Just wanted to share a learning from installing Alps aluminum seats on some recent salt builds. I typically use the flat on the backside (for conventional reel config) as an alignment tool for setting up the seat to be aligned with the straightest blank line, and subsequently the guide train follows that line.

Where I failed was to check the seat itself before epoxy. It turns out the seat itself has an offset on the entire welded upper ring on the seat, forcing the reel to mount at a radial angle that is not preferred, resulting in the reel not being aligned to the guides. Not only did I fail to check this before epoxy on the seat, I failed to catch it until the dang build was 100% completed....

I think I have a work around, but wanted to let everyone know to inspect the upper end of your Alps seats before installing to see if the upper end has the defect. I have good pictures of this exemplifying a good and a bad seat but I can't post the pics to the thread. I would be more than happy to email them to someone if there's an interest to see the issue in images.

I would be interested in the photos, my email is open. thanks

would be interested in the pics also - I use a lot of Alps aluminum seats and not sure of the issue mentioned...

It may be too late, but I always mount the real seat and grips before I even mark where the guides are going. I will usually do the butt piece last after everything else including the guides. Dry fit grips and seat before epoxy, but I guess that doesn't need to be said. I would like to see pics also. With the app it may be easier to post.

Hi Ken,
Please submit the images mentioned through the Dropbox link below along with the reel seat model if it's not obvious in the photos. Batson QC definitely wants to investigate the issue. Thanks
[www.dropbox.com]

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

Certainly not complaining about Alps products, I had no plans on filing a complaint or asking for anything. Just one of those one-offs where if it makes it to your final build without noticing you could be frustrated if you can't find an adhoc fix for it.

Geoff - the image has been uploaded as requested in your link.

I would like to see a picture to understand can Batson print one here?

Thanks for submitting the photo Ken. We checked inventory across multiple sizes of CAH seats (it appears that's was you have) and couldn't find any misalignment like you experienced. The consensus from our product manager and QC staff is that there is far too much tolerance shown in that photo between the fixed hood and the seat body indicating a size 23 hood was mistakenly installed on a size 22 body at the Alps factory. Please take a quick minute and start a warranty ticket here: [batsonenterprises.com] and include the model number for that seat so we can be sure of the size. We'd like to send you another seat at no charge. Thanks

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

Nicely done, Geoff/Batson!

I second that, thank you Geoff for making this right, it says a lot about the brand.