SQlab 611 Ergowave MTB Carbon Review

SQ Lab distinguishes itself from mainstream cycling brands with an uncompromising focus on ergonomics. This dedication has built a loyal fanbase of riders who rely on SQ Lab for pain-free riding. The 611 Ergowave MTB Carbon is the brand's ultralight all-mountain saddle, built with carbon rails and a durable, reinforced tail. While it isn't cheap, the rise of 3D-printed saddles makes this model a relative value. We highly recommend the 611 series for riders seeking relief from discomfort or injury, and if you count grams, this is the saddle to choose.

Comfort

The SQlab 611 Ergowave eschews traditional plushness for an anatomical approach, functioning more like a precision-tuned footbed for your sit bones than a soft cushion. While the platform is notably stiff, its comfort stems from an ergonomic profile that aligns the rider's joints and eliminates pressure points. Because this design's effectiveness depends entirely on a perfect match to your anatomy, SQ Lab offers a home-fit kit to help you select the correct width from their 12, 13, 14, or 15 cm options. The precise sizing and advanced shell geometry deliver high-performance support that soft, “cushy” alternatives simply cannot match.

SQ Lab's Ergowave technology refers to the wave-like contour shapes of the saddle. This shape is said to fit the skeletal structure, reducing pressure on sensitive areas. By elevating the tail relative to the midsection, the saddle effectively funnels you into a biomechanical “sweet spot,” ensuring your sit bones are securely locked in, and your sensitive tissues are positioned precisely over the pressure-relief channel for maximum comfort. It's far more comfortable than you might imagine looking at one of their saddles.

The SQ Lab 611 Ergowave doesn't coddle you with foam. This saddle feels harder to the 'finger push test" than any other saddle in our test. While the shell remains largely rigid, its uniquely wide and flat nose is a tactical advantage on the trail. This design provides a stable, comfortable platform for those grueling, “on-the-rivet” technical climbs where you're perched forward and every millimeter of support counts.

Performance

The 611 Ergowave Carbon is a high-performance masterpiece that proves a minimalist design can be both comfortable and incredibly fast. By using an uncompromisingly stiff, lightly padded platform, SQlab ensures that every ounce of your effort is transferred directly to the drivetrain rather than absorbed by excessive foam. This lean construction doesn't sacrifice rider comfort; instead, it relies on its “scientifically-driven, stepped” shape to provide support and deliver highly efficient power transfer.

The high-tail, stepped architecture acts like a biomechanical anchor, keeping you locked into the optimal “sweet spot” for both comfort and power; it doesn't feel like you're sitting on a shelf. While its squared-off rear profile is a bit broader, measuring 149mm on the 14cm saddle. The tail could theoretically snag your shorts, but modern dropper posts make this a non-issue on technical descents. Crucially, its impressively low stack height, the slim gap between the rails and the seat surface, is a benefit for riders trying to squeeze every possible millimeter of travel out of a long-stroke dropper post.

Durability

What can we say? Our test saddle is in great shape after almost 1000 miles. The 611 Ergowave Carbon survived our most aggressive testing and neglect without issue. The carbon rails are seamlessly integrated into the shell, providing a silent, creak-free interface even under high-torque pedaling. For added peace of mind, SQ Lab wraps the tail in Kevlar reinforcement, creating a durable shield that protects the saddle's integrity during crashes or when leaning the bike against rough surfaces.

Only mildly related to durability, the Kevlar rear end is particularly hard to clean and often feels dirty even after the rest of the bike has been cleaned.

Versatility

While SQ Lab engineered the 611 Ergowave Carbon for technical mountain riding, its delightful ergonomics made it a go-to for our XC and Gravel bikes. I took this saddle on multiple 100+ mile rides, where sustained comfort enhanced my endurance.

Have you ever gotten to the 90-mile mark and thought, “Wow, this is a really comfortable saddle?” That's exactly the experience I had with this saddle; it offers a high-performance perch for riders seeking to eliminate the downsides of relying on padding for comfort.

Weight

While this is the lightest saddle in our test, its weight feels almost the least remarkable aspect. Weighing in at a paltry 159 grams, this thing is seriously lightweight! Of course, any saddle that ditches the solid metal rails is going to have a weight benefit, but even amongst other carbon-railed saddles, the 611 is a clear standout.

Across all components, there appear to be trade-offs in weight. “Light, cheap, and strong, pick 2”, the old adage says. Since we weren't able to dent the armor on this saddle, the main negative is its price, but at under $200, it's not that expensive for a modern mountain bike saddle.

Value

While the 611 Ergowave Carbon carries a premium price tag, it remains competitive in the high-end market, especially compared to elite models priced at $350. Its true value lies in its ability to address chronic pain through medically informed ergonomics, making it a potentially life-changing investment for riders struggling with poor fit. For those who prioritize these health benefits and superior build quality but are budget-conscious, SQ Lab offers the same sophisticated geometry with metal rails at a significantly more accessible price point.

Conclusion

The 611 Ergowave Carbon is a brilliant ergonomic innovation, trading the heavier metal rails of the S-Tube model for a lightweight, ultra-stiff carbon construction that maximizes power transfer. The custom fit ensures a precise fit, but using their home measurement kit requires some effort. The shape and geometry put you in a perfect position to distribute weight onto the sit bones while providing critical relief to the perineal area. Reading through all the jargon on their website feels a bit technically overwhelming. That said, the 611 Carbon offers a solution for riders who refuse to choose between shaving grams and solving chronic saddle discomfort.