Recaro Sportster CS vs Stock - worth it?

[JDM4E]

Here in Europe, there is quite a bit problem to find BRZ with the leather interior. In reality, it is like 2-2.5k extra cash. That is about a half for Sportster CS with airbags.

So I am wandering which way to go between the OEM leather and Sporster CS

For you who have the experience with both seats in the twins, how would you explain your experience? Do you have more "butt" feel of the car? Are they comfortable on long drives? (important)

I am 6 feet and 150 lbs athletic body.
Thanks.

[Vracer111]

I have the regular, non SRS Recaro Sportster CS installed for the driver seat. I'm 6'2" about 185lbs, with 34" inseam. I custom mounted the seat to try and get it lower than stock, but at most the seating position is less than 1/2" lower than stock. Maximum comfort of the Sportster CS ultimately depends on how much rake angle you can get with the seat bottom - the more the better. But even with hardly any rake they are noticeably more comfortable than stock seats. 30 minutes is all I could comfortably take with the stock seats, long drives with them were torture.

Most Japanese car seats are like this for me, the seat bottoms just are totally wrong in contour and put pressure on the thighs and butt. The Sportster CS is an entirely different story, one of the most comfortable seats ever (even without optimal rake angle currently) - a drive all day in comfort seat. It also is a change in feel in driving the car...with the Sportster CS it's like you are one with the chassis (similar to a hard mounted race seat) and have so much more feedback of what the car is doing. They also hold you in place much more securely than the stock seats. The stock seats are ones you sit ON, the Sportster CS are seats you sit IN.

[irax]

Where can I buy one for the BRZ or do I have to order from Subaru/Toyota ?

[JDM4E]

Originally Posted by irax

Where can I buy one for the BRZ or do I have to order from Subaru/Toyota ?

you can buy them from Recaro.

[FNCrazy]

Okay, fine.

I admit it.

I've been wanting leather seats but never fully looked into "race" seats because I am technically the world's fatest man.

Autocorrect wanted to change that to fastest man, but then it would be autoincorrect.

Don't tell anyone, but I'm about 5'10" and 350lbs of pure (once) muscle.

Any of these aftermarket seats have a chance at fitting me?

I make up 112% of what I say.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by FNCrazy

Okay, fine.

I admit it.

I've been wanting leather seats but never fully looked into "race" seats because I am technically the world's fatest man.

Autocorrect wanted to change that to fastest man, but then it would be autoincorrect.

Don't tell anyone, but I'm about 5'10" and 350lbs of pure (once) muscle.

Any of these aftermarket seats have a chance at fitting me?

I make up 112% of what I say.

I suggest bench seats.

[FNCrazy]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

I suggest bench seats.

Most helpful, but right now I have my Lazy Boy (in leather!) in there and it's extremely comfortable, aside from lateral stability problems.

Seriously though... The stock seats fit fine, so I guess I just want to know if they have stock width leather racing seats?

I make up 112% of what I say.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by FNCrazy

Most helpful, but right now I have my Lazy Boy (in leather!) in there and it's extremely comfortable, aside from lateral stability problems.

Seriously though... The stock seats fit fine, so I guess I just want to know if they have stock width leather racing seats?

I make up 112% of what I say.

I would find a speed shop and sit in their seats. I think the stock seats are very much like OEM Recaros. They're just great, and they really hold me in place without being a pain. There's a variety of Recaros, including some for those of greater girth. Seats are so personal, though, that I would strongly recommend actually sitting in the model in question. I like how Recaro has seats with ventilation and heating. However, much dollar. Also, they don't hold their value well at all.

Best seats are BMW 5-series sport seats. My gawd...

[Vracer111]

Hip and chest sizes will be the most critical dimensions. I know there are seats to fit larger guys out there. The Sportster CS are better than stock for the chest and shoulders.

This one may be of interest:

Recaro Expert

If you are going to change out a seat in a daily driver car you might as well do it right and get a Recaro aftermarket seat. Your body will thank you. Your wallet will cry bloody murder though...LOL

[FNCrazy]

That's why my bank account (and, if I'm honest, my wife), cry themselves to sleep at night. Do it right, not at all, or do it right but sneaky!

I make up 112% of what I say.

[FNCrazy]

Originally Posted by Vracer111

This one may be of interest:

Recaro Expert

If you are going to change out a seat in a daily driver car you might as well do it right and get a Recaro aftermarket seat. Your body will thank you. Your wallet will cry bloody murder though...LOL

Okay, I love those seats! Unfortunately they're about 700 miles to the nearest dealer! Oops

I make up 112% of what I say.

[FNCrazy]

Wow, you are NOT joking about price!

The Recaro's give their dimensions, I need to find frs stock dimensions... Can't seem to find them though

I make up 112% of what I say.

[EAGLE5]

Call race shops, especially near tracks. I'm sure there's a place closer than 700 miles away.

[FNCrazy]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

Call race shops, especially near tracks. I'm sure there's a place closer than 700 miles away.

Copy, thanks!

That would reduce it to 100 miles! Lol

I make up 112% of what I say.