large and small bertoia diamonds -- differences  

I wouldn't consider the...
I wouldn't consider the large diamond if you want head support, which I would. That is precisely why the bird is a slightly more popular sitting solution. The large diamond has one extra amenity that makes it more comfy than the small other than it's generous size .... it is not directly bolted to the base like the smaller version. It has rubber shockmounts, like that of an LCW, that gives it more give and a slight rocking motion (also contained on the Bird).
All 3 chairs are comfortable ... for what they are intended for. The small diamond is much more of a transportable, versitle, temporary seating. The large is more comfortable and generous, but not for napping or long reading. The Bird has it all! Although I will say, at your size the Bird may be a little difficult to get out of. It's rather low to the ground.
The large diamond is rather large! Make sure you have ample room for it so it does not swallow your interior. To me, much like the Eames elliptical table, you need a rather large space to accommodate it. The Bird chair has the ultimate comfort of the three within a smaller footprint.
Hope this helps.

I have a small Diamond on my...
I have a small Diamond on my landing at home I would echo whitespikes comments, it is great for when friends come over and I need more seating as you can move it round easily, whilst its comfortable for sitting and chatting I couldn’t imagine lounging round or snoozing in it
I would imagine them being more comfortable with the full cover ( I just have a Bouclé seat pad) although one of the main reasons I like the chair is that you can see through it so visually it doesn’t take up to much space
The asymmetric lounge looks great, be interesting to see how comfortable it is
http://www.knoll.com/products/product.jsp?prod_id=707&flag=cat&cat_id=18

Hey guys,
Thanks for the...
Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses. They were very helpful. That's a good point about the lack of a headrest making the diamond more suitable for sitting upright. And I'm with you pete on favoring the diamond without the cover (not because it takes up less space though, just because I think it's considerably more attractive without the full cover). I think I may end up getting a bird with a full cover and a small diamond with the seat pad. Thanks again!
Oh, wait -- another question -- I like it when these chairs have white shells and black bases (which I occasionally see them as). I'm just curious if this was ever actually an option, or if, rather, these were constructed at home out of two chairs? Anyone know definitively? Thanks,
Brian

two tone
The black and white was an early option and is no longer available. I actually prefer the aesthetics and comfort of the full pad, and it's better when the back is made viewable.

birf chair
i sat in a bird chair yesterday one of the most uncomfortable chairs i have ever sat in. I basically needed a crane to get me out of it , the seat is so low it could be used as a toilet with a few modifications , I was disappointed as i have diamond chairs side chairs and high bar stools all made by
knoll and i love them ,

I love all the Bertoia line. ...
I love all the Bertoia line. However, they are not for everybody. If you have the right body shape, they are great! I am 5"11" and 170 pounds, I fit in all of them well.
I like the wide diamond a whole lot more than the small diamond. The small diamond is an upright, side type chair. Its good for a short sit, and is comfortable for a long sit as well. It is easy to move around for cleaning, a nice chair for the many tighter spaces.
If you have the room, do get a wide diamond! Its got width for a large person, but maybe not a rough housing wide person (read the breakage section below). They are easy to get in and out of. The bird is a challenge for a person with a not-so-athletic-form. Also they wouldn't be a good fit for an old folks home! The bird would be a tough fit for the short and rotund as well.
These Bertoia chairs all break in different areas. You must inspect them or you will be fooled. The dining chair, and small diamond breaks near the rear seat basket mount first. The wide diamonds break along the front edges first, and the front shock mounts. Birds break at the rear shock mounts, and the basket to shock mount brackets. I sat in my first one for several days before I realized it was horribly broken! You see people selling them often without knowing they are in bad shape. Its easy to miss the damage. Wires pop away at the spot welds and wires do break in half if not repaired.
Late version Knoll chairs are with thicker wire. The early chairs all break easier because the wire is thinner. The newer ones weigh more, and hold up better. I have measured the wire before, and it can be .04" to .06" thicker in some cases.
I am a pad person as well, and love full pads in nice new foam. The old latex is doomed if not protected in a vinyl cover.
goodluck

Also
I think my repaired...
Also
I think my repaired bird chair is like sitting in a race car, or a Recaro seat. Its the most form fitting of the lineup, and is the neatest to look at. My sister thought it looked "scary" when she first saw it. My brother thought it fit super. He is an athletic 6"4" and 220 pounds!

small diamonds

I love these chairs i ...
I love these chairs i bought three knoll chairs at a estate sale I gave 100 bucks each for 2 and the third i gave 10 bucks cause the wires were all split on the other two they had lots of breaks but the stands were in great shape, what i did was I took the 2 best and parts from 3 to make the other with some broken wires perfect and they are , I had them all re welded and power coated a nice grey color and had red seat pads made just like the knolls . I love the small diamonds they are great and as classic as ever,

diamond covers
our company has made a lot of the diamond covers in lots of colors and many great combinations like a 2 tone orange and red 1/2 and 1/2 looks great another popular one is black and white we always use new foam and a black cheese cloth double weave , looks great