The term “suspension seat” comes from the liner suspended between the steel frame. The liner gives as the occupant moves, preventing constant contact with a solid surface, such as those in stock seats. The suspension liner is vinyl-coated nylon and dual-density foam, which reduces the impact on the body.

In fact, there has been multiple tests done to gauge the effectiveness of suspension seats in a variety of scenarios. In one notable test done by NATO, they measured the effect of a roughly 350 g impact to replicate the slam down of a vehicle. The results were an incredible 84% reduction in energy transferred to the spine of the dummy using a suspension seat.

In another study measuring high speed boat transits, suspension seats were being tested alongside standard, fixed seats for rigid inflatable boats (RIB). In this scenario, completed by testing two pairs of teams through 3 hour transits, they observed transit heart rate and seat pan acceleration for evidence of pain and fatigue caused by the trip. The results – suspension seats effectively maintained post transit running performance by reducing the magnitude of vertical shocks imposed on the passengers, showing that suspension seats were more than twice as effective than the fixed back seats.

Comparing these studies to a real-world application, such as off-roading regularly, it’s easy to see the long-term potential benefits of using an aftermarket suspension seat.