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10 tractor vs bench (Read 11594 times)
mastertangler
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #10 - Sep 24th, 2012 at 2:42pm
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I suppose comfort level might have lots to do with anatomy. My guess is "flatties" might like the padded bench seat a bit more  Grin.

As far as power on the stroke goes.......interesting thoughts. I like what DB had to say about foot braces. On the Expedition canoe I had foot controlled rudder which certainly acted like a foot brace. Instead of a decline of power with the Tractor seat I felt whole lots stronger without any back issues. Mucho better and I intent to reconfigure my other solo likewise. Probably the trick would be to try one out for a week or two and then decide.
  
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Kingfisher
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #11 - Sep 24th, 2012 at 4:02pm
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I have canoes that have both types of seats and I have done extensive tripping using both kinds of seats.
I much prefer the flat webbed seats. I like the simplicity, breathability, drainability, the inherent cushioning and I like that a paddler can move a little side to side to adjust for a slightly off trim load. I understand the back support idea but I think that a back rest is just compensation for weak back and core muscles. The better conditioned your core muscles the less you will feel the need for a back support.
  
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Jim J Solo
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #12 - Sep 24th, 2012 at 5:30pm
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Ditto KF, for the same reasons. I've done long trips with some and found the same results.
  
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solotripper
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #13 - Sep 24th, 2012 at 6:37pm
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Quote:
I understand the back support idea but I think that a back rest is just compensation for weak back and core muscles. The better conditioned your core muscles the less you will feel the need for a back support


I agree that having a strong core is a good thing.
For some of us who like the Double Paddle, a backrest is not just for support, it helps generate power when using it. Using a pack or foot brace to lock yourself in to position makes all the difference using the double.

I don't kayak, but from the seats I've seen the buckets serve that purpose in them.

I've used the tractor seats, don't care for them because of the issues KF/JJS mentioned, but if I wanted/had one, I think I would consider drilling some small holes (cautiously) for ventilation and too aid in drainage.
  
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Magicpaddler
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #14 - Sep 24th, 2012 at 11:34pm
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I have 2 canoes with bucket or fitted seats.  On one the seat is 2 inches above the floor and on that canoe I prefer a back rest.  On the other a Magic the seat is much higher and I do not need or want a back rest.  I use a double paddle 99% of the time in both.  With out a back rest I can get the power by twisting my body.  With a back rest I get very little shoulder rotation and I believe less power.
MagicPaddler
  
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db
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #15 - Sep 25th, 2012 at 4:51am
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Webbed seats are more comfortable both pressure and ventilation wise. I have two 3/8 x 8 x 12 kneepads. I put one on a bucket seat and the other is under an ankle or knee sometimes or under my butt too. If it's real wavy I'm kneeling on them. They come in handy at camp too for all sort of things. Multipurpose is a virtue on a trip.

A back rest is great for having a smoke, jigging or paddling downwind with no particular place to go. Stuff like that. Not for paddling to get somewhere IMO. Your arms don't paddle they just transfer energy from your torso.
  
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PhantomJug
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #16 - Sep 25th, 2012 at 1:40pm
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db wrote on Sep 25th, 2012 at 4:51am:
Webbed seats are more comfortable both pressure and ventilation wise. . . . .  Multipurpose is a virtue on a trip.

A back rest is great for having a smoke, jigging or paddling downwind with no particular place to go. Stuff like that. Not for paddling to get somewhere IMO. Your arms don't paddle they just transfer energy from your torso.


Ditto.  Arms are for fishing.
« Last Edit: Sep 25th, 2012 at 2:58pm by PhantomJug »  
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Marten
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #17 - Sep 27th, 2012 at 11:02pm
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I prefer the bucket seat but am always sitting on a Crazy Creek chair that has a very high back. Sitting on the thick padding of the chair seats really helps on long days in the saddle. The seat back is loosened and leans back out of the way until its break time. It hampers proper torso twisting with my double blade use if I am leaning against it. Sometimes I will have it leaned back but stuff a coat behind my rear so I can push off my foot brace and really be anchored for tough headwinds.
  
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LooseMoose
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #18 - Oct 10th, 2012 at 3:20pm
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I really liked mine in my old Wenonah Spirt II, I used a standard strap in padded canoe seat with the back pushed down when paddling and up when fishing. I just got a Souris River Q17 with webbed seats and I think I am going to try the kneeling route first and if it doesn't work for me I will have to install a tractor seat.
  
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Magicpaddler
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Re: tractor vs bench
Reply #19 - Oct 10th, 2012 at 5:08pm
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I always thought it would be nice to have a tractor seat in the front of a double to keep the bow paddler somewhere near the center of the canoe.
  
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