Just curious what everyone's favorite seat is (IX alcantaras or VIII cloth seats). It would be a daily driver in the northeast, so i'm really just wondering which one people prefer when bolstering and such isn't a huge deal, but rather comfort and quality!

 

I'm pretty sure its suede, not alcantara.

 

Just googled it, I've always referred to it as alcantara, but i see people calling it both... Regardless my question still stands, which one makes for a more comfortable seat...

 

I've had both cars and the 9s seats felt a little bit more comfortable as the material is softer than the the Evo 8 Recaros. The seats are practically identical though. The 9 seats also hide dirt better for obvious reasons. For what you are going to spend though on a pair of 9 seats, I would look to other Recaro or other brand seats out there. Plus your Evo would look more unique with after market Recaros. I personally do not find the 8/9 seats to be that comfortable. my 2 cents.

 

I've had both seats in my 8 and I find the eight seats slightly more comfortable. The 8 seat cloth, when is frizzes a little from wear, takes on a greenish color. Its not dirt although there's probably that too in an old seat. In a photograph it looks brown like dirt.

The Evo Recaros were made for me. I can drive 800 miles a day without discomfort.

 

Was just having this conversation with a friend hahah I prefer the 9 alcantara seats, but not enough to swap out my 8 cloth seats. Would swap out the rears tho cus its simple enough

 

For me the IX seats look better and have better feel to the touch. I sold them in favor of VIII seats because I prefer how firm they are. The VIII seats felt better when I was strapped in for track days. The IX seats are pretty squishy.
Cliffnotes: For a daily driver, I'd use IX seats for the look/feel. For a track day I'd rather have VIII seats.

 

The JDM 8MR seats get my tick, best looking IMO and most comfy.

 

I'll echo some other opinions on here.

Much prefer how the IXs look, but found the VIIIs to be more comfy.

My only issue is how fragile the VIIIs were, I pulled the backs off a few times to fix the bolsters. No problems with the IXs, yet anyway.

 

my VIII driver's seat has a broken bolster. I don't use it, luckily... but it seems to be a non-issue for the IX seats, from what I've read.

 

Definitely can be fixed, but it's a somewhat of a pain.

 

The IX seats look and feel(texture) much better than the VIII seats.

For the asking prices of IX seats for sale in the market, I rather get something different and better. The Recaro LS seats look to be very comfortable and have side support as well. I'd probably spend a little more to get that rather than Evo IX seats.

 

I agree IX seats are sorely overpriced.

 

Whatever seats you have, extend their life by swapping driver and passenger seat. See my post in the how-to section.

 

Thank you all for your input! It really helps to hear opinions from people who have had both, rather than friends who don't have much experience... On a side note, does anyone know if its possible to get new foam for the driver/passenger evo IX seats?? I've seen several complaints that the foam wears out over time like an old couch and they begin to sag... any experience with this aswell?