I have the Kohler Underscore drop-in 36" x 60." I love it. Is this going to be a tub-only or will it be a tub/shower combo? The Underscore has a slanted back and lumbar support. If it's a tub/shower combo, you'd have to be careful not to step on the slanted/lumbar area. Our tub/shower combos have tubs that are not very slanty.

Thank you very much for your input. This is going to be a tub/shower combo. I am happy to have a slanted back so that I can relax and soak. I was worried that it may not be slanted enough, as I heard the American Standard tub has a little more of a slant than the Kohler. Is the non-slip surface comfortable enough to sit on? I like anti-slip for safety but I am worried about how it will feel when soaking....

I would love to try these tubs but I cannot find anywhere around here in D.C. that has them on display, at least in these dimensions. I don't have a car, so its also harder for me to go far out to find a place to try them. Good to know about the texture of your AS alcove, and that it is not scratchy. Thank you also for your advice about getting the one with the most flat surface area, I had not really thought about that!

Kohler in rockville md area has the underscore on display alcove. I just looked at the other day. Baltimore also has drop in versions of both the archer and underscore

IMO if you like to soak then get a slanted back .

Maybe you can borrow a friend's car or Uber to Rockville so you can see the Underscore. I don't think the metro gets you close at all to Rockville. There's a bus but it takes about an hour.

The slanted back and lumbar of the Underscore is really comfortable. I was never a bath person, and we only put it in during our remodel because it's so-called "required" for resale in our neighborhood, and we had plenty of room so there was no reason not to. I NEVER used the tub that was there before, in 18 years. But now I'm a semi-bath-person, using the tub a few times a month. It's great.

Maybe you can borrow a friend's car or Uber to Rockville so you can see the Underscore. I don't think the metro gets you close at all to Rockville. There's a bus but it takes about an hour.

The slanted back and lumbar of the Underscore is really comfortable. I was never a bath person, and we only put it in during our remodel because it's so-called "required" for resale in our neighborhood, and we had plenty of room so there was no reason not to. I NEVER used the tub that was there before, in 18 years. But now I'm a semi-bath-person, using the tub a few times a month. It's great.

Thank you....I was thinking of trying to find a way to trek out to Rockville but I think it is probably best to just go with my instinct and go for the Underscore. It is going to be complicated to get out there. I have been looking again at the Kohler Archer (which I initially eliminated because of lots of reviews complaining of creaking sounds from that tub) but I probably will just go with Underscore, especially since you say that the slanted back is comfortable. I can't tell you how helpful it is to hear from you and the others who commented on my post. Thank you so much!

You can take the Red Line to Shady Grove and Ride On bus the rest of the way to Fergusons.

I'm deciding between these two tubs as well! For me, durability is most important so I'm trying to figure out which is less likely to crack, chip, or stain. Which tub did you end up going for?

Me too. I'd love to hear your decision and review.

What did you end up buying? I am trying to decide between the Studio and the Archer tub for an alcove.

I will say I ended up purchasing the Kohler Elmbrook. This is a shallow tub which is fine for me since I don’t really bathe. The major problem I have is that it has these thick flat edges where water pools or even runs straight off onto the floor. Huge headache. I had to install guards on the sides to prevent this. It’s very possible the tub was installed incorrectly. The whole shower reno was done badly unfortunately. Or it could be a design flaw I’m not really sure. If I could go back I would consider a tub with thinner rounded or slanted edges. But to speak to the quality of the Kohler tub, it is a good quality tub with a textured bottom and slanted back, has no signs of wear after 4 years, and cleans up great.

HU-238056105 "it has these thick flat edges where water pools..."

The photo below makes it appear as if there's a gentle rise in the surface at the front (and side) of the tub which would cause water to flow back into the tub. Is this not the case and these surfaces are actually flat?

We ended up purchasing the Signature Hardware Sitka. The first arrived cracked but the replacement was fine. Its been 2 years and satisfied so far. Comfortable and good for a deep soak.

https://www.build.com/product/summary/1707179?uid=4027520&jmtest=gg-gbav2_4027520&inv2=1&source=gg-gba-pla_4027520!c12954934318!a122549940660!dc!ng&gad_source=1&gclid=CK-Nusr6nIcDFYmWAwgdas4EEQ&gclsrc=ds

@wdccruise They do seem to be flat. I don't own an actual level but I tested it out with my iPhone and the entire surrounding edge shows as 0 degrees.