UncleHowie
Low speed, high drag
Discussion points pulled out by UncleHowie, whose responses are in blue:
.To me, a Kermit won't be comfy unless it's scaled up in EVERY dimension.
Good feedback on various suggestions for improving the chair's dimensions. 'Nuff said.
With that in mind, how can a $100+ chair possibly compete with a $20 chair?
I've been unable to find a $20 folding chair (or $50 chair, for that matter...) that I find comfortable and durable. I may have to look at REI's offerings, as I went through a couple of el cheapo $20 chairs this last rally season. These were not massive failures from a flattened frame or anything like that, but little things- pulled aluminum rivets, cracked plastic junction blocks, etc. Parts (if needed) aren't typically readily available for the el cheapo chairs, so you are left to improvise. Chair repair is not my chosen leisure time activity, so at some point I just end up buying another chair...
If I want handcrafted charm, I'll buy a wooden canoe.
Fair enough, but funny you should use this example! I own two wooden canoes- one built by me, one built by my dad... I also own a family heirloom 1966 Alumacraft canoe, so I can't be called an elitist snob!
I find the arguments about other chairs being 'utilitarian' pretty hilarious. Isn't utilitarianism the thing that used to be the big draw about BMWs?
Interesting take on the BMW/utilitarian link. I do find my R1150GS to be extremely utilitarian- a versatile touring machine, which is how I use it. I also enjoy riding a bike that's somewhat out of the ordinary, so admittedly a portion of my ownership decision wasn't based strictly on practicality. Of course, there's no illusion of exclusivity (with a Kermit or a GS) at your typical BMW rally, where they're both a dime a dozen!
No offense intended if it turns your crank; I'm just callin' it like I see it.
No offense taken, as you have many valid points. If I found a $20 chair that worked for me, I'd probably be sitting in it already. It's great that we have a lot of choices available to us, and can choose what appeals to us.