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Bucket Seats for Northstar Ultimate

45K views 41 replies 17 participants last post by  tinakelley00  
#1 ·
We just purchase a 21 Northstar Ultimate and we can already tell that the stock bench is not going to be comfortable for our all day rides. Our previous sled had buckets and they were great. We are looking for options to put buckets in our new ride. Will General seats fit? Found a few on the web so starting there. Who makes a good third party seat that fits and is comfortable? Any other ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance.
 
#5 ·
We took delivery of our ‘21 Ranger Northstar Ultimate in April and after a hour or so sitting on the bench it is uncomfortable. The bench and backrest but primarily the backrest. Not supportive, no soft, not very thick and not adjustable. I provided this response on the purchase survey Polaris sent several weeks ago. Maybe future models will have seating options.
 
#8 ·
I received my 21 NS and went on a 60 miles ride on the trails in northern MN. I was Leary as well but it was more comfortable than I thought it would be. The Can Am seats in the HD10 are much better. Polaris listens to their costumers, I already included the concern in my survey. I also asked for a slight take on the seat back.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Thought I might post an update on our journey of trying to improve the comfort of our Ranger NS’s seats. We talked to upholstery shops and while they would help, there were no guarantees and the estimated cost was more than $1,000 and probably more like $1,500. They both recommended we try gel pads so we went down that path.

We tried two paths here. Tried the molded options but found them too larger for the limited space in the Ranger. These pushed my knees into the dash. No go. Tried flat gel pads. Tried a large pad that fit the seat but it was too stiff. Ordered a thinner and smaller pad, like the purple mattress, that definitely adds comfort. Keeping these for now.

Talked with a Utah based seat cover company that had covers but they could not customize their products to allow for even a thin gel pad. They did however recommend we look at sheepskin. He used sheepskin pads in his office chair and truck and loved the feel/comfort.

We tried a mid grade sheepskin and we could see the potential. Talked with a better sheepskin provider and when I explained our issue she told me a majority of orders for their pads was premium car buyers who found the leather to hard. We have ordered top grade seat pads and small pillows we hope to use for lumbar support.

So we are waiting on the sheepskin. We may also look at the expandable lumbar pillows, but for us we are probably at the best we can do until Polaris pulls their head out and realizes if they’re going to advertise these as work-trail machines they need to upgrade the seats if they are to fill their trail potential.
 
#15 ·
Hey guys, just ran across this on the FB Ranger page. Someone asked about seat replacements for Rangers because his had fallen apart, and somebody posted this link. I have no idea how well they work, but I'm definitely going to be game to trying them out. Just hope they bolt into the factory Ranger holes. If you scroll down, you'll see there are two different options for bucket seats. The first one offers pictures of the seats mounted in a vehicle, but if I'm not mistaken, the photo shows them in a Rzr. Full-size Polaris Ranger Seats, Seat Additions, And Seat Accessories (everythingpolarisranger.com)
 
#16 ·
Thanks for the info. We were looking specifically for the 21 Northstar Ultimate which is not listed in the compatibility list. Called them and it will not fit our machine. Thank you so much for bringing it forward. I've received calls from two high end custom shops that have been looking for us and both have said nothing is in the market for the Ranger Northstar.
 
#18 ·
Jeff, no please stick around. We appreciate all puts and ideas.

This has been so frustrating for us. By far, Polaris sells more Rangers than any other model yet they can’t seem to put in a comfortable seat. Even more frustrating is that no third party companies have provided any options. Since Polaris is advertising this model, as wee as other variants, as trail machines it would seem someone from the front office might want to take their family out for a long day ride and see if they still like the seats at he end of the day. Can Am has figured it out. Come on Polaris.
 
#22 ·
Thought I would show everyone what we ended up doing. Of course, after many hours and finding out that the new 22 N. stars will have new comfort bolstered seats, to say I’m pissed is an understatement. Polaris should come out with a deal for us to get those seats At a discount.

After looking at all the options we went ahead and ordered some very nice sheepskin pads and put them on the seats. To provide a little additional lumbar support I took two short pieces of foam 1/2” copper pipe insulation and placed them under the pads in the lumbar area. This has significantly improved the comfort. I have attached a picture so you can see our solution.
25655
 
#23 ·
Thought I would show everyone what we ended up doing. Of course, after many hours and finding out that the new 22 N. stars will have new comfort bolstered seats, to say I’m pissed is an understatement. Polaris should come out with a deal for us to get those seats At a discount.

After looking at all the options we went ahead and ordered some very nice sheepskin pads and put them on the seats. To provide a little additional lumbar support I took two short pieces of foam 1/2” copper pipe insulation and placed them under the pads in the lumbar area. This has significantly improved the comfort. I have attached a picture so you can see our solution. View attachment 25655
How about just ordering a couple of the 2022 Ultimate seats? I havent seen them or sat in them and dont know if they would be a direct replacement but worth a shot
 
#27 ·
Wanted to provide an update and also probably put an end to this forum listing. Just got a look at the 2022 Northstar ultimate seats. They are absolutely fantastic and a marked improvement over the previous seats. So much so we have ordered a set for our 21 Northstar. The cost was $1500. Dealer check and they have not changed the seat mounts so these should be a direct replacement for the current seats in our 21.

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#30 ·
I had the chance to sit in a 2022 Polaris Ranger this morning. The difference in the seat is amazing, I walked right back in to the parts counter and ordered new seats for my 2021. Looks like they might arrive in April 2022.
 
#32 ·
It took about a month for 3 of the 4 seats to arrive. Still waiting for the passenger bottom seat to arrive. We LOVE the ones we have. The passenger back is a pain to put in but it is doable. Took me a couple hours but I am a little slow and I was trying to line up the Polaris holes with the screws that hold it. Got 3 of 4 to line up. Ended up drilling a hole for the fourth one after about 20 minutes of frustration.
 
#34 ·
They are a direct replacement. They attach exactly like the other seats only with additional cushioning and bolsters. The pain to put the passenger back in comes in that you have to remove three panels to get at the screws and then you still have to have a double jointed wrist and a flexible screwdriver to get them in. All that said said my wife and I both agree it was a good purchase ($1500) as our backs like the additional lumbar support.
 
#39 ·
I believe they were the Covercraft seat pads and we still like them very much. They definitely add comfort and provide shielding from the heat as well as a warmer surface when it is colder out. Durability is fantastic.

by the way, the 2022 seats that we ordered last November we are still waiting on the passenger lower seat. Had three of four for about six months.