At first I had trouble with how stiff it was ...
582305
At first I had trouble with how stiff it was but it just needed to be loosened. I rock climb as a hobby and am looking forward to next summer to see if this has helped my hand strength as I have lost hand strength over the years.
2455214
The first time I set it up, it was very stiff and hard to set up.  Now after a few times, it is GREAT!!  Very happy with this purchase.
4097935
When I first got it, my first thoughts were this:
'WOW, this is really heavy'
'This is not comfortable. It hurts just as much as padless'
Give it a week or two. The gel softens up and now it's very comfortable
1497773
It was very stiff the first night but then was very comfortable second night. I am experiencing that it does get very hot when in bed. I let it expand for 48hours and it reached its full size.
2636688
were not comfortable at first which really surprised me, but after several walks they are ok now.
429606
When I first put this into my car at the start of a long 8 hour drive, it felt a bit stiff.  I was worried that it wouldn't be comfortable.

However, after just an hour or two, it started to form to my back.

You need to give this thing time to mold itself into the right shape! If you're not heading right out on a long roadtrip like I did, then I'd recommend using it in your office chair or somewhere else that you'll be sitting for a long period of time before you put it into you car.  After it gets some use, it feels great!
2478487
Was a little stiff at first but it has softened up and I really like once I got use to it and it looks good too.
4086530
It took some time to get used to it, now that I have it's great.
564821
It's a little hard or stiff in the material to begin with but once used it softens up. I use it in to carry all my differrent gear for the gun it's so much easier then filling your pockets and carring a bag.
1100417
A little bit tight, so I had some headache before getting used to it. But after a while, I was ok!
4403460
It was a little hard to figure out the grind, but after experimenting I've gotten it right.
3896903
Takes a while to get used to. The backside of the strap was a bit stiff and uncomfortable the first few times I wore them but has been getting increasingly comfortable with each use.
2175654
This is a good deal but for me, this was too stiff. I tried using it for a few weeks when i slept to see if i could break it in but it never got softer. It definitely though was a good enough deal to try and i would recommend others try it as well since everyone is different.
4426730
I've had this on my bed for a while and I am still a little unsure of it. It is a bit stiff and I was hoping over time it would loosen up but even after 4 months it is still as stiff as ever.
658353
Didn't expect it to be a stiff was it was. Was worried about the clip but it feels sturdier than I thought it would be based on the picture.
1885617
I like that its stiff a not flimsy.
Would recommend.
4408414
A little more flexible than I expected when I step onto it.