Light weight or sports seats

[david.mt]

Search is down although probably not much use....

I am trying to decide specification of a V12 and would appreciate views on the light weight vs sports seats. I have sat and driven in both but not for any length of time.

One of my mates also has the light weight seats and says that the support is fantastic but after any length of time they become uncomfortable and he wished he had specified the sports seats.

Now we are both 6 foot + and the larger frame (big arsed) so would appreciated feedback from others. I understand that there is no lumber adjustment on the light weights either (or heated option) but my personal view is that for any performance car the seat is one of the most critical parts of the package so I would specify the light weights every time. Just slightly concerned that once I have them I may regret the choice.

Also similar thoughts on the leather vs alcantara on the wheel - again I would always go for the latter?

Any other views - either way?

Thanks

[mikey k]

You can seach the site via google by putting the url and forum name in first;

http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&cp=51&gs_id...

I have light weight seats in my current S and had sport seats in my last Vantage.
They do have lumber adjustment.
Pull out the vertical cushion and there are a couple of pads that can be moved around.
I do alot of long trips in mine and much prefer the light weight seats.
No heaters was a little annoying but not too surprising for a carbon fibre seat derived from a race seat

[George H]

Sports seats every time for me. They're heated therefore they win

[Procticon]

IMO...go for the sport seats...comfortable, excellent lateral support, adjustable backrest and what is more...side air-bags. Lightweight seats look cool, appropriate for short distances or one quick lap on the race track. ..but if you go longer rides you will yearn for sport seats.
Regards,
Erhard

[mikey k]

I wonder how many people have actually used both on long distances and made lumbar adjusts on the light weight seats?

They are harder in a manual as it stops your shoulder/elbow moving all the way back.

OP - go and try them but DO make the effort to adjust the lumbar support.

[michael gould]

JohnG1 said:

Carbon fibre/kevlar seats all the way.

Both are acceptably comfortable - driven in both. I cannot see why anyone wants heated seats in a car with a roof (completely different in a convertible).

The only three options that I really wanted for my V12 were Mako blue, B&O and carbon fibre/kevlar seats. And I got 'em!

It was minus 25c in central Germany over the weekend.....i think i see the point of heated seats !!

[Adam2S]

david.mt said:

One of my mates also has the light weight seats and says that the support is fantastic but after any length of time they become uncomfortable and he wished he had specified the sports seats.

I have owned both and my opinion is quite the opposite of what your mate has reported. I personally found the sports seats uncomfortable on long journeys and could never really get comfy in them. Quite often I ended up with pins and needles in my thighs and lower legs on long trips. I find the lightweight seats in my V12V but be stunning and very very comfortable on short and long trips - I wouldnt buy another Aston now without them they are that much better than the sports seats!

david.mt said:

Now we are both 6 foot + and the larger frame (big arsed) so would appreciated feedback from others. I understand that there is no lumber adjustment on the light weights either (or heated option) but my personal view is that for any performance car the seat is one of the most critical parts of the package so I would specify the light weights every time. Just slightly concerned that once I have them I may regret the choice.

There is lumbar adjustment as people have posted above and although its a manual system it makes for a larger amount of variation and I have ended up beign very happy with my positioning of the cushions. I normally always order heated seats and I did have a little bit of a worry about the lack of them on the lightweights, but in reality I have not really missed them even this week when the temps have been consistantly below 0C on a morning. That could be to do with the fact I have alcantara seats which are somewhat less cold prone than leather or it could be to do with the fact that I am somewhat more concerned with my left hand suffering frost burns from the power rangers legs!!.

[Jockman]

michael gould said:

It was minus 25c in central Germany over the weekend.....i think i see the point of heated seats !!

+1

JohnG1 you great big tough nut, my bum gets cold on leather at this time of year.

I suppose trousers would help too

[mikey k]

Or don't use the Aston @ -25C for other good reasons

[GPM3D]

mikey k said:

Or don't use the Aston @ -25C for other good reasons

Is that 'cos the battery has discharged due the cold weather

G

[Zod]

I transport my kids (one at a time of course), so I had to have the sports seats for the airbag off swithc and the belt lock mechanism for child seats.

[Jockman]

JohnG1 said:

More importantly - why does Michael care about the weather affecting a few Germans? They are on the list no?

And if the precious blue buttocks get cold on leather then get your taxi driver beaded seat cover out.

Or get Alcantara seats...

Classic Comment Mr G1

BTW - a Jockman top tip - once through the McDonalds Drive-Thru, gently place your special heartattack burger and your XL angina fries onto the passenger seat........then........flick on the heated passenger seat button

By the time you arrive back at your semi, you have a piping hot McCholesterol awaiting you.

The only thing to consider is the stench and the melted sundae.

Back of the metaphorical net !

Edited by Jockman on Monday 13th February 11:52

[WantanewV12V]

Personally - no question. The lightweight seats are excellent and far more comfortable than any sport seat I have driven on long or short journeys. The alcantara for both seats and steering wheel is also a must IMHO. Heated seats are for wimps ,who probably dont drive in really cold conditions anyway, or tarts who want to been seen with the wind blowing through their hair.

However, I am not large arsed (thankfully - obviously not enough big macs) and can see the question that needs asking. I would seek out a dealer that will allow you an extended drive in both types of seat to see what suits.

[Jockman]

WantanewV12V said:

.... Heated seats are for wimps ,who probably dont drive in really cold conditions anyway, or tarts who want to been seen with the wind blowing through their hair...

Sorry Al. I wasn't aware you had met George before

[George H]

Jockman said:

WantanewV12V said:

.... Heated seats are for wimps ,who probably dont drive in really cold conditions anyway, or tarts who want to been seen with the wind blowing through their hair...

Sorry Al. I wasn't aware you had met George before

A worryingly accurate description.

[WantanewV12V]

George H said:

A worryingly accurate description.

I had heard the rumours.

[Colesie]

Lightweight seats all the way for me. I've had both and find the lightweights to be more comfortable for both short and long journeys. I found shoulder support to be particularly lacking for me in the sports seats. I also personally think the lightweight seats are more in keeping with the general style of the V12V.

Bizarre though it is for us to all be describing our arses on a car forum, I will join in as I suspect it is very relevant to the comfort - mine is not well upholstered, nor so delicate it can't live without heated seats for the 90 seconds before body heat does the job anyway.

[david.mt]

Colesie said:

Bizarre though it is for us to all be describing our arses on a car forum

I am truly thankful that no-one has asked for photos! Looks like the concensus is for the light weight seats which was my intial reaction but that for the confirmation.

[Guycord]

Had sports seats from a 2006 V8, 2010 V8 and now lightweight seats in the V12V. Done +400mile jollies in them all in a sitting.

Further, a few weeks ago I was flirting-around with a younger model V12 which had the full-spec volumptous leather sports seats. To be honest, it was weird being back on them since having the lightweight seats in the V12. I soon found the sports seats to be very uncomfortable very quickly and found myself slipping a sliding all over the show.

Therefore, having tried them all, I find AM seats are just like fine women; preference for those built for speed rather than comfort. Taut, pert, lightweight all the way for me please.

[Zod]

Guycord said:

Therefore, having tried them all, I find AM seats are just like fine women; preference for those built for speed rather than comfort. Taut, pert, lightweight all the way for me please.

It's Swiss Toni!