For the last 35 years I have been using various round topped stools. I was perfectly happy with my last one, but it had the traditional way of altering the height whereby you have to remove bolts, break a nail, search for the dropped washer under furniture and then re-tighten the bolt. I did a few gigs recently where the floor was ever so slightly sloping, but enough to make the drums at slightly the wrong angle- so I needed to adjust the stool (but you are stuck with having to move 1 hole up or down- may be wrong amount) or adjust the drum hardware.
Anyhow, because it was so cheap, I thought I would experiment with a gas filled adjustable stool such as this one. Also, I wondered if the bike saddle shape might be better. What a difference! Firstly you can adjust the height exectly to where you want it, and can alter it at the touch of a lever if you want it slightly different. Also, unlike my old stool, it rotates very freely, so subtly movements one way or the other take less strain on your spine. The different shape is also loads more supportive than a round stool- I was surprised.
The one reservation I had about this stool is that it is leather, not cloth upholstered, so I was expecting it to make by bum hot and sweaty while playing- however I didn't notice this at all. I also haven't used the backrest while playing and don't think I will need to. I did try it out just to see what it felt like and it was very comfy, and if doing lots of double pedal work I guess I would find it very supportive. When I read in the blurb before buying it that it was easily detatchable, I expected having to remove screws etc. and having to decide whether I wanted it or not and probably having to stick to that decision. However, it is true! You just slide the bracket into its holder and tighten it at the depth you want it, and it is removed equally easily. You could even do it mid-gig if you wanted to.
I know I am in danger of sounding like a salesman for this product, but look at the price, look at the spec, and honestly the other stools on sale aren't worth a look in- I can't see the point of spending twice as much for less features. If in the name of balance I was to give my one quibble, when opening and closing the legs when setting up/down it isn't very smooth, and the T bolt looks a bit cheap, and there are a few slightly rough edges on the metalwork, but the end result is that it is really sturdy, so I can live with that.
