that $ to go elsewhere, these aren't necessities, KWIM? We love our FPSVD, it's a great seat, esp for that price!!

Also--anyone know the date of manufacture on albee's FPSVDs?

Seems like everyone has gotten a dom within the last year, some w/i the last 3-4 mos.

hths

henrietta