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SQlab Releases New Version of the Classic 611 Saddle

Jun 16, 2023
by SQlab  

PRESS RELEASE: SQlab

SQlab has been producing saddles in Germany for about 2 years, now, but only the higher-end ones featuring the BASF Infinergy material. Semi-automation has made it possible for SQlab to bring back manufacturing to Germany, the labour & energy costs being high in EU.
Another reason for the re-shoring was reducing lead times and CO2 footprint (mainly by eliminating long transport routes).

In Germany, SQlab took over the manufacturing assets at a company called Oechsler, a former atutomotive-only player, which also used to produce high-end running shoes & sneakers for a big German sports brand, that initially wanted to bring manufacturing back to Germany but then decided to stick to Asia.

SQlab Made In Germany Insight
SQlab Made In Germany Insight

SQlab manufacturing in Germany
SQlab Made In Germany Insight

Now, SQlab also manufactures our carbon rails in Europe, more precisely with a partner in Switzerland, who developed a semi-automized process, using Kuka robots. They have been working on carbon-automation for ten years, and the SQlab rails project was initiated 5 years ago.

SQlab Swiss Carbon Rails Manufacturing Insight
SQlab Swiss Carbon Rails Manufacturing Insight

SQlab Swiss Carbon Rails Manufacturing Insight
SQlab Swiss Carbon Rails Manufacturing Insight

SQlab Swiss Carbon Rails Manufacturing Insight
SQlab Swiss Carbon Rails

The result of SQlab's latest effort in design, construction and manufacturing is the new, top-notch version of their "611", featuring bespoke carbon rails.

The 611 was the very first MTB saddle made by SQlab, which hit the market back in 2005. The latest evolution in almost 20 years of model history is called "611 Infinergy Ergowave active 2.1 Carbon".

SQlab s 611 Infinergy Ergowave active 2.1 Carbon Made in Germany Only foreign part Swissmade Carbon Rails new semi automized manufacturing process Using BASF Infinergy material with outstanding damping rebound characteristics All in the proven 611 Ergowave shape with active 2.1 technology the 611 has been SQlab s first and most popular MTB saddle first version launched back in 2005 Coming in 5 different sizes 13 to 17cm effective sitting area Unisex like all SQlab saddles

SQlab s 611 Infinergy Ergowave active 2.1 Carbon Made in Germany Only foreign part Swissmade Carbon Rails new semi automized manufacturing process Using BASF Infinergy material with outstanding damping rebound characteristics All in the proven 611 Ergowave shape with active 2.1 technology the 611 has been SQlab s first and most popular MTB saddle first version launched back in 2005 Coming in 5 different sizes 13 to 17cm effective sitting area Unisex like all SQlab saddles

The carbon rails bring down the weight to 212g rams in the smallest width.

The 611 Infinergy Ergowave active 2.1 Carbon Made in Germany Only foreign part Swissmade Carbon Rails new semi automized manufacturing process Using BASF Infinergy material with outstanding damping rebound characteristics All in the proven 611 Ergowave shape with active 2.1 technology the 611 has been SQlab s first and most popular MTB saddle first version launched back in 2005 Coming in 5 different sizes 13 to 17cm effective sitting area Unisex like all SQlab saddles
The 611 Infinergy Ergowave active 2.1 Carbon Made in Germany Only foreign part Swissmade Carbon Rails new semi automized manufacturing process Using BASF Infinergy material with outstanding damping rebound characteristics All in the proven 611 Ergowave shape with active 2.1 technology the 611 has been SQlab s first and most popular MTB saddle first version launched back in 2005 Coming in 5 different sizes 13 to 17cm effective sitting area Unisex like all SQlab saddles

Main features are:
- BASF Infinergy material, with outstanding damping & rebound characteristics
- Proven Ergowave shape (minimizing pressure, providing more rearward support, and ensuring efficient power transmission)
- active 2.1 technology (makes a pelvis movement of up to 7° possible, which from a biomechanical point of view simulates the natural movement of walking and increases the efficiency of the pedalling motion. At the same time, the spinal discs are relieved and the pressure to the sit bones is reduced.
- Coming in 5 different sizes (13 to 17cm effective sitting area)
- Unisex (like all SQlab saddles)

For more photos, please see related GALLERY

The “611 Infinergy Ergowave active 2.1 Carbon” will be available from August,
Pricing: € 229.95 // US$ 259.99 // GBP 199.99

Important for all riders: get your sitbone distance measured to determine the right size, either by:
A) ordering a SQlab Home Measurement Kit (available in 5 different languages, shipping for free to Europe and northern America),
Or B) visiting your local SQlab dealer: EU or US&CAN

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Sqlab


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39 Comments
  • 33 1
 Saddles are a very personal decision, everybody needs something different. Except SQLab, where everyone I know who's tried one refuses to go back. I know there's an exception lurking out there in the comments, but wow are they good. No carbon rails for me though tyvm.
  • 6 0
 I went back. Measured using cardboard, ordered 155 (?) , rode for a season. Tried ordering their fit device several times but my post office always folded/manhandled the package rendering it useless. My hips/pelvis loved the active saddle.

I ended up bending the saddle rails in a slipout/laydown crash. Cromo.

Also, I experienced some nasty saddle sores even with a chamois. I'm sure this was related to the width/shape. I was riding a ton at the time too.

I've been on an Ergon SM Enduro saddle since and been mostly happy. Haven't bent it yet!
  • 4 0
 @BigHerm: similar story here. I was having tingly dick sensation on long climbs so tried out the sq611, liked it a lot as it fixed that issue and ordered one for each bike but then started getting saddles sores after a period with several consecutive days of heavy riding. I then jumped to an array of other seats to find something less prone to causing saddle sores. The ergon sm enduro and specialized power pro were better when it came to saddle sores but now I’m on a cheap WTB Volt that I seem to get along with best of all. It may be unfair, but I blame the SQLab for my now long term saddle sore susceptibility. I’ve tried everything from different seats, to different/no chamois, to different creams and finally have a combo I think is working with the Volt, chamois butt’r, and chamois.
  • 3 0
 I do like mine, but it isn't perfect. I still get numb and have to stand up.
  • 9 0
 @Murphius: The old TingleDick. Both uncomfortable and somewhat thrilling at the same time.
  • 3 0
 ive owned 3 and I still do but none of them are on my bikes anymore. the nose is too long and the wings at the rear are too wide for my taste. Yes it is by far the most comfortable saddle i've owned but getting over the back and moving around the saddle is annoying as f*ck and I kept getting hung up on my shorts. If they make a more downhill/enduro friendly shape with a shorter nose and less square tail shape I'll gladly try another but right now I'm pretty happy with my ergon SM pro and specialized bodygeo saddles.
  • 1 0
 Glad to hear they work for you.
  • 1 0
 @lognar: Similar experience. Love mine, super comfy, and really love the Active saddle movement. Wish I could have them on all my bikes but sadly I can’t. The wings are so wide (16cm saddle for my dump truck) that any aggressive riding and it gets in the way. Great saddles though!
  • 1 0
 They are great saddles, but too long and older versions are very prone to wear. The price tag is also very high, will try the Sagma next time cause sqlab gets in the way very often, had a few oh shit moments because saddle nose caught my baggy shorts.
  • 4 0
 I also went back. They tend to be somewhat fragile, with bent rails and cracked bodies being not uncommon. Had to warranty a bunch for customers. With the new USA distribution folks the warranty is far less forgiving and much more frustrating. So as much as it bums me out, no more SQ Labs for me and I can't in good conscious sell an expensive saddle to customers knowing the after sale support has largely dried up. Ergon for me I guess...
  • 1 1
 @RobKong: The 612 is shorter. There is also a weight limit on the current carbon railed versions
  • 1 0
 @Murphius: Have you tried the heat moldable Reform saddle? It has been a game changer for several people with sit bone (different heights) & saddle sore issues allowing them to get back into or increase their riding significantly. They now make a metal rail one for "mountain biking".
  • 1 0
 @andrewbikeguide: I’ve seen them mentioned. I’ll have to give them a closer look.
  • 1 0
 @RobKong: I’ve owned 7 of them over a 5 yr period. I loved them but as you said they are fragile. I worked in a shop so had no issues having each and every one replaced under warranty. Cracked bodies and bent rails on each and every one. I am a big guy and close to the top of the weight limit they have but the seats should not have failed. I now have a couple WTB saddles that have held up the last 2 seasons.
  • 1 0
 Been on the 60X on both my bikes for the last 3 months (I swap the axs reverb between them) by far the best saddle for my behind I've ever had, done some big rides in the last few months with 0 complaints.
  • 1 0
 @merlin33: yikes no thanks
  • 1 0
 @Murphius: Straight up! The volt is pretty bang on comfortable. I might be a bit sore in the cheek hopping on after a few long rides/days in a row, but goes away pretty quickly. The only other saddle ive spent enough time on to have an opinion about is the WTB Silverado which is a no go.
  • 1 0
 Interesting how different people can be. I’ve have a couple WTB Volts that came on bikes and can’t stand that saddle. Immediate discomfort. The Ergon SM Pro was a big step up by the 611 is better imo. And I have the basic CroMo version. I tend to ride w/o chamois since they don’t seem to help much but add a lot of obnoxiousness. And I find their tight grip up front causes more numbness than a bad saddle, just wearing some good underwear like Bn3th that gives you room and a saddle that supports your sit bones is a better combination. Other people are right about the nose though, it’s unnecessary long when you sit so far back on them.
  • 22 0
 "611 Infinergy Ergowave active 2.1 Carbon". Jeezus, I tried to buy one but the shop closed for the day while I was still saying the name.
  • 12 0
 The industry needs an annual Rockshox Naming Award, for the most super deluxe ultimate active 5.01A names out there.
  • 3 0
 Seriously. Who on planet earth was like “Yes, the name should have four words (two of them made-up), five digits, and one punctuation mark. That’s what we should do.” And then who else on earth was like, “You’re right. Let’s do it.”
  • 3 0
 @BiNARYBiKE: it sounds like the criteria for a password. Uppercase, lower case, numeral, special character, hieroglyph and an emoji
  • 4 0
 I have this saddle… it’s very good. Not so good that I wouldn’t try something else.
I do think the saddle is too long. Essentially I have no use or need for the last 20mm or so of the nose and it can get in the way when climbing and changing from standing to seated vide Versa.
They could realease a shorter version and add “shorty” to the name - would make for a memorable name.
  • 1 1
 If you are sitting on the seat, then stand up above the seat how can the nose get in the way?
  • 1 0
 @warmerdamj: With steep seat tubes and long dropper posts they easily get in the way when standing and mashing. When I'm doing a steep climb on a single speed sometimes I'll lower the seat to stand and mash to avoid it poking me in the butthole. In that configuration I'm more in front of the seat than standing above it.
  • 1 0
 @schu2470: yep, spot on, technical climbing.
@warmerdamj - without having ridden the seat I would share your view… getting poked by the seat was an unexpected negative.

Bike yoke Sagma is very short and snubby in comparison and largely aims for the same seat bones concept. I have recommended that to friends as a cheaper option + shorter = better in my view.
  • 3 0
 I’ve had a few 611s and now have a 60X on both bikes, great saddle. I stopped riding with a chamois on it. No issues on all day rides. The 60x is more comfortable than the 611.
  • 3 0
 The Bikeyoke Sagma is the same weight with aluminum rails and has user replaceable rails and will never creak. $100 cheaper too. So I got the Bikeyoke.
  • 1 0
 Wasn't there a whole thing about creaking Sagmas when they came out? Never is a strong word lol.
  • 1 0
 @BigHerm: I don't recall, but they have a rail interface that can be taken apart and cleaned or replaced altogether. The flexing mechanism and rails are modular. No idea about the fixed rail version.
  • 1 0
 nsmb.com/articles/bikeyoke-sagma-suspension-saddle

Didn't know about the new rail system.
  • 1 0
 I’ve found the 611 is is comfy now, but i was getting a numb bum on longer runs, so thought I’d try the sqlab pad in some shorts, it didn’t feel as comfortable as other pads initially it’s quite thin and firm, but it is a lot less bulky and does remain constantly comfortable thought out a longer ride, plus it’s doesn’t get as hot. Other saddle i use is the ergon sma3 comp, that works well with the bulkier pads. I think there is a lot to be said for sale and pass combinations in my experience.
  • 4 0
 The SQlab 60x is the best saddle I have ever used.
  • 1 0
 Same, love my 60x much prefer it over the Ergon Sm Pro I have on my hardtail.
  • 1 0
 most comfy saddle I've ridden. Make sure you measure sit bones properly and add 1 - 2cm to the width for MTB riders, for the right fitting.
  • 2 0
 Yup, yup. That does look like a saddle
  • 1 0
 Just placed an order to replace my 5 year old 611 yesterday dang it....
  • 1 0
 Zip de do da day.
  • 2 3
 I have a steel rail Ali express saddle that weights the same, costs $25, and is very comfortable.







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