Looking for a gaming chair,Need help,Budget is $500

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samusmaster64@reddit

Best possible advice is avoid basically any furniture products with gaming in the name. It's a meaningless marketing gimmick. If you spend more than like 30 minutes per day in a chair, get an ergonomic/office chair. I won't look at cool but it'll actually be a pleasant experience.

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GamingKink@reddit

Not true. Ive been using dxracer for 6 years, now i use secret lab for 3 years. No office chair is better than dxracer, if you know how to use it. Im 40yo btw.

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samusmaster64@reddit

I'm 6'4, ~200lb with broad shoulders. I've tried a SecretLab chair at a friends house and it was an uncomfortable experience. He's shorter and even slimmer than me, so I guess it does work for some people, but with limited available adjustments, it's not for me. You can do much better for their asking price.

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GamingKink@reddit

Tou can choose different size if you are tall. I preffere DxRacer over SecretLab.

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TehDragonGuy@reddit

I agree with everything here, but finding a chair suitable for someone that tall is difficult. I've tried so many as a 6" 3' man and have had very little luck - the only one big enough for me was an Aeron size C but (for me personally) I just didn't find it comfortable.

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BriocheansLeaven@reddit

Find a stretchy shirt with an image or pattern you like, and stretch it over the back. Or drape a nice throw over it. Then it’s there if you get chilly, too.

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PostsBadComments@reddit

Except no actual good one costs under 500.

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bookmonkey786@reddit

You can get Leap v2 for like $200-300 any time. If you're up for some bargain hunting you can get them for ~ $150 without much difficulty. .

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Apprehensive-Ice9809@reddit

Quality office chairs are built to last, and business buy them up in bulk all the time. So that’s a perfect combination to have a good used market. I mean you can get stuff for 20-50% the retail price.

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reftheloop@reddit

Used market.

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baodingballs00@reddit

i'm over here rocking an 8$ chair from the thrift store.. seems ok.

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RoyOConner@reddit

Nobody is judging you for your chair choice but this is completely irrelevant.

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baodingballs00@reddit

just offering some comparison to you 500$ chair people.

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RoyOConner@reddit

So nobody is judging you, but you are judging. Got it.

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mauler911@reddit

I have a SecretLab. I love it. I am 6”2 285.

Super solid chair.

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Ikea_Man@reddit

I have a SecretLab Titan and the chair doesn't hold up in my opinion.

Arm rests fell apart in about a year, got them replaced under warranty, fell apart again. About 4.5 years in and the frame in the base totally snapped (getting that replaced on warranty as well). Fabric on seat also wore out.

Looks nice, comfortable, but isn't like a "buy it for life" product

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piercy08@reddit

I also had a SecretLabs chair, worst chair ive ever owned. Its literally all marketing for a cheaply made, overpriced chair.

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Buxcatta@reddit

Yep. I'm so exhausted of mine. I've had it for 5-6 years now. The hardware itself is fine, it's the lack of comfortability. Now that I work from home, I need to change my chair asap

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piercy08@reddit

Oh for mine the hardware was awful.. maybe the older ones are built better. The main bolt that holds the back up sheared in half after about 8 months of use... so yeah the back collapsed and I went flying.

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Buxcatta@reddit

Yeah I've had no issues luckily. No rips or tears. Still not even a selling point. They just hurt lol. But you would think for such an expensive chair at least it would be somewhat comfortable. I'm looking into a used Herman miller. I have friends with those and they are happy

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piercy08@reddit

I ended up with a Herman Miller and very happy with it. I was debating getting the HM and convinced myself it wasn't worth the money. I got the SL and then 8 months later it broke and I went and got the HM that I should have got in the first place. Very annoying but my own mistake for not trusting my gut.

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Buxcatta@reddit

Gotcha! I got lucky(sorta) that the SL was a birthday gift a bit back. Ty for the input

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Rakaan@reddit

I'm the same size as you. I've had the Titan Evo XL for a little over a year now as well as the leg rest add-on and I have unfortunately been deeply disappointed by them both. Though everyone has their own preferences.

For the chair: armrest material cracking, seat cushion being too thin, seat tilt lock slipping. Had to mod the chair to make up for its shortcomings. The rest of the features are fine though.

The leg rest on the other hand has been a massive letdown on every aspect though.

Glad it's working for you, but it's not a chair I could recommend

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Kerrija@reddit

Don't get a gaming chair, get a really good office chair. Your butt and back will thank you in the long run.

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GamingKink@reddit

Lies. If you use gaming chair properly, its much better than office chair. 6 years with dxracer, 3 years secret lab. If you use it as it was some bed, you will hurt your lower back, bit if you sit 90 degree, as intended by producer, then no chair is better. Im 40yo btw.

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WhoTheHeckKnowsWhy@reddit

more so in the summer, Vinyl doesn't breath.

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elBirdnose@reddit

Secret lab. This is the only answer.

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Pkatt957@reddit

I HAVE AN ANDASEAT KAISER 3

Sorry for the all caps, but I see other people posting all sorts of opinions on other things. I wanted to stand out so you would realize that I actually do have an AndaSeat Kaiser, and am answering one of your actual direct questions.

I bought my chair about 6 months ago. I was looking at the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 initially, because its the newest offering from them. After doing extensive research online, I decided to get AndaSeat, but I went with the Kaiser 3, instead of the Kaiser 4. In a lot of my research, I discovered, that people actually prefer the 3 over the 4, even though the 4 is newer. One of the reasons is those fold up arm rests. The ones that fold in the middle on the regular version of the 4 just are not comfortable. In looking at their website, I see that they have released a New version of the Kaiser 4, that has 6D armrests, which the whole thing tilts up, not folds in the middle. They did not have that when I bought mine. So apparently even they recognized that the fold in the middle of the arm rest was not good.

So, the new version of the 4 is more expensive, but since that was not available 6 months ago, I went with the Kaiser 3. It was more comfortable, AND cheaper. I waited for a sale and got mine for somewhere in the $350 range.

All that said- I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I have no buyers remorse. The chair I got is a good quality product, and is very comfortable. I am about 5 10", around 200 lbs, for reference. The arm rests are adjustable, as far as going in and out from your body. I had to bring mine all the way in, because default was too far out for me. So if I was bigger, I would have plenty of room to adjust them outward. Also, I did not think I would use that 4D thing, where you can move them diagonally. But after I got it, and figured out what that feels like, I use that all the time now.

So far it seems to be holding up quite nicely. I have no complaints at all. The quality is really good. The packaging was very good quality, better packaging and instructions than I had expected. One thing though, it is HEAVY. This is a heavier chair than any chair I have had before. I could barely get it in the door, and had to unpack it at the door, then carry the pieces downstairs to my gaming room to assemble. But thats a good thing. The heavier pieces mean its better quality and doesn't feel like its gonna fall apart when I move around.

So I hope that helps you some. Feel free to reply and ask me any specific questions you have about it!

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ayybeyar@reddit

I'm 6'2 200 and I have a steelcase leap V2 and I love it. Hasn't shown a bit of wear since I bought it used 4 or 5 years ago.

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sjw_7@reddit

Work gave me one of these a few years ago as I am home based. Excellent chair. Very comfortable which is good as I spend most of the day sitting in it.

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Fredasa@reddit

People are sh---ing on gaming chairs here but it's a simple fact that I will never own a chair for my PC that

Doesn't let me lift the arms out of the way with zero hassle
Doesn't extend high enough to allow me to comfortably rest my head
Has a design that inherently prevents me from sitting cross-legged in it, such as hard components hugging the sides of the seat.

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Chaosmeister@reddit

I did buy an office chair and not being able to sit cross legged on it drives me up the wall and has essentially cut my gaming time in half as I'd rather not spend more time in the chair. They may be better for my back in theory but they are super uncomfortable to sit in over long periods. It was fine when trying it in stores but meh. I really will prioritize the ability to comfortably sit cross legged for the next chair

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chad25005@reddit

You got the wrong office chair, I have a refurbished Amia BECAUSE I knew i needed a chair that I could do a leg tuck comfortably with. I don't sit full cross legged, but I'm sure you can probably find one.

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Chaosmeister@reddit

Oh, absolutely, I may have worded this oddly. I am just saying these things are also important to me and I didn't realize how important it was when I got the new chair. Most Office chairs recommend here won't allow cross legged sitting simply because the sides are often raised with hard edges.

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IGuessINeedToSignUp@reddit

So much all of these things! Everyone on Reddit shits on gaming chairs. I bought one for $140 6 years ago that does all these things and I still love it. The material wore out so I bought a cheap $10 cover on Amazon. I still love sitting on it. I've bought and several chairs reddit would consider great and then retuned them because they don't do these things and in the end were nowhere near as comfortable and functional as my cheap gaming chair.

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piercy08@reddit

There's no reason an office chair can't do those things. The problem is that gaming chair manufacturers don't care about ergonomics as long as it looks cool and says gaming, they'll sell it to you at mark up... So sure it ticks all those boxes, as does many an office chair but its more likely your back and wallet will suffer.

Not all gaming chairs are shit
Not all office chairs are good

However, generally speaking there's a lot more gaming chairs pretending they are good, when they are actually shit and just marketing to gamers. Secret labs is a prime example of this.. honestly the shittiest chair I've ever owned its all marketing BS for an overpriced crap chair. I could have RMA'd it and got another one but I literally didn't want another one it was that terrible.

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RecalcitrantBeagle@reddit

As a counterpoint - you can find plenty of office chairs like that, too. I have an office chair that has the first two components, and the last I could definitely just put something on the seat if I couldn't stop myself from crossing my legs. Plus it has good adjustable back support, and a cushion that's held up to several hour sessions of work and gaming. Reasonably priced, too, $150.

There's definitely a strong tendency to over-recommend the Aeron/Steelcase, they're fantastic chairs but with the wide variance in people's size, preferred posing, etc. there's plenty of other candidates. The arms lifting out of the way was actually why I didn't bother looking at the Aeron, it's a strong preference of mine as well. But gaming chairs tend to be either more poorly constructed or overpriced for the same features as a regular boring office chair.

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Fredasa@reddit

Oh sure, it was more of a challenge than a universal condemnation of the office chair recommendation. And I'd be the first person to quickly admit that I've never used a gaming chair whose build quality I would pretend was "good". There is a valid point behind avoiding a chair with "gaming" in the name, and that's the arbitrary price boost that comes with it.

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Ashari83@reddit

I'm similar and have used a V1 at home for the last 4 or 5 years and its been great. That chair was probably at least 10 years old when I got it. I have a Herman Miller Aeron at work that is probably better overall, but it would be alot more expensive.

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astro143@reddit

I love my leap! I only wish the back pad was a bit thicker sometimes, just because it was refurbished. But it's as good as the day I bought it still. Might need a little grease on the rails but it's not anything critical.

The adjustable back stop is my favorite feature. I don't think I can go back to not having that ability.

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vivekkhera@reddit

I love my leap also. Even bought one for my kid during Covid work-at-home times. But it is way out of OP’s budget.

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ImYourDade@reddit

I just got a used one myself, I'm 5'10 and I heard it was a bit worse for taller people but I'm loving it so far.

I just wanna add that you should look for local surplus sales, I found a used leap v2 for 65$ from a nearby state university surplus sale. And other than some scratches on the back of the chair and a bit of wear on the arm rests it's perfect. Definitely has huge potential to save a lot of money

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Beautiful_Duty_9854@reddit

High end office chairs are like great shoes, or a high end mattress. You spend so much time in them, they should be comfortable, promote good posture, support your back, and be made well. Gaming chairs are for 13 year old's in 2014.

Herman Miller and Steelcase options are great at used prices. But a Branch Ergo Pro can be had for \~500 I think.

Treat your back, get a high end office chair.

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StrummerBass101@reddit

Have a razer iskur. No regrets.

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WishieWashie12@reddit

Narrow your search by weight limit, regardless of how much you weigh. A chair designed for a 400 lb person tend to have stronger frames, better hardware, etc.

Skip anything with useless extras, like speakers, massage back, or other little things meant to distract from the quality of the chair itself.

Go for fabric over fake leather. You can stitch fabric, and it won't flake or Crack.

You also won't stick to the chair if you wear shorts.

Regardless of the chair you buy, replace the wheels. Google Inline skate wheels for chairs. Easier to clean, won't scratch hardwood floors, and offer better swivel/ smoother rolling.

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bradco@reddit

I'm 6'4" 250lbs, I got a SHOO Doro C300. I was a little apprehensive but seems to work out so far. I can't speak to it's longevity since I've only had it since Dec but it's comfortable. I'm someone who kicks out a lot of heat so the mesh is nice with keeping me cool, also it's got one of those things for lumbar that helped my back a lot compared to my last chair. Here's the model - https://www.amazon.com/SIHOO-Ergonomic-Armrests-Dynamic-Adjustment/dp/B0CW1JKB4F?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

I got that one to replace a SecretLab Titan XL, that piece of shit...first off the arm rest pads would fall apart. The first time I asked for a replacement under warranty, literally within 6 months of purchase, they gave me some pushback about it not being covered. I'd consider that a manufacturer defect that early on. They did finally accept it acting like they're doing me a favor. Then the other one went and then like a year or two later they both had to be replace. Finally the frame snapped under the chair a few months past the 3 year mark. I only share that in case you're considering one of theirs.

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mattz6755@reddit

Steel case and Herman miller.

Steelcase leap v2: height adjustable arms, seat pan that slides forward/back, 4 dimensional arm adjustment, lumbar height and tension support, seat recline lock and tensioner. Second hand goes for $200-$250 but super durable and overall best imo, the one I have.

Herman miller remastered: goes for $500, the classic goes for $300-$350 all modifications included or $200 base (get them fully loaded). The remastered is better than the classic. 3 dimensional arm rest (moves up and down, forward and back, diagonal, but not left and right like Steelcase). Had unlimited tilt (looks at any specific recline position you set it to, Steelcase has like 10 presets so not ‘limitless’). Lumbar support is either tension or height depending on which you get not both like Steelcase. Seat pan cannot move forward or back but has vertical tilt mode where it tilts vertically, noticeable if you lean forward in chairs and makes the seat stick under you. Has mesh instead of cloth so feels like you are on a trampoline suspension wise, also good airflow to keep cool if you like that. Don’t let cats on it or leave sharp things on it as mesh tears easily and cost $200 to swap the lower pan out. Aerons, especially the classic, can cut off thigh circulation depending on posture because the frame lip near the front seat pan, noticeable a problem on Steelcase. Neither have headrest (good sitting ergonomics do not need them), but you can still get aftermarket headrests for either called atlas headrests, these cost $75-$150. Come in seat size A, B, C order from smallest to largest body types, most bodies fit in B.

Go for office chairs not gaming chairs. Get second hand, usually sellers don’t have warranty but multiple times cheaper and pre assembled if you just use Facebook market or Craigslist.

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TarAldarion@reddit

Although you don't want one, it's impossible to not recommend the hermin miller aeron from sitting in seats all my life, nothing has come close.

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Ok_Sympathy_6830@reddit

I recently bought a chair from Amazon called Colamy. I use it for work from home (16hrs a week) and gaming. Super comfortable so far, and very adjustable. It also feels well built but it is quite heavy.

Fully recommend it

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MBAH2017@reddit

Hop on Craigslist/FBM/etc and look for a Steelcase Leap, especially in the nearest major city. Companies are always offloading them by the truckload and they end up with liquidation companies that sell them for a few hundred bucks. Comfy chair, durable, fully repairable with replaceable parts.

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Imaginary_Company263@reddit

DO NOT get a “gamer chair”

Gamer chairs are all aesthetic and zero benefit. They are meant to look like/function like race car seats which are designed to be as minimal as possible. If they could get away with a wooden box that’d be it for formula one

A gaming chair needs decent back support, maneuverability, and comfortability. A “gaming chair” provides almost none of this. For $500 you can get a very nice Office Chair or Luxury Chair at any furniture or general office supplies store. You’ll thank me and everyone else in the comments telling you to avoid the scam

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Jam-Master-Jay@reddit

Do NOT get a gaming chair, they are all various levels of shite. Shite build quality, shite materials, shite designs and will give you both a numb arse and a painful back.

You want to be looking for things like a Steelcase LeapV2 or Gesture, Herman Miller Embody or Arron, Humanscale Freedom. You can find these cheap from refurbishers or office clearance stores, and because they are so well built and, you know, not a total piece of shite like every gaming chair on the market you can confidently buy them used and be safe in the knowledge they'll last another 20+ years.

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sleepysaguaro@reddit

Refurbished Herman Miller Aeron or Steel Case

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UNPACK_YT@reddit

At 6’2” and 220 lbs, the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 or Secretlab Titan Evo XL are excellent, supportive options under $500. Both offer comfort, durability, and solid ergonomics for bigger frames.

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willsilent@reddit

I got the SIHOO M18 as the chair for the setup in the living room that my brother plays on, and that chair is really fucking comfortable and sturdy for the price. For my own setup i bought a refurbished steelcase for around 600$ I'm 6'1 and 250 pounds and the Sihoo fits perfectly well and doesnt feel cheap when i lean back on it lol

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VersaceUpholstery@reddit

Steelcase Leap V2 gang. Bought it more than 5 years ago off of OfferUp for like $250, 9/10 condition. Still comfy as ever, although the hydraulic is kinda giving out. I put some cushioning I bought off amazon on the arm rests for more comfort.

You can find dozens of $1000+ chairs like this on OfferUp/Craigslist/FB marketplace etc. Companies buy all these nice chairs, go out of business, liquidate, now you can buy them for a fraction of the cost used and usually in great condition. Just look around.

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Pyromelter@reddit

Shaq Chair from office depot. Herman miller's are not good for big people. Get a shaq chair. Trust.

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Dofolo@reddit

Get a 2nd hand high end office chair.

Those are made for sitting on long times instead of having neon plastic highlights.

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chad25005@reddit

Look into a refurbished BTOD or Crandall Amia. I know you prefer new, but these refurbs are top notch and come with at least a 10 year warranty.

I own one from Crandall and it's excellent, I personally haven't used BTOD but heard good things about their chairs as well.

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WizardMoose@reddit

See if there's an office liquidator in your area. They'll have chairs that are normally $1000+ brand new for $400-$700 and they're like-new.

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weewaaweewaa@reddit

People are always going to suggest you getting a good office chair because that's what fits 90% of people out there. The only way to know is to sit in various chairs for hours and see what fits best for you.

That's what I did, and then turns out those gaming chairs just fit my body better. Ended up going for a generic OEM version of a secretlab with adjustable armrests, lumbar and magnetic headrest. Been more than a year and no body problems brought by the gaming chair, only thing is it's incredibly warm and I wish the parts were even more adjustable.

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absoluttalent@reddit

The office max chairs were pretty good in my experience. I think it was the workpro 9000. Mesh chair for like 499, sometimes on sale for 299

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RettichDesTodes@reddit

Ikea Markus worked decently well for the last few years

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Mr_Grumpy_Pant5@reddit

Used Herman Miller Aeron chair. Top tier

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Zorbonzobor@reddit

I had an expensive office chair for like 10 years before it fell apart, and it was nice. I know most gaming chairs suck, but for the last 5 or so years I've been using SecretLab Titan, I don't remember if regular or XL, and it's even better. Big and comfortable enough and it reclines so far back you can basically lay down full horizontal.

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TheAsianMelon@reddit

i would just go to your closest office supply store and try out the chairs there.

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animeman59@reddit

I bought a Secret Lab chair 3 years ago, and it's fucking amazing.

I'm able to get into my "perfect" seating position for productivity, and there's enough adjustments to get it into my relaxed position for playing single-player games or watching videos. I bought an adjustable foot rest from Amazon and I'm able to lounge back in the chair easily.

Everyone's opinion on great office chairs are correct, but I think there's just a blank statement on anything "gaming" chair that's not entirely correct. There are great ones out there.

My only regret is that I was not able to buy one of those incredibly comfortable and plush chairs that you'll see in a Korean PC bang. You just melt into those.

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GameDuchess@reddit

Don't get a gaming chair. They have crap arm rests and not enough padding. Get like a Lazy Boy office chair for far less money. The one I have is amazing and it is built to last and support you. I think it was called an 'executive's chair.

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Mecha120@reddit

You can spend a third of that on an office chair and get something that'll last longer and be more comfortable.

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DrDeegz@reddit

Forget whatever anyone is saying https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y8BXBX8?ref_=icdp_ba_mweb_mb_pd_bap_m_grid_rp_0_3_gf&clientRefMarker=pd_bap_m_grid_rp_0_3_gf&heartsTeamIdentifier=buyagain&psc=1&heartDisabled=false this is hands down the best value budget actually comfortable chair that won’t break the bank

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Intrepid_Nerve9927@reddit

Try Respawn, have One

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NessLeonhart@reddit

Used German miller aeron. You won’t regret it. It’s popular for a reason. Mines like 15 years old and still mint.

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earlgeorge@reddit

I've been sitting in an Aeron since I got a job that had them. I'll never sit in another chair ever again. When this wears out im buying another aeron.

Every other computer chair ive ever used has had me feeling sore in various places after a few hours. I can (and sometimes do) sit in it all day and feel as comfortable as the minute I sat down.

Look for a used one on Craigslist. Your body will thank you.

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Prtyvacant@reddit

Find a local second-hand office furniture store, my friend. I bought the most comfortable heavy-duty chair I have ever owned for $200 at a CORT furniture rental place.

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JMPSr1984@reddit

At one of my old jobs they had several different Steelecase chairs. They were all horrible, like really fucking bad. I tried the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 and I absolutely hated it. The lumbar was too much and you couldn't put it flat. I have a AndaSeat Phantom 3 in my garage with a car seat cushion on it and its great. Its one of their lower lines, but it doesn't have the weird lumbar. I currently have a leather retro office chair I got off Amazon for around 500 and I love it. If i had to redo it I probably would get a Eames knock off.

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Alternative_Deer415@reddit

You want a professional office chair.

And when I did the search, of those I could physically sit in and test, the answer was that I needed to triple my budget and get a herman miller aeron. You'll need a C size.

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LambeosaurusBFG@reddit

I just bought a refurbished Steelcase Leap V2 from a company called “Madison Seating”. It arrived yesterday and looks brand new, not a scratch anywhere. $340 delivered to my door for a $2311 chair on Steelcase’s website.

I found this company on eBay but ended up ordering direct. No affiliation with them but based on this experience I’m happy to recommend them. The only bummer is it took about a week and a half to get here and I’ve read if you try to return to them they charge a steep restocking fee or shipping fee or something (read up on reddit).

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karmapopsicle@reddit

The real reasons to invest in a proper ergo office chair are longevity, and long term body comfort for long usage periods.

Anything that's really soft or plush out of the box (or in the store) isn't going to last. Heavy duty foam seats with durable fabric are fine, but generally a heavy duty mesh or moulded/flexible plastic is the best.
Personally I wouldn't touch anything using any kind of foam structurally. It will always wear out over time.
If you can easily slouch into it like a well used couch, it may feel comfortable at the moment, but particularly once you're over 30 that "comfort" you'll be paying back with neck/back/etc pain in the long run.
You shouldn't feel any kind of noticeable pressure hotspots on your butt, thighs, etc.

Ideally you want to find something that's either really well suited to your particular body, or has adjustments available to make it so. You should be able to sit in a properly fitted chair for multi hours and then stand up without feeling any kind of stiffness or otherwise. I've sat hyperfocused coding in my Herman Miller Embody for 6+ hours straight and even on those odd times I can get up and walk away like it was nothing.

Good task chairs (Aeron, Leap, etc) can initially feel uncomfortably "ergo" if you've never gotten used to that type of support before. Usually takes a week or two before they really feel natural. Your whole back will thank you in the long run!

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I've been super happy with mine and I've had it for years now. Best office chair in the house.

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_asciimov@reddit

Look for your local used office furniture store.

Sit in all the chairs. Your right at the size (height wise) that you might benefit from a bigger guy chair.

Herman Miller, Steelcase, and many other brands have loads of models, one will be right for you.

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exmeaguy@reddit

Autofull

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313Wolverine@reddit

Wellness by design