That sounds like the Bellweather, but it’s hard to say. Can you go to a plumbing showroom to try them out? Who knows, maybe local hotels are a good resource!

Aside: I was recently at our local Ferguson to select fixtures for a client. I wanted her to try out some drop-in tubs, and the SA said they only have one drop-in and one alcove in the entire showroom now. Turns out that so many people are getting freestanding tubs that they have favored them for display. She also added that the vast majority of people buying the freestanding tubs have no interest in how they feel getting in and out of them. Most freely admit that the tub will be there for show and will likely never be used. So in other words, it might not be easy for you to find alcove tubs to try out these days!

Good luck.

Freesatnding tubs are awful to shower in and a nice alcove soaking tub is the way I would go and Maax has lots of them and how stupid is it to buy a tub if you never going to use one. I happen to think a tub is a must in my bathroom .

We have two Toto 1525’s and we shower in them daily (occasionally use for soaking, as well). We like them very much.

Thanks @badgergal ; good to hear of some firsthand experience.

We put a 32x66" Bellwether in the hall bath a few months ago to be used primarily as a shower. I've used it approx 10 times or so (we mainly use that bathroom as a powder room). It's easy to step over and shower in (nice flat bottom). I recommend a curved shower rod (that's what we did). I considered the toto equivalent (think they were priced about the same after contractor discounts, etc.) but I preferred the look of the Bellwether. I neither saw nor tested either tub in person. I had to go by photos only. The lead time for the Bellwether 32x66" was about 3 months. I posted photos of my Bellwether in this thread: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5783093/do-quiet-alcove-bathtubs-exist-anymore

Love the Bellwether for this purpose. K-837 or K-838

I have had a lot of clients go for the Underscore 1956-LA or 1956-RA. Its 60 x 30, acrylic, and 21" deep for those wanting a soaking experience.

The underscore is what we went with, teen son says it’s very comfortable to stand in and teen daughter likes the ability for a nice soaking bath. Of course they’re agile teenagers and don’t mind stepping into it but it’s a nice tub.

Here is another perspective—we just re-did an alcove bath and used a cast iron Kohler Memoirs (17 “ tall) instead of the Bellweather because it is a little taller and is a better option if someone does want a bath (the bathroom was too small to ever have a freestanding soaker tub). Neither of my kids has complained one bit about stepping into it to shower and my teen daughter absolutely loves to soak in that tub. Full disclosure, no one is short in our house, if that matters.

Thanks for your input. I suspect this tub will be used almost exclusively for showering unless/until my adult sons get married and bring home grand babies. And we’re planning on an outdoor hot tub for the full immersion soaking experience :)

I have a Kohler Underscore tub in my bathroom that I use for a tub/shower combo. I like the deeper water level of the acrylic tubs (since I like to take baths). If you get the Underscore, they have an ADA model, which I used and recommend for shower/tub combos. It has the same water depth as non-ADA model but a 19" step over height vs. 21" on the standard. Have an acrylic tub installed using a mud base and it will make it feel much more solid.

I've also used the Kohler Bellweather at a remodeled rental condominium.

The tub is nice and solid. It does have a lower step over height which facilitates showering. However, for bathing, you can't get the water level very high. The back of the Bellweather is comfortably angled for lounging against vs. the straighter Underscore.

If mainly used for showers and your contractor won't have issue installing the heavier cast iron, I would go with the Bellweather.

thanks @mmilos

Bellwether like the one Badgergal has is the way I would go. I've had that tub in my house since 2012 and have been very happy with it. It is primarily used for utility, in the bath off the kitchen, but historically the area with the old tube was used to bath kids. I remodeled in 2012 replaced the old case iron with the cast iron Bellwether, with grandkids in mind. Its not too high, so stepping over is easy. It is the same height as the older Villager by Kohler, but more modern looking. I have taken many baths in it and have been fine using it as a bath. I have mine set up with a hand shower only, mounted on the tub fill. But I would use the Bellwether if I had a tub/shower combo.

@enduring so does the Bellweather fill up high enough with water to cover an adult body so you can soak in it? I'm leaning toward the Bellweather because it seems to have more water depth than the Villager. I just want to make sure the water can fill high enough for an adult. Thank you!

The water depth on my Bellwether is the same as the Villager. There is another model of Bellwether that is deeper. The front end and the back end are both sloped, so the spout will need to be longer to reach out beyond the slope of the tub. It is a bit wider too, iirc. Check the specs for both styles.