Recaro Pole Position vs Bride Vios | Honda S2000

I spent hours and hours researching the different aftermarket seats for my Honda S2000 Club Racer. What I learned is that a lot of seats don't fit without hitting the door panel or preventing access to the center console door. My decision came down to the Recaro Pole Position and the Bride Vios. Hopefully this video helps some of you out there that can't decide between these two seats.
This video was also a great excuse to go out and grab some dank drone footage.
If you like S2000s and DIY follow me on instagram: / diyguystv

[@joshuakim6766]

More S2000 bucket seat shopping tips: I think a lot of people also cross shop the Recaro Profi SPG with the Pole Position (both ~$1000), and the biggest differences to note would be the width, shoulder wing clearance, and harness pass through height. The SPG is narrower in the hips (recommend

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I forgot to follow up on this. The SPG is definitely not one of those most popular but if you are looking for the strengths of both seats I think the SPG would be the best. As you said it has aggressive side bolsters like the Bride Vios and aggressive shoulder wings like the Pole Position. Didn’t know about the harness pass through a though. Really great information thanks for posting.

[@Pstar467]

I run the Recaro RS-G. Great seat, although it is a little tight it is very supportive around the hip area, wider shoulder support similar to the Vios in the video. Anyone more than a size 34 might struggle to fit in the RS-G. It looks great and has some really nice materials. It is surprisingly comfortable enough for long drives.

[@matthiase.7518]

Great video! I bought Bride Zeta III Type S, they are very small but perfect for me and my girlfriend (height 5'2"). I think Pole Position aren't good for very small people (I tried it in friends car). Fitment is perfect, lots of clearance for the Center console and lots on the door side. The only problem: Bigger friends (about 34" waist and about 5'7") doesn't fit very well in the seat.

[@Zygrene]

Wish I had seen this before jumping the gun on my Sparco Evo 1. I can't get the seat mounted low enough without the shoulder bolsters hitting the door.

[@ericmwalsh]

Hey Zygrene I'm having this issue with my new Sparco Evo II I just ordered but it's an issue I knew about before purchasing it. From what I read it looks like modifications to the chair will be needed, just pull back the fabric and foam and use an angle grinder to cut away the plastic lip of the seat that is blocking clearance. This is per www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-racing-competition-11/just-installed-sparco-evo-ii-pci-non-slider-mount-full-interior-1168773/ I am currently in the process of installing my own Evo II. I will be taking pics of all the parts I cut away - I can send you the thread link w/ pics on S2ki when I'm done!

[@VEDEMRACING99]

Great video! I just purchased a Pole Position yesterday, I plan to run the PCI mount in my S2000z They are releasing new side mounts for the PP. once It comes in I’ll post a video reviewing the setup.

[@boundariesunlimited267]

VEDEM RACING nice, I’m interested to see how it works out. I know the Pole Positions getter wider so most rails and sliders don’t fit besides BC

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I’m planning on testing out those same rails 😛. Heard good things.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Please update, I’m looking into pole position and pci mount too. I’m not looking for low seat... I am short and am worried about if the seat will slide enough forward for comfortable pedal operation. With stock seat I scoot the seat all the way forward when I have puma racing shoes. I scoot 1 notch back from fully forward when I have normal shoes on

[@VEDEMRACING99]

Love Like a Hurricane I just posted a video over the Pole Position With PCI set up on my channel. How tall are you?

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

VEDEM RACING 5ft 4 inches with 29-30 inch inseam

[@dreamdrivedrift]

I have the Recaro SPG in mine on PCI slider mounts. Can't say enough good things about the PCI mount, it's built great. Seat: SPG is very tight around the hips, probably similar to the Bride Vios. The shoulder wings are wider than the Pole Position and better for broader shoulders - it doesn't push you forward like the PP wings do. Fitment: The SPG hits the door panel just slightly and blocks access to the center console. You can get to the center console, but it just doesn't open all the way.

[@DarkFalcon6484]

Very happy when I installed my legit Red Recaro seat last month. The shoulders definitely were more snug and the seat fit way better than my replica seat. Hope to get a second Recaro seat for the passenger later.

[@NAUS2K]

I have a new pole position NG, I installed it in September. It has been my favorite mod by far. I have a bunch of footage I still need to edit of the install and fitment. Also specifically how much lower it got my head in the car.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Looking forward to it!

[@jenmcewen3913]

Which mounts are you going with? I have decided on Pole Position for my ITR and am now looking at brackets such as PCI. Looking forward to your video as well. Please come back and post a link here :)

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Testing PCI this week. Should have a video about it in a few weeks

[@1nvd]

Two words. Thank you

[@JBaek24]

Bride Gias II is another popular option since you can adjust the back and recline

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Thanks for contributing! I’m getting the sense that Brides fit well in general and I have a feeling it has to do with the fact that they are a Japanese company.

[@silligilli25]

Great video! During the install what seat rails and seat belt extenders did you use and how did you get the airbag light to turn off?

[@patrickvivacqua3745]

Hi, I just recently installed my bride zieg 3 type r in my s2000. Fitment is perfect, lots of clearance for the Center console and lots on the door side. The Zieg 3 type r is a very tight seat and it’s not very easy to get in and out of the car. I’m 5’9” 150lbs 31” waist and I have no problem getting in and out (I must slide the seat all the way back getting in and out. I cannot get out with the seat slide forward to my seating position) but my buddy who is 5’9” about 180lbs about 36” waist cannot fit in the seat 😔

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Wow that seat looks even more aggressive than the Vios 3 and is also FIA compliant. I can see why you need to slide the seat back and forth to get in and out. Nice pickup.

[@setsuna_y]

recaro podium perfect fit in S2000

[@kkxiong35]

Awesome video and thanks for the info! Keep posting more videos

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I was on the fence about whether to post this but now I’m glad a lot of people found it helpful. Comments like yours motivate me to continue.

[@mushy18100]

Has anyone tried Spoon CF Kevlar Bucket Seats in a S2000? I’m thinking of upgrading to them.

[@oldsklteg]

Some quality stuff here

[@ericmwalsh]

If you're willing to modify the seat (you don't have to modify your S2000's trim) you can go with the Sparco Evo series (Evo I, Evo II, Evo II US, idk about Evo III fitment). www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-racing-competition-11/just-installed-sparco-evo-ii-pci-non-slider-mount-full-interior-1168773/ This isn't an easy project/something I'd recommend to a beginner but if you're willing to use an angle grinder and shave away some of the plastic lip near the trans tunnel and the shoulder wings then you should be good to go. So why am I recommending this chair? - If your waist size is ~34+ or you're a tall dude (6'1" + ) you may find it nearly impossible to fit in any Japanese manufactured seats - Some of us have longer torsos and can have issues w/ Pole Position harness holes (too low!) - Sparco has a factory store in SoCal/Orange County - you can go to one place and try their entire catalog of seats/sizes to find the one that fits best - MOST IMPORTANT - you can order a Sparco seat from overseas from vendors like www.murraymotorsport.com and get it shipped to the US (w/o tax) for less than $700 Last but not least, for any of my tall friends - if you are lowering the seat to pass the broomstick test you're most likely going to have ditch your sliders for a fixed position seat mount. I recommend going with the seat mounts from PCI Racing (also located in SoCal/Orange County) - www.pci-racing.com/product/adjustable-seat-mounts/ Good luck!

[@ericmwalsh]

One thing to note as I was literally at the Sparco store two weeks ago (trying on my seat before ordering overseas)... The dude at the store informed me of Sparco's newest seat, the QRT-R: www.sparcousa.com/qrt-r This seat is Sparco's answer to the Recaro Pole Position. It is extremely lightweight for a fiberglass seat, it isn't as wide near the legs and it doesn't have the wide shoulder wings. The catch is that I can't find it overseas at an extremely cheap margin like I can find the Evo's - but it's still at least $200 cheaper than the Recaro equivalent!

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Fantastic information! Thanks for making such a detailed reply. I agree about the seat rails. I plan to make a video on that later after I try out the new PCI rails.

[@ayowser01]

I have a Mugen S1 seat with Mugen rail. It fits like oem: no rubbing between panels and can slide all the way back. I would say it fits like the Bride Vios3. People with a >34" waist won't fit comfortably in it. Recaro also produces the RS/TS-G models. They fit the interior of the s2k perfectly, as well. It's a JDM model and not a N. American release.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I did find the Mugen S1 seat during my search but it looks like it’s discontinued. Good to know about the JDM recaro models. I sat in a bunch at ASM and they all felt really comfy.

[@touringteg]

Just got back from a lapping day and an S2K had the Mugen S1 seat installed. I didn't realize the seat existed until yesterday. Looked subtle and OEM + as Mugen often does. RS/TS-G is available for about $1150 USD. The styling is a little different and they are sold in Asian markets for the more slender individual. I can only assume it is comparable to SPG in the hips.

[@ayowser01]

@@touringteg you are correct on all accounts. I just installed the RS-G. I'll report back on how it feels in comparison to the S1 after I put a few miles in.

[@ayowser01]

Update: the RSG opens up the shoulder area, which is the main reason why I switched. I'm a 39.5" chest and was having some tightness issues with the S1. On longer drives my shoulder blades were feeling sore from being positioned into a forward posture. The thigh support is narrower on the RSG. It also has padding, which is a nice welcome. It makes the seat feel more premium and will be easier on the body for longer drives. All-in-all I'm glad I made the switch, but the S1 does give a more connected feel with the car due to it's lack of padding. The seating posture of the S1 is more relaxed- more akin to a TSG seat than an RSG. You can't go wrong with either, but for me and my shoulder blades the RSG will do.

[@johnss2k434]

Good info! I would like to pick up a new seat for my car someday.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Don’t rush it and make sure you k ow what you’re getting into (literally). This is my first bucket seat and I’ve done about 15 track days before installing it.

[@TougeTime]

What video editing software are you using?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Final Cut Pro X. I’m a noob tho. Learning little things as I go along.

[@dimitriostsitampanis7158]

Excellent review. Seat issue for all S2000 owners. After your review I end up to PP. Is it possible to review seat rails? I think is important also

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Yes I absolute plan to. I would like to get another popular seat rail to compare against first.

[@dimitriostsitampanis7158]

I have read that PCI racing has a very good rail

[@DIYGuysvideo]

So have I. I hope to have on me to review here soon

[@touringteg]

Looking forward to it! I decided on PP for my ITR. This video was excellent. Now I am interested to see an install video with PCI or other brackets.

[@1nvd]

Please do one for the rails. I'm 5'4 and do not want to sit on the ground

[@nickgambino7632]

Nice video. I’m waiting on my seat belt extension from schroth and Il be ready to put my pole position in! What rails you on?

[@nhbackcountryrider]

Very tight and can’t move forward or backwards but omp hte400

[@bige7186]

I have the sparco sprint bucket seats fits great n are comfortable tbh

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Don’t they hit the door panel?

[@bige7186]

DIYGuys negative sir, they clear just fine on mine🙃

[@celestial6003]

With both options. I assume to get the hardtop rear latches you slide the seats forward? I'm in the market for new seats and looking up videos, forums etc to see what size I need, wether I need reclinable etc.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Yeah I slide the seats forward to mess with the rear brackets

[@80hdpadre66]

Needed this so much thank u. Is this pole position the Velour?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Yes it is!

[@DirtDude117]

Can we get a longer term update to how you are liking your seats?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I love the seats. I now have a matching passenger seat. My only complaint is that the seats can be be pretty painful on the hips after 2-3 hours of driving straight. It probably doesn't help that I've gained some weight. These are definitely not thicc boi seats ha. From what I understand they just discontinued these seats in favor of the Bride Zeta IV.

[@chachacamel]

which seat let's you seat the lowest with the same rails? Looking for red seats, will low rails and hopefully more under the thigh support than OEM seat.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Both seats will hit the floor so either one.

[@tonykwan9148]

Just out of curiosity, what rails would you recommend for shorter people? Looking into picking up a pole position as the AP1 seats are uncomfortable.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Well most rails will have height adjustment at the least. Additionally sliding rails will allow you to move forwards and backwards so most sliding rails should have you covered I imagine. I’m running buddy clubs and I don’t love them. I plan on trying out the newest PCI sliding rails and doing a comparison but from my research they are the best option right now. Rogue Motorsports sells a version made specifically for the Recaro Pole Position.

[@elguapok20]

I like my Sparco rev, it's freaking small but fits me.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Does it have any fitment issues?

[@elguapok20]

Nope, it's tight in the shoulders, kind of scrunches your shoulders in a little but I get used to it. I have Nagisa seat rails and in order to get the seat as low as possible I was able to flip the brackets upside down and the bottom of the seat fits in between the rails so it's basically scraping across the floor of the car.

[@suolongdong994]

I have the RPP, really comfortable. BTW< where did you get the seat belt receiver extender?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Sure did!

[@suolongdong994]

I mean, where did you buy the extender?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

www.4extender.com/

[@RayvstheWorld]

slightly unrelated, but do you have any xp with honda's seatbelt warranty? my belt is shredded and honda of NA told me to take it to any dealership to determine if its warranted, but I've been lagging it because I'm suspicious of dealerships in general

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Unfortunately no.

[@Nepypr]

When u say the leg support is taller, can u explain what you mean? Does this mean that if you have longer legs you may have issues with ur knees hitting the wheel?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

What I mean is that where my thighs sit there is support to the left and right for me to brace against. So the edges of the seat are quite tall compared to the pole position.

[@iheartwatches]

Hi, thanks for the vid. Is there a net weight difference with either of these seats vs stock? I was hoping for less weight than stock. Even if just a few lbs

[@brdllc]

there definitely is

[@boosted_john]

Super helpful

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Glad to hear!

[@dhwin5709]

Which seat allows you to sit lower? Also which seat has higher harness holes for longer torso?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I didn’t mention which seats allows you to sit lower because both of these seats will hit the floor with the correct rails. I don’t know about the harness holes though which I definitely should have. Admittedly I don’t have harnesses yet so I didn’t think about it too much. I have read that the pole position harness holes are relatively low though.

[@dhwin5709]

DIYGuys appreciate the response. I have a PP (ABE version) with BC rails on the floor. I find the seat to be too wide and harness holes too low. Was thinking about switching to Bride Vios with BC rails. Hoping to get a more snug fit along with proper harness goles, and possibly lower (padding or shape may help)?

[@ayowser01]

The Recaro RS/TS-G was made for this car, but it's pricey and an asia only model.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

There is a local guy selling some brand new for around $1500!

[@ayowser01]

@@DIYGuysvideo that's not a bad shipped price. I just picked one up over the weekend for $1300 🙂

[@aaguirre123]

thanks.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

You’re welcome!

[@mugdays]

Which is lower, the Pole Position or the Vios?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Both car hit the floor, depends on the seat rail really.

[@ReinierKorth]

Is this the FIA or the ABE version of the Pole Position?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

FIA

[@jwrx7tt01]

Does the stock seatbelt receptacle work with these seats? I also heard the ASM ruby recaro seats works with s2000 as well.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

You have to use a seat belt extension installed into the OEM receptacle. I sat in an ASM ruby recaro at ASM earlier this year and the seat felt amazing!!!

[@jwrx7tt01]

DIYGuys do you feel that using an extender is safe? The receptacle seems floppy compared to the oem rigid setup.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Yep I feel safe. I think an extender is the option that most people run.

[@touringteg]

Great video! Really enjoyed the footage, editing, and information. After a lapping day in my ITR last week I have decided to purchase a bucket. With stock seats I am now sore in the hips, left shoulder, and wrists from holding for dear life in the corners. I sat in Bride Vios Low Max kevlar in an Accord Euro R and the bolsters were massive and far too aggressive for street use IMO. I also sat in Sparco Pro 2000 in an AP2 and they are nice seats. I've decided on red Pole Position based on many reviews. I still want some comfort for street use and these seem to be best all round bucket for me. I am just under 6" tall , 33" waist. Can anyone suggest where to buy new or used Pole Position?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Are you in the us or across the pond?

[@touringteg]

DIYGuys That would help wouldn't it! I am in BC Canada US supplier would be fine Looks like most online US stores have the PP for $1098 USD

[@DIYGuysvideo]

For Canada I don’t have any recommendations unfortunately. I ended up buying my seat through a local friend with a wholesale account so I got quite lucky. It looks like they have pretty tight control on price so I would try to buy used or go with a Canadian supplier.

[@touringteg]

DIYGuys found a used red PP from 2001 for $990 USD firm! Will keep looking thanks

[@DIYGuysvideo]

That’s way expensive!

[@Tyler-nh7dx]

do you know if the Bride Zeta 3 and the Vios are similar?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Yeah. The leg bolsters are even higher and more supportive. It will be an even less daily driver friendly seat

[@RelentlessCo]

@@DIYGuysvideo are you saying the zeta has higher bolsters or the Vios ?

[@623baller]

what rails best go with these seats?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

Bride makes their own rails that should fit in the S2000 but from my research the new PCI slider rail looks like a very good seat rail.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

If you want to spend less you can always get buddy club rails which is what I’m running. They work fine for the most part but the slider is finicky, they are not a single piece, and they don’t have a great reputation.

[@623baller]

ooo i heard the bc rails flexes too and should probably stay away from them, your thoughts since you run them

[@DIYGuysvideo]

The bc rails have been revised from the old days. That’s what I’ve been told and upon inspection they do look slightly improved based on pictures of the old versions. For a starter seat rail I think they are just fine but if you want to do it right the first time and have the cash I would avoid.

[@MrComputereviews]

I have a sparco pro 2000 in my ap1 and it fits but it just makes it this is @s2fast

[@DIYGuysvideo]

That seat looks really nice. FIA too. Im surprised more people don’t run them in Honda S2000s. Usually see people with the Sparco Rev.

[@touringteg]

A friend has a pair of Sparco Pro 2000 in his Ap2 as well. It took a lot of work to get them to fit perfectly but course space is limited. The bolsters are big but I like the support. It is a great alternative to Recaro/Bride. The Spacro lettering on the back is a nice touch as well.

[@Limeayy]

Has anyone tried status racings,?

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I think I saw one or two pictures in the 175 page aftermarket seat gallery thread. So it’s very rare.

[@Hondissimo]

why not the SR5 (from the Integra DC5) ? There fits very good in my S2000

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I was looking for a seat that was FIA certified since the car primarily spends its time on the track. Also SR5 don’t quite seem to be buckets from my google search but maybe I’m missing something.

[@swansmeister]

why only one seat tho, I would go nuts seeing that in my car.

[@DIYGuysvideo]

I don’t really ever have passengers and when I do a regular seat is more accessible. IDGAF about having a matching seat cuz it looks nice.

[@ayowser01]

On 06+ model vehicles, adding a passenger seat will disarm the airbag, as well.