CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

Bucketfoot · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 698 Location: Centennial, CO

I'm getting ready to buy some seats for my basement and have been pretty much set on the Berkline 088s, as they will let me go four wide.

However I could get two rows of three Coasters for less than the four Berklines.

Has anyone here compared the Berks and Coasters? Are they of comparable quality and comfort?

I've sat in the Berks, but do not have any place to try out the Coasters.

wallace123456 · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 2236 Location: Northwest VA area

Haven't tried Coasters, but one of the problems I am having (we are looking for seating as well) is the chairs ability to recline to a certain position and stay there. Some of the chairs we have looked at only have 3 reclining positions. None of the 3 are good with regards to comfortable and viewing positions.

At this point, we are pretty much going to have to go with seats that have infinite reclining positions (electric reclining). We would not buy a seat that we have not been able to sit in and really try it out. Also, we are asking about return policies which most places don't want to discuss, because once you buy something, there is no return policy!

wallace

emdawgz1 · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 7949

Bucketfoot · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 698 Location: Centennial, CO

I'm strongly leaning towards the power recline as well, which would eliminate the Coasters.

I'm really only considering them for the cost factor (six for less than the cost of four). But since I don't have a problem with the Berkline quotes I have, I will almost certainly go that way.

Bighitter · Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 159

The electric recline is great, as you can set the position at whatever you want. It also helps for bigger guys as I have had problems with my long legs pulling down none electric recline chairs.

I have 7 088 berklines in my theater, paid less than 5 grand and that was with the electric recline and leather.

Das444 · Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 145

For what its worth, I went with Coasters. I bought them online. I went to as many HT centers as I could to compare the Berkline's and what ever else they had, but never could find Coasters. I took a chance and I've been happy with them since day one. Everyone compliments their looks and quality. I say, Go for it!
Dan

paw · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1176 Location: Arvada, CO

From reading the accessories forum over at AVS, Berklines appear to be a little bit better quality. The Coasters seem to be a great bang for the buck.

I've sit in the Berkline 088s several times. A 1 - 2 hours each time. They were probably the previous version and not what's currently available. I didn't care for them. Reclined they bothered the backs of my knees. There was something about the just sitting upright I didn't like either. I can't remember. Though I tend to like firmer cushions. I'm 5' 9" and 165 lbs. I'd high recommend a test sit for you and your SO if at all possible.

OH! I see you're in CO. The folks that had the Berklines are Integrity Home Theater. Brad and John are the co-owners. Great guys! John's home/showroom is just North of Colorado Springs. They have open demos a few times a year. Plus their be willing to do a private one for you. However, I expect they'll be a CES next week and will need to catch up for a week or 2 after that. Their website is www.integrityhometheater.com. They do a newsletter but I haven't seen one lately.

Bucketfoot · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 698 Location: Centennial, CO

I've sat in the Berklines over at the Great Indoors, over by Park Meadows and am fine with those.

I've not found anyplace to try the Coasters.

I've got the same impressions on the two brands.

I really only "need" four seats, so I'm pretty much set on the Berks now. Plus this lets me use at least one of the loveseats my wife bought for me awhile back in the second row. This keeps her from getting mad at me for not using something she bought for me Smile

paw · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1176 Location: Arvada, CO

If you've decided on Berklines, talk to John or Brad. Roman (RSH) over on AVS also comes highly recommended for Berks. There's usually a semi annual AVS powerbuy on Berks. I think around Christmas then June/July. If you talk to Brad or John, tell them Aubrey said hi.

Bucketfoot · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 698 Location: Centennial, CO

Yep, I've got quotes from both Roman (Ultimate Home Entertainment) and Serge (Home Theater Authority).

I was just waiting on a quote from a local place, but they could not come close to either of my other quotes.