Let me be clear -- I'm not one of those "lumbar guys" who complains that every seat in the butt-sitting world "needs more lumbar." It's generally a non-issue for me. However, this squooshy pad really worked for me in our longterm 2009 Dodge Viper during my long roadtrip a couple months ago.
During that trip, I learned that the Viper's seats have some great aspects and some areas that don't suit long distance travel. The long thigh cushion and lateral support get high marks. The big hole in lieu of a lumbar support, not so much.
The biggest surprise was that the seat's shoulder wings really bugged me after several hours in the saddle -- they force my shoulders to rotate forward, which gave me all kinds of trouble in my left shoulder for days afterward. It's something I never even noticed during my prior short trips in the Viper.
Also, see those pseudo-suede inserts at the butt and lower back? They do more than feel nice to the touch; they're functional -- the fabric acts like velcro when placed in shear so you stay in place during hard cornering.
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
joefrompa says:
12:50 PM, 09/ 1/10
I've found myself getting shoulder problems with the upper bolster in my 2006 Civic SI. My blades are rotated forward for hours on end.
Ironically, my '99 Porsche Boxster is far less comfortable to sit in because my shoulder blades sit ON TOP of the seat. I never sink in. But I'm also perfectly comfortable getting out too (for a short wheel base, smallish interior, hard-riding sports car).
sharpend says:
01:01 PM, 09/ 1/10
Hey Jason, what kind of "squooshy pad" is that exactly?
Looks like it could work well in a Lotus Elise seat. My lower back hurts after a while and more/better lumbar support would help.
subaru123 says:
01:02 PM, 09/ 1/10
Looks like the "squooshy pad" is from REI
subaru123 says:
01:05 PM, 09/ 1/10
http://www.rei.com/product/763637
What do I win :)
theevildrsin says:
01:35 PM, 09/ 1/10
Hey Sharpend,
do you use the inflatable lumbar adjustment in the Elise or does it not help?
jkavanagh says:
01:40 PM, 09/ 1/10
Yup, it's an REI pad like the one linked by subaru123.
joefrompa, I didn't realize you picked up a Boxster. When did that happen?
bodyblue says:
02:26 PM, 09/ 1/10
The leather on the seat looks like it is good quality.....a much better unit than in the Vette for sure.
joefrompa says:
01:21 PM, 09/ 2/10
JK - Inherited from my father. One of these days, I'll submit the story to Donna DeRosa.
kevm14 says:
06:36 PM, 09/ 2/10
"The leather on the seat looks like it is good quality.....a much better unit than in the Vette for sure."
It's 8 years newer!