Review SQ Labs 6OX ERGOWAVE active 2.1

[JP-NZ]

Product Image:

Product name: SQ Labs 6OX ERGOWAVE active 2.1
Price paid: £104
Score (out of 10): 10

Review: Been waiting a while to post this one, think I've done enough kilometres now to give it a good judgment. This is in my opinion the best EMTB saddle on the market. Make sure to measure your sit bones correctly then (add cm based on seating position).

This is without a doubt the BEST saddle I have ever used and I've used a lot. Supremely comfortable and just a joy to use. I also have an Ergon SM Pro on my hardtail and whilst its good this beats it everywhere. I'll never buy any other saddle brand after trying an SQ Labs.

I would have loved to have got the new Infinergy (German made) model but this 60x was all that's available in my local market. This model has the three elastomer pads that fit under the saddle depending on your weight.

Can't add much more, nearly 200km on it now and no sign of any pain or discomfort at all.

Feel free to ask any questions...

 

[RustyIron]

Good review.

I'm running the Infinergy, and I like it. Currently it's at 550 miles. I concur that you need to measure your butt and then do the math as they suggest on the web page. I'm running a little wider than they suggested, but I think I could go a little bit narrower. It's hard to know for sure.

In the past I was a staunch WTB rider, but now I like SQLabs.

 

[RM.SGO]

Put one of these on my new build and have been very happy - most comfortable saddle I’ve used yet

 

[wavekiter]

Brilliant saddle.
Tip: Don't hesitate to go rather narrower if between sizes.

 

[RustyIron]

I've got just over a thousand miles on mine. I still like it, but like I said before, go narrower if you're undecided.

One flaw in this saddle is the way the rails are painted. The paint flakes off and looks shabby. The flaked-off paint also reduces the friction of the clamps. I've never had this problem on other brands of saddles. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't buy an SQLabs saddle, but if the CEO of the company is reading this, I suggest you get your s4|t together and fix the problem.

 

[Loamranger]

Thanks for the review. How do you arrive at the width?
What elastomer do you find works best?

A tester found the Infinergy version had problems with the cover material sticking to his shorts, so suggested normal version.

 

[irie]

Thanks for the review. How do you arrive at the width?
What elastomer do you find works best?

A tester found the Infinergy version had problems with the cover material sticking to his shorts, so suggested normal version.

SQlab GmbH Online Shop | Sit bone measurement | Ergonomic bike equipment

Sit bone measurement is crucial for the correct saddle width, comfort and ergonomics on the bike.

www.sq-lab.com

I have an Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime, very similar I think but without the quality glitches (after 6 months use).

 

[JP-NZ]

Thanks for the review. How do you arrive at the width?
What elastomer do you find works best?

A tester found the Infinergy version had problems with the cover material sticking to his shorts, so suggested normal version.

SQlabs website will help you measure sit bone width or if your lucky enough to live close to an SQ Labs dealer they have a proper tool for measuring. Then as per the website you add 1-3cm depending on riding position.

The elastomer is based on weight, Soft = 40-70Kg, Medium = 65-85Kg and Hard = 80Kg to 110Kg. Ive only ever used Hard as I weigh 100kg never thought of using a lighter one as its already supremely comfortable.

 

[RustyIron]

Thanks for the review. How do you arrive at the width?
What elastomer do you find works best?

A tester found the Infinergy version had problems with the cover material sticking to his shorts, so suggested normal version.

Below is a link to a short YouTube video showing how to measure sit bones with a paper towel and a sheet of printer paper. It takes mere minutes. At first I didn't believe the accuracy, but I did multiple tests, and the results were repeatable.

I'm using the medium elastomer because the instructions say that the lightest is for scrawny little riders. I'm not that.

I've come to like the cover material and the friction it creates. I hope that doesn't sound TOO weird. One of my other saddles is completely smooth and slippery. For me, it's not as good.

 

[dthree]

The ERGOWAVE was a game-changer for me. I had tried WTB, Fizik, Ergon, etc before I saw a video from a bike fitter who recommended the ERGOWAVE for riders experiencing perinium pain. I’ve got one on my gravel bike and my EMTB. No trouble with the rails.

 

[Semmelrocc]

Me too! I've had the similar SQlab 610 ERGOLUX® active 2.0 for over 1.5 years and > 6.300 km's now and it's been a pleasure riding it, whether for commuting or in rougher conditions on trail. It still looks and feels new, so I would always go for SQlab again.

 

[Loamranger]

Sounds good, thanks for your responses

 

[Suns_PSD]

I have 4 of these saddles. They are the best solution for me.

 

[Daboss]

Jeeezzz, I must be the only one that has had issues with this type of saddle, I recently purchased the 611 active in 14cm for my 11.5cm measurement, was running the white elastomer rated for my weight, saddle was installed at zero, on my dual suspension mtb, the first 10-15mins felt good with the factory fitted medium elastomer, at 30plus mark my sit bones were screaming, dull ache with the white elastomer.

Tried every adjustment all with the same 30plus Min result running the white elastomer, but definitely can say no pain down south though which was the reason for the purchase, my standard saddle is the power comp which has been fit for purpose but wanted something better.

Any suggestions pees?, or maybe the 611 isn't the right saddle, was thinking of trialing the 60x active.

 

[Semmelrocc]

Why would you go for a 14cm saddle when the measurement is 11.5 cm? You're not on a touring bike, where you'd almost be sitting upright, are you? 12-13cm should be the right choice, imo.

 

[dthree]

Good shorts can make a big difference, too. I've switched to wearing bib liners so it better keeps the padding in place.

 

[Daboss]

Why would you go for a 14cm saddle when the measurement is 11.5 cm? You're not on a touring bike, where you'd almost be sitting upright, are you? 12-13cm should be the right choice, imo.

11.5cm plus 2cm for riding position (MTB)13.5 round up to 14cm as per sqlabs site.

I normally ride the power comp in 143cm.

 

[Daboss]

Good shorts can make a big difference, too. I've switched to wearing bib liners so it better keeps the padding in place.

I'm riding with assos so that's not the issue, haven't had this issue with any other saddle.

 

[RustyIron]

I'm riding with assos so that's not the issue, haven't had this issue with any other saddle.

I wasn't a fan of mine when I first got it. I set it up like I would a normal saddle. Then I read the instructions and followed them. I ended up tilting the nose lower. The "shelf" in between the nose and the tail end is about level. It made a big difference.

 

[Daboss]

I wasn't a fan of mine when I first got it. I set it up like I would a normal saddle. Then I read the instructions and followed them. I ended up tilting the nose lower. The "shelf" in between the nose and the tail end is about level. It made a big difference.

I'm looking to re purchase but this time I'll go for the 60x active, rather than the 611, and give it a red hot go for the trial period.

 

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Thanks for the great review. Currently using the Ergon SM Enduro Comp which is a good saddle but not for longer rides. Definitely want to give the SQ Labs 6OX ERGOWAVE a try!

 

[Spin]

...... This model has the three elastomer pads that fit under the saddle depending on your weight.

Did the saddle come with the 3 different elastomers or did you have to buy them seperately ?

 

[Daboss]

Did the saddle come with the 3 different elastomers or did you have to buy them seperately ?

They come standard with every saddle thats active

 

[JP-NZ]

Did the saddle come with the 3 different elastomers or did you have to buy them seperately ?

They come with the saddle.

 

[Marshall Willanholly]

After reading this review, I’ve been riding my SQLab saddle without the elastomer. Feels great!

FWIW I’m ~80kg

NSMB.com - SQLab 611 Ergowave Saddle

Along with other strong features the 611 Ergowave has a unique approach to absorbing shock - and it's even adjustable...

nsmb.com

 

[RustyIron]

Whew!
What a relief to rediscover this thread.

I've since sold the bike that had the 6OX Infinergy saddle, and have been riding on a WTB for the past six months. It's been fine, but recently it started making noise, so I decided to go back to SQLabs.

I remembered that I preferred the 130 over the 140, but measured by butt bones just to be safe. After doing all the math, the chart tells me I need 140 mm. But past experience told me 130 mm, so that's what I ordered... and it's been stressing me out.

Now that I'm re-reading this thread and seeing the recommendations (including my own), to go a little narrower, I'm much more comfortable with my decision. Since the saddle comes from the UK, it will be a week or two until it arrives. It's going to be a long two weeks.

 

[Spin]

Looking back , it's almost a year that I've been on this saddle. I've gotta say , very impressed! I've done some big days with no soreness or numbness during those rides. The saddle has no creaks or squeaks and still looks as sexy as day 1.
She's a keeper

 

[JP-NZ]

Seeing a few others are checking in and I started the review. I’ve done another 2500km on it since then including many 6+ hour days in the saddle.

I like to think a product is at its best when you don’t even think about it. This saddle does its job time and time again. Never any pain or numbness. It’s one of the best things I added to my Rail.

 

[RustyIron]

I like to think a product is at its best when you don’t even think about it. This saddle does its job time and time again. Never any pain or numbness. It’s one of the best things I added to my Rail.

Earlier this evening I was telling a similar story to a buddy. When I first installed the saddle, it didn't seem particularly noteworthy. It was only after a long, hard ride that it finally occurred to me--I still have feeling in my man parts, and my "saddle zone" feels great.

 

[Daboss]

Well folks its been a while, with the 611 handed back inn 23, I took the gamble on the 60X active, can say after 1200ks of riding its the best saddle ever, I ride with no chamois, in fact if I ride with one its not great, weird. being a lighter rider in the 160lbs range, I found I wasnt a fan ( or my back ) of the lighter elastomer, but rather the hard was the fit, prob due to past saddles not moving , but the rails are def flaking now, which isnt a massive concern, but def glad that all 3 emtb's have this saddle now, yes expensive but worth it, more so now Ive have prostate surgrey ( still in recovery phase ) but soon be back on...