I haven't read comments before buying, because it was part of a bundle and I didn't think it could be too bad. It is unstable and wobbly and loosens all the time, until you tighten the main shaft clamp with a large plier, and the other winged screw as hard as you can. I did that and it is rock solid now, no more loosening if I sit on it and move. On the other hand, the upper half is a bit weird. It indeed has a very narrow cushioning and once you sit on it, all the air vents out so it becomes a bit hard. Not very comfortable, but not all that bad either. But the winged screw, which should fix the whole thing here is also hard to tighten. And if you are successful in that regard, then the whole thing comes apart again when you move on it a little bit, because it loosens the main clamp (even if you tightened it with a tool). Better get used to that it rotates. At least then the lower part remains stable. I haven't tried it yet, but a rubber or plastic washer under the main shaft clamp probably helps a lot (so you can tighten it enough with hand), if you can find or make a matching size. Or simply avoid this one and find a better stool.