Shopping, Seats question

[Zonearc]

On paper and talking to a few owners on Facebook, I like the idea of the 1500 for a few distinct reasons, but mainly I dislike going to an Xpedition ADV because of the loss of the bed, I've had the 1000c engine in a Ranger and a RZR and it's LOUD, I hate blowing belts, etc. But, I read that it still has the fixed position seats that they've always had in the Ranger and I found that in my 2019 Northstar it was ridiculously uncomfortable on my back after long rides. Does the 1500 still have essentially the same setup with a sliding lower seat, fixed position upper and zero availability for bucket replacements and adjustable/reclining back because they put the bench so far forward you can't do a swap?
That might make my decision for me as I can put on a helmet with music with an Xpedition, but I can't change the seats in a Ranger.

 

[JDFarmBoy]

I was initially thinking the same as you. The ranger fit perfectly for what we need a side by side to do but I hated the seating, I was ready to give a little on the ranger capabilities just to have some more comfortable seating. With that being said, once I sat in a 1500 I was pleasantly surprised. Still upright seating but night/day difference regarding ergonomics than my previous 1000XP ranger. In a recent conversation with a buddy I compared it to a tractor styled seat. Not the older metal pan on a spring... lol, newer more ergonomically focus equipment that's meant to keep you comfortable for hours on end. I love our 1500 and would make the same choice again in a heartbeat.

 

[oneal]

I have no idea about swapping for custom seats but the 1500 seat back does move with the bottom on the drivers side. I feel the contour of the seats and leg room to be the best I ever have owned. I have had a bunch of them for poor seats so for this was an incredible upgrade

 

[Zonearc]

I was initially thinking the same as you. The ranger fit perfectly for what we need a side by side to do but I hated the seating, I was ready to give a little on the ranger capabilities just to have some more comfortable seating. With that being said, once I sat in a 1500 I was pleasantly surprised. Still upright seating but night/day difference regarding ergonomics than my previous 1000XP ranger. In a recent conversation with a buddy I compared it to a tractor styled seat. Not the older metal pan on a spring... lol, newer more ergonomically focus equipment that's meant to keep you comfortable for hours on end. I love our 1500 and would make the same choice again in a heartbeat.

Thank you! This is super helpful, so it is not the same seat and it's more comfortable. Good. Our local Polaris shop doesn't have any 1500s so the closest one is 3 hours away. That's the reason I haven't seen it in person. Now it's worth the drive!

 

[Zonearc]

I have no idea about swapping for custom seats but the 1500 seat back does move with the bottom on the drivers side. I feel the contour of the seats and leg room to be the best I ever have owned. I have had a bunch of them for poor seats so for this was an incredible upgrade

Thank you!

 

[Andy]

We built our 1500 as a Pre Runner to chase our Race truck and the 1500 checked a lot of boxes but we needed a little more aggressive seat with harnesses. So we swept them out for some PRP Cup Bench seats. Had to custom weld in all brackets and we reinforced the chassis at that time as well. This also allowed us to change the seat angle made its a bit more comfortable ride. Here's a few pictures.

 

[Big Red]

On paper and talking to a few owners on Facebook, I like the idea of the 1500 for a few distinct reasons, but mainly I dislike going to an Xpedition ADV because of the loss of the bed, I've had the 1000c engine in a Ranger and a RZR and it's LOUD, I hate blowing belts, etc. But, I read that it still has the fixed position seats that they've always had in the Ranger and I found that in my 2019 Northstar it was ridiculously uncomfortable on my back after long rides. Does the 1500 still have essentially the same setup with a sliding lower seat, fixed position upper and zero availability for bucket replacements and adjustable/reclining back because they put the bench so far forward you can't do a swap?
That might make my decision for me as I can put on a helmet with music with an Xpedition, but I can't change the seats in a Ranger.

I agree with what others have said above and will add a couple more. I think the Expedition will likely be a little more comfortable, but my god is that thing noisy. I'm told the 2025's are quieter but it has to be a lot quieter to be livable to me. The XP version does have a bed although it's about the size of a General (better than nothing I guess) The Ranger XD is by far the most comfortable Ranger yet; she is super smooth and quiet. For the $$ these things cost you would regret not making the 3-hour drive to sit in one yourself. Then and only then will you be able to make the best decision for yourself.