Van Winkle Mattress is a family-run mattress retailer with a value-leaning lineup, and we tested four of its most affordable models priced from $349 to $599 to see where each one shines in support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and durability.
Product Overview
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Firm | 3.3 | Very steady surface feel, low cost, easy to move on | Thin profile, limited pressure relief, short warranty | Budget shoppers who want a firmer, simpler sleep surface | $349 |
| Brenton Medium | 3.5 | More balanced comfort than Choice Firm, smoother edges, better all-around comfort | Still an entry-level build, not the quietest for light sleepers | Mixed-position sleepers who want a medium feel at a low price | $399 |
| Silver Lux Soft | 3.7 | Plush feel with strong airflow, comfortable for side-sleep starts, lively surface | More motion transfer than the others, softness can feel “busy” | People who like a softer top and don’t mind a springier response | $459 |
| VW Pillow Top - Medium | 3.9 | Most complete package, best edge stability, supportive without feeling hard | Not the best at muting partner movement | Couples who want sturdier edges and a medium pillow-top feel | $599 |
Testing Team Takeaways
Across the four, the VW Pillow Top - Medium felt the most “finished,” with the best balance of support and edge confidence, while Choice Firm was the most bare-bones but stable. Marcus pushed heat and edge checks; Jenna and Ethan focused on motion transfer and couple comfort. The softest feel came from Silver Lux Soft, which traded calm motion isolation for a livelier, spring-forward ride.
Van Winkle Mattress Comparison Chart
| Model | Feel | Type | Height | Notable construction notes | Cooling | Support | Pressure relief | Motion isolation | Responsiveness | Edge support | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Firm | Firm | Innerspring | 6 in | Spring system; described as made by Southerland | 3.6 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 3.2 | 1 year | $349 |
| Brenton Medium | Medium | Innerspring | 7 in | Cooling cover; quilt foam; HD comfort foams; Verticoil edge; HD base foam | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 5 years | $399 |
| Silver Lux Soft | Soft | Innerspring | - | Bonnell coil system; 13.5 gauge coils; 9 gauge border wire; 4.0 in HD SuperSoft foam | 4.0 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 5 years | $459 |
| VW Pillow Top - Medium | Medium | Innerspring | - | Breathe-Lite quilting; HD foam; 4 in wrapped innerspring over LIFE EDGE 8 in steel support; over 1600 coils | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 5 years | $599 |
How We Tested It
I rotated these mattresses through the same bedroom setup and scored them using the same checklist: Support, Cooling, Pressure Relief, Motion Isolation, Responsiveness, Edge Support, and Durability. Marcus tracked heat buildup and edge stability during sit-and-stand routines. Jenna and Ethan ran partner-movement drills (getting in and out of bed, rolling, and edge-sharing) and logged wake-ups tied to motion or “stuck” feeling.
Van Winkle Mattress: Our Testing Experience
Choice Firm
Our Testing Experience
The first night on Choice Firm, I immediately noticed how straightforward it felt: no dramatic sink, no lingering body impression when I rolled from my back to my side. When I sat at the edge to put on socks, it stayed usable, though it didn’t feel “reinforced.” After a few longer workdays, my lower back liked the firm, level surface, but my hip started asking for more cushion when I stayed on my side too long. Marcus called it “honest firm,” and he liked that it didn’t hammock under his midsection, even when he drifted toward stomach-sleep.
What we liked
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Stable, no-fuss surface that stays level when changing positions
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Feels easy to move on, especially for back-to-side switches
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Price-to-function value is strong if you prefer firm
Who it is best for
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Back sleepers who want a firmer baseline feel
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Guest rooms where simplicity matters more than plush comfort
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Shoppers who want the lowest price point
Where it falls short
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Pressure relief is limited for side sleeping
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Warranty coverage is short for long-term buyers
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Doesn’t mute motion as well as thicker builds
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Firm, steady surface | Thin profile limits cushioning |
| Easy to reposition | Short warranty |
| Budget-friendly | Average motion isolation |
Details
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Price: $349
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Firmness: Firm feel
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Thickness: 6 in
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Type: Spring system (innerspring)
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Cooling: -
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Pressure relief: -
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Responsiveness: -
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Motion isolation: -
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Edge support: -
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Shipping: -
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: 1 year
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Made in: USA (TN)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 3.7 | Stays level and avoids saggy “hammocking,” but the thin build limits depth of support. |
| Pressure Relief | 2.8 | Side-sleeping comfort drops off at the shoulder and outer hip over longer stretches. |
| Cooling | 3.6 | Feels airy enough in practice, helped by a simpler, less “enveloping” surface. |
| Motion Isolation | 2.9 | Movement shows up more clearly, especially when someone gets in or out of bed. |
| Responsiveness | 4.1 | Quick, uncomplicated transitions; I never felt stuck when rolling over. |
| Edge Support | 3.2 | Usable edge for sitting, but not as confidence-inspiring as the LIFE EDGE builds. |
| Durability | 3.0 | Shorter warranty coverage and a basic build keep expectations realistic. |
| Overall | 3.3 | A firm, entry-level pick that prioritizes stability over pressure relief and calmness. |
Brenton Medium
Our Testing Experience
Brenton Medium immediately felt more “forgiving” than Choice Firm, especially when I started the night on my side. I could feel a bit more surface give at my shoulder without losing the sense that my hips were being held up. Marcus tested it after a hot night and said the cover felt cooler to the touch early on, and he liked that the middle didn’t dip when he rolled forward. Jenna and Ethan both noticed that it was easier to share the outer third without feeling like they had to “steer” back toward the center, though you still feel some partner motion compared to denser foams.
What we liked
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More balanced comfort than the firm model without feeling soft
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Easier edge-sharing for couples than the cheapest option
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Smooth, predictable response during position changes
Who it is best for
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Combination sleepers who want a true medium feel on a budget
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Couples who want workable edges without paying for premium builds
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Guest rooms where you want broad appeal
Where it falls short
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Not the quietest at dampening movement
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Still feels like an entry-level height and build
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Pressure relief is good, not exceptional
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Balanced medium comfort | Entry-level thickness |
| Cooling cover feel | Moderate motion transfer |
| More structured edge feel | Pressure relief not “luxury” level |
Details
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Price: $399
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Firmness: Medium (comfort layers described as medium foam)
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Thickness: 7 in
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Cooling: Cooling cover noted
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Comfort layers: quilt foam and HD comfort foams
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Edge approach: Verticoil edge noted
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Shipping: -
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: 5 years
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Made in: Tennessee; CertiPUR-US foams noted
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 3.8 | Holds the hips up better than I expected for the profile, especially for back sleeping. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.4 | Noticeably kinder to shoulders than Choice Firm, but not a deep cradle. |
| Cooling | 3.7 | Stays reasonably comfortable through the night; cover feel helps early impressions. |
| Motion Isolation | 3.4 | Partner movement is present but less disruptive than the livelier spring builds. |
| Responsiveness | 3.6 | Turns are smooth and steady without feeling bouncy or “launchy.” |
| Edge Support | 3.5 | Better edge-sharing than the cheapest model; sitting is more stable. |
| Durability | 3.4 | More complete construction cues and a longer warranty improve confidence. |
| Overall | 3.5 | A practical medium option that plays well for mixed sleepers and many guest rooms. |
Silver Lux Soft
Our Testing Experience
Silver Lux Soft is where the lineup turns more plush. When I settled in to read in bed, the top felt cushier right away, and on side-sleep starts my shoulder sank in more comfortably than it did on Brenton. Over a full night, I stayed aligned best when I kept a neutral pillow height and didn’t let myself curl too tightly. Marcus liked the airflow, but he also picked up more “bounce” when shifting his weight, and he flagged that partner movement would be easier to feel here. That said, the surface didn’t feel fragile; it felt spring-forward and lively, with a softness that you notice most at the first inch or two.
What we liked
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Softer top that reduces joint pressure during side-sleep starts
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Airflow feels strong, and the mattress doesn’t hold heat in the same way dense foams can
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Quick response makes it easy to change positions
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers who want a softer entry-level feel
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People who dislike slow-moving foam and want a more buoyant surface
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Sleepers who run warm and prefer a less “wrapped” feel
Where it falls short
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Motion travels more than it does on the calmer, foam-heavier feel
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Very light sleepers may notice partner movement
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The softness can feel too active if you prefer a dead-still surface
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plush comfort at a low price | More motion transfer |
| Airy, spring-forward feel | Not ideal for very light sleepers with a restless partner |
| Easy to move on | Softness may feel “busy” to some |
Details
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Price: $459
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Type: Bonnell coil system noted
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Coil details: 13.5 gauge coils; 9 gauge border wire noted
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Comfort layers: insulator pad; 4.0 in high density SuperSoft foam noted
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Cooling: airflow emphasized via open coil system
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Shipping: -
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: 5 years
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Made in: Illinois; CertiPUR-US foams noted
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 3.6 | Support is stable, but the plush top can feel less “locked in” for heavier stomach time. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.8 | Softer top helped my shoulder and outer hip on side starts more consistently. |
| Cooling | 4.0 | The spring-focused build breathes well and stayed comfortable on warmer nights. |
| Motion Isolation | 3.0 | The lively feel makes movement easier to detect across the surface. |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Quick rebound; rolling over is effortless and doesn’t feel sticky. |
| Edge Support | 3.7 | Border wire and overall structure keep sitting and edge use more stable than expected. |
| Durability | 3.6 | Construction cues are stronger than the cheapest build, but still value-tier. |
| Overall | 3.7 | The best choice here for a softer feel, as long as motion isolation isn’t your top priority. |
VW Pillow Top - Medium
Our Testing Experience
VW Pillow Top - Medium was the one that felt most comfortable across the most situations. I could start on my side, roll to my back, and stay supported without feeling like my hips were drifting out of alignment. The pillow top gave enough surface cushion that my pressure points didn’t flare up, but it never turned into a slow sink. Marcus liked how the middle stayed lifted under his torso, and he repeatedly pointed out that the edge didn’t fold when he sat to lace up shoes. Jenna and Ethan ran their couple routine and rated it the most confidence-inspiring for edge-sharing; the mattress felt sturdy when one person climbed in while the other stayed still, even though you still feel some movement.
What we liked
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Most balanced blend of cushion and support across positions
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Strong edge feel for sitting and for sleeping near the perimeter
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Responsive, easy turning without feeling hard
Who it is best for
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Couples who want better edge stability without going ultra-firm
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Combination sleepers who rotate between back and side
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People who want a medium pillow-top feel rather than deep-plush softness
Where it falls short
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Not the best at fully muting partner motion
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If you want a very dead-still surface, this still feels spring-driven
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The “medium” feel may read firm to very lightweight side sleepers
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best overall balance | Motion isolation is not class-leading |
| Strong edges for couples | Not ideal for ultra-plush seekers |
| Responsive without feeling harsh | Spring-forward feel can be noticeable |
Details
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Price: $599
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Quilting/foam: Breathe-Lite quilting and HD foam noted
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Support design: 4 in wrapped innerspring over LIFE EDGE patented 8 in steel support noted
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Coil count: over 1600 coils noted
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Shipping: roll packed/boxed noted
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: 5 years
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Made in: Illinois; CertiPUR-US foams noted
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.2 | Best spinal “hold” of the group while still feeling comfortable on top. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.0 | Pillow top adds cushion that kept my shoulder/hip more comfortable on side starts. |
| Cooling | 4.1 | Stayed consistently comfortable; spring-forward build helps prevent heat stagnation. |
| Motion Isolation | 3.3 | Better than the liveliest feel, but you still register partner movement. |
| Responsiveness | 4.2 | Turns are easy and immediate, which helped Ethan’s “turn without thinking” test. |
| Edge Support | 4.0 | Clear improvement in sitting stability and edge-sharing confidence. |
| Durability | 3.8 | Stronger build cues than the cheapest models, with value-tier warranty expectations. |
| Overall | 3.9 | The most even performer, with edge stability and support as the main differentiators. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Firm | 3.3 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 4.1 |
| Brenton Medium | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| Silver Lux Soft | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.0 |
| VW Pillow Top - Medium | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
If you want the most even performance, VW Pillow Top - Medium is the clear lead, with the fewest weak spots and the best support-and-edge blend. Silver Lux Soft has a clear advantage in pressure relief and cooling, but it gives back points in motion isolation. Brenton Medium is the most “middle of the road,” and Choice Firm is the specialized pick when you mainly want firm stability at the lowest price.
How to Choose the Van Winkle Mattress?
If you’re mostly on your back and want the simplest firm feel, Choice Firm is the direct match. For mixed positions and broader comfort, Brenton Medium is the safer all-around selection. If you start on your side and want more top softness, Silver Lux Soft fits better. For couples, edge use, and the most balanced nightly feel, VW Pillow Top - Medium is the most complete option.
Limitations
This set leans strongly toward value builds, so the trade-off is fewer “luxury” behaviors: motion isolation ranges from average to merely decent, and the thinner profiles can feel less forgiving for sensitive shoulders or hips. Choice Firm is the least suitable for lightweight side sleepers. Silver Lux Soft is the least suitable for people who wake easily from partner movement. VW Pillow Top - Medium is the least suitable for shoppers who want a very still, foam-dominant feel.
Van Winkle Mattress Vs. Alternatives
Reasons to choose these models include straightforward value pricing, spring-forward responsiveness, and practical support-and-edge performance without jumping into premium price tiers. If you want a more foam-driven feel with stronger motion isolation at a similar budget level, the Zinus Original Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a common alternative for side-sleep comfort. If you want a budget hybrid concept with memory foam over springs and broad size availability, the Linenspa 8" Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is another widely chosen option.
Pro Tips for Van Winkle Mattress
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Give your body a few nights to adapt before judging firmness, especially on the two entry-level models.
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If you wake with hip pressure, reduce pillow height slightly before assuming you need a softer mattress.
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For side-sleep comfort on firmer builds, add a thin topper rather than immediately replacing the mattress.
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Rotate the mattress on a consistent schedule to keep the feel more even across the sleep surface.
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If you sit on the edge daily, prioritize the models with stronger edge design cues to reduce “edge fatigue.”
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Keep your foundation and frame rigid; spring builds feel less stable on flexy slats.
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If you share the bed and motion wakes you, use separate blankets and keep a little spacing between sleep zones.
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For hot nights, use breathable bedding first; it often changes the perceived temperature more than people expect.
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If you frequently change positions, prioritize responsiveness over deep plushness so turning stays effortless.
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In guest rooms, choose the most broadly comfortable feel rather than the most specialized one.
FAQs
What mattress here works best for couples who use the edge?
VW Pillow Top - Medium felt the most stable for edge-sharing and sit-on-the-side routines.
Which one feels the softest on top?
Silver Lux Soft delivered the most noticeable initial plushness during side-sleep starts.
Which is the most budget-focused option?
Choice Firm is the lowest-priced model in this set at $349.
