Chris_Edgar_86

Hi- first post here, likely of many in months/ years to come :-)

I recently put a deposit down to spec a 2022 GT4 for likely delivery spring 2022.

I am 50/50 on the Sport Bucket Seats- I love how they look and think I'd regret not getting them (aesthetically speaking) but am trying to be realistic as I am 5'9" 240lbs with a 36" waist/ 48" jacket and broad strong build, basically I'm shaped like a square. I can't determine if they'll be entirely too small and uncomfortable to sit in- but they look so friking sweet.

Any input is greatly appreciated as I couldn't find much in "will big guy fit in sport seats" when searching.

TIA!

Vampire

I am 6’4” 225 lbs. not really your shape but 35” waist and sat comfortably in bucket seats today at the dealer in a cayman T. Hard to get in and out and seats would not be comfortable for street driving regardless of your size but great for track if you fit.

slilley

If you are in the US, what I'd recommend doing is using Porsche's Pre-Owned Car Locator to find a used car with the bucket seats. Start here: https://finder.porsche.com/us/en_US/

Select 911 and 718s as the starting point - they use the same bucket seats. Once you are into that search, you can add a filter for "Full Bucket Seats" under the Equipment option.

Looks like there are 11 cars with full bucket seats at dealers within 100 miles of me right now - including two at my local dealer!

Then, what I did was reach out to the dealership, and ask if they'd let me simply sit in the car to try out the seats. Be honest with them, and I'm sure they'll let you "try them on" - assuming it's not something like a $600K 911R that you want to sit in.

I ended up ordering the 18-way seats after doing this, but I still lust after the full buckets. I spend 95% of my time on the road and only 5% at the track, so I think the 18-ways are a better long-term option for me. Plus, I'd really miss the option for heated seats (which are available in Porsche's European-spec cars with buckets, but not those coming to the USA). Good luck!

ldamelio

Realistically, buckets only make sense if you're tracking the car regularly - you can add half cage and harnesses and be almost as close in safety as a dedicated track car while still being able to use it on the street with the three points. I get the aesthetics of CF buckets for a street car - they look 'racy', but honestly, they're an affectation for that use case - style over function. Added expense, less comfortable, no possibility to cool or heat, harder to get in and out of, etc.

Dr.Bill

The only way to know for sure is to try them.
I am larger than you and fit fine. In fact, for me they are the most comfortable seat Porsche offers. (the Full Bucket Seats or 918 seats; the GT2 sport bucket seats are not as comfortable)
I've done 8 hour trips in them with no ill effects.

Once you have had them for a short time, ingress and egress is simple. Much easier than a Lotus. I find it easier than the 18-ways in our Boxster.
But I'm only 60 and fairly healthy. Old, decrepit folk may have issues.

Chris_Edgar_86

Thanks for all the feedback!

I searched the Porsche tool and within 100 miles of NJ there's a small handful of full bucket seat models available for sale, mostly in NY or CT. Looks like I'll be taking a trip soon to see!

I love the look of the Full Bucket Seats but am starting to think based on this feedback that the 2 or 18 ways will be better for my purposes (street / mountain driving with very little track time).

LexVan

Join your local PCA. There'll be events soon/close enough to get a LWB test fit from a club member. "It's more than just the cars".

TXshaggy

Seats are like shoes, better find a pair that fit.

Personally I find the LWBS amazingly comfortable and you really feel like you are a part of the car.

Downside is entry/exit. For me, that’s a door fully open delicate exercise. Getting your passengers on board with same is fun stuff!

I went 18 ways this time…

nineball

get the buckets and if you don't like them i'll swap you my 18 ways w/ heat and cool. i'll even cover shipping, and these things are heavy!

blackland

I got the LWBS on my 2021 GT4. Beautiful seats and I put the memory foam inserts in for added comfort. I am 6’ and 250 pounds with an athletic build. I fit fine in these seats.

Archimedes

You have to drive a car with them before deciding. Just sitting in them for a few minutes at a dealer won’t give you a true sense of them. If they fit your shape, they are very comfortable and the support they offer in sport driving keeps the back aches away. If you’re daily driving the car and getting in and out a lot, not a great choice. But for a pleasure driving/weekend car, they’re great. Again, if they fit your body shape.

Chris_Edgar_86

Test drove the LWBS in a 2018 GT3 this weekend. Much more comfortable than I had expected, they've been added to my build sheet!!

Appreciate everyones feedback thus far.

Porsche444

I am about to received my 5th Porsche in about a week or two and first time with LWBS. I tried the LWBS about 3 years ago, sat in my friends car and after 30 min, my back was killing me, decided no go for LWBS. However, in time, i have discovered 2 things, Trackspec seat recliners!! I was at car event, a guy with GT3 had these in there and wow, just felt so amazingly better, because the LWBS I think is too upright, so this add-on will feel way better. Secondly, for my lower back issues, I didn't know you can add basic cushions behind the OEM rear pad, so I'm adding lumbar support, that will solve my lower back issues.. I will know for sure in 2 weeks, LOL.

fer2367

i have them on a '21 718 GTS 4.0...i also had them on a 997.2 Carrera S before. I love them, this (the 718) are probably more confortable than the old ones. Just need to be careful with entry / exit to not damage the sides...I also think they look terrific, and would make your car more unique. But they may not be the best option for everyone. For what is worth, i am 54 now, 175 cm tall and weigh about 195lbs. And i do suffer from lower back pain.

B_GTFLAT6PR

my 2 cents,

After double side hip surgery, 18 way is my choice....track time is limit on my side so most of the drives will be on country roads below 50mph...just want comfort and the "love seat" 18 way is the best option...
.......if I convert the gt4 to a track toy then will switch to a track seat.... future option to explore with PCA friends during DE on my side...