More Views
Smart Astronomy Smart Seat II
| Brand | Smart Astronomy |
| Part Number | |
| Availability | available |
| Share |
Product Info
Overview
Reviews
-
Oct 21, 2008
Sit Smart
Pros:Lightweight, Folds Flat, Easily Adjustable
Cons:Lowest setting should be lower
Comments:In my opinion, the most important accessory has to be an observing seat. After all, what good is a $600 eyepiece if your body is twisted and shaking while trying to hold steady. I realize that some people like to observe standing and that's fine. But, for some of us “old guys”, bending at the eyepiece can leave us in that position until we make the trip to the chiropractor!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I've used 5 gallon buckets, kitchen chairs, step stools, and a couple of homemade chairs. One of my favorites is the simple LYBAR (Lift Your Butt And Rotate) stool. I still use it in my cramped observatory when setting up my gear for imaging.
All of the aforementioned serve their purpose...to get you off of your feet. The comfort level was not the best, however, and it was time to get “comfy”.
I first tried a $20 ironing board chair. Not totally comfortable, but it was an improvement and it was adjustable... in an awkward kind of way. Adjusting it in the dark was a little tricky and the search began for something better.
After reading several reviews and getting some great input from the folks on Cloudy Nights, I decided to order the Smart Seat II. The cost was in the “lower” bracket, coming in at $104 + shipping. For me, that was quite a bit for a simple adjustable chair with a padded seat. The purchase turned out to be well worth it. The chair is very easy to use, lightweight (for us “old guys”), and it adjusts at a flip of the wrist...Simply lift the seat, move it to the correct height, and plop back down. No latches or bolts to fool with.
The Smart Seat II weighs 12# (although the ad states 15#) and is advertised to hold 300#. I don't weigh that much, even after a good meal, but the chair is very sturdy and I have no doubt that it would hold the 300#. The padded seat measures approximately 13” x 10” and adjusts from 18” to 37"...again, the ad states 13” to 32”...did I get the wrong chair?...Nope...just a misprint I guess.
I was a little disappointed in the lowest setting not being as advertised. For stability reasons, I would rather sit lower to the ground than to have the legs on my tripod extended. I had counted on the 13” low setting and a 5” difference is quite a bit when you are pointed directly overhead.
At only 12# and with a folded profile of 4”, the Smart Seat II stores and transports very well.
The Smart Seat II is definitely a "smart" accessory.Feb 14, 2008Smart Seat II
Pros:Lightweight, strong, folds for easy storage and transportation
Cons:None
Comments:I purchased the Smart Seat II and all I can say is I LOVE IT! I can't imagine I could have made a better choice at all. It is really very sturdy, and is extremely comfortable. It is very light and easy to move around. The seat is easy to adjust, just lift and slide, drop and lock. The Smart Seat II folds up to be 32" long by 4" deep by 10" wide. The seat is covered with vinyl and is soft. The best thing is being able to observe without straining my neck and back for hours at a time. It's rated for 300Lbs. I weigh 220 lbs and it does not bend or strain under my weight. I don't know how I ever managed observing before I bought the chair!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesSort by
