As I read custom and aftermarket threads I see prices all over the place. From current as of this post pricing on the various websites, the variance is mostly within $30, right about ~450 for solo seat with vinyl. So, for the $ I'd go for quality.
Reading on Rich's (Seattle, WA area) I'd disqualified him because he uses gel, which I think is inferior to current foam technologies. Don at Mr. Eds uses at least four different kinds of foam, on the stock seat pan.
Still waiting to hopefully hear from someone who has actually gotten a seat from Mr. Eds, or dealt with them at all. I did talk to Don on the phone, and yes, he sounds like a great guy, and very knowledgeable, and has been building custom seats for many years, and his words are, "I love what I do" - all the articles/posts I can find are very positive, but there aren't very many of them...
A couple of links for those who are curious:
Mr Eds main site -
https://www.mredsmoto.com/
check out the gallery, and press links to see a couple of examples, but the most documented with pictures example is this one:
https://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7198684
On prices, just to cut that issue out of any replies (current from websites as of the date on this post):
Mr. Eds - $450
Rich's - $425
Bill Meyer - $444
Rick Meyer - $419
Russell - $470 (FJR is an "S3") - its not on MY list because a) I don't want my seat higher, my 29" inseam has me on my toes already, B) from what I read, at ~180-185lbs, I won't get much benefit from the springs that make the Russells sit higher, c) I don't really like the look of the wings (I know, I know, you can't see them when you are sitting on the bike... but I have to park next to sport bikes all the time...
)
I also left off the Corbin and Sargent saddles on purpose. For the money, which again isn't THAT much different, why would you not want to get a custom seat rather then an off the shelf one?
oh... and Don at Mr Eds says he usually runs booked two months in advanced, he does have some openings in June...
Thanks,
-Brett
