Who’s got the best seat?

I own Wilderness kayaks and I believe they have the best non lawn chair type seat on the market. However as I get older I’m starting to think I might benefit from getting a kayak that has a taller seat. I have a damaged tailbone, low back issues and just plain old age issues. I know a lot of makers have lawn chair type seats now. I’m going to check out the Wilderness offerings of course. It’s difficult to try everything, so I thought I could ask. Do any brands that you’ve tried offer features that put them in a class above the rest?

When I got my Hobie Outback (lawn chair) I definetly liked the lumbar adjustment for my lower back. I also adjusted the back angle to a slight recline for the hip angle ease while peddling. I spent 6 hours one day peddling/drifting with very little discomfort. A big improvement over my Manta ray seat.

The Feel Free seat on their lures is pretty darn comfortable(lots of padding) and adjustable to multiple positions while you can still be seated.  My best advice would be to go to dealer and try out the seats (preferably while on the water).  I did this at Headwaters in Lodi and it was well worth the hour plus drive

it really depends on the individual.  I find the feelfree seats to be cushy and comfortable, but others don't. 

Headwaters and demo days are the way to go.

it really depends on the individual.

Headwaters and demo days are the way to go.

+1

^this

The Feel Free seat on their lures is pretty darn comfortable(lots of padding) and adjustable to multiple positions while you can still be seated.  My best advice would be to go to dealer and try out the seats (preferably while on the water).  I did this at Headwaters in Lodi and it was well worth the hour plus drive

+1 for everything above. I actually just purchased a Lure 11.5 Demo from Headwaters in Lodi. #1, i cant say enough about that team (Dan is the man) and transported the yak out to a local lake to demo within the hour. #2, the referenced "gravity seat" is pretty incredible in terms of adjustability (10 different heights that can be adjusted with a single pull of a strap). in terms of comfort, I'm sure the higher end seats offer roughly the same deal, but comfort + adjustability.....i'd look into the feel free system.

-Justin

the Malibu XSeat is probably one of the best seats and versatile

https://malibukayaks.com/x-seat/

I like the Jackson seat. It’s 1000x better than my new Hobie’s seat.

I agree I need to sit in them. I'm hoping to eliminate some so I don't have to try them all. Multiple settings and some recline are two good features. Quality padding is a must.

The new Hobie seat, while comfortable, is of questionable build quality. The mesh fabric needs to be more durable. I have seen too many ripped seats. The hinges for the seat back need to be redesigned, or at the very least thread lock the bolts to prevent them from backing out.

I did thread lock mine after the left side unscrewed on the salt. Had to get out of the seat and hand thread the screw back in to finish the day fishing.

I did thread lock mine after the left side unscrewed on the salt. Had to get out of the seat and hand thread the screw back in to finish the day fishing.

The same thing happened to me while trolling for salmon.  So fortunate the bolt stayed on the kayak. I thought it was a fluke, but it kept backing out on subsequent trips. Finally took the seat apart to thread lock the bolts.

I like the Jackson seat. It’s 1000x better than my new Hobie’s seat.

Yup, I don't know any different.  I sit on the thing 8 hrs at a time.

 
  My Stock OB seat sucks! (Calling it a seat is a huge statement). I purchases a "Sea-To-Summit" to replace the stock, and find it marginally better.  I have a Costco Stadium seat to install now and try.  It sure looks a lot more comfortable, I hope it doesn't affect the peddling function.