The Sabelt GT-PAD Modular Motorsport Seat, part number SABRFSEGTPAD, is a fibreglass bucket seat approved to FIA 8855-1999. The outer shell is an XL body, available in M, L and XL seat sizes. Available in black and red. Brackets are not included.
The GT-PAD uses a modular padding system. The seat shell and structure are one item; the pad kits are sold separately and are not included in the price of the seat. If you want the padded version, budget for the pad kit as a separate purchase. Without pads the seat is lighter and the driver fits directly against the shell surface; with them the foam and trim surfaces to a closer fit. The listing includes the seat only unless pads are specifically shown as included.
Features include DCT head protection, ADS air ducting through the side of the shell, anti-submarine support and Kinderpoint non-slip fabric on the lower cushion surface. The lower cushion is 20mm thick with breathable foam. Side fixing mount points. Compatible with 4 and 6 point harnesses.
Comparing the GT-PAD to the X-Pad Fibreglass (RFSEXPADNR): the X-Pad head support uses the DCT-SUPER NARROW format, which extends forward and down but stays narrower at the top of the shell. The GT-PAD uses the standard DCT format with a wider flange. Some drivers prefer the SUPER NARROW for helmet clearance; others find the wider DCT gives better lateral head containment. The X-Pad is L shell only; the GT-PAD is available in XL with M, L and XL seat size options.
Driver waist size coverage is 32 to 38 inches. For drivers under 28 to 32 inch waist, the GT-160 Taurus M (SABRFSETAURUSMN) is the smaller shell option at the same FIA standard.
Will I fit in this seat?
The maker sizes this seat for drivers with a 36in to 38in or 32in to 36in waist. Those are the paper numbers; how a seat actually feels to sit in and climb out of is a different question, and our showroom team sit in these seats every day, so call us with your height and waist and we will give you the honest answer.
Is it FIA approved, and for how long?
Yes, it carries FIA 8855-1999 homologation. Every FIA seat has a not-valid-after year printed on its homologation label, and that label date is what a scrutineer checks, so look at the label on the seat you receive and check it against your championship regulations. Buying new means you get the freshest label the maker currently produces.
What do I need to fit it to my car?
This is a side-mount seat: it hangs between side brackets, the motorsport-style stack with fine height and angle control. You will need the car-specific frame, and a sliding runner if you want fore-and-aft adjustment. Our guide on base mount versus side mount walks through the whole stack, and tell us your car and we will quote the full kit.
Does it work with harnesses and a HANS device?
The shell takes 4 point compatible and 6 point compatible. If you are planning the full seat, harness, and HANS setup, tell us the car and we will spec it end to end.
How do I know it will feel right, not just fit on paper?
Fair question, because makers publish widths and weights, never feel, and two seats with identical numbers can feel nothing alike in the car. We keep the ranges on display in the Nottingham showroom, you are welcome to come and sit in them, and if you cannot get to us, call and describe your build, as the team sit in these seats every day. Our head support measurements guide shows the kind of real-world data we collect.