I'm on my 3rd Russell Daylong. The first one was on my 2005 FJR. I sent the seats in and had just the driver's seat customized with the passenger seat just covered to match. I did end up buying a second rear seat and sending that in to have it customized for my wife after I found out just how great it is to ride without butt pain.
I got full leather covers in the Half Moon stitch pattern because there are fewer needle holes so it is more resistant to water logging in heavy rain. When I first got the seat I did not like the angle of the seating as it slid me into the tank. I sent it back with an explanation and they scooped out more of the foam towards the rear, which made the seat perfect for me. I put about 80k miles on that seat, and it is still running strong and looking great for my son who now owns that bike.
My second Russell was for my Vstrom, which my wife never rides on. So I got that one done up as a Solo, in the same half moon pattern, but covered in full vinyl primarily for the wet condition utility, and also to keep the expense down. In retrospect I should have ordered that seat in leather too. The difference in comfort is significant on a hot day, and the leather is far more rugged than I thought it would be with very little need for maintenance. I just spray a little Lexol on it every once in a while when I think of it.
When I upgraded my '05 FJR to a 2014 ES, one of the first things I did was to send the seats in to be Russellized. Full leather, Dual, same half moon pattern. They look pretty good (for a Russell) and are very comfy.
I'm 6'2" so reaching the ground is not an issue for me, but having adequate leg room is. I would say the Russell seat in the low position is a tad lower than the stock seat in the high position. Certainly nowhere near 2" higher than the stock seat in the low position.
