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Equipment Tests > Aftermarket car seat guide
Aftermarket car seat guide
Words by Phillip Lord
Let's face it - the seats in any standard 4WD are never perfectly comfortable for everyone. If you are one of the lucky ones who finds their original equipment 4WD seats just right, stop reading now. You should be out enjoying your comfy vehicle. For the rest of us who find our 4WD seats anything from niggling in their lack of comfort and range of adjustment to just plain awful, there are two choices: put up with the compromise or spend some money on a seat that's right for you. This is where aftermarket seats come into the equation. Your 4WD was designed with plenty of compromises. Aside from having bean counters on their backs to watch the pennies, 4WD engineers and designers have to shape their new creation to fit as wide a range of people as possible. And so the shape and construction of the original equipment seats is one of the biggest compromises of all.
Aftermarket seats are a different game. Here it's usually the core business of the people who make them. So they have to be the best seat possible. Aftermarket seats have plenty of research and development dollars spent on them and usually have better quality components, simply because that is what they rely on to sell. It's not like you buy a new 4WD and then have to go and seek out some seats so you can drive away in it - so the aftermarket products have to be quite a deal better than what comes as standard. Otherwise there would be no point, would there? New factory seats are getting more sophisticated in the level of adjustment they offer, but can't go to the extent of adjustments and flexibility offered by the aftermarket types. It just costs too much.
Lack of adjustment and support is a real problem for people with back or neck problems. Research into this area ensures the bread and butter sales for aftermarket seat manufacturers. Orthopaedic seat requirements usually fall into the too hard basket for 4WD manufacturers. They're too busy looking at the bigger picture. The original seats in old 4WDs usually have all the thought of a park bench put into their design. Add a few centuries of hard use, and they have all the comfort of a rickety old kitchen stool. And seat design safety was not as much of a concern as it is now, and of course they suffer from aging of the seat springing and frame. An aftermarket seat can make a big improvement to an older 4WD because not only are you sitting in a sweet-smelling brand new seat, but also in one that is no doubt safer, more orthopaedically designed, and with supportive cushioning giving a more comfortable ride. Aftermarket seats are built for longevity, and usually can easily be transferred to your next vehicle with only a change of seat mount.
The main things to think about with an aftermarket seat is whether it fits you right (don't gloss over this; spend some time sitting in the seat and think about your specific seating needs. If you have back problems, check it out with your doctor about what kind of seating support your problem would benefit from the most). One aspect of 4WD seats not often thought about is the discomfort caused by heavy side bolstering on the seat base. This bolstering is great for fast cornering in a sports car, but can be a real pain for climbing over in a tall 4WD. The following pages contain information compiled to help you make the right choice about aftermarket seating arrangements in your pride and joy.
Aftermarket seat buyers' guide
Aerotech
Aerotech 4X4
The Aerotech 4x4 is a recliner seat (incorporated tilt) with a conventional head rest. The seat incorporates foam lumbar, lateral support, a contoured seat base, no side steel bolster construction allowing ease of access to vehicle and Pirelli base and back suspension. Options include air lumbar support, mesh headrests, armrests and map pockets.
For more details call EDS Auto Interiors on (03) 9354 6176 or Fax (03) 9354 6634 or click on www.aerotech.com.au
Paratus Seats
Pararally
Pararsport
Paratour
Paraswift
All four of the Paratus seats have a pressed welded frame, a purpose-tuned suspension system by Pirelli, multi-density foam padding, double-sided reclining mechanisms to ensure torsional rigidity of the seat back (on models without the tilt-forward feature), mix and match seat cushions and seat backs, and map pockets. The list of extras includes adjustable armrests, a tilt-forward capability, pneumatic lumbar support, protective leather inserts on the seat cushion and back bolsters, protective seat covers, head pillows, a wide selection of automotive vinyl, fabric and leather. ADR approval and a two-year warranty covers all seats.
Paratus seats are distributed by ARB. For your nearest ARB store call (03) 9761 6622 or fax (03) 9761 6807.
SAAS Seats
Auto Concepts now owns SAAS, and is due to release a new range of seats by the time you read this, with improvements in padding, foam, lumbar support and velour quality. Though the basic shape and look of the seats will remain there will be all-new colours. For more information or for the location of your nearest SAAS stockist, call (03) 9545 0044 or fax (03) 9545 0033 or log onto http://www.autoconcepts.com.au
read on below advertisement
Stratos
3000 Compact
The budget 3000 Compact is an orthopaedically-designed seat which features full reclining and optional forward tilt. There's a padded head restraint, integrated lumbar support, Pirelli energy-absorbing base system and a low-mount base for easier entry/exit.
XT Turbo Commercial
The XT Turbo Commercial comes with an adjustable lumbar support card, a padded adjustable head restraint, a low-mount base for ease of entry/exit, double-locking recliner mechanisms, tilt-forward facility and a wide backrest with greater lateral support.
Eagle Compact
The top-of-the-range Eagle Compact has a low-mount base for ease of entry/exit, built-in lumbar support, lateral support with integrated structural arms, padded adjustable head restraint, reel-type recliner mechanism and a Pirelli energy-absorbing base system.
3000 LTS and XT LTS Suspension seats
These suspension seats are based on the 3000 and XT seats, except they have adjustable suspension bases in the back of the seat with twin springs and adjustment for spring tension to allow for a person's weight.
Stratos seats are distributed by Opposite Lock. For your nearest Opposite Lock store, call 1800 624 444 or log onto www.oppositelock.com
Recaro
N-Joy
The entry-level N-Joy has a fully upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, a recline adjustment on both sides, seat back release on both sides, lumbar support adjustable to suit the individual and an extendible seat cushion. An option for the N-Joy is a framed headrest.
Style
The Style has a fully upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, recline adjustment on both sides of the seat, seat backrest release on both sides, air lumbar support, combined electric seat height and tilt adjustment, extendible seat cushion, seat cushion mounted in roller cup bearings, seat-integrated controls and steel seat frame.
Recaro Mobility range
This range of Recaro seats allow for a wide range of body shapes and sizes to permit a tailor fitted seat. The Recaro mobility has a huge range of options, and is well suited to high seat applications as found in most 4WDs.
LX-F
For small to medium-sized individuals, drivers of average build; also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
LT-F
For small to medium-sized individuals, drivers of varied build, the LT-F features precise backrest adjustment possible to match your build and is also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
LX-X
For medium to large individuals, drivers of average build.
LT-X
For medium to large individuals, drivers of varied build, with precise backrest adjustment possible to match your build.
LX-W
For large individuals, drivers of big build, the LX-W is also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
LT-W
For large individuals, drivers of varied build, precise backrest adjustment is possible to match your build. The LT-W is also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
Ergomed DS
The Ergomed DS has a fully-upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, electrical recline adjustment, seat back release on both sides, adjustable backrest side bolsters, backrest pocket, electrical Recaro airmatic for lumbar support, electrical height and tilt adjustment, extendible seat cushion, seat integrated illuminated controls.
Orthopaed
The Orthopaed has low side bolsters and flat cushion for easier entry/exit, a fully-upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, an electrical recline adjustment, a seat back release on both sides, adjustable backrest side bolsters, adjustable shoulder support, electrical Recaro airmatic for lumbar support, a flat seat cushion which is also extendible to provide relief for tall drivers, illuminated controls and the Recaro climate control package including the Recaro vent system with seat cushion and backrest heating.
Variomed
The Variomed is designed with adjustments in shoulder and thigh regions for those who have suffered physical disability which has restricted their vehicle seating comfort. The Variomed specification list includes a fully-upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, recline adjustment on both sides, seat back release on both sides, upholstery adjustable in the shoulder and thigh regions both asymmetrically and symmetrically, lumbar support adjustable to suit the individual, a seat height and angle which can be individually adjusted by a Recaro dealer. Options include electrical recline adjustment and ambient temperature-dependent seat heating. For more information about Recaro seats call the national importer Roman Autotek Australia on (02) 9743 6822 or fax (02) 9743 6962 or log onto www.recaro.com
Let's face it - the seats in any standard 4WD are never perfectly comfortable for everyone. If you are one of the lucky ones who finds their original equipment 4WD seats just right, stop reading now. You should be out enjoying your comfy vehicle. For the rest of us who find our 4WD seats anything from niggling in their lack of comfort and range of adjustment to just plain awful, there are two choices: put up with the compromise or spend some money on a seat that's right for you. This is where aftermarket seats come into the equation. Your 4WD was designed with plenty of compromises. Aside from having bean counters on their backs to watch the pennies, 4WD engineers and designers have to shape their new creation to fit as wide a range of people as possible. And so the shape and construction of the original equipment seats is one of the biggest compromises of all.
Aftermarket seats are a different game. Here it's usually the core business of the people who make them. So they have to be the best seat possible. Aftermarket seats have plenty of research and development dollars spent on them and usually have better quality components, simply because that is what they rely on to sell. It's not like you buy a new 4WD and then have to go and seek out some seats so you can drive away in it - so the aftermarket products have to be quite a deal better than what comes as standard. Otherwise there would be no point, would there? New factory seats are getting more sophisticated in the level of adjustment they offer, but can't go to the extent of adjustments and flexibility offered by the aftermarket types. It just costs too much.
Lack of adjustment and support is a real problem for people with back or neck problems. Research into this area ensures the bread and butter sales for aftermarket seat manufacturers. Orthopaedic seat requirements usually fall into the too hard basket for 4WD manufacturers. They're too busy looking at the bigger picture. The original seats in old 4WDs usually have all the thought of a park bench put into their design. Add a few centuries of hard use, and they have all the comfort of a rickety old kitchen stool. And seat design safety was not as much of a concern as it is now, and of course they suffer from aging of the seat springing and frame. An aftermarket seat can make a big improvement to an older 4WD because not only are you sitting in a sweet-smelling brand new seat, but also in one that is no doubt safer, more orthopaedically designed, and with supportive cushioning giving a more comfortable ride. Aftermarket seats are built for longevity, and usually can easily be transferred to your next vehicle with only a change of seat mount.
The main things to think about with an aftermarket seat is whether it fits you right (don't gloss over this; spend some time sitting in the seat and think about your specific seating needs. If you have back problems, check it out with your doctor about what kind of seating support your problem would benefit from the most). One aspect of 4WD seats not often thought about is the discomfort caused by heavy side bolstering on the seat base. This bolstering is great for fast cornering in a sports car, but can be a real pain for climbing over in a tall 4WD. The following pages contain information compiled to help you make the right choice about aftermarket seating arrangements in your pride and joy.
Aftermarket seat buyers' guide
Aerotech
Aerotech 4X4
The Aerotech 4x4 is a recliner seat (incorporated tilt) with a conventional head rest. The seat incorporates foam lumbar, lateral support, a contoured seat base, no side steel bolster construction allowing ease of access to vehicle and Pirelli base and back suspension. Options include air lumbar support, mesh headrests, armrests and map pockets.
For more details call EDS Auto Interiors on (03) 9354 6176 or Fax (03) 9354 6634 or click on www.aerotech.com.au
Paratus Seats
Pararally
Pararsport
Paratour
Paraswift
All four of the Paratus seats have a pressed welded frame, a purpose-tuned suspension system by Pirelli, multi-density foam padding, double-sided reclining mechanisms to ensure torsional rigidity of the seat back (on models without the tilt-forward feature), mix and match seat cushions and seat backs, and map pockets. The list of extras includes adjustable armrests, a tilt-forward capability, pneumatic lumbar support, protective leather inserts on the seat cushion and back bolsters, protective seat covers, head pillows, a wide selection of automotive vinyl, fabric and leather. ADR approval and a two-year warranty covers all seats.
Paratus seats are distributed by ARB. For your nearest ARB store call (03) 9761 6622 or fax (03) 9761 6807.
SAAS Seats
Auto Concepts now owns SAAS, and is due to release a new range of seats by the time you read this, with improvements in padding, foam, lumbar support and velour quality. Though the basic shape and look of the seats will remain there will be all-new colours. For more information or for the location of your nearest SAAS stockist, call (03) 9545 0044 or fax (03) 9545 0033 or log onto http://www.autoconcepts.com.au
read on below advertisement
Stratos
3000 Compact
The budget 3000 Compact is an orthopaedically-designed seat which features full reclining and optional forward tilt. There's a padded head restraint, integrated lumbar support, Pirelli energy-absorbing base system and a low-mount base for easier entry/exit.
XT Turbo Commercial
The XT Turbo Commercial comes with an adjustable lumbar support card, a padded adjustable head restraint, a low-mount base for ease of entry/exit, double-locking recliner mechanisms, tilt-forward facility and a wide backrest with greater lateral support.
Eagle Compact
The top-of-the-range Eagle Compact has a low-mount base for ease of entry/exit, built-in lumbar support, lateral support with integrated structural arms, padded adjustable head restraint, reel-type recliner mechanism and a Pirelli energy-absorbing base system.
3000 LTS and XT LTS Suspension seats
These suspension seats are based on the 3000 and XT seats, except they have adjustable suspension bases in the back of the seat with twin springs and adjustment for spring tension to allow for a person's weight.
Stratos seats are distributed by Opposite Lock. For your nearest Opposite Lock store, call 1800 624 444 or log onto www.oppositelock.com
Recaro
N-Joy
The entry-level N-Joy has a fully upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, a recline adjustment on both sides, seat back release on both sides, lumbar support adjustable to suit the individual and an extendible seat cushion. An option for the N-Joy is a framed headrest.
Style
The Style has a fully upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, recline adjustment on both sides of the seat, seat backrest release on both sides, air lumbar support, combined electric seat height and tilt adjustment, extendible seat cushion, seat cushion mounted in roller cup bearings, seat-integrated controls and steel seat frame.
Recaro Mobility range
This range of Recaro seats allow for a wide range of body shapes and sizes to permit a tailor fitted seat. The Recaro mobility has a huge range of options, and is well suited to high seat applications as found in most 4WDs.
LX-F
For small to medium-sized individuals, drivers of average build; also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
LT-F
For small to medium-sized individuals, drivers of varied build, the LT-F features precise backrest adjustment possible to match your build and is also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
LX-X
For medium to large individuals, drivers of average build.
LT-X
For medium to large individuals, drivers of varied build, with precise backrest adjustment possible to match your build.
LX-W
For large individuals, drivers of big build, the LX-W is also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
LT-W
For large individuals, drivers of varied build, precise backrest adjustment is possible to match your build. The LT-W is also suitable for vehicles with high entry and exit levels, as well as for drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently.
Ergomed DS
The Ergomed DS has a fully-upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, electrical recline adjustment, seat back release on both sides, adjustable backrest side bolsters, backrest pocket, electrical Recaro airmatic for lumbar support, electrical height and tilt adjustment, extendible seat cushion, seat integrated illuminated controls.
Orthopaed
The Orthopaed has low side bolsters and flat cushion for easier entry/exit, a fully-upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, an electrical recline adjustment, a seat back release on both sides, adjustable backrest side bolsters, adjustable shoulder support, electrical Recaro airmatic for lumbar support, a flat seat cushion which is also extendible to provide relief for tall drivers, illuminated controls and the Recaro climate control package including the Recaro vent system with seat cushion and backrest heating.
Variomed
The Variomed is designed with adjustments in shoulder and thigh regions for those who have suffered physical disability which has restricted their vehicle seating comfort. The Variomed specification list includes a fully-upholstered headrest with height and tilt adjustment, recline adjustment on both sides, seat back release on both sides, upholstery adjustable in the shoulder and thigh regions both asymmetrically and symmetrically, lumbar support adjustable to suit the individual, a seat height and angle which can be individually adjusted by a Recaro dealer. Options include electrical recline adjustment and ambient temperature-dependent seat heating. For more information about Recaro seats call the national importer Roman Autotek Australia on (02) 9743 6822 or fax (02) 9743 6962 or log onto www.recaro.com
