Classic Aero Seats - Aviator v. Sportsman

aparchment · #1 01-11-2009, 02:24 AM

I plan on putting the Classic Aero seats in my plane, and I am wondering who made a choice between the Aviator seats and the Sportsman seats, and why you chose what you did.

The Sportsman seats are lighter and less expensive, but they don't have an external lumber support adjustment, don't seem to have as pronounced side bolsters and don't use as much confor foam.

Thanks for the input.

N131RV · #2 01-11-2009, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aparchment

I plan on putting the Classic Aero seats in my plane, and I am wondering who made a choice between the Aviator seats and the Sportsman seats, and why you chose what you did.

The Sportsman seats are lighter and less expensive, but they don't have an external lumber support adjustment, don't seem to have as pronounced side bolsters and don't use as much confor foam.

Thanks for the input.

I have the Sportsman package for my plane. While the Aviator package is extremely nice, I chose the Sportsman for cost/weight reasons. I wanted a "go" plane, not a show plane.

The Sportsman seats are quite comfortable, even on long flights. The lumbar adjustment is pretty simple, you just have to reach behind the seat while on the ground.

The Aviator side panels are definitely very classy looking.

YMMV. Whatever you choose, you will get excellent customer service. One of the few vendors I recommend without reservation.

videobobk · #3 01-11-2009, 06:19 AM

I chose the Aviator bottoms and Sportsman backs. Saves most of the cost difference and gives the slightly better feel of the Aviator. Also have the Aviator side panels--just to classy looking to ignore.

Bob Kelly

yakdriver · #4 01-11-2009, 07:22 AM

I have the Sportsman and they are very comfortable. Whatever you go with get them in the ultra leather. It looks, feels and even smells like real leather and is way more durable. I have the cloth inserts also and it makes it nice for both hot and cold days. Don

L.Adamson · #5 01-11-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakdriver

I have the Sportsman and they are very comfortable. Whatever you go with get them in the ultra leather. It looks, feels and even smells like real leather and is way more durable. I have the cloth inserts also and it makes it nice for both hot and cold days. Don

We have the Sportsman leather, and color coordinated towels (probably from Walmart) to step on, and sit...

L.Adamson --- RV6A

rv72004 · #6 01-11-2009, 08:32 AM

Own the aviators and have flown the sportsman too. They are both comfortable. The aviators are just a few steps up in the comfort level as well as looks. Kinda like toyota to mercedes.

aparchment · #7 01-11-2009, 11:13 AM

This is good input guys.

Here is what I am seeing so far:

Sportsman
Pros -- weight, price,
Cons -- Slightly less comfortable, less accessible lumbar support (sounds marginally less)

Aviators
Pros -- look nicer (I can't tell the difference from the pics), slightly more comfortable, more pronounced side bolsters.
Cons -- weight, price

I am going to ask the manufacturer to weigh in on this too.

I have to say, I don't get the Toyota/Mercerdes distinction. I can't visibly tell the difference between the Sportsmans and the Aviatiors. Perhaps a better analogy would be Mercedes v. Audi ;-)

Thanks everyone.

Dave Cole · #8 01-11-2009, 12:10 PM

For the cabin, I chose Sportsman seats and Aviator side panels. I think it will look just as classy, cost less, and weigh less than a Aviator package. I felt it was a good compromise. And I get to use the seat backs I have already fabricated.

I purchased carpet for both the cabin and baggage compartment, but no baggage side panels. I may leave them out and get only a tonneau cover, saving more weight.

Mike S · #9 01-11-2009, 01:01 PM

My seats just arrived last week, absolutely wonderful product.

I will add my vote for the ultra leather------costs less, and wears better than the stuff from a cow. Plus, it stretches better, allowing a better fit with less puckering in the curved areas.

Whichever one you end up with, I am pretty sure you will be happy.

Jim P · #10 01-11-2009, 05:57 PM

I've been flying the Aviator seats since June (63 Hrs) and I really like them. In the past, I had a lower back that needed the lumbar support so wanted the adjustable lumbar. I also liked the rounded top corners much better than the squared-off look. To offset the seat weight, I only installed the elbow rests and not the side panels.