Grant-
I figured that to buy minicell foam and pay to have it shipped for the same seat style would be about $80.00. I had never built a seat before and haven't seen many homebuilt seats that I liked or felt were comfortable. After seeing Joe's, it was everything I was looking for. I didn't need to build cheekplates because his has nice sides. I also liked the wood-supported back. I have paddled in the seat for 7 hours and never had any pains. I'm almost finished with a Cape Ann Double and will have Joe make me two more seats. Like my wife sometimes says - you don't have to build everything, sometimes you can buy someone else's knowledge and expertise. Time is always more important than money. Good Luck.

Greg: Why did you choose to purchase a Redfish seat as opposed to building
: your own mini cell foam seat?

: grant