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      05-17-2020, 04:08 PM   #1
grl.racr
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fixed back seat for smol driver

Hey all,

I've been looking around for some racing bucket seats for a while but having a hard time figuring things out. In an ideal world I'd get to go sit in a few and test em out, but that doesn't seem likely to happen for the foreseeable future.

I'm 5'1" - 115lb woman. Hip width is 15" when measured sitting down. I was considering the Recaro Profi SPG as they seem narrow but the height aspect I have no clue about regarding shoulders and where the harness will hit me. I also am unsure the difference between these and the Pole Position.

I have a Studio RSR half cage to be installed with the seats, but this car will also be street driven. TBH probably more street driven than track, as we have winter half the darn year and it's my DD. Looking for a seat/setup that will not only fit my size but have safety in mind as well for utilizing stock belts most of the time.

If you know any petite and/or lady drivers what seat do they use? Any recommendations on where to look? Thx!
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      05-17-2020, 10:17 PM   #2
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I wouldn't buy anything without sitting in it if I were you!

Recaro Pole Positions are fairly small seats, with low shoulder holes.
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      05-18-2020, 07:19 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Montaver View Post
I wouldn't buy anything without sitting in it if I were you!

Recaro Pole Positions are fairly small seats, with low shoulder holes.
that was my fear, but gosh I am getting impatient LOL
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      05-18-2020, 08:14 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrs.boost View Post
that was my fear, but gosh I am getting impatient LOL
I agree with Montaver here. Besides just finding one to that fits your frame you also have the added requirements needed to serve DD duty. For a mixed use seat I would definitely want to make sure it is comfortable on the street too - and unfortunately the best way to find that out is to sit in a bit. And when you do sit it in - would want to spend some time both with & without a helmet. I've sat in seats without my helmet on that felt great - but immediately after putting the helmet on knew they wouldn't work.

You might try chatting with the folks at IND - they are familiar with recaro & I'm sure the other brands as well and might be able to give you some feedback on the different models. I have always worked with Cat@IND but I'm sure they all could be of help. No affiliation, just always been happy with their service & products and think they could offer some good guidance in your situation.
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      05-18-2020, 11:28 AM   #5
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Sit in a Mustang or a Camaro with Recaro seats, take some measurements, and go from there. They have amazing seats right out of the Factory. Not sure why this is so hard for BMW.

Those brands get the seats right. And the are reclining. Back for the street, forward for the track.

Last edited by 5.M0NSTER; 05-18-2020 at 11:42 AM..
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      05-18-2020, 10:18 PM   #6
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I bought a standard size OMP seat for my sim and it was way too small... Italian and all. Probably a brand to keep on your radar
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      05-19-2020, 12:18 PM   #7
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Have you ever daily-ed a fixed back seat? If not then be warned getting in and out of them gets old. On the track they are phenomenal and the ones I've owned were very comfortable even for long sits.
For me though it did change the car to be further away from a comfortable daily driver. I'd recommend at least keeping your stock seats just in case.
If you are sure that is the direction you want to go...
I'd say the Pole Position would be a good starting point. My favorite was the Racetech 4009. Ultimately, I have to agree with others that you want to sit in it yourself before buying. Or at least sit in one or two to try and understand where you are at and then try to find seats with the right differences to suit you.

Maybe a non-fixed back would be worth looking at. I have not tried one but I am interested in finding something that holds better than stock but I don't have to completely hoist myself over the bolster or put a hand on the ground and fall out of the car every time I want to get in or out. Perhaps I just need to try more brands though.

Last edited by JoeP; 05-19-2020 at 12:23 PM..
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      05-19-2020, 02:44 PM   #8
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Unless you get a special mount, I would imagine it would be a bit hard to see over the steering wheel. Even with the seat at the top of the adjustable mount, it's a lot lower than the OEM seat.
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      05-20-2020, 09:10 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OG Shark View Post
I agree with Montaver here. Besides just finding one to that fits your frame you also have the added requirements needed to serve DD duty. For a mixed use seat I would definitely want to make sure it is comfortable on the street too - and unfortunately the best way to find that out is to sit in a bit. And when you do sit it in - would want to spend some time both with & without a helmet. I've sat in seats without my helmet on that felt great - but immediately after putting the helmet on knew they wouldn't work.

You might try chatting with the folks at IND - they are familiar with recaro & I'm sure the other brands as well and might be able to give you some feedback on the different models. I have always worked with Cat@IND but I'm sure they all could be of help. No affiliation, just always been happy with their service & products and think they could offer some good guidance in your situation.
thanks - didn't even think to test the seat with the helmet.. makes total sense! Will definitely be dropping them a line


Quote:
Originally Posted by Malakas View Post
I bought a standard size OMP seat for my sim and it was way too small... Italian and all. Probably a brand to keep on your radar
thanks! will check into their stuff as well

Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeP View Post
Have you ever daily-ed a fixed back seat? If not then be warned getting in and out of them gets old. On the track they are phenomenal and the ones I've owned were very comfortable even for long sits.
For me though it did change the car to be further away from a comfortable daily driver. I'd recommend at least keeping your stock seats just in case.
If you are sure that is the direction you want to go...
I'd say the Pole Position would be a good starting point. My favorite was the Racetech 4009. Ultimately, I have to agree with others that you want to sit in it yourself before buying. Or at least sit in one or two to try and understand where you are at and then try to find seats with the right differences to suit you.

Maybe a non-fixed back would be worth looking at. I have not tried one but I am interested in finding something that holds better than stock but I don't have to completely hoist myself over the bolster or put a hand on the ground and fall out of the car every time I want to get in or out. Perhaps I just need to try more brands though.
I haven't used fixed back seat for DD yet, but I am self employed and honestly don't drive far/often on a typical week. I know it will be a little bit of a pain.. but racecar LOL.

I did sit in my friends Sparco QRT-Carbon seat the other night, and agree need to test some more out. Want it to fit me like a glove!

Quote:
Originally Posted by kpaso View Post
Unless you get a special mount, I would imagine it would be a bit hard to see over the steering wheel. Even with the seat at the top of the adjustable mount, it's a lot lower than the OEM seat.
Yeah mounting is a whole other thing I need to figure out. Will probably find a shop to help me get it setup for my optimal driving position. Might need pedal extenders based on my research haha.
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      05-20-2020, 10:10 AM   #10
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[QUOTE=mrs.boost;26201152
Yeah mounting is a whole other thing I need to figure out. Will probably find a shop to help me get it setup for my optimal driving position. Might need pedal extenders based on my research haha.[/QUOTE]

Might take a look at these - Brey-Krause Seat Mounts

They work great - still have the functioning oem electric slider. When running harnesses just set them to fit when you are in your preferred seating position and use the slider to move back & forth to tighten/untighten. And then have the option of moving the seat back for a more comfortable DD position.

The only sort of knock on them is that they put the seating position a little higher than most mounts - but that actually might be perfect at your height.
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      05-20-2020, 10:59 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrs.boost View Post
I haven't used fixed back seat for DD yet, but I am self employed and honestly don't drive far/often on a typical week. I know it will be a little bit of a pain.. but racecar LOL.

I did sit in my friends Sparco QRT-Carbon seat the other night, and agree need to test some more out. Want it to fit me like a glove!

If you don't drive that often they aren't that bad. The ones I've sat in are surprising comfortable and did fit like a glove (when they did fit) so don't settle for something that doesn't give you those features thinking it is supposed to be a little uncomfortable. You should be able to drive in the seat for hours and not be uncomfortable.
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      05-20-2020, 11:01 AM   #12
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I would also check out JDM Bride seats as well. They are pretty snug compared to other brands. Like the Bride Vios III.
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      05-20-2020, 11:12 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kpaso View Post
I would also check out JDM Bride seats as well. They are pretty snug compared to other brands. Like the Bride Vios III.
Good call on the Brides
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      05-20-2020, 09:24 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrs.boost View Post
Hey all,

I've been looking around for some racing bucket seats for a while but having a hard time figuring things out. In an ideal world I'd get to go sit in a few and test em out, but that doesn't seem likely to happen for the foreseeable future.

I'm 5'1" - 115lb woman. Hip width is 15" when measured sitting down. I was considering the Recaro Profi SPG as they seem narrow but the height aspect I have no clue about regarding shoulders and where the harness will hit me. I also am unsure the difference between these and the Pole Position.

I have a Studio RSR half cage to be installed with the seats, but this car will also be street driven. TBH probably more street driven than track, as we have winter half the darn year and it's my DD. Looking for a seat/setup that will not only fit my size but have safety in mind as well for utilizing stock belts most of the time.

If you know any petite and/or lady drivers what seat do they use? Any recommendations on where to look? Thx!
I would contact HMS Motorsports. Joe Marko is the owner and runs the South location. He's got over 20 years Racing Seat and belt experience including NASCAR. Tell him Steve Hazard referred you to him :-)
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      05-22-2020, 07:35 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OG Shark View Post
Might take a look at these - Brey-Krause Seat Mounts

They work great - still have the functioning oem electric slider. When running harnesses just set them to fit when you are in your preferred seating position and use the slider to move back & forth to tighten/untighten. And then have the option of moving the seat back for a more comfortable DD position.

The only sort of knock on them is that they put the seating position a little higher than most mounts - but that actually might be perfect at your height.
thank you!!! they look awesome

Quote:
Originally Posted by kpaso View Post
I would also check out JDM Bride seats as well. They are pretty snug compared to other brands. Like the Bride Vios III.
I was looking into some Bride seats as well, but I thought it might be faux pas putting a JDM seat in a German car haha

Quote:
Originally Posted by SEAT TIME RULES View Post
I would contact HMS Motorsports. Joe Marko is the owner and runs the South location. He's got over 20 years Racing Seat and belt experience including NASCAR. Tell him Steve Hazard referred you to him :-)
awesome I will reach out to them - thanks!!
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