What are the advantages of a cushioned or non-cushioned reel seat? Which one is better to use,or is there a time when not to use one?
I have been getting differant answers from various people.

I have found that cushioned reel seats seem to grip the reel foot better and prevent reel movement. Also, they seem to conform better to various size reel feet.

Not much more to be said than that. I greatly prefer cushioned seats. They don't let go of the reel and rarely if ever do you have to retighten them.

What are the disadvatages you have heard about? I'd be interested in knowing. I'm honestly not aware of any.

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Tom:
I really haven't heard of any disadvantages. I just want to put the best on my customers rod.

Dick

Another advantage of cushioned reel seats is there is no direct metal to metal contact between reel seat and reel foot, which might prevent electrolyisis in some cases and siezing.
One possible disadvantage is the odd reel brand may not conform to the tight fit. Cushioned reel seats aren't that much more expensive than non-cushioned ones, other than the slight price difference and as long as they fit a particular reel the cushioned reel seats are a nice thing to offer on custom rods.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel

Cushioned reel seats are easier on anondized reel feet, won't scratch them. A side benefit is that they are also a dielectric isolator for those folks that leave reels on the rods all year long. Helps prevent corrosion.