Backstory: Im not a professional reviewer or gamer. Everyone now and then I will write a review on stuff because I feel like good products need honest support and reviews. I'm an older gamer and I'm 5'8 and 220 lbs. I'm a console gamer that likes long video games like Monster Hunter World and will sit in a chair for an entire day grinding it out when time lets me. Before this chair I was a "worn in office chair" kinda guy. I work hard and felt I deserved an upgrade, so i set out for my 1st gaming chair. I did a fair amount of research on Amazon, Engadget, Youtube... etc. and read all of the reviews here, so I knew I was looking for a chair for an open spot in my room and not for a desk. Unless you have a presidential sized desk, this is definitely a mini recliner type of chair and set for open spaces. Anyway, here's my honest review. Delivery: This will probably be my only complaint. I live in a not so nice neighborhood in San Diego and the Amazon driver literally left this thing in front of my apartment building. My apartment building is not hidden or enclosed. The front of my apartment is a very busy street. In my instructions on the app, I had clearly left instructions not to leave the box anywhere on the premises and to give me a call as I wont be home till after 3pm (work). He dropped it off sometime around noon, no phone call and right in front. Literally right on the sidewalk, leaning on the building and abandoned it. If i was not tracking the delivery at work and didnt drive like a bat out of hell, this chair would now be sitting in someone else's house. What the F...? Luckily, the box is nearly 5ft tall and weighs about 80lbs. The bad thing is that it comes in a generously labeled RESPAWN box and not an Amazon box. The entire neighborhood now knows that i own a $300 gaming chair. Thank you Amazon. Note: Anyone smaller should get some help, but people with a little muscle shouldn't have a problem carrying this inside. I carried this up 1 flight of stairs into my apartment with little to no problem. It took me no longer than 30 mins to put together. The instructions are helpful and really isn't too complicated to put together. The bolts and washers are nicely packed in a sealed package. Almost like Duracell batteries. As a matter of fact, they add parts in case you happen to lose some. There's also some youtube unboxing videos in case you need help. 1st sit experience (Upright Position): The closest thing I can describe sitting in this chair is like sitting in the passenger seat of a nice luxury car. Think the cockpit of a BMW 7 series or a Porsche Carrera. The faux leather is nice and super cushy, but firm to the point that its comfortable, but gives you ample support. Soft enough so that it feels great to the skin, but not real leather so you're not sliding around in it. Even as stocky as I am I can still shift my butt from one side or the other comfortably. It is snug enough that it feels super comfy but not restricted enough that this felt like a child's chair. I felt as if maybe I would need a lumbar pillow, but the ergonomics of the chair hasn't really given me the yearning to get one. The support feels great simply put. Note that he chair is warm. I normally am a person who runs warmer than most and luckily it's starting to get cooler here or I would be sweating. Faux/real leather is notorious for not breathing and will use your body heat against you. Just an fyi... The pillow is perfect for my height and is super comfortable. It's great neck support if anything as the ergonmics fit the curvature of my back very well. I've not felt a need to detach it yet and I'm a dude who can care less for pillows. The armrests are wide and covered in the same faux material. They're sturdy and again, super comfy. The cup holder is on the left side and as said in other reviews can fit cans of soda but nothing xl. I've used it for my vapes and glasses since I have a small folding table next to my chair anyhow. Resting your arms on the full rest though, it feels really comfortable and you can easily forget that the cupholder is there. There is the pouch under the left armrest, but honestly, I havent used it for anything. Probably could do without it. Unlike the reviews I've read, I cannot feel the bars in the chair. It is too plush. Then again, i cant say that its fairly worn in yet. It still has the new sheen to it. With the lack of a better description, I felt like Professor X in his super futuristic hover chair. In the upright position my feet touch the floor and I can imagine you can comfortably have hours of long conversations or can do a copious amount of paperwork in this position. Very nice. Was feeling super happy about my purchase. Lounge Position: This is probably the most used position as I've only had it for a week and half. There are 2 levers on the side. 1 is to recline and the other is to lift the leg rest. The mechanism is kinda loud and a little clunky, but if you think about it, even of the smoothest Lay-Z-Boy, their mechanisms aren't quiet either and they're in a full enclosure muffled by heavy fabric. This chair isn't too much louder for being out in the open and it's sturdy. No complaints there. Kudos in effectively hiding it though. The position for gaming is just right. Fair warning, this chair will make you sleepy. I was literally fighting sleep an hour into playing, my first time using it and I had to quit to take a nap after. The leg rest could be a tad higher, but really is comfortable and super sturdy where it is at. Sitting in it with my legs out, the leg rest reaches to right below my calves and right above my ankles. Perfect. I can fold my legs and push down with my feet and it is sturdy enough where I can shift myself up without feeling like its going to give. Nice design. again...as I said, super sturdy. Fully laid back: Best thing I can compare it to is laying back in the passenger seat of a nice car. You're not exactly laying flat but you are comfortable, but unlike a bed, obviously restricted. It would be comfortable to nap in, but really I havent found a reason to use this position for anything yet. Conclusion: Great chair. I will definitely put many miles on it. I would say, if you're not looking to buy a $500 gaming chair, but you want a nice one for you're own personal use, you can't go wrong with this one. From watching Netflix to gaming, I could sit in this thing for hours with no problem. It's definitely high quality for the price.
