I've been having hip and lower back problems, and sitting has been awful! I tried the basic saddle stool from an online retailer - and it didn't have tilt. Very important unless you want your crotch to go to sleep. So, I ordered another one, a little more costly, with a split seat and tilt. It still felt too wide. I needed something I could adjust side-to-side. That's when I decided to bite the bullet and get this stool from Sit Healthier. It's a commitment – they don’t want you returning things. But, I'm happy to say, that this stool is "the one." It's helping my problems!
I work in an office at a desk job, and I do a combination of normal chair, saddle stool and standing at my desk. I have a sit/stand desk, too. This has been a big difference maker. At first, sitting in the saddle stool was a challenge for anything but a short period. The initial comfort was right on – just like sitting in a dressage saddle (so comfy). But, just like riding a bike or a horse for the first time in years - you're going to be sore. It will take an adjustment period and building up to longer sit times. During that time, make adjustments to ensure you have the stool exactly as you need it to relieve pressure points as best as you can. It took some dialing in, but I've got it. While I don't sit on this stool all day, I can sit for the time that I need to before changing to a standing position.
I have a bulging disk at L4/L5 and an annular tear, and this saddle stool offloads the stress from my lower back, puts me into alignment and brings me relief quickly. I'm confident that adding this to my office space has immensely helped my pain levels. Extended sit times will still be uncomfortable in the crotch - but I reposition further back on the seat when that happens. Eventually, I’ll stand and then sit on the stool again. You’ll also feel your core muscles building as you sit in good posture on this stool. It felt like I’d been working out once I worked up to longer sit times. Feels GREAT!
I opted for the leather seat - why not? It doesn't cost enough to be prohibitive, and I know how leather will wear in the long-haul if taken care of. The rest of the components are nice, and the wheels - which some people complain about - are just fine on my low-pile office carpet squares. There is no noise, and they roll fine. One of the first stools I tried had fancy wheels with bearings - and while they were zippy and smooth... I'm not having stool races and definitely didn't need to upgrade on this stool! They do what's needed!
I was nervous buying this stool (and thought at first I was regretting it), but after learning more about saddle stools, options that are really important, and how to acclimate to them - I'm really happy I did. This stool has the three options I need (height, tilt and width). I don't know how a really expensive stool could differ so much from this that it would be worth paying so much more - so I'm very satisfied. The only thing I wish they'd do is offer some cute colors (cobalt blue, red, etc), but black fits in almost anywhere.