How to choose a gaming chair

A safe, ergonomic gaming chair reduces static stress on the spine, improves gaming statistics and increases productivity. To understand how to choose a gaming computer chair, follow the advice of experienced specialists.

Criteria for choosing a gaming chair

Gamers spend long hours at the computer to hone their skills. Therefore, the convenience and ergonomics of a gaming chair are hard to overestimate. In this guide, we will tell you in detail how to choose the right gaming chair and evaluate its functionality as accurately as possible.

Before you dive into the world of gaming and comfort, you need to decide on the main reason for buying a gaming chair:

1. Long-term sitting (working at a computer).
2. Long gaming sessions.
3. The desire to increase the level of comfort during long practices so that nothing distracts from the game.

The range of gaming chairs is distinguished by a variety of models, designs, colors and additional functions.

The main criteria that will help you choose a high-quality, ergonomic gaming chair are:

• design (it should correspond to the anatomical features of the gamer);
• base;
• seat and backrest;
• weight restrictions;
• headrests;
• armrests;
• upholstery materials and filling;
• rocking mechanism;
• presence of gas lift.

Based on the recommendations of physiotherapists and vertebrologists, we have worked out a simple step-by-step guide that will ease your decision-making process while looking for a reliable gaming computer chair.

Base

The base of the gaming chair consists of a crosspiece and casters. The crosspiece is made of the following materials:

1. Metal with a chrome coating (durable and presentable).
2. Plastic (can withstand relatively small stress and has a low specific gravity).
3. Nylon (can withstand high static stress and is lightweight and durable).
4. Aluminum (lightweight, but inferior to metal in strength).

It is rather uncommon to use wood for making crosspieces because even though the natural material stands out in terms of aesthetics, it is pricier than others.

The wheels that are attached to the crosspiece differ in appearance, layout and materials from which they are made:

• single - suitable for lightweight chairs;
• double - distinguished by increased reliability and durability;
• with brakes - prevent spontaneous rolling;
• metal - the most durable and long-lasting option;
• plastic - used for chairs designed for low stress.

To maintain the integrity and aesthetics of the floor covering, we recommend using gaming chairs with rubber-coated casters. They do not leave scratches or marks.

Design and ergonomics

A comfortable and safe gaming chair combines a durable design and an ergonomic layout. These are the following types of gaming chairs:

1. Versatile - classic chairs that are height-adjustable. They are suitable for working at a computer and for beginning gamers.  
2. With a basic set of component parts. Such chairs are distinguished by an original design, reminiscent of the seat of a luxury sports car. They have a stable base, well-developed ergonomics, but there is no orthopedic effect.
3. Gaming sofa chairs are made for console lovers. They allow you to sit comfortably and immerse yourself in the game.
4. With a complete setup. The chair is equipped with an orthopedic base, which is made of high-quality genuine leather or eco-leather. The material is resistant to abrasion, pleasant to the touch. The reinforced structure can withstand up to 441 lb. The chairs are additionally equipped with ergonomic pillows, which are placed in the neck and lumbar area, adjustable armrests and footrests. The 5-wheel crosspiece provides high stability during an emotional gaming session.
5. Car simulator. The original design of the chair is intended for multi-hour gaming sessions. Such chairs are equipped with special devices for gamepads, footrests, pedals and levers.

A reliable and comfortable gaming chair provides comfort and reduces the strain on your back and legs.

Choose a gaming chair that meets the following ergonomic requirements:

• ergonomic backrest with an extra roller;
• height-adjustable armrests;
• a special roller behind the neck;
• tilt-adjustable backrest;
• the depth, width and level of the seat correspond to the anatomical features of a gamer.

Well-developed ergonomics of the chair will allow the player to spend long hours at the computer without harm to health, feeling discomfort in the spine, neck, or chest areas.

Weight restrictions

Most gaming chair models are designed for an average person weighing no more than 242.5 lbs. Exceed the calculated value and you will end up with a broken gas lift reducing the service life of the chair declared by the manufacturer.

If the gamer's body weight exceeds the standard minimum, you should choose a reinforced model of gaming chair. It can withstand up to 441-551 lbs. During the game, gamers often change positions, move actively, gesticulate, which creates a dynamic strain on the chair's base. Therefore, it is better to pick up a model that can withstand more weight than the player's body weight. It is recommended to buy a chair with a safety margin of 44 lbs to be on the safe side.

Frame

The frame is the pillar of the gaming chair, which the service life depends on. Depending on the type of device, it is divided into 2 groups:

1. Monolithic. The backrest and seat of the chair are securely connected. This provides the structure with high strength.
2. Non-monolithic. The back and seat of the chair are located independently of each other. All elements are fixed with metal fasteners. This design is used for professional gaming models.

The non-monolithic frame of the gaming chair is equipped with additional functions; it allows you to adjust the angle of the backrest, the height of the seat and armrests.

Seat and backrest

The seat of a gaming chair should be wide and deep with a dense filler. It often has the following dimensions:

1. Width – 20 in.
2. Height from the floor – 20-24 in.

Professional gaming chairs can be of other sizes.

The seats of gaming chairs differ in shape:

1. They consist of two parts that follow the contours of the body.
2. Concave. The chair is equipped with side cushions that prevent from slipping to the side.
3. Curved. The chair is equipped with an anatomical foundation that supports the spine and forms a healthy posture. It is used mainly in offices, during long-term sedentary work.

In professional gaming chairs the seat can change the seating depth and is adjustable in height relative to the floor.

The backrest of the gaming chair provides the necessary comfort and safety. It must correspond to the anatomical features of the player. Its height should be more than 31.5 in.  

Before choosing a gaming chair, you need to study the design of the backrest. And they come in the following types:

1. With a horizontal corset. The surface is divided into several horizontal rows that support a certain section of the spine.
2. With a vertical corset. The surface consists of two vertical elements that delicately support the upper spine and adapt to the anatomical features of the back.
3. With a built-in or removable support roller that compensates for the strain on the lumbar spine.

Another important option is the ability to tilt the back of the gaming chair by 180 degrees. This allows the player to relax between rounds. However, it is not recommended to use chairs with a flat back and seat, which form an angle of 90 degrees at the junction.

Headrests

The headrest is an important design element of a gaming chair, which helps to relax and relieve stress from your neck. By type of device, it can be:

1. Removable. The soft pillow is fixed to the back with a special adhesive tape. It is removable at your call.
2. With a built-in roller or pillow, which is located under the upholstery of the chair. Such a headrest relaxes the neck muscles when the player leans back on it.
3. Adjustable. In simple, budget designs, the height of the headrest changes, and in expensive models, 3 adjustment modes are often provided.

For professional gamers, it is recommended to use gaming chairs with an adjustable headrest. It will provide comfort, prevent the risk of developing pathologies in the neck, and relieve back fatigue.

Armrests

The armrests of a gaming chair prevent the pelvis and spine from becoming misaligned, creating comfortable conditions for multi-hour gaming sessions. They come in two types:

• adjustable,
• non-adjustable (stationary).

Depending on the functionality, a gaming chair with an adjustable armrest is divided into the following types:

• 1D – height adjustment;
• 2D – height adjustment and side rotation;
• 3D – height adjustment, side rotation, back-and-forth movement;
• 4D – right-left rotation using a special handle, height adjustment, side rotation, forward-backward movement.

Stationary armrests are used in budget models of gaming chairs. They come in the following types:

• adjustable – equipped with a mechanism that lifts up the armrest;
• standard – equipped with elongated elements;
• with a forward handle extension.

For beginners or those who prefer more relaxed games, chairs with fixed armrests are suitable. For shooter-game fans, it is recommended to choose models with adjustable armrests. They will help you concentrate, reduce the load on your elbows and wrists.

Upholstery materials and filling

When choosing a gaming chair, we recommend paying attention to the quality of the upholstery material. The seat, backrest and headrest are in constant contact with the player's body, which leads to accelerated wear of the upholstery. In order for the gaming chair to retain a presentable appearance for a long time, it is necessary to choose high-quality upholstery materials:

1. Genuine leather is one of the most durable, wear-resistant materials. It is easy to clean.
2.  Artificial leather is a less durable material, but practical.
3. Eco-leather has increased strength, wear-resistant, elastic. The material does not stretch, does not deform, does not emit harmful fumes.
4. Perforated eco-leather has many small holes that allow air to pass through. The material has a presentable appearance, requires delicate care. When water gets on the surface, traces and stains remain.
5. Vinyl is elastic, pleasant to the touch, looks presentable. The material is easy to clean, resistant to wear.
6. Textile mesh is characterized by increased strength, simple, quick to clean.
7. Microfiber absorbs moisture well, allows air to pass through. The material is available in different colors.
8. Suede combines aesthetics and durability. The material is costly.
9. High-density fabric. Gaming  chairs with fabric upholstery      are available in different colors. The material is resistant to abrasion, allows air to pass through well, but is difficult to care for. Over time, it loses its presentable appearance.

The variety of upholstery materials allows you to choose the best option that meets the individual requirements of the gamer and their budget.

Comfort is affected by the type and quality of the filler. Most often, manufacturers of gaming chairs use the following materials:

• polyester - has good shock-absorbing properties;
• soft and hard polyurethane foam - foamed material has a memory effect, and hard is strong and durable;
• synthetic winterizer - has optimal elasticity, it has low air permeability;
• latex - has increased elasticity, flexibility, air permeability;
• foam rubber - a budget material that has low performance qualities.

More expensive models of gaming chairs are made from combined fillers. For the production of seats, shock-absorbing materials with a memory effect are used, and denser fillers are suitable for the rollers and armrests. Chairs with a textile mesh are often equipped with armrests made of environmentally friendly plastic.

Rocking mechanism

One of the important functions of a gaming chair is the ability to rock. After a tense, long session, the player needs to relax. For this, a special mechanism is provided that allows you to tilt the back and rock. This distracts, allows you to unload your mind.

The rocking mechanisms for a gaming chair are divided into 4 groups:

1. Multiblock. Allows you to adjust the tilt of the seat with the backrest, as well as fix the structure in several positions.
2. Top Gun. The chair support is fixed only in the vertical position, but allows you to adjust the tilt angle.
3. Top Gun Lux. The rocking mechanism allows you to change the tilt angle using a special lever handle.
4. Synchronous. The mechanism allows you to simultaneously adjust the tilt angle of the backrest and seat.

Experienced gamers opt for chairs with a multiblock rocking mechanism.

Gas lift

Gas lift is an important mechanism of the gaming chair, which allows you to adjust the height of the seat, and cushions a player when they sit down. It also ensures free swivel. When choosing a gas shock absorber, consider the restrictions on the permissible load. They depend on the classes:

• 1 class – no more than 176 lbs;
• 2 class – no more than 220 lbs;
• 3 class – no more than 331 lbs;
• 4 class – no more than 353 lbs.

If the design of the chair does not provide for a gas shock absorber, then it cannot be classified as a gaming chair.

In addition to the main criteria for choosing a gaming chair, we recommend paying attention to the presence of additional functions. These include:

• a footrest will help you relax and relieve stress;
• stands, pockets for gaming accessories;
• RGB lighting creates a special atmosphere that promotes complete immersion in the gaming process;
• built-in audio system;
• outputs for connecting additional devices;
• fan, vibration massager.

But gaming chair manufacturers keep fine-tuning and updating their products to achieve maximum comfort and boost their functions.