Leather Vs Cloth; Aviator Vs Sportsman

TTU_RV7 · #1 10-23-2008, 02:10 PM

Hey Everyone,

I am at that point where I need to buy my seats and I need help making the decision. I have pretty much settled on Classic even though they are expensive because their seats incorporate the seat back and have the lumbar supports. Both are features which I really like and am willing to pay for.

So here is where I need help:
1. Cloth vs. Leather.
Both cloth and leather hold up pretty well over timeand both are comfortable. I like the look of leather better than cloth, but the Tx sun can really heat up the leather to leg scorching temps. I know at the end of the day it's my call, but any input on your experiences would be helpful.

2. Sportsman vs Aviator
This is a little harder. I have not had a chance to sit in either seat, but I know quite a bit about the memory foams and their benefits. Both seats now have the lumbar support (way

.) So my question is this. My understanding is the Sportsman uses less foam than the Aviator, but is the $820 difference for the Aviator really worth it?

Thanks all.

Mike

Jim P · #2 10-23-2008, 05:50 PM

I thought they have changed the Sportsman seats a little recently but I'm not sure. I went with the Aviators as I liked the look with the rounded upper seat corners, and the built-in lumbar support was a very nice add-on (it was one of my requirements). I did go with leather as I'd seen their work previously. After 50 hours in the airplane so far, I have no regrets about the seat decision. I can't speak to the heat issue down there as I'm in Seattle, but I know on a chilly day, leather is also cold until you get it warmed up!

Mel · #3 10-23-2008, 06:18 PM

Leather is also heavier.

L.Adamson · #4 10-23-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel

Leather is also heavier.

Good! That helps account for my plane being somewhat heavier!

I have the leather Sportsman, and like them a lot. I had already built the Van's seatbacks (which the Sportsman uses).

L.Adamson --- RV6A

rv6ejguy · #5 10-23-2008, 07:01 PM

I'm glad I have gray fabric on the hot and cold days. Never been a fan of leather in cars or planes.

Geico266 · #6 10-23-2008, 07:02 PM

Fabric is good.

lorne green · #7 10-23-2008, 07:51 PM

Well Mike, I would love nothing more than to give you all the info you require to make an educated desision. I do how ever have in hand CAD's Aviator leather seats and leather interior (medium gray on light gray) I knew that I would be going with the Aviator line from the get go, so fabricating the seat backs wasn't even on the radar

The leather that CAD suppies is very nice. I am not in the air yet, but I have set my seats in place, parked myself in the pilot's seat and made funny engine noises (yes, I did log the time). Tne seats are very comfy! Sportsman? Sorry, I went for the Gold right off the chocks! My daily vehicle has leather. super easy cleaning...this should translate to easy cleaning in the airplane. As to the weight issue,
I live in a mountainous valley....IO-390. Although I would like to build my 7a feather light (like some RV4 or something) I know that isn't going to happen so, carrying some extra weight unfotunatley, is unavoidable. I think 42 pounds for the entire kit. Now that's not 42 extra pounds, thats 42 total for the interior. Regards

L.Adamson · #8 10-23-2008, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv6ejguy

I'm glad I have gray fabric on the hot and cold days. Never been a fan of leather in cars or planes.

My Chevy Silverdo has heated leather seats, and so does my wife's Toyota. You can't beat them for heading out to work on a cold winter day! I'd say we're definately fans of "leather"...........diesels and Lycomings...

L.Adamson

RatMan · #9 10-23-2008, 09:41 PM

There is another choice. I've got their vinyl/cloth set for my -8. It is so 'leather like' that it fools people all the time. They just can't believe it's not leather. Just easier to keep clean and cost less.

If you haven't yet, order a sample set of all their offerings and the choice will be much easier.

pierre smith · #10 10-24-2008, 05:56 AM

....I have Classis Aero's seats and they are really nice....400 hours now, but in the summer, my legs drip sweat against the vynil (sp?) around the front and sides. If I did it over again, I'd definitely go cloth only. You're in a similar climate as ours...hot, hot ,hot in the summer...100 deg.

Regards,