Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$181.99
Rating 4.65 4.90

Our Thoughts

The Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 are high-quality car seats offering both safety and function that suit families well. Both car seats transition from rear-facing to forward-facing configurations, accommodating your child's growth. The Britax Marathon ClickTight is known for its patented ClickTight installation system that simplifies securing the car seat, making it a popular choice for parents seeking ease of use. Alternatively, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 offers an additional transformation into a high-back booster for children up to 100lbs, providing longevity in usage.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight bolsters safety and durability with superior side impact protection and a reinforced steel frame. The chemical-free fabric and machine-washable padding make maintaining cleanliness a breeze. This car seat adds a level of comfort for your little ones with soft, high-end materials. That being said, some parents have reported challenges with strap adjustment and potential comfort issues for larger children. We can see this reflected in the specified maximum weight for forward-facing configuration being 65lbs.

In contrast, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 is praised for its slim structure, perfect for growing families needing to fit multiple car seats in smaller vehicles. The 3-in-1 feature adapts from a rear-facing harness, to a forward-facing harness, and into a high-back booster for a wide range of weight from 5lbs to 100lbs. This offers long-lasting use as your child grows, providing excellent value for your purchase. This car seat incorporates Graco's ProtectPlus engineering, which is rigorously tested for various crash scenarios, ensuring comprehensive safety. While the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 does note easy installation, it doesn't have a specific enhancement like the ClickTight system in the Britax Marathon ClickTight.

Taking into account all the key points, I would suggest the Britax Marathon ClickTight if expertly assured safety and ease of installation are your primary concerns. This car seat certainly shines with its patented ClickTight system, brilliant safety features, and chemical-free fabric, providing a secure and healthy environment for your child.

On the other hand, if you value versatility, slim design, and extended longevity in usage, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 would be your perfect fit. Especially for parents expecting more children or those with smaller vehicles, this car seat’s slim structure and the capability to transform into a high-back booster offer great convenience and practicality. However, we recommend considering the potential challenges with installation and finding the perfect angle or fit for newborns when choosing the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Brand Britax Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.90
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $195.99 - $279.99
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$181.99
Value

Offers durable construction and long-lasting use, justifying its price point.

The price point is moderate considering its 3-in-1 capability and longevity from infant to booster stage.

Safety

Includes superior side impact protection and a steel frame for enhanced safety.

With its steel-reinforced frame and ProtectPlus engineering, it exceeds standard safety expectations.

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

The car seat includes a no-rethread harness, multiple recline positions, and dual cup holders, adding convenience.

Installation

The ClickTight system simplifies installation, making it straightforward and reliable.

The installation process is standard, with no specific enhancements that simplify it significantly.

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

The Rapid Remove cover is machine-washable, facilitating easy cleanup.

Size

While not the most compact, its size is typical for convertible car seats.

The slim profile is ideal for fitting three across in the backseat, a rare attribute in car seats.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Width 18.5 inches 19.9 inches
Height 23.0 inches 25.5 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 21.5 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 21.5 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Model Year 2021 2022
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Britax Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1