090 vs 45003 vs 45008 - help! :)

[M_Coupe]

Of these three, I've only had the chance to sit in the 090's and 45008's. My wife and I both found that the 090's seat cushions were too firm (I confess we prefer the "cushier" feel of the 99's, but the 99's are just a tad too big for our theater). The 45008's seemed to have softer cushions (between the 090's and 099's), but more head support than the 090's when reclined.

I've read the 45003 threads and based on comments from roman and others I get the impression that they are more like the 090's in terms of firmness. Has anyone had a chance to sample all three? Anyone here have the 45008's?

[mccabekyle]

Personally, I feel that they are all about the same thing. The 090 and 45008 are nearly identical with the exception of the armrests being a different shape. If it were me, I would go with the 45003's, solely because of style preference and the fact that there is storage in the wedge arms - a value that is often overlooked.

[M_Coupe]

Originally Posted by mccabekyle

Personally, I feel that they are all about the same thing. The 090 and 45008 are nearly identical with the exception of the armrests being a different shape. If it were me, I would go with the 45003's, solely because of style preference and the fact that there is storage in the wedge arms - a value that is often overlooked.

Interesting - but what about the firmness? Why did the 45008's seem so much softer than the 90's? Is the seat cushion different or do they just take a while to break in?

[rsh]

they are all about the same thing.

I have to disagree with that. The 090s and the 45003 do have the same base and the same armrests, so they are close, but the 45003 has much better head support in the reclining position.

there is storage in the wedge arms - a value that is often overlook.

I agree with the statement.

The 45008 is quite a different chair. While it reminds the 090 seat, it has different armrest with the pull back to reveal cup holder feature. I personally found that pushing the cover back into the original position is not as easy and a bit awkward. While I do like this chair it is not my favorite. I also personally prefer 45003 over 45008 and 090. I do not like the height of the armrests on the 45008s (too low for me).

Regarding the softness – all 3 groups should be about the same. It all depends on the cover, for example the leather (depends on which leather you go with as well) is always feels softer than fabric.

[mccabekyle]

Interesting - but what about the firmness? Why did the 45008's seem so much softer than the 90's? Is the seat cushion different or do they just take a while to break in?

The firmness could have something to do with the fact that the 45008 has the C-MAX cushion style, and the other two do not. I personally don't find much difference comfort-wise, but your mileage may vary.

It's also possible that the 45008's you sat in were more "broken in" than the 090's you tried. Hard to say, but I wouldn't rule out either scenario.

[mccabekyle]

EDIT: I may have to retract my claim of the 45008 utilizing the C-MAX cushion. It states so on some pricing information that I received from Berkline, as well as on a schematic that they printed a while back, but it doesn't mention anything about it on their latest schematic. (?)

[M_Coupe]

Originally Posted by mccabekyle

EDIT: I may have to retract my claim of the 45008 utilizing the C-MAX cushion. It states so on some pricing information that I received from Berkline, as well as on a schematic that they printed a while back, but it doesn't mention anything about it on their latest schematic. (?)

Well, based on back-to-back comparisons of the 090's and 45008's a few hours ago, I have to say that the cmax cushions would certainly explain the difference in how the seats felt. Both were group 2 fabric, but the 45008's felt like they had a thin "pillow" layer. Any chance this is something that can be specified when ordering?

The berkline site also lists the 45009's as having the c-max cushions. Perhaps I should look into those as well (local shops have such limited selections... it's frustrating trying to track these down).

[mccabekyle]

Originally Posted by M_Coupe

Well, based on back-to-back comparisons of the 090's and 45008's a few hours ago, I have to say that the cmax cushions would certainly explain the difference in how the seats felt. Both were group 2 fabric, but the 45008's felt like they had a thin "pillow" layer. Any chance this is something that can be specified when ordering?

The berkline site also lists the 45009's as having the c-max cushions. Perhaps I should look into those as well (local shops have such limited selections... it's frustrating trying to track these down).

Based on what I have been reading, I have found that Berkline's official catalog page clearly states the inclusion of C-MAX seating in the 45008 series. This was published 11/06, shortly after the chair's debut at the October '06 Market in High Point. Berkline then released a schematic page in January of '07, but mentioned nothing about the C-MAX seating.

Berkline's website DOES mention that the C-MAX seating is standard on the 45008's, so I wouldn't call it a contradiction. I think it's just something that they overlooked when they printed their schematic pages. I would confirm it with the factory before placing the order for one of my customers, though.

As far as being able to specify whether or not you want the C-MAX seating, I'm afraid that there is no option. It's going to be a standard for each chair.

All in all, I think you have already made up your mind, though. Only you can decide what is best for your body. Your butt will never lie!