adhesive foam material on C2 Seat pad

[ampire]

What type of adhesive backed foam is the C2 seat pad (p/n 1409) made from?
I am referring to this pad here https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... s/seat-pad

I have been using an Endurerow seat with 2 C2 pads stacked on top, but it isn't the best fit for the aftermarket seat and I have considered purchasing a flat sheet of adhesive backed foam and cutting it to fit the seat better. The issue is I am not sure what type of foam to look for. I was using the C2 pads to make up for the height discrepancy of the Endurerow seat (the Endurerow sits ~3/4" lower than the C2 seat) and because I like the way the foam feels under my bottom.

Closed cell EVA foam? EPDM?

[mict450]

Didn't know the EndureRow seat was lower than the C2. Don't recall seeing that on their web site. I've had a feeling I need to have my feet higher than the foot stretchers allow, especially since I prefer to erg barefoot. That should be equal to one or two extra holes. Another reason to consider.

[Ombrax]

I'm not sure what type of foam C2 uses on their pad, but the link below will take you to a summary of just about every type of foam that is readily available, and maybe a quick review will help you decide what you want. I bet several different types of foam could work for you.

https://www.mcmaster.com/foam

[ampire]

Didn't know the EndureRow seat was lower than the C2. Don't recall seeing that on their web site. I've had a feeling I need to have my feet higher than the foot stretchers allow, especially since I prefer to erg barefoot. That should be equal to one or two extra holes. Another reason to consider.

The issue is not the foot position. I find that when I pull the handle at the lower seating position, the sprocket is higher in relation to my torso and I have more nerve pain in my upper back and shoulders as a result. I am still dealing with the after effects of a thoracic cav mal resection, certain things trigger some incredibly unrelenting nerve issues and the lower sitting height is one of them. Once I stacked two C2 foam pads on the seat to get it to the normal sitting height, this problem went away. They aren't a perfect fit so I'd like to just order an adhesive backed foam sheet and just cut something that fits the seat better. I am not sure why Endurerow went with a lower seat.

I'm not sure what type of foam C2 uses on their pad, but the link below will take you to a summary of just about every type of foam that is readily available, and maybe a quick review will help you decide what you want. I bet several different types of foam could work for you.

https://www.mcmaster.com/foam

I've been researching foam but its hard to tell based on a description what the foam is. I believe that this foam resembles the foam used in a exercise puzzle mat which might be EVA. I am reluctant to start ordering foams unless I knew the type.

[ampire]

Got a response from C2 tech support, the pad is crosslinked ldpe 2lb density 3/8" thickness. With this in mind, I ordered some adhesive backed 3/4" closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene minicell foam that is typically used for kayak seats.

[Tsnor]

Got a response from C2 tech support, the pad is crosslinked ldpe 2lb density 3/8" thickness. With this in mind, I ordered some adhesive backed 3/4" closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene minicell foam that is typically used for kayak seats.

Interested in your results. Please post how you like it.

[ampire]

I received it and affixed it to my EndureRow seat. The material has much smaller cells than the C2 foam. The foam is substantially tougher than the C2 foam. The give under bottom is similar (2lb density foam). The material is homogeneous and it could be shaped to an end result via sander and files. There is no top layer "skin" like the C2 foam, instead, if it was sanded down to contour it, it would still resemble the unsanded material.

Using several razorblades, I cut the square 12"x12" to match the EndureRow and did not do any more shaping. The material has a lot more traction which is great under sprinting but with long steady state it tends to trap the seams and lycra of my shorts which could result in hot spots.

I have rowed approximately 12,500 M on it so far and it seems to be gradually fitting the shape of the seat under it. I have less upper back pain and my bottom feels good. Not sure how it does with lower back discomfort, in some ways the canted OEM seat allows me to achieve better hip mobility (rather than lumbar) when seated close to the leading edge.

I want to see how it does once it is fully fitted to the EndureRow. A possibility might be to sand the front down to get it lower in front than in the rear. Also I might consider ordering another one but in 1/2" and installing it on the original seat.

I've been limiting my duration on it to <5K at a time to reduce potential issues until it molds more.

Here are some pictures of it just after cutting and a picture after about 12,500 meters.

[mict450]

Looks like it's conforming nicely to your anatomy & giving you a custom made fit. That has to help with seat position consistency. Thanks for the update.

[ampire]

Yep, I made the decision to not cut out the holes for the sitz bones because I figured it was going to conform into the ischial tuberosity holes of the EndureRow seat anyway, and so far it is doing so. I'll give it a few more weeks of workouts and then update if my thoughts change for better or worse.

[Ripples]

Mincell foam is a great option for kayak outfitting, Glad you found it works for your erg. This place specializes in such materials, including neoprene foam sheets with adhesive backing. http://kayakoutfitting.com/

I use a piece of a Thermarest Ridge Rest sleeping pad in my sea kayak to keep my butt from getting sore. Tried it on my C2 and it has the same benefit. Much more comfortable than the foam seat pad I had purchased.

[ampire]

Mincell foam is a great option for kayak outfitting, Glad you found it works for your erg. This place specializes in such materials, including neoprene foam sheets with adhesive backing. http://kayakoutfitting.com/

I use a piece of a Thermarest Ridge Rest sleeping pad in my sea kayak to keep my butt from getting sore. Tried it on my C2 and it has the same benefit. Much more comfortable than the foam seat pad I had purchased.

Yep even better the third workout on this thing. Doesn't feel as sticky under bottom and it has shaped to the seat much better. I'd recommend buying this foam considering it was <$20. Its cheap enough to test out. I ordered a 1/2" thick version to put on the OEM seat. Might update later on my thoughts once I put it on that seat. Buying it from Amazon from North Shore Industries. For those interested, the material is NorthShore NSI Minicell Foam with 3M Peel and Stick Adhesive (12" x 12") . The adhesive is fairly strong but I think it can be removed from the seat easily if it isn't to one's liking.

[ampire]

Been a couple weeks now, the foam has been working great. It has conformed to the seat and my bottom, feels great on my rear. I added an extra 1/4" in height to the seat with this 1/4" thick mild steel bar, 1.25" wide, cut it with a rotary tool, drilled it, painted gloss black with a spray can.

This decreased the seat wobble because of the greater contact area and it eliminated the upper back pain I was having, really funny how the extra 3/4" foam and 1/4" steel bar changed the angle of my upper back in relation to the chain cog. My surgery was at T4-T5, and because the damage was spinal cord, it can affect most of my body if it gets excitable. I don't notice any additional weight added to the seat, but I am also on slides.

[mict450]

Nice, clean job! Looks like OEM.

[Ombrax]

Nice work!

But more importantly, I'm glad for you that it's helping out.