Pro Angler riders get the Vantage seating.  I like the seat on my Compass, but the locking front feet on this seat are really cool.  I also like the simplicity of the locking strap in the rear.  Adjusting the position on the water has always been a pain in kayak seats.  Seems like I always have to beach it, and do it on shore.  These are little details everyone forgets when considering this top of the line vessel.

 

 

 

The Vantage seat is one of the things that sold me on the Pro Angler. It's solidly built, light weight, highly adjustable (seat back, seat bottom, lumbar suport, height), easily removable (makes a good beach chair) and of course comfortable. I've done 6-7 hour days in it on the water.

 

This is definitely the most versatile seat in kayaking.

Makes me sad....I dislike the Compass seat so much...and this one looks perfect

What don't you like about the Compass seat?  I'm sure Hobie would appreciate the feedback.  I like mine just fine.  I did have a problem in the beginning, but it was user error.  It helps to read the manual, lol.

I, too, had some 'user issues' first few times out.  The nice guys on Hobie Forums helped me out.  (You are correct about the Hobie team being receptive and responsive.)  I no longer have a 'rocking chair'.

 

One of the primary reasons that I upgraded yaks this year was for a better seat.  My old body in my old Wildy Tarpon wasn't good for more than six hours without really paying for it the next day.  Turns out that the Compass seat isn't much better.  Something about the way the front cross support presses into the ham/glute area -- it's like it was designed precisely to irritate my sciatic nerve.  I now use a boat seat cushion and it makes a world of difference, but I still don't feel nearly as comfortable as I think I should.  I'm also disappointed that they couldn't work through the patent limitations to get an adjustable seat, if even as just an upgrade.  I'm sure it'll happen eventually, but not soon enough, imo.  I also wish there were side handles and enough (side) surface area to put a Berley Bro bait holder on the sides.  As it is, I feel that maybe they compromised a bit much on the seat, in the name of putting out a more 'budget-friendly' Hobie....which was still way north of two big bills

57 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

it's like it was designed precisely to irritate my sciatic nerve.

It doesn't bother mine - I have a tumor on my sciatic - but if it did, it's a complete deal breaker.  Glad you figured out a partial solution to stay on the water.