5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Chair
When you look at gaming chairs, they all might look the same at first glance. It is only when you take a deep dive into the gaming chair selection out there that you realize not all chairs are created equal. As with any other product, there are certain things you want to look for specifically when you’re picking out the gaming chair you want to buy.
Choosing the best fit for your needs and purpose will help you get the most out of your investment. Yes, gaming chairs are a worthy investment if you’re thinking about spending long hours on them in front of your computer. Something you might also have noticed in your gaming chair search is that some gaming chair models are more expensive than others. Let’s dive into the nitty gritty details right now.
What to Look for in a Gaming Chair
When it comes to gaming chairs, there are two things specifically you want to look for (in addition to the five key points we’re talking about). The first factor that constitutes a good gaming chair is ergonomics. The second factor is good quality materials. To get the most out of your gaming chair, you’re looking at a perfect mix of both of these factors first and foremost. Now, here is something important that every buyer needs to be aware of. Looking for good quality materials means you will have to look past the colours and the styles. Those are not what contribute to good quality material gaming chairs. The aesthetics are not high on your list of priorities when you’re looking to invest in a good chair.
How do we determine what factors determine if a gaming chair is made of good quality material? Well, that’s where our five key points come in:
Aim for a Chair With the Right Finish -
The finish of the gaming chair is an important factor you want to pay attention to. The type of material it is constructed from determines the breathability and how resistant your chair is from stains and spills. The price of your chair is also going to be influenced by the type of finish your chair is made of. Some examples of the type of chair finishes you might get are calfskin leather or napa leather, polyurethane leather, cloth, or mesh. While you should choose the type of finish you are most comfortable with, ideally, you want to aim for material that is both breathable and spill resistant. This is usually the higher quality polyurethane leather because this material is a lot more breathable and flexible. See this gaming chair starter guide from ChairsFX to learn more.
Pay Attention to the Base of the Chair -
A lot of gaming chairs have a base that is made of either metal or plastic. The better quality one is the metal base, because that provides a more solid feel. While plastic will get the job done, it is not going to last as long as the metal base gaming chairs will. Plus, there is the fact that plastic might warp over time, and you don’t want to find yourself forking out even more money for yet another chair when your plastic-based gaming chair didn’t last as long as you hoped it would.
Don’t Forget the Armrests -
The armrests of a gaming chair are usually four-dimensional. This means that the armrests are able to move up and down, rotate, or move out from the chair if needed. Essentially, the armrests of your chair should be able to move in four different directions, so to speak. Something you will have to consider with the armrests are whether they are made of a plastic finish or a padded finish. The padded top armrests obviously belong to the higher quality gaming chairs. They are also by far a lot more comfortable than the plastic versions and if you plan to spend considerable hours on your gaming chair, investing in comfort is something worth thinking about.
Take A Look At the Chair Pillows -
Friends when Chandler told Joey, “The cushions are the essence of the chair,”? Well, in this case, the pillows are the essence of the gaming chair. Now, with gaming chair pillows, you are going to get a very wide variety in terms of quality. Gaming chair pillows and conform to your body are the best type of pillows to get. Gaming chairs with memory foam pillows and microfiber fabric are the best in terms of quality for gaming chairs. Pillows are going to make a dramatic difference in gauging the overall quality of the chair. When you’re testing out your gaming chairs, look for pillows that do a very good job of filling the void between the chair and your back. Lumbar support is so important if you’re spending long hours in front of your computer.
Look for Built-In Lumbar Support Gauges -
The best type of gaming chairs are the ones that come with a built-in lumbar support gauge. A lumbar support gauge will allow you to crack your chair and adjust it until you feel completely comfortable sitting in the chair. The chair should be able to conform to the shape of your body and the gauge is there to help you adjust it until you get it just right. Remember how lumbar support is crucial for anyone spending several hours in front of their computer, whether you’re gaming or working. The more customizability that you get with your gaming chair, the better the investment. This is how you differentiate those top-notch quality chairs from the cheaper variety. Some factors to look for that show you the chair can be tailored to your body specifically include whether you can push the chair seat in or out (depending on what you need) and whether you can lower or raise the back rest. Other factors include whether you can recline the chair back or raise and lower the pistons to change the configuration of the armrests if needed. You might not use all of these features, but it is good to have the option anyway just in case one day you feel that some areas of your body might need that additional support.
