Gaming Chairs and Why I Haven’t Felt the Need to Get One

Gaming chairs look really cool!! But what about everything else!? I was doing some research in regards to gaming chairs to see if it was worth investing some money in. After all, they look really cool with any gaming set up and as eager as I was to purchase one I did some more research on them (I’ll link below to which sources helped me come to this conclusion). So why didn’t I feel the need to get one? I wasn’t impressed with people’s experience with comfortability for long periods of time especially when it came to arm and seat adjustability. Leather seats get hot in the summer and sticky in the winter too. After searching through the web I realized there’s much more customizability if you don’t lock yourself into thinking a gaming chair is the only type you can get. I encourage everyone to look into chairs that fit their needs more specifically.

 

Lumbar Support

My biggest hang-up is the lack of quality lumbar support. Most generic models have an adjustable cushion that slides up and down but doesn’t seem to actually stay in place when in use. The video below illustrates that issue. Gaming chairs also seem to cost a ton! I understand that there are features that allow connectivity between keyboards and headphones but for me, I’m okay with connecting directly to my computer. Modern console controllers even have headphone jacks in them which means you can just connect through there.

Lumbar support is good for your back and keeps you from having spinal issues after sitting down for long periods of time. A good way to tell if a chair has good lumbar support is to see if it is adjustable vertically and horizontally AND stays in place without slipping.

 

Good Informational Video

The Problem With Racing Gaming Chairs

A good video that demonstrates some of the adjustability difficulties with gaming chairs. This video also talks about how most chairs are the same knock-off brand with a different logo and similar price but are essentially the same.

Are Gaming Chairs Worth It? 7 Things to Consider Before Buying A Gaming Chair

 

But they look cool?

They do, and I completely agree that some of the designer chairs really do make a man cave seem a lot cooler. But also consider the fact that you will likely be paying over $150 for these branded designer chairs but aren’t as comfortable. A lot of companies take a brandless designer gaming chair, change the color, slap their logo on it, and then mass import the product from China and sell them for three times the price. Gaming chairs as an office chair were inspired by racing car seats. With that in mind, the original design of them was to keep the driver in place from getting thrown around, not necessarily providing comfort. With most gaming chairs you’ll find that they have an almost bucket-like seat design which isn’t how most office chairs are.

I’ve seen some as expensive as $250 just on Google! Sometimes they come with features such as cup holders and reclining features. GREAT, but can’t some office chairs do the same thing? Take a look at the following chair brands. Since copywrite laws are preventing me from showing you how cool these chairs look, let’s just establish that these are all stylish gaming chairs. Take a look below at the prices comparison as opposed to similar, more comfortable office chairs for lower price. 

The list can get a lot bigger, and I understand that there are price ranges for each type that intersect and sometimes the gaming chair could beat out a better price office chair. But that’s the point. I don’t think it makes sense to invest in a designer chair unless its a higher quality option- and often a regular, comfy office chair can square up to the fight. If you really don’t have anything more enhancing to spend on your man cave but you have an extra budget, then I would say that designer gaming chairs are the way to go, but nothing else before.

 

What counts as a comfortable chair?

Considering the fact that most gamers spend around 3-4 hours in one gaming session, it is important to know what constitutes as a comfortable chair for gaming. Look at these three qualities. As we already said, lumbar (back) support is one of them.

• Adjustability: Make sure to look for height and arm adjustment. Sometimes the more settings a chair has the better. It also depends on how much control you want over your chair settings.
• Swivel Features: Arm fatigue is a real thing, and being able to move somewhat freely throughout the desk space is important
• Material: 
  • Leather chairs look more prestigious and depending on how much cushioning is behind it can make or break its comfortability. Also, make sure to keep them out of the sun so the material doesn’t get ruined.
  • Fabric chairs are easy to maintain, are just as comfortable and can often meet your budget requirements.

• When trying on a chair make sure that the backrest is adjustable and follows the shape of the spine.
• Your feet should touch the floor nice and comfortably
• Armrests are close to the body and height settings should be adjustable
• Memory foam cushioning if possible

 

Why does having a quality chair matter?

If you take the time to find a quality chair that you know you will be spending a lot of time in, then be prepared for the following benefits:

Good back support

Less fatigue

Increased focus and productivity

Reduces the number of breaks you feel you will have to take

 

Do gaming chairs help you win games?

I was trying really hard to find an article that answered yes to this question. They don’t. Since gaming is a sit-down hobby (for most people) for hours on end, the best benefit you can give yourself when purchasing a chair for gaming is prioritized comfortability, then style. I’m actually curious if anyone has accredited winning a competitive Arma III multiplayer match to the gaming chair they were sitting in that day.