BRIDE Gias II...a mini-editorial
 

So, bit of a shameless plug here, but Mike@370ZTune has a preliminary BRIDE group buy going. Check it out here.

Now getting new seats is a pretty tough call; the last thing you want is to order a seat blind, install it, and realize you absolutely hate it. So I asked Mike to help set up a little meeting at a shop close to my work, so I can sit in the Gias II myself. I tried to snap some photos for everybody's reference, but they turned out horrendous. Still, better than nothing, so I hope this helps anybody out there looking for new seats.

Note: these are my opinions alone, take them for what you will. For reference, I'm 6"1', 190 lbs, with a 34 inch waist. I wore a pair of heavy jeans, and a soccer warmup jacket while I tried out the seat. I am a bit on the...ahem...heavier side for an Asian. And yes, I list what I wore because what you wear makes a difference in how you sit.

Below are the two seats they had, the Zeta III XL and the Gias II Low Max. I did not sit in the Zeta III XL, as I am uninterested in a full bucket seat...for now.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8599/p1040710x.jpg

The Gias II Low Max is one of the many models BRIDE offers with 40 points of recline capability. I was quite surprised how far back they go. You'll probably max out in terms of how far back you can go based on the 370Z cabin space first.
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4788/p1040718f.jpg

The Gias II Low Max has a very high side bolster. The Stradia equivalent does not have nearly as high bolsters as this one does, and all other dimensions are equivalent. Also, I believe the Cuga/Vorga line can come without bolsters, as do the Euros. Need to confirm that though.
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/5663/p1040717cq.jpg

Here is the shoulder width you will have on the Gias II. Sorry for the awful picture, but best I could do on short notice and a camera phone. At least I have a tape measure..
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6960/p1040716.jpg

Plenty of length on the Gias II extending forward, no problem with leg support.
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3176/p1040715i.jpg

Doesn't really widen out at all, so the seat keeps you snug the entire way, the way a racing seat should be.
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6297/p1040713r.jpg

Here's ROUGHLY how much space you would have if you're sitting all the way back into the chair. Don't know what to make of it, but eh, here you go.
http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/4531/p1040711p.jpg

And I'm sure you know about the gradation BRIDE offers, but just in case, here's their sample.
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/1852/p1040719h.jpg

Refer to below post for my comments.

So I thought about the seats as I drove back to work (yes, I starved myself over my lunch break to try out seats, heh). I guess there's a lot of situations you'd have to think about before you commit to getting one of these.

What kind of harness / support do you need?: obviously, if you're building a track vehicle, a full bucket seat is what you want. And if you're going for a track vehicle, chances are you already know all this. But a major difference (apparently obvious to many, but oblivious to me :facepalm:) is with the Gias / other reclining seats, you are limited to a four-point harness system. You need a five-point harness? You're stuck with a Zeta III or equivalent full bucket seat. Just the way it is.

How often are you using your car?: If your Z is a daily driver, definitely go for a Stradia or something with low-rise bolsters. The Gias bolsters are SUPERB, I love how they locked me in place. Even just resting on the couch I was nice and snug. However, I would never be able to get in and out of the car easily with those things. Maybe if it's just a weekend warrior you can live with it, but that's your call.

What are your physical attributes?: So I'm a 34 inch waist, and with only a light jacket and some jeans on, the seat is SNUG. The phrase 'fits like a glove' was never better than this. I believe the Gias is advertised to be okay up to a 38 inch waist, but I'm still not 100% sold on that. If you want a really rough idea of how you'd fit, use the picture I posted up above and compare against your back measurement.

Also, if I understand things correctly, the low max system (depending on rails) can lower your driving position by a maximum of three inches. Keep that in mind when you order. This wasn't something I could tell from a simple sit-test. I'd need to be in a car to really feel this one out.

Final comments: To me, getting a proper seat is just as important as working under the hood. And simply put, I like the Gias II. I was chuckling to myself on my way back to work, as I was noticing just how much I was moving around in my seat just from making an easy right hand turn (I'm talking about my daily driver, not my Z).

Back to the Z - The touring seats are good already, but I imagine these will just improve my driving position in my Z. I'd love to get at least a driver side seat, maybe the Gias since I have a daily driver / ground-pounder, so I won't have to deal with the bolster hopping on a daily basis. With that said, I don't think it's particularly necessary to go all out on the passenger side, Euro would suffice there if you want it to match. Personally, I'm leaning towards a black Gias seat to match my passenger's touring seat; at least they can still be comfortable and get in/out of the car easily.

But these seats aren't for everybody. If you have a chance, get out and try them for yourself, nothing beats actual 'seat time'. There's a lot of dimensions to worry about, get one wrong and it could ruin your driving posture / stance / whatever you want to call it. And make sure you get the right rails!

ALSO:
On my way out I snagged the old 2009 BRIDE catalog. It's all in Japanese, but that's okay, the technical stuff is in English, and I can generally pick up the Japanese if necessary. Want some information? I'll be glad to look it up for you (provided you couldn't find it yourself in the first place :tup:)

I'm by no means an expert on these seats, this is just what I think ONLY. There are many more experienced members and vendors here on this board, and I welcome any input / corrections / constructive criticism / whatever anybody might have on my post. As always, I will try to answer any questions you have to the best of my ability, and refer you elsewhere if I cannot do a good job of it. If you would like more pictures, ask away, I will make a list and see if it's possible to go back and snap some more.

Hope this helped some of you! Cheers :)

I just got my zeta III installed a couple weeks ago, and boy I'll tell you it was freakin uncomfortable when I first sat in it. I'm a bit on the heavy side as well being 6' 200 lbs with a size 36 inch waist. At first when you sit in the seat it'll feel really tight for the first couple minutes but then it kinda loosens up once you drive around. It's definitely a lot more fun now taking turns especially when my gf's in the car and I see her flying everywhere while my seat holds me in place..but sometimes it can give me a little too much confident :ugh2:. It's also a mission to get in and out of these seats..and I don't even have the XL version.

I am thinking to change my seat too, but I really wanna know how you gonna take care of computer issue on the side air.
I have a 09 basic with sport but still have the side air bag.
can you tell me some instructions about what to do so that I can follow?
Thank you.

Thanks for stopping by and doing this, I might try to find a shop here in Houston who sells Bride seats and see if they have any I can test fit.
Now you are making me think about getting the Gias since I might have a daily driver soon.

Wire in a 4.7 Ohm resistor to trick the system...

http://images112.fotki.com/v1534/pho...MG_2151-vi.jpg

:iagree: with Modshack. Also, here's another reference thread from Equinox.

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...light-fix.html

What shop did you go to in so cal to check out those seats?

Phelan,

Is that the Low Max or the Love Max? That pup looks a bit used. ;)

thanks a lot

6'5, 240lbs. i dont fit.

Im 5'11 210 and a 36 waist thats not my problem. Im have a wide ************ of an upper body thats what I am most concerned about has anyone experienced problems with the upper part of the seat?

I've sat in GIAS before. I'm 5'10 165lbs 30-32 waist and as much as I love them, I would never consider buying them. I couldn't move my knees apart because the seat is thin and the bolsters are so high. It felt like it would have been awesome for a racecar where all i really need to do is hit pedals, but on a daily it just seemed outright frustrating. Other than that (and there is a wider option in the bride lineup) these seats are epic. Great quality, very comfortable and they look so good. If only they made them a little wider...

Its scary how alike we sometimes are...Same body dimensions, same opinion.

phalen, you got a mouse gnawing at your seat! :eek: