Size of the Carbon Racing Seats

Hi guys! I'm deciding between Large and Extra Large of the carbon racing seats.

Is the XL give you more space and more comfortable?

Can you please share your experience, thanks a lot

 

As far as I know, XL is the same as the old L. The choices used to be S, M, L. Now they're M, L, XL.

 

I am a medium sized American guy at 32” waist at 5’10” height. The Large carbon fiber seat was good for me. Medium seat was too tight. Never tried XL. So I think American medium size is European L size. Make your own comedic judgments about the difference.

 

I ordered mine XL on my 296, Good thing it has nothing to do with the size of my unit...

 

I've seen a few delivery mile 296 advertised mostly in the midwest with XL carbon seats. When I asked the SA as to why these are more common in the midwest he kinda just said that's how their customers prefer them. For me, that would go in the "con" column if buying someone else's spec. The middle option is the way to go IMO.

 

When I look on my configurator it shows the racing seat as XL/L on my GTS. You have to remember if you ever go to sell the car the smaller seats could be a problem as many people would not be able to fit in them, thus lowering your perspective pool of buyers. My dealer has told me they will try and always order the largest seats for that reason.

 

I have L and compared with XL and XL was just too large. L fits perfect and holds me tight. Nothing to do with the comfort. Actually, I find tighter seats more comfortable as it forces my back to be in better position.

 

Curious if anyone has a comparison or comments regarding the cushion pads on the seat area of the carbon buckets currently used versus the previous generation? Are the new ones harder or thinner?

 

I've got carbon buckets in both Pista (old style) and 296 (new style). The new 296 buckets have thicker padding in the seat area and are more comfortable for me.

 

thanks

 

Be careful of the carbon bulkhead option if you get the carbon racing seats. I’ve seen two GTS with carbon seats suffering eye-catching rub damage through the epoxy clearcoat of the carbon fiber bulkhead wall behind it. It looks like someone rubbed the area with chalk and sandpaper.

 

I've currently got a '08 Scuderia with race buckets and they aren't very comfortable but I do appreciate the confidence/body holding they provide when cornering aggressively. I'm currently very conflicted as I'm trying to between race or comfort seat for my GTB specification... I really prefer the look of the race seats and it sounds like many are saying the newest race seats in the 296 are a step forward in comfort? I sat in them for a few minutes at the showroom and they felt fine but obviously can't really get an impression from that. Would love to hear from anyone else who has had race seats from these older models on comfort.

 

I had the race seats for my 296 GTB. VERY comfortable, more headroom, little more leg room and some height adjustment if you go for that option BUT it is drivers seat only. There are some 3rd party options, Hill Engineering comes to mind.

For the GTS I reverted back to full electric as my wife was sitting too low in the car. I found the race seat was just as comfortable for sub 3-4 hour drives.

 

do you know what they did to fix it or prevent the rub from continuing to happen?

 

No, sadly. And I’ve seen a couple more since. I think they would be helped by felt pads on those contact points.

 

This guy (Cars with Luke) borrowed a 296 GTB with Daytona seat from his used dealer near Zurich. All through the video I was thinking "what the hell is that damn squeak?" He actually comments on it: although he is not particularly tall his most comfortable seating position means the back of the seat is rubbing. The noise goes away when he moves one notch forward on the seat rack. But then is is too close to the pedals.