Choosing a bucket seat is by no means easy. The fact is that the range of seats for sports (and not only) cars is quite wide, the classification of such seats is quite intricate, and along with the product itself, you need to buy a few more accessories. Of course, the latter also need to be able to choose. Why is all this necessary? As experienced drivers say, a sports seat not only provides better ride comfort, but also helps to slightly increase driver safety. In addition, these seats are very comfortable when driving – with them, the back practically does not get tired even after many hours behind the wheel. How to choose the right car seat? Avto.pro experts will give you some useful recommendations.
Key Features of Bucket Seats
The bucket seats for vehicles have come out of auto racing. Racing seats had to provide maximum safety and comfort for the pilots. Although, perhaps, comfort was relegated to the background, in the seats for sports cars of production models, the problem of comfort was finally solved – they were equipped with additional regulators. The main features of such products include:
- The presence of semi-rigid stops under the hips;
- The presence of shoulder stops (although some models do not have them);
- Monolithic design – no division into back and pillow;
- Light weight, which is achieved using Kevlar, carbon fiber and plastic.
The ergonomics of bucket seats are given a lot of attention. If standard seats should be minimally comfortable and at the same time inexpensive to manufacture, then sports options are created so as not to interfere with the driver’s control of the car and at the same time securely fix it in one position. Often, bucket seats do not have a completely standard fit, which, however, allows the driver to fit in such a way that he does not have to reach the key controls of the car – the steering wheel, gear knob, console buttons, levers, etc. By the way, because of the specific shape, such seats are also called buckets .
Making a choice
We note right away that in car seat stores under the concept of “sports” you can find a variety of seats. They are conventionally divided into several categories . Why conditionally? There are models with a pronounced specialization, and there are those that in a good way should be attributed to a subcategory. However, you will have to choose between:
- racing seat;
- bucket seats;
- A seat with a high level of comfort.
First point : the motorist will have to determine the most optimal angle between the supports of the back and their own hips.
Second point : most seats come in just three sizes. Namely 5, 15 and 75 percentiles. Plug-in elements allow you to “fit” the seat for yourself, and you will have to choose them. As you can see, selecting and assembling the right racing seat can be a time-consuming process. But what are the advantages: the lightness of the product and its ability to withstand huge loads, stunning design, rational driving position.
Third point : the landing and disembarkation itself will be somewhat difficult. It will be convenient to drive, but to sit in the seat or leave the cabin if necessary. not too convenient.
bucket seats may differ from conventional racing seats by the presence of backrest tilt adjustment mechanisms (their availability depends on the model). Like racing, such a seat must be selected taking into account the weight and size indicators of the driver. In other respects, both types are practically the same.
Although it is worth noting that shoulder support is not so common in sports models , hip support elements are always present. Superior comfort seats, which are also called anatomical, are very reminiscent of racing and sports, but this is only a deceptive first impression. Outwardly, they resemble regular regular seat options, but have several features of racing models. As the name implies, they provide high comfort (including simplification of landing and disembarking), but at the same time they fix the driver’s body well when driving at high speeds and when entering turns. Unfortunately, it is impossible to put such seats on racing cars – in many respects they are inferior even to ordinary sports, not to mention racing options. But on the other hand, this is a good option for active drivers who do not plan to go to the race track.
The last and rather important point : the presence of FIA homologation and compliance with safety standards in motorsport. If the seat is homologated and meets the requirements of certain standards, it can be installed on cars participating in sporting events. This is a good option for a sports car, not a civilian car – the seats have a specific fit, high rigidity and there will be no adjustment mechanisms in it. Homologation is valid for no more than 5 years from the date of manufacture of the product.
