Is it better to get the Berkline leather seats (electric recliner leather theater seats) or get the non-leather soft type? What are their disadvantages? These seats are expensive so I don't want to buy the wrong type.

Thanks.

I've sat in both and own leather. The wife and I sit on blankets for daily use because the leather feels cold and sticky. I don't think I could keep fabric seats clean. Pick your poison.

I own microfiber berklines. I got a great deal I couldn't pass up, but I worry about the durability. No problems yet, but I've owned them less than a year.

Is it better to get the Berkline leather seats (electric recliner leather theater seats) or get the non-leather soft type? What are their disadvantages? These seats are expensive so I don't want to buy the wrong type.

Thanks.

More cows therefor methane gas therefor global warming!

But seriously, some times I'll have a tank top on and get that cold shock for a few seconds. Still wouldn't trade them for anything else.

Leather is the only way to go -- if you want comfort and durability. Tell me the last time you saw a LUXURY automobile that came with fabric seats as standard?

If keeping costs down is the the major concern, then fabric/cloth seats work OK. Just make sure you can sit in them comfortably for the entire duration of a 1-1/2 to 3 hour movie.

I got my leather seat via the web (after trying them out first in local retail/wholesale outlets) --- significant $$$ saved + great delivery service. No regrets.

Leather is cold in winter and hot in summer. Luxury cars only put that in because it is considered luxury. Would you wear a leather t-shirt or pants? No because it isn't comfortable. Microfiber is the way to go, got rid of the leather for it, haven't looked back. Plus leather wears out and cracks where it is touched you have to worry about punctures.

Nothing like sliding into leather seats :). I like both but prefer leather, for theater seating and for automobiles.

Leather is cold in winter and hot in summer. Luxury cars only put that in because it is considered luxury. Would you wear a leather t-shirt or pants? No because it isn't comfortable. Microfiber is the way to go, got rid of the leather for it, haven't looked back. Plus leather wears out and cracks where it is touched you have to worry about punctures.

Sounds to me like you have an "anti-leather bias." I don't "wear" my leather HT seats --- I sit in them.

BTW, I love my leather jackets, very comfty and stylish. Unfortunately, at 6'3" 300+ Lbs, I don't have the right body type/physique for leather pants :eek: --- if I did, I'd wear them on occasion. Chick magnets. They worked great for Prince in "Purple Rain" and for Eddie Murphy in "Raw." :) :cool:

Back on track . . . proper caring of leather seats (temperature controlled room, cleaning, occasional suggested oil, and no spikes or knives) should get you years of great use.

If you are the type of person that sweats just thinking about walking across the room then leather probably isn't your thing. But for a person with a properly functioning internal thermostat it's fine.

It wears better, cleans up easier, can be repaired easier if gouged/cut, and simply is a classier material that doesn't hold odors and dirt like cloth.

Be sure to do your dilligence on the actual leather type you are getting. Leather can span from something barely distinguishable from plastic all the way up to the softest, most plush material you've every sat your butt in. Some leather works great for pets/kids, others will look trashed the first time it's used.

Use a cleaner & conditioner like Lexol on it once a month and it will keep it looking like new for years.

Leather is the only way to go -- if you want comfort and durability. Tell me the last time you saw a LUXURY automobile that came with fabric seats as standard?

Actually, the most “top end” automotive applications fall all over themselves showing off the application of Alcantara, which is a synthetic fabric, not a leather. Alcantara is used because it has great properties of wear, stain resistance, resistance to UV and high/low temperature. Most importantly, it grips like a suede during high corner loads. Leather is mostly used in automotive for its marketing factor, not because it is the best material for the application.

To the OP,

Leather is good if you like the touch/feel of leather… …or you like to show your friends that you have leather…

I have Berklines in the theater in leather and a couch/chair set in the livingroom in microfiber. Honestly, I wouldn’t be put off in the least if either of them were switched. If I had to pick one or the other for most comfortable, I’d probably pick the microfiber.

-Suntan

Like Suntan I have micro in the regular living room and leather in the theater. I like both, before we had our current living room furniture we had leather as well.

The leather can feel initially cold, especially in the winter. However I'm not usually in shorts and t-shirt in the winter. In the summer if it's hot and I'm in that apparel, then the cool leather feels good. As mentioned it is tempature controlled rooms so not bad at all. The leather is very supple so it does feel very comfortable.

Our micro fiber set is treated so small spills (we are pretty strict about not eating or drinking on them, but it still happens on occassion)or stains have always come up easily with a little blotting. They too are very comfy and feel like suede to the touch, but I'd be concerned in a theater where you know people will be eating snacks and buttery popcorn.

I have two small kids (almost 4 & almost 1) and treated micro fiber in the den. Drinks and spills are not a problem. I don't have Berks (yet). In my old place I had a leather couch. Its a bit noisy at times. But I like the look. Not sure what I'll decide when I get to do the next HT.

I have leather Berks and the only problem I have with them is the fact that I shave my head and it then sticks to the seat. Easily solved as I just throw a blanket over the seat back. I like the leather...never have to worry about spilling anything on them, especially the butter from all the popcorn!!

Good topic!

My favorite lounging chair is my 27 yr old leather recliner. The leather lasted 20 years and started cracking (My fault; as I gave up on the Lexol treatments after 2~3 years).

I bought a microfiber love seat when they first came out - so far it is wearing VERY well, I did the scotchguard thing and stains have been a non-point.

Still undecided on my HT seats. Leaning slightly toward microfiber for the temperature/sticky factor thing. Interesting; in that if I go microfiber it will probably cost me more; it seems everyone stocks some grade of leather but microfiber seems to be a "special order".

Does leather seats reflects sounds and is not that ideal if you want good acoustics?

Only draw back to my leather berklines that I've found is that with the electric recline that the seats can "squeak" when reclining back where the leather rubs against each other. There are some things you can do to prevent that, pull them apart a bit more, baby powder, a washcloth between the seats, but it's about the only drawback to them.

The squeak does go away over time and baby powder works like magic. Put some on your hand and just rub it on the sides of the cushions where they rub the arms. You never see it.

I own microfiber berklines too, had a few spills and cleanup never an issue. Had them 2 yeard now and no wear issues.

Does leather seats reflects sounds and is not that ideal if you want good acoustics?


Interesting argument. There was a discussion I read a while back on just that.

Ethan? Dennis?

I'll bet Big finds the link and posts it before I do.;)

Rob

Nope, I have leather and don't recall anything negative written about the acoustic impact, remember the chairs are supposed to be filled with people.

I don't allow anyone with too much bling to sit in the first row to avoid reflections washing out the screen.

http://www.guzer.com/pictures/crazy_bling.jpg

If anything, theater chairs serve as bass traps. I was counseled by BPape not to bother with test my rooms acoustics until the seats were in.

Nope, I have leather and don't recall anything negative written about the acoustic impact, remember the chairs are supposed to be filled with people.

I don't allow anyone with too much bling to sit in the first row to avoid reflections washing out the screen.

http://www.guzer.com/pictures/crazy_bling.jpg
yo,yo don't dis the bling baby!! He is just a wise advisor, gold is a hot commodity these days

I discovered a major, fundamental issue with leather seating compared to microfiber. I tried everything I could. Researched countless sites to try and work it out. But in the end there was nothing I could do to over come this fatal flaw...that they were twice as much as the microfiber Berks :p

Nope, I have leather and don't recall anything negative written about the acoustic impact, remember the chairs are supposed to be filled with people.


Around post # 14
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1123719


Rob

One downside to microfiber (according to my wife) is that you leave “butt prints” in the nap of the fabric when you get up. :cool:

-Suntan

Roflmao! :d:d

Interesting argument. There was a discussion I read a while back on just that. Ethan? Dennis?

I measured the comb filtering off my own couch's leather seatback, and it was greatly reduced after laying on a very thick absorber. The graph is below. It not only measures better, it also sounds much better without those reflections.

--Ethan

http://www.realtraps.com/cover.gif

I measured the comb filtering off my own couch's leather seatback, and it was greatly reduced after laying on a very thick absorber. The graph is below. It not only measures better, it also sounds much better without those reflections.

--Ethan

http://www.realtraps.com/cover.gif

Who was the absorber? LOL

CJ

One downside to microfiber (according to my wife) is that you leave “butt prints” in the nap of the fabric when you get up. :cool:

-Suntan

Tell her to put some pants on!

Who was the absorber?

Who? :D

http://www.realtraps.com/cover.jpg

Who was the absorber? LOL

CJ

Well he said was very thick so maybe someone from West Virginia (sorry HeyNow had to pick on someone) :)

Do you not lose the nicety of leather seats by throwing a blanket on them? (serious question, I don't have either type of seats ;) )

The benefit of using blankets over leather is that when/if there is a spill, you can chuck the blankets in the washer, and wipe off the leather.

I have microfibre on my berks. I wanted leather, she wanted microfibre.... Now that we have the micro, I actually really like it! We have a 5 year old and a 2 year old, so spills certainly do happen. Water on a clean rag does the trick every time.

Tell her to put some pants on!

Maybe she buys all her clothes 50% off.



You may not think that's funny now, but tonight...when you're lying in bed...

Isn't that just like a women to be concerned about the size of her butt print. Kind of like the evidence they would talk about on an episode of CSI.

Isn't that just like a women to be concerned about the size of her butt print. Kind of like the evidence they would talk about on an episode of CSI.

Not really the size, just the fact that it is left there.

...And if it were on something as distant from reality as CSI, they would have a "computer program" that could take a picture of said fabric folds and automatically reconstruct a complete 3D model of the person complete with the color of clothing they were wearing. :p

-Suntan