How to choose a comfortable AND supportive fixed back seat

[2mAn]

I'm slowly converting my car into a weekend canyon/ HPDE / track car and Ive already sold my Recaro SE seats so now I need to figure something out. I found a member here selling a Corbeau FX1 seat and its a great deal, so Im between that and a Momo Start Racing Seat. Problem is I wont have a chance to "try them on" before buying them, so Im trying to find a place that has them in stock locally. Ive reached out to GMG Racing, but I was wondering if anyone has experience with either of these, or any input to help decide

[agent]

The relationship between fixed back seat prices and their comfort level is pretty linear. I put OMP TRS-Es in Lola and they're fine for how I use the car (occasionally). They're comfortable enough, but there's not a lot of padding in them. If I drove the car for more than a handful of events each year I probably would have ponied up for more expensive (read: more comfortable) ones.

[2mAn]

Im not sure how many miles my car will see, but I did find a place fairly locally (thanks to Alex, iwantspeed) so I will be heading out there to see if the Momo is the winner. Hopefully it is.

[djjerme]

Meh.

I've sat in quite a few different seats in various racecars/track cars over the years, and they all have issues here and there. But the reality is, when you are racing, the only thing that matters is if it's supportive enough.

Even in enduros after 2 hour stints, even the nicest seats you are sore. That's why many guys will use inserts/expanding foam/old pillows to fill the void.

If I was buying new, I'd probably get a aluminum seat like the Kirkey, and just add on the pieces I need, then make or have made an insert to match my backside needs.

I do have an older FX1, that I use for a second seat when instructing or giving rides. I am not a fan of it, because I do like a tighter seat for my narrow arse.

[2mAn]

At this point, the FX1 is the backup. Its further away and was bought in '13. I totally hear what you are saying about the Kirkey, but seeing as how this isnt a 100% track car yet, I dont want something thats effectively a piece of metal that Im sitting on. Momo is looking good and if for some reason that doesnt work, theres a few Sparcos Im looking at as well.

[moatilliatta]

Do you run roll bar?

What is your size?

[2mAn]

Up until recently it was only a street / autox car. No roll bar yet, but thats in the plans also

[djjerme]

At this point, the FX1 is the backup. Its further away and was bought in '13. I totally hear what you are saying about the Kirkey, but seeing as how this isnt a 100% track car yet, I dont want something thats effectively a piece of metal that Im sitting on. Momo is looking good and if for some reason that doesnt work, theres a few Sparcos Im looking at as well.

One thing you could try is going to either an Autocross or track day this weekend, and just see if people will let you sit in the seats in your car. Many amateur guys are pretty cool about that if you explain what you are trying to do.

Then you can try 'em out before buying.

I currently have a Momo in my car, though I can't remember the style, but it's got the halo wings on the top. It was installed by the Chumpcar team I ran with because we are using my PRO3 car in the Lucky Dog series until the other car is finished being built. It's not bad, but I had to go back to using the upper leg padding in front (I normally remove it.)

[ForcedFirebird]

Do you run roll bar?

What is your size?

I was going to ask the same. Please don't use a fixed back seat without a roll bar, even in HPDE. It's asking for trouble.

As mentioned, all the seats can/will get uncomfortable over time, but we have been using the OMP HTE-R in the endurance cars and they are by far the most comfortable, specially if you are doing long stints. It's far from cheap, though.

[agent]

Up until recently it was only a street / autox car. No roll bar yet, but thats in the plans also

For what it's worth, I'd suggest doing a bar/cage and the fixed back seats and six point harnesses all at once.

You're going to need a bar to properly mount the harnesses, and the seat design and their mounting method will have a bearing on the harness anchor locations.

[2mAn]

The roll bar is in the very near future. It may see one event before a roll bar goes in, but as its been mentioned, its a chain reaction. Fixed back seat => 6 point Harness => Roll Bar. I do appreciate the concern.

[moatilliatta]

I would not run a halo seat without a roll bar/ cage. Fixed back ok.

But if you're serious into track days I would look at Sparco ERGO. It has removable halos which will great for a dual purpose car. Highly recommended.

If interested, let me know as I can get Sparco, OMP, Racetech, Recaro, ect..

Zach

[ForcedFirebird]

I would not run a halo seat without a roll bar/ cage. Fixed back ok.

Any seat that does not recline in a roll over is a bad idea without a roll bar.

[agent]

The roll bar is in the very near future. It may see one event before a roll bar goes in, but as its been mentioned, its a chain reaction. Fixed back seat => 6 point Harness => Roll Bar. I do appreciate the concern.

The issue with that plan is they are codependent. You can't properly install six points without a bar, and even though you can, you shouldn't install the seats without six points.

[Jb325is]

The start is not a very comfortable seat IIRC.. I think it has molded in lower padding instead of a separate thigh pad/butt pad and it lacks the built in "rake" that most seats have (which is really reverse rake). I think for the money, the Sparco Evo's and Circuits are the most comfortable seats. I have a Momo Lesmo 1 and it's pretty cheap for a halo seat @ <$900 but is built for small people... I am borderline too big for it in both height and girth, I'm 6'2 185. For your uses, look for a Sparo Evo