Seat Cover Comparison
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 674
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Seat Cover Comparison
Editing my OP in an attempt to provide a single spot for all good seat cover information to be compiled.
I will try to summarize some of the feedback into the OP as it is received.
Please comment on any inaccuracies or missing information.
I plan on using this to make my own seat cover decisions (which I've narrowed down quite a bit since I started this thread), and hope to share with the group. I know there are some other similar posts out there on the same track. This is not intended to belittle those efforts, but to supplement them.
Popular Vendors:
Materials:
The Debate: Neoprene vs. Leather/Pleather vs. Fabric (mesh, polycotton, Cordura)
Rugged Ridge covers have been reported to be prone to seam tears.
Wet Okoles have been reported to have faded black dye after about 12 months.
Coverkings have been reported to have faded in about 18 months with limited direct exposure.
I will try to summarize some of the feedback into the OP as it is received.
Please comment on any inaccuracies or missing information.
I plan on using this to make my own seat cover decisions (which I've narrowed down quite a bit since I started this thread), and hope to share with the group. I know there are some other similar posts out there on the same track. This is not intended to belittle those efforts, but to supplement them.
Popular Vendors:
- http://newsite.coverking.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=33&cat=Custom+Seat+Cove rs
(of various material choices)$143 - $599 Full Set - http://www.covercraft.com/seatsaver.htm"~$109 Front & ~$106 Rear
- Rugged Ridge~$130 Front & ~$120 Rear (Neoprene)
- https://id211.chi.us.securedata.net/rampageproducts.com/merchantmanager/index.php?cPath=9~$190 Front & ~$190 Rear (Neoprene)
- MOPAR~$245 Front & ~$290 Rear
- Mastercraft$59.95 Front
- http://www.katzkin.com/main.html(Need Pricing Info)
- http://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/37.htm~$149 - $159 Front & ~$99 Rear
- http://seatglovers.com/?mainURL=/store/category/9dhv/JEEP.html~$300 Full Set
- Bestop (JK model not listed)
- http://www.iggee.com/shop.cart?action=CAT&ccode=JEP001$195
- https://www.marathonseatcovers.com/seat-covers/Jeep/Wrangler/2010$175 Front & $185 Rear
- Wet OkoleStarting at $235 Full Set
- http://www.gtcovers.com/seat-covers/c7565-2009-Wrangler-Sport-Utility-Wrangler-Sport-Utility-seat-covers.html~$180 - $500
Materials:
The Debate: Neoprene vs. Leather/Pleather vs. Fabric (mesh, polycotton, Cordura)
There are many many posts about pros and cons of each. From what I could summarize without going into paragraphs of detail is the following:
-Neoprene seems to be the most popular selection. It's flexible and easy to install/remove. It's easy to clean and care for. It's very comfortable and seems to fit the seats well. On the other hand, it holds heat and water. In warmer climates, users seem to complain more about sweating in these seats.
-Leather/Pleather is a good custom fit solution that is also very easy to clean. It seems most owners who have gone this route are still very happy with their selections. This also give the JK a little bit of a "luxury" touch, while maintaining functionality and practicality. This is a material that gets very hot in summertime with no top on the Jeep.
-There are several options for Fabrics in seat covers. These seem to vary in fitment from very conformed to the seat, to something along the lines of a throw cover. If the cover is easy to remove, care is simple as they can be washed. These materials will likely hold dirt and grime more readily, versus just being wiped down like some of the other materials. The upside would obviously be a breathable fabric that doesn't heat up too much in direct sun, although I have read several posts about the dyes fading more quickly.
Reported Problems/Issues:-Neoprene seems to be the most popular selection. It's flexible and easy to install/remove. It's easy to clean and care for. It's very comfortable and seems to fit the seats well. On the other hand, it holds heat and water. In warmer climates, users seem to complain more about sweating in these seats.
-Leather/Pleather is a good custom fit solution that is also very easy to clean. It seems most owners who have gone this route are still very happy with their selections. This also give the JK a little bit of a "luxury" touch, while maintaining functionality and practicality. This is a material that gets very hot in summertime with no top on the Jeep.
-There are several options for Fabrics in seat covers. These seem to vary in fitment from very conformed to the seat, to something along the lines of a throw cover. If the cover is easy to remove, care is simple as they can be washed. These materials will likely hold dirt and grime more readily, versus just being wiped down like some of the other materials. The upside would obviously be a breathable fabric that doesn't heat up too much in direct sun, although I have read several posts about the dyes fading more quickly.
Rugged Ridge covers have been reported to be prone to seam tears.
Wet Okoles have been reported to have faded black dye after about 12 months.
Coverkings have been reported to have faded in about 18 months with limited direct exposure.
Last edited by Moochie; Dec 25, 2010 at 10:25 PM. Reason: Please, no clickable links to non sponsors
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 674
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Haha! I love Katzkins...great product. Would definitely consider those as well, but looking for something to just cover and protect for the time being.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 674
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Was out on the trail today for about 3 hours, almost 12 miles from the nearest actual road and all of the sudden, BAM, my poll goes out.
Is the poll still for sale? I'll pay premium and cover all shipping costs...
Seriously though, I think that is a GREAT idea and would like to get some insight as well. As it stands nobody has been able to answer my seatcover question. PM me if you have the Smittybilt GEAR for the rear seats.
Is the poll still for sale? I'll pay premium and cover all shipping costs...
Seriously though, I think that is a GREAT idea and would like to get some insight as well. As it stands nobody has been able to answer my seatcover question. PM me if you have the Smittybilt GEAR for the rear seats.
Let's see...these are what I know of:
- Coverking (of various material choices)
- Covercraft
- Rugged Ridge Neoprene
- Rampage Neoprene
- MOPAR
- Mastercraft
- Katzkin
- Smittybilt
- Seat Glovers
- Bestop
What am I missing? I'll do the poll...in the right thread even!
Last edited by VEGASSMAN; Feb 11, 2010 at 10:40 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 674
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Thanks for the relocation Toad!
Lets make sure we're not missing anything and I'll get a poll going to save us all the trouble....seriously...do a search for "seat covers" and see what you come up with. No wonder people hate using search!
Update:
I found this thread by Johnny Rubicon...good info to start with!
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=889181
Lets make sure we're not missing anything and I'll get a poll going to save us all the trouble....seriously...do a search for "seat covers" and see what you come up with. No wonder people hate using search!
Update:
I found this thread by Johnny Rubicon...good info to start with!
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=889181
Last edited by VEGASSMAN; Feb 11, 2010 at 10:34 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,769
Likes: 0
From: Coastal Bend
Iggees are what I replaced my CoverKing/Seat Glover Neoprene seats with.
For me it is because the neoprene would still hold water on the seat cover itself, even though the seats were protected. The Iggees I can towel off an they're fine.
Next set will likely be ballistic nylon because it will match accessory bags better, as well as the soft top.
For me it is because the neoprene would still hold water on the seat cover itself, even though the seats were protected. The Iggees I can towel off an they're fine.
Next set will likely be ballistic nylon because it will match accessory bags better, as well as the soft top.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 815
Likes: 1
From: Cody, Wyoming
I expect many more of those....I was on my 11tyhundredth seat cover thread and I just clicked "Post New" there....
Let's see...these are what I know of:
What am I missing? I'll do the poll...in the right thread even!
Let's see...these are what I know of:
- Coverking (of various material choices)
- Covercraft
- Rugged Ridge Neoprene
- Rampage Neoprene
- MOPAR
- Mastercraft
- Katzkin
- Smittybilt
- Seat Glovers
- Bestop
What am I missing? I'll do the poll...in the right thread even!
Trending Topics
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
Wet Okoles.
Not to throw a wet blanket on the poll idea, but the problem is there is not going to be a single, best seat cover. Some folks don't mind the well-documented poor quality of some brands as opposed to the higher quality of the other brands because they care about price. Misplaced holes (for headrests) and poor stitching don't bother them. Others are in a hot climate and can't stand neoprene (it is pretty bad when it's hot). Others want something like leather or vinyl because it won't stain as readily.
I guess what I'm saying is, better than a poll would be a single post, at the top of the thread, that summarizes what are the various brands, materials, features, disadvantages, and advantages. IOW: Instead of having to search dozens of threads, or instead of having to read a lengthy thread that could easily grow to dozens of pages with dozens of diversions from the main topic, one could find all of the pertinent information in one post.,right at the front of the thread. If OP had found that, especially in the FAQ, then I don't think he would have ever suggested a poll in the first place.
Not to throw a wet blanket on the poll idea, but the problem is there is not going to be a single, best seat cover. Some folks don't mind the well-documented poor quality of some brands as opposed to the higher quality of the other brands because they care about price. Misplaced holes (for headrests) and poor stitching don't bother them. Others are in a hot climate and can't stand neoprene (it is pretty bad when it's hot). Others want something like leather or vinyl because it won't stain as readily.
I guess what I'm saying is, better than a poll would be a single post, at the top of the thread, that summarizes what are the various brands, materials, features, disadvantages, and advantages. IOW: Instead of having to search dozens of threads, or instead of having to read a lengthy thread that could easily grow to dozens of pages with dozens of diversions from the main topic, one could find all of the pertinent information in one post.,right at the front of the thread. If OP had found that, especially in the FAQ, then I don't think he would have ever suggested a poll in the first place.
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: El Dorado Hills, Ca
I just installed Mastercraft Baja front seats. And for Christmas I got the Mastercraft rear seat cover to match. Had Coverking's. It is by far the best seat cover I have ever seen. The attention to detail by Mastercraft is unbelievable. Its pricey, but you will be total amazed by the quality. Has padding to, so it feels better than a cover. Extremely happy she went that way. My wife. 
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, MD
I've got the Seat Glovers.
They took about an hour to install and are relatively easy, just getting all the buckles and fasteners in the right spots can be a pain. They do get hot in the summer and tend to soak up sweat. At first I didn't like them but I just took them off to wash them (normal wash and air dry) and they smell great again and have retained their original color. Overall the quality is pretty decent, some of the stitching areas could be doubled up on because they can rip easily.
I would get these again as well as recommend them to friends. Hope this helps.
They took about an hour to install and are relatively easy, just getting all the buckles and fasteners in the right spots can be a pain. They do get hot in the summer and tend to soak up sweat. At first I didn't like them but I just took them off to wash them (normal wash and air dry) and they smell great again and have retained their original color. Overall the quality is pretty decent, some of the stitching areas could be doubled up on because they can rip easily.
I would get these again as well as recommend them to friends. Hope this helps.