BrianZhong

Think I got bitten by the Spirit R seat bugs.... Been looking around to see if I can source a pair but it seems like it is next to impossible to do..

Then upon digging, I found a company in Australia that makes them, Angry Panda Factory, link below:
https://angry-panda-factory.myshopif...r-bucket-seats

I have not heard about this shop and wonder if anyone had bought these seats from them? How's the qualify? And do they mount to the stock seat rail or do I need to get new rails?

Thanks

mr2peak

Reviews are mixed. Sakebomb almost imported them, but decided they weren't willing to stand behind the quality of the seats. There was also a question of copyright infringement with the Recaro logo. A few people have purchased them and have been happy, google and it shows up on some other forums. I emailed Panda a few months ago asking about quality, etc trying to get the other side of the story. I asked if they had made any changes since Sakebomb was sent seats. Panda never responded to me.

Neo

iTrader: (4)

I wouldn’t say it’s next to impossible. There are more than a few sets available in both spirit r and rz configs. The biggest problem is obtaining them for a reasonable amount of money. Take a look in Japan auctions. They’re there. Just brace your wallet..

Redbul

iTrader: (26)

C$4500 per RZ seat. C$10,000 per Spirit R. as per recent YAJ postings Best to actually sit in a set before you buy.

Buy the RZ then get the red covers from MARCUS!

Redbul

iTrader: (26)

On th eotherhand.

https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/...ce_page_search

mr2peak

JPY auctions with super high prices and no bids don't mean squat. Gotta look at recently sold prices, a lot of the time it's just some dude fishing for an idiot; just like eBay. A lot of the super expensive stuff has been on there forever, sometimes being repeatedly re-listed. It's used as a way to prop up prices so you feel special when you get the same thing for "half off"

Redbul

iTrader: (26)

Surely.

I have seen two actual trades for RZ seats at the C$9000 level in the last year and there is a set locally now with asking of C$9000....,,getting some real interest.

The later set is a set I pulled together from Cyprus and Norway/Ontario for all-in cost of about $3500, in January 2017.

The high asking prices seem to be pulling more seats into the market.

We will see if any get grabbed.

mr2peak

How old is the Kevlar at this point? Are the seats even safe for hard use? We all know composites have come a long way in the last 20 years. I love these seats as much as anyone, but I'm not sure I would trust them with my life anymore.

As for the Panda seats, they are an unknown quantity. No test data, no certifications, no history of producing other safe seats. It's a bit like buying seatbelts from an unknown manufacturer.. they look the part, but what is under the surface? When I reached out, I didn't even receive a response which is the most worrying aspect of it all. Even the manufacturer (Panda) doesn't want to talk about it.

Talking of, what else is out there that is dual-use like the OEM seats? Recaro RCS are looking good, but they are plastic. Tillett makes some amazing seats with a long history of FIA certifications, but they are very light on the padding, even if people say they are comfortable I'm not sure they are comparable. Pole Positions, etc have high sides making regular use a pain especially for a passenger who might not have "the spirit" the rest of us do. Pretty much all fixed-back composite seats are high-bolster seats, and all the low bolster are 2-piece tilt.

R-R-Rx7

iTrader: (24)

Pole positions sides are actually pretty low, i wish they were higher.

The ABE version sides are the same height but they flare out on the sides. They are pretty comparable to the spirit R ones in that aspect

mr2peak

Sounds like I need to go sit In them. RCS and Tillett B8's are on my list of seats to try.

But my stock red leather seats are plenty comfy and lay back and..

R-R-Rx7

iTrader: (24)

no hotels around you ?

mr2peak

You can nap in a car, but you can't race a hotel

gdub29e

iTrader: (16)

When it comes to the factory rz / spirit r recaro seats, you have to remember that they were designed just like the fd was….for Japanese sized people. Sure you can fit a 6’2” / 230lb person in a Fd but it may not be to your liking. Same goes for the factory recaro seats. As redbul suggested it’s better to try them before you buy them. Easier said than done tho. I’ve probably spent as much time in them as anyone and I can give you some insight on what it’s like.
They are one of the best fitting seats the fd cabin will have, no brainer because they were designed for it. Most people lust after their look and the look of “ race” seats in general ( I do not ). They are a pretty comfortable fit for a fixed bucket seat for a lean individual but lack any real lumbar support. This leaves my back sore after anything longer than a short trip so I actually cut some additional foam to put under the seat back cushion, but that could be me just getting old . Getting in and out with them is a pain. The bolster is in the perfect position for sitting support and the worst for entry / exit. That’s why they have a cover because it tears up the seat so badly. I actually slide the seat all the way back so I can enter and exit more easily.
As to the question about these seats being “safe” is a moot point. But I can tell you they are past any certification date that a race organization will accept for tech inspection.
The angry panda got a very poor review from Heath @ sakebomb and they chose not to carry them. It’s a bit foggy, but I remember them being chopped fiberglass on the inside, and only one layer of carbon on the outside. Not super great in my opinion. Especially in the event of an accident. Another issue with those seats is they do not come with rails. The factory rails for these seats were tilt and slide.

If you are set on these seats, I suggest you get a set off the auctions. Bring your wallet and just make sure they have the tilt and slide rails with them and that someone did not cut a hole for a five point harness between your legs. I’ve seen multiple sets that they did this. One last thing. No matter which you pick - rz/sprit r unless they were stored inside, they will have sun bleaching and yellowing of the Kevlar and or covers. It’s not very noticeable unless you pull the seat cover back and you can see a distinct difference. I’ll include a couple photos for the archives.

~ GW

gdub29e

iTrader: (16)

Pictures for the archives.

~ GW

R-R-Rx7

iTrader: (24)

fitment wise i have seen BIG guys fit in them just fine. i am a big guy myself but i have seen way bigger fellas fit in them perfectly fine.
do i personally consider it to be a good seat? for street use maybe and they are pretty comfortable given the fact that it is a bucket seat. definitely not for track.
getting in and out will obviously be a little more difficult than the OEM seats

are they pretty and they fit perfectly? They sure are and they surely do.

they flex like a **** especially if you are on the heavier side and they will eventually crack. So for an occasional track day they are ok

a vendor was supposed to make fd specific sliders for the pole positions. I think ultimately that is the ideal seat for the fd that resemblances the spirit R/ RZ seat. The ABE variant of the pole position seat can accommodate pretty big guys. some interference on the door card is expected with the ABE models

gdub29e

iTrader: (16)

^^^ Agreed.


~ GW

mr2peak

FIA certification requires a hard-mounted seat, I'm guessing that's a big reason the sliding seat rails for the Pole Positions never materialized

R-R-Rx7

iTrader: (24)

There are plenty of seat rails for FIA seats that the rails are not FIA.

Nagisa Auto for example is one i have in mind as they are the ones i am using on my car currently. There are plenty of others

However the Pole position has a wide bottom and the ABE is even wider and the common options do not work

Griffith motorsports @afgmoto1978 made some real nice solid mounts even though they do not slide but i am considering getting those for my car

Zepticon

iTrader: (1)

Pretty much like the OEM version then, which is a single layer of carbonkevlar, with fiberglass on the inside (altho its no chop-strands).
S-Fiberglass is actually very competative to both carbon and kevlar in terms of properties, and in a car seat its no problem to use.

anchaf3

iTrader: (5)

I have a set of Angry Panda RX-7 seats coming. I ordered them in November or 2021 and am still waiting. They are supposedly getting ready to ship, so we shall see! I will post pics when they arrive.

Neo

iTrader: (4)

Very brave to get the red seats with the exterior being red.

let’s say I’m very happy I chose the black versions.

Having owned my FD for over 25yrs now, I’ve taken it to the track maybe 5 times? Suffice to say it’s more of a street vehicle than an all out track vehicle. If you’re serious about doing track sessions, I’d get a dedicated race car. Not convert a street vehicle into a racer. But an all out racer from the start. Ultimately it’ll be cheaper and easier to get accustomed to an all out racer.

I’ve always wanted the rz seats since I first saw them. Simply because it gives you a more exclusive look. It also gives you more room inside the vehicle. Keep in mind, I’m talking about people with Japanese dimensions. Which fortunately (or unfortunately as some might say), I’m very much within the average. The FD fits me perfectly. The seats were a blessing. No, I don’t have any issues getting in and out and I can drive for hours without being sore. Deaf maybe, but not sore.

gdub29e

iTrader: (16)

It’s very similar yes. From the pictures I was shown of the original angry panda seats the quality of the finish work paled in comparison to the oem one. They were very thin around the seat bucket and not bonded very well. Maybe they got a handle of the finishing process. Maybe not. Looks like someone here will update us on them.

Brave? Nah. I have some rz’s in storage. Black is just boring in comparison . I would have no issue returning to the original touring /base / r1 seat….. but then I would miss out since these are quite the conversation starter.

~ GW

mr2peak

Dude. Waiting over a year for parts is a HUGE red flag.

Based on this alone, nobody should ever give money to these people. There is no reason at all a carbon part should take over a year to ship. Do not normalize this. If it's going to take over a year, then you should be on a wait list and shouldn't be charged.

I will be very surprised if you ever get your seats, or your money back. PayPal, credit cards, etc all have a time limit for fraud protection and you are way over that.

BrianZhong

I reached out to them on FB and was told the lead time is about 2 months, that I am ok with.

But with you waiting for more than a year for it, has me worrying.

cewrx7r1

iTrader: (2)

No back rake adjustment.
POOR!!!!!!!!!!!