The old addage ya gets what ya pays for applies in spades to drummer's thrones. If you can inspect one before buying, be sure it's double braced if you weigh over 100 pounds, as someone noted above, and also look at the bracing or bracket that is attached to the seat itself. I had one that seemed to be REALLY sturdy, and had a back on it, but the bracket that actually screwed into the bottom of the seat was only cast aluminum and it fractured after a couple years. That one cost 129.00. My son, who is a drummer has gone through 2 similar ones that broke in the same area. We both recently purchased Pork Pie brand thrones, which are made with a stronger seat/pedestal arrangement. They are not cheap. Sometimes you can get very good deals on thrones at Music 123 and also Musician's friend, online.