Hi everyone, new member here and first post on the sub! If this question belongs in another section, please feel free to remove.

I'm looking into getting the Recaro Pole Positions, and I'm unsure of going with the ABE or FIA versions. I don't track my S, but I do take it out on the weekends and for some spirited canyon driving. OEM seats just don't give me enough hold. I've read on several threads that the ABE is better for daily driving and bigger folks, but I'm 5'10 with a 31 waist size, so on paper I fit both. I've sat in the FIA version (on display at Evasive Motorsports) and it felt snug but pretty comfortable, but my concern is that I would feel uncomfortable on longer drives. Which leans me towards the ABE for a bit of extra waist comfort, but I'm afraid it won't give me any hold for my size. Anyone sub-6ft have experience with either or both for daily/spirited driving?

I also just heard of the Marrad ST3, which is quite tempting since it mirrors the ABE + RPPs are on backorder and I'm impatient :') Anyone recommend these over the RPPs?

 

I have the Abe’s and I am 5’11 weigh about 190lbs 35”
waist and I fit pretty good. Very comfy and not super tight on me.

 

I bought an ABE eight years ago and sold it because it was way too wide for me, at the time (6’ with a 29” waist then). I had probably 1-2” on each side of me before touching the hip holsters.

 

I have the FIA Pole Positions and probably a similar waist size. I find them to be very comfortable on longer trips. Much better than stock seats. The only time they're a pain is getting in and out. I don't think the ABE's would really be any better there but I've never tried them. FIAs are comfortable and I have them working with stock 3 points and harnesses.

 

For anyone getting buckets that wants an easier way to get in and out, it's actually pretty simple. Put your right hand on the center console and put your left hand on the door sill. Push yourself up out of the seat. You can use your legs to help get some leverage against the firewall. Then put your left leg out of the floor outside, and guide yourself out backwards using your butt. When you get your right leg out, put it on the floor. You'll be out in a second. Super quick, super easy.

For reference, I have the Sparco QRT Performance. Great seats. They don't sit as low as the Recaros on the PCI rails but I replaced the original seat foam with thinner aircraft-grade foam and that removed about an inch from the seat. The foam itself is about 1/8" thick. Still plenty comfortable for road trips.