[Church Drummer]

Well I'm thinking about what to upgrade next on my set, and although I should probably be thinking sound instead of comfort, I think comfort is going to win out. Right now I'm playing on one of those cheap thrones with the holes and the bolt to adjust throne height. It is OK for short (1 hour practice sessions) but after that forget it, I'm also afraid one day it's going to give out on me and I'll be sitting on the floor (at about 230 lbs, I'm not exactly a little guy). I want something that is more easily and quickly adjusted, and is also comfortable to sit on for long periods. Probably the best way for me to decide what I want is to actually go and sit on some, but what are some of the pros and cons of each type, style etc. What are the merits of say:
1) Round seat or one of those oversized bike seat types
2) Backrest or no backrest

So I know at least for me good sturdy bracing is important, comfort is also my main reason for wanting to upgrade. So any brands / models you recommend, any to stay away from!!

[Pyrochazm]

Some of the best thrones out there are Roc N Soc. VERY comfortable (I'm using my luna lift as a computer chair right now) but rather pricey. The round seat/saddle seat thing is really all up to you and what you think is comfy. I really couldn't give you any pros/cons on that. And I really don't know about those backrests.

[toxsic]

I have a pdp throne now. An upgrade to the one that came with my kit.
I have sat on the bike seat one and didn't like it. It may have been a cheap one, but put pressure on some body parts I did'nt enjoy. Set on it first. I couldn't turn easy either.

[mouse]

I swear by the heavy duty bike seat type, less pressure on the legs, and gives good balance for fast footwork. Mine swivels nice and is memory locked so easy to set up.
A decent throne is the best thing you can buy over and above any other drum equipment. Falling off them or having them collapse is dangerous to your health, a bad seat will give you back trouble and may prevent you playing properly and will make you concious it is there, which can detract you from your playing. Best thing that happened with my first cheap type throne was for it to fall apart, it wobbled and had an uneasy feeling that it would collapse half way through a song.
Not sure about back rests but i know a few drummers who use them and like them. I tried a throne with one but the same throne also had hydraulics that allowed the seat tp move up and down with body weight, and that put me off that one.
Spend the $$$ and get the best seat you can, you spend a lot of time on it.

And listen to what your mothers told you folks, and sit up straight.

[Smee]

Don't buy cheap you will regret it , I use a Gibraltar saddle type, best £90 I have ever spent.........

	Gibraltar Drum Hardware Shop for Gibraltar Drum Hardware at Musician's Friend

[Church Drummer]

Thanks for the input, I'll have to get myself out and sit at a few and pick out a good one.

[lastditch]

I have a Roc'n'Soc with a removable backrest and air driven lift.Its real nice ,I like the little bounce from the lifter and the backrest really helps if your posture goes bad after a while.During a long set it helps me concentrate on good posture and not slouching too much.

[skinslapper]

Personally, I've got no use for the backrest. For some reason I've got freakishly good posture behind Darla.

I'm seriously addicted to air lift/suspension. If I try to play on anything else now, it jarrs my back.

I also don't go for the bike-seat style myself. I find it easier to keep my balance with a thick, round cusion under me butt.

[Smee]

Its whatever floats your boat, but don't buy cheap.....

[Pyrochazm]

Here Here! on the airlifts! My Roc-n-soc is an airlift with a saddle style seat. I was thinking of getting the backrest just for sitting in front of the computer.

	Roc-N-Soc Thrones Shop for Roc-N-Soc Thrones at Musician's Friend