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Old 11-03-2018, 04:02 AM   #1
S14pilot
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Lightbulb Bride seat reviews

I've been looking at new aftermarket seats for my GV lately, and I'm asking for your help getting some reviews of what you all have had. Likes, dislikes, and general opinions. Too high, too low, pain to install, seat rails suck, comfort level, etcetera. Or if you really liked what you got too. Anything that you encountered.

The main seat I've had my eye on is a Bride Euroster ii. I know Bride is a top notch brand, but it's been difficult to find any good reviews on them outside of a retailer trying to convince someone to buy it. My second choice is the Stradia, but it's my daily and I'm afraid it wouldn't be comfortable on longer trips.

Any other brands you suggest I should look into that you really like?

Thanks everyone!
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Old 11-04-2018, 02:27 PM   #2
Stiwagon12
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Can’t go wrong with recaro.
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Old 11-04-2018, 07:20 PM   #3
moby4dick
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I'd start out by saying that you really have to sit in the seat before making any buying decision. It's like buying clothes; even if you get your size in say jeans, they are all cut differently.

I'm pretty small, 5'4", 30" waist, so I love my Bride Zeta III bucket. I don't know what you call longer drives, but I've taken 4 hour rides to Boston and am totally comfortable. The seats sit fairly low; Bride sells spacers to go between the seat and rail but made of plastic. I bought aluminum bar stock and made 3/4" high, longer spacers. With those the seat height is a hair lower than the stockers. Installation was very easy, seat rails very well made; probably helps that the bucket seat is very light.

The Stradias/Gias are reclining versions of the buckets, with the Gias having the really high bolsters like the buckets and the Stradia a little lower so not as much of a stretch getting in/out of the seat.

I don't have a strong recollection of the Euroster, but I recall it having a "cushier" feeling than any of the above. However it's not really made for support when you're flying around turns, so more for "Grand Touring", I suppose.

I did try out some Recaros. I loved the Sportster, super comfortable, great hold (love that feeling of being "hugged in" by the seat"); unfortunately the harness pass-through dug into the back of my head so it was a no go. If I was taller, another story. I would seek those out if your height is more typically than me.

The other seats I checked out were buckets, so I don't think that's what you're after.

But again...YOU have to sit in the seat and be comfortable. There's no way I would buy a seat without trying it out. And none are inexpensive...at least not the better ones.
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Old 11-06-2018, 11:25 PM   #4
S14pilot
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Moby

Thanks for the feedback! My long drives can be as much as 9 hours, home for family visits. So with that I'm not sure a fixed bucket would be my choice. I will for sure go try some on before I make my mind up. One problem I'm finding though is shops that have Brides on display with others like Recaros in the Midwest.

Hearing your description of the Stradias gives me a little more confidence with considering them along with the Eruosters. Would you say the seat padding was enough to sit in a while and not feel the springs under you after a bit?

Wagon12, which Recaro are you running?
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Old 11-07-2018, 11:39 AM   #5
subaru_gc8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S14pilot View Post
I've been looking at new aftermarket seats for my GV lately, and I'm asking for your help getting some reviews of what you all have had. Likes, dislikes, and general opinions. Too high, too low, pain to install, seat rails suck, comfort level, etcetera. Or if you really liked what you got too. Anything that you encountered.

The main seat I've had my eye on is a Bride Euroster ii. I know Bride is a top notch brand, but it's been difficult to find any good reviews on them outside of a retailer trying to convince someone to buy it. My second choice is the Stradia, but it's my daily and I'm afraid it wouldn't be comfortable on longer trips.

Any other brands you suggest I should look into that you really like?

Thanks everyone!
the way most seats work is they are comfortable unless you dont fit. the brides run small/ i sat in a stradia and i didnt fit. I have a 34 waist, am 5'6" tall and it was super tight. if you are looking at a reclinable seat, i would get the recaro sports they are super comfortable or if you are on a budget, I have the old v4 seats they are super comfortable.
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Old 11-09-2018, 09:00 AM   #6
Illipino_
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I have DC5 Recaros in my RSX/Daily and Bride Zeta III's in my STil.

I have back issues from constant deployments in the service, not sure if you have medical issues with your back. But heres my .02 - Recaro's are comfortable, almost most recaro's are, unless you're getting the race track recaros, but even then, they're almost night and day difference in comfort from brides.

My STi/Brides are basically a weekend and show car. It can be a bitch to get in and out. If you're rushing for work, or just a type of person that doesnt initially take the extra few seconds not to ruin the material on your brides, it'll fray overtime. Aside from that, i have another pair of brides i interchange in the rsx when i track it. driving in brides, unless youre in Gias, Cugo, or any other reclinable bride, is not comfortable.
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Old 11-09-2018, 10:27 AM   #7
S14pilot
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I'm 5'8", 32 waist. I'm just gonna have to sit in a few and try them out. The Recaro Speed V and Sportster GT don't look too bad. I really would like not to have another leather seat. Grip value is low and they are cold and hot when you don't want them to be.

The Bride Euroster doesn't look like it would be as constricting as maybe the Stradia or Gias, so maybe it nice to compare it to the suggestions everyone has made.
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Old 11-09-2018, 06:10 PM   #8
LowandSlowDC5
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This is coming from an S2000 owner. I like the Bride Vios III Low Max. That being said - I just installed a Recaro Pole Position. I love it. 5'9 135lbs (Yes I'm a toddler)
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Old 11-10-2018, 08:39 AM   #9
moby4dick
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S14pilot View Post
Moby

Thanks for the feedback! My long drives can be as much as 9 hours, home for family visits. So with that I'm not sure a fixed bucket would be my choice. I will for sure go try some on before I make my mind up. One problem I'm finding though is shops that have Brides on display with others like Recaros in the Midwest.

Hearing your description of the Stradias gives me a little more confidence with considering them along with the Eruosters. Would you say the seat padding was enough to sit in a while and not feel the springs under you after a bit?

Wagon12, which Recaro are you running?
Hey sorry, I meant the Recaro Speed, not the Sportster. Anyway, I don't remember if the Stradia had more padding than the Zeta iii. I would say though that on a 9 hour ride it'll be a bit much. The Bride's padding is not super thick. On a 4 hour ride I'm comfortable the whole time, but I did do a 7+ hour ride and it started to feel bit tiring. Re springs, I'm assuming you meant seat springs? Don't think the Stradia has any. You would have to find a really good Bride dealer that has a pretty good variety. They have many, many models, not typically advertised or shown.

I think your real take-away is that you MUST find a dealer that has seats on display to sit your butt down in, or find people that have seats to try, before spending any cash. It would be well worth your time even if it means a long road trip. And also keep in mind that there are different sizes of the same model. Example, the Zeta iii I have comes in at least three different sizes up to XL. Also that the same seat may have a version with lower bolsters, Recaros as an example, better for daily driver. My car is not a daily, it's a weekend fun/soon to be occasional weekend track warrior. So everyone has different priorities.
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Old 11-10-2018, 11:49 AM   #10
S14pilot
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moby4dick View Post
And also keep in mind that there are different sizes of the same model. Example, the Zeta iii I have comes in at least three different sizes up to XL. Also that the same seat may have a version with lower bolsters, Recaros as an example, better for daily driver. .
This is info I've been looking for! There isn't much on different size options out there, with most any brands. This is good to know going into a dealer.

I am also going to look to see what it'd take for an auto upholstery shop around here to maybe re-pad the original seat and insert some alcantara. Either way its time to start calling around and trying some stuff on for size.

If anyone has any other suggestions on seats they like, please chime in. As long as they aren't knockoffs. Ya know, safety 3rd and all. Thanks everyone for the help!
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Old 01-14-2020, 08:37 PM   #11
S14pilot
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Update:

I ended up purchasing a new Bride Stradia and seat rail. I love this seat! It's definitely a snug hug and I'm kind of a small guy, but is still comfortable (mostly). The rail and seat fit perfectly in the car with zero modification. It does have some drawbacks though. Long distant trips over 4 hrs are really hard on the tailbone. And without a removable steering wheel it can be hard to get in and out of with my short stature.

All in all I like it and just have to make some adjustments for longer trips.
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Old 11-05-2020, 03:00 AM   #12
Jtech
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Norm is that you?
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