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Looking for a new office/gaming chair

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I'm moving to a new state and I'm not interested in taking my old office chair with me. To be honest I never really liked it much. I got it for a good deal during black friday back in 2011 but I've never found it to be comfortable nor does it lean back any where as far as I want it to.

Anyways I've been seeing streamers and pro gamers use these racing chairs for years now and have always thought about getting something like that. Would you guys recommend one of those like a DX Racer/Vertagear or a more conventional looking office chair. I just want something that's comfortable and can lean back kind of far if not all the way down. I'd prefer to spend no more than $200 but I'm willing to go to $300 if the chair is worth it. Any thoughts on this?
 
I was pretty skeptical about the DX Racer chairs, but I ended up buying it for my brother for Xmas since he needed a new chair and he liked the look of them. Honestly he hasnt stopped raving about it and says it makes a world of difference. The build quality is really nice as well.
 
Avoid those "gaming chairs." The people you see on Twitch using them are usually sponsored by those brands.

Get a Herman Miller Aeron, or if you're on a tight budget, an Ikea Markus.
 

DJ_Lae

Member
If you're not about to spend the cash for a Steelcase or Aeron (and I wouldn't blame you), the Ikea Markus is a good option.

I actually have an M-series DXRacer chair, and it's comfortable (more comfortable than the Markus for a 220lb, 6'5" guy). But I wouldn't have bought it without a near 50% discount, as I don't think it's worth the MSRP.
 
In the thread where I asked the same question, it was claimed that the Markus wasn't actually that good a chair if you were just looking for something to lounge around in. I eventually just settled for a random Staples office chair which so far has been pretty comfortable.
 

Kite

Member
IMO for stuff like office chairs and mattresses you have to try them out in person, recommendations over the internet are worthless cus everyone's bodies and preferences are different.
 
Don't waste your money on that sponsored streamer trash. If at all possible save up some real money and get a decent chair from a real designer. Steelcase, Herman Miller, Humanscale, something like that. It will cost several hundred dollars and it's worth it. They can be found cheaper used from office equipment liquidators. A Leap with four or five years of use on it is still going to be a way better chair than the stuff you'll find at a Staples.

If you can't swing that. Look at an Ikea Markus. It's pretty consistently the go-to for a budget office chair.
 

kendrid

Banned
I am in the same boat as you OP.

My issue looking at the IKEA Markus is that the arms are not adjustable. With chairs like that I often end up hunching my shoulders which turns into neck strain. Be sure to watch for that when trying out chairs.
 
In the thread where I asked the same question, it was claimed that the Markus wasn't actually that good a chair if you were just looking for something to lounge around in. I eventually just settled for a random Staples office chair which so far has been pretty comfortable.

Yeah this is a deal breaker for me. I just want something I can sit around comfortably in for long stretches and even lean far back in if I wanted to. I see that the Markus can't do that part at least. I guess I will go around some stores and check out some chairs myself instead of just reading reviews. But I'm still listening if anybody else has a suggestion.

On that note, my favorite chair ever I spent $300 on way back in the mid 2000's. I tested it at one of the local stores and fell in love with it. I had a really big cousin(around 270 pounds I think) who kept leaning back on it. I warned him because the box said it supports a max of 250 but he said it was OK since it was able to support him leaning back on it several times. Well one day while leaning far back on it, we all heard a snap. And that was that, the chair was broke. Still kind of hurts me to this day because I loved that chair the short time I had it. It's been hard for me to want to spend that kind of money on a chair again.
 

Herne

Member
People in here have a low opinion generally of the DXRacer chairs, but I don't know why. Mine is super comfortable, supportive in all the right spots, durable in the years I've had it and I often recline fully back on it when I come home and just throw on a few YouTube videos.

I can highly recommend them based on my own experience.

Edit - And I'm not a damn streamer, nor have I been sponsored in any way. Just doing my own research on getting a chair I found so many people saying good things about DXRacer, I went ahead and bought one of their D-Series. All I can say is I've never been happier with a purchase. I went for a more subdued colour chair as well, black with red stitching.
 

Cyanity

Banned
I don't own a DX Racer, but I know a few people who do and they've only had positive things to say about them. Their ability to fully recline is pretty unique among office chairs.
 
IMO for stuff like office chairs and mattresses you have to try them out in person, recommendations over the internet are worthless cus everyone's bodies and preferences are different.

To tack on to this, not only do you need to try them in person, you also should avoid going the cheap route with them.
 
From what you described about leaning back I think you would hate the Aeron. If you lean back with it it starts cutting off circulation in your legs. Did for me anyways.
 

inner-G

Banned
Steelcase Leap (I like the platinum/black)

KfGVbhX.jpg


I have a v2 and the older v1. They're very similar, the older v1's arms are more padded.

Awards
Best Overall Desk Chair: Wall Street Journal, January 2005
Most Innovative Design Award: NeoCon
Editor's Choice Award: NeoCon
Best of NeoCon Gold Award: Desk, Workstation, Task Seating: NeoCon
Grand Prize, Workplace Productivity: Buildings Magainze: Innovations Award
 
Steelcase Leap (I like the platinum/black)

KfGVbhX.jpg


I have a v2 and the older v1. They're very similar, the older v1's arms are more padded.
My favourite chair. Found a used one in great condition for either 150 or 300 (CAD). I can't remember which amount.
Also IMO v2 is way better than v1.
 

singhr1

Member
Steelcase Leap (I like the platinum/black)

KfGVbhX.jpg


I have a v2 and the older v1. They're very similar, the older v1's arms are more padded.

Another vote for Steelcase chairs. If you can find a used office supplier in your area or on craigslist, you can get them for a great value. They hold up well even after years of use.
 

inner-G

Banned
Another vote for Steelcase chairs. If you can find a used office supplier in your area or on craigslist, you can get them for a great value. They hold up well even after years of use.

My older v1 is one I got at a resale shop for $150. It looks like it could be a decade old, but is built better than even a $400 chair from Staples or wherever. You can always re-upholster these too, if they don't match your setup.
 

Herne

Member
Because they're hideous.

I doubt that's the only reason, but sure, tastes are subjective. Like I said, I got mine in a more subdued black with red stitching. However, I couldn't care less what a chair looks like when I'm sitting in it, so that may not be as important a consideration to some.
 

Big_Al

Unconfirmed Member
Those gaming chairs have always looked absolutely ridiculous with their stupid logos/names but I ended up with a DX Racer chair and it's honestly one of the best chairs I've ever had. Very comfortable, but I'd never recommend you just go out and buy one, everyones different and you might prefer a nice proper office chair or something along those lines. Definitely try before you buy.
 
Another vote for Steelcase chairs. If you can find a used office supplier in your area or on craigslist, you can get them for a great value. They hold up well even after years of use.

Checked Craigslist, I spotted these in a city nearby(just a half hour drive).

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/fuo/5987768403.html

Seeing you guys hype it up and the price being only $75 really makes me want to bite on this deal. I guess the only thing I'd like to do is test it out myself before committing to buying it.
 

RS4-

Member
Markus, Leap or Aeon.

I know some people that own a DX and they say good things about it, just so they don't feel bad about how much they spent on the thing.
 

vonStirlitz

Unconfirmed Member
I have a chesterfield senators chair. It's comfy, it's classy, and I feel like the Don.

If you can find something similar used for your budget I'd recommend it over a standard office/gaming chair.
 

inner-G

Banned
Checked Craigslist, I spotted these in a city nearby(just a half hour drive).

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/fuo/5987768403.html

Seeing you guys hype it up and the price being only $75 really makes me want to bite on this deal. I guess the only thing I'd like to do is test it out myself before committing to buying it.

Def a buy - like someone else said - I'd buy two (or three!) at that price

If you can inspect it in person first, just check the regular stuff. Try the adjustments, make sure it holds gas/height in the cylinder. Sit in it and make sure no parts are too squeaky or creaky.
 

Skelter

Banned
Checked Craigslist, I spotted these in a city nearby(just a half hour drive).

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/fuo/5987768403.html

Seeing you guys hype it up and the price being only $75 really makes me want to bite on this deal. I guess the only thing I'd like to do is test it out myself before committing to buying it.

Do it.

If you can find one though I'd also recommend a Herman Miller Aeron. $900 chair, found someone on craigslist for $200. Best damn chair I've ever had.
 

Swig_

Member
Another vote for Steelcase. I have a Leap and it's awesome. It also has a 12 year warranty where they'll come to my house to fix it if it breaks.

I sat in Aerons at work for 10 years and would not recommend them. They look nice, but they're terrible for long term sitting and I feel like there's a chance they could lead to leg damage if used too much. Not a risk I would take and I feel that the leap is a better and more comfortable chair.
 
I'll be heading to that place tomorrow to check out the Steelcase chairs and whatever else they have their. I'm actually pretty excited. They have plenty in stock so I should be able to find something that doesn't squeak or creak.

Do it.

If you can find one though I'd also recommend a Herman Miller Aeron. $900 chair, found someone on craigslist for $200. Best damn chair I've ever had.

The same place also have Herman Miller Aeron's as well. I think they're a lot more expensive though. I saw a ad for it 2 weeks ago at $200 with 10 available. Then they just put out another Craigslist add that they have a load in but with no price. I'm assuming they're still $200 but at least I have options since they advertise having all kinds of brands.
 

Herne

Member
Markus, Leap or Aeon.

I know some people that own a DX and they say good things about it, just so they don't feel bad about how much they spent on the thing.

Sure. Why not? Just as good a reason as only paid streamers have these chairs.
 

Herne

Member
You're very defensive about this.



Hard to beat the Markus if you are buying new.

I just see no reason why NeoGAF hates them so much. I did a lot of research when buying my own chair several years back and so many were saying such good things about them that I took a chance and bought one without ever sitting on one... I wouldn't recommend that but it worked out in my case, and then some.

Every time there's a chair thread, there's several people recommending DXRacers and several more condemning them with gusto.

They're hideous, streamers are paid to promote them and obvious overcompensation are apparently why.

You learn something new everyday?
 
I'm also looking for a new computer chair. Mine isn't gonna last much longer I feel, but I've had it for like 6 years. Will be keeping an eye on this thread but this chair,

Steelcase Leap (I like the platinum/black)

KfGVbhX.jpg


I have a v2 and the older v1. They're very similar, the older v1's arms are more padded.

Is like the complete opposite of what i'm looking for. Uggh.
Absolutely hate that build/style. Plastic arm rests, all those individual/adjusting parts.

I'm 6'4 so I tend to have a hard time finding chairs I like. My current chair is covered in (Probably fake) leather, with a high back. Love it.

Very similar to this
full-leather-office-chair.jpg


But with a higher back and no real indent between the seat/back part of the chair.
Probably going to stick with this style, I love the leathery feel and the non plastic feeling arm rest cover.
 

Skelter

Banned
I'll be heading to that place tomorrow to check out the Steelcase chairs and whatever else they have their. I'm actually pretty excited. They have plenty in stock so I should be able to find something that doesn't squeak or creak.



The same place also have Herman Miller Aeron's as well. I think they're a lot more expensive though. I saw a ad for it 2 weeks ago at $200 with 10 available. Then they just put out another Craigslist add that they have a load in but with no price. I'm assuming they're still $200 but at least I have options since they advertise having all kinds of brands.

The Aeron is THE BEST chair I have ever owned. Seriously pay $200. This is the base chair price with no additions.
 
I got the Steelcase Leap V2 for $225(240 plus tax) and have been using it the past 2 hours. It's a great chair but unfortunately I regret getting it. I didn't realize how important headrest was to me until I used this for several hours including gaming. My old chair sucked, but at least I had headrest. I can't return this so I'm stuck with it unless I can resell it or get a headrest for it that doesn't cost $500+ because it looks like everything from Steelcase cost that much lol.

I feel really shitty about this because I argued with my wife over and over about how I needed a quality chair and I had to spend money to get one. But I spent quite a bit of money for something that just isn't quite right for me. It's a quality chair but it has one glaring problem that will probably always haunt me for years to come. I'm afraid to tell my wife anything other than I love it or else she'll definitely rub it in and tell me I better not get anything else for the next 5 years at least. Man I'm bummed out about this.
 

emb

Member
I got the Steelcase Leap V2 for $225(240 plus tax) and have been using it the past 2 hours. It's a great chair but unfortunately I regret getting it. I didn't realize how important headrest was to me until I used this for several hours including gaming. My old chair sucked, but at least I had headrest. I can't return this so I'm stuck with it unless I can resell it or get a headrest for it that doesn't cost $500+ because it looks like everything from Steelcase cost that much lol.

I feel really shitty about this because I argued with my wife over and over about how I needed a quality chair and I had to spend money to get one. But I spent quite a bit of money for something that just isn't quite right for me. It's a quality chair but it has one glaring problem that will probably always haunt me for years to come. I'm afraid to tell my wife anything other than I love it or else she'll definitely rub it in and tell me I better not get anything else for the next 5 years at least. Man I'm bummed out about this.
Only two hours in? I think it's something you might be able to adjust to. Give it a couple weeks.
 
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