They do look horrible. I found a model that at least has sofa fabric, not polyurethane fake leather but still it's a bit tacky. You don't need lateral support on a damn desk chair. But unfortunately these chairs are great value, you can't find office chairs with the same comfort features for that cheap. I paid $400 for my better than average gamer chair while an equal office chair is about $1200.

[–] SymbolicLink@lemmy.ca 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

For anyone looking for a chair that doesn't want to spend >$1000 or get a gaming chair, I recommend looking for an office furniture reseller in your area.

There are a lot of shops that buy used furniture from companies either going out of business or moving.

I was able to get a new Steelcase for like half the price, still had its tags and packaging. Granted this was during covid where a lot of businesses were dumping their in-office supplies, but still worth a look.

[–] Nekomancer@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago

So much this. My fiance and I found this weird hole in the wall place in an industrial area. They take us back and there's just shit tons of office chairs in just about perfect quality. Was prepped to spend like 800. Walked out with a leap V2 for like $340 US- after tax and all. Lmao just about made my week haha

[–] static_motion@programming.dev 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Guessing you got a Secret Lab. Also have one in fabric (screw the PU leather stuff that flakes after a while), pretty happy with it. I wish the seat pan could be adjusted back and forth but other than that it's good.

[–] mestari@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Mine is an Arozzi Vernazza. Very similar to Secret Lab Omega 202, feature wise. Seems to share some parts too. Its lumbar pillow is a joke but I took it off and stuffed additional foam behind the backrest, worked wonders.

[–] Metallibus@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

https://www.amazon.com/PatioMage-Ergonomic-Adjustable-Armrest-Computer/dp/B0BLJLP7FM

Basically more features, cheaper, and more ergonomic. Slightly lower recline angle but beyond the 130 here is something I've never seen anyone actually use.

[–] Grumpy@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 year ago

That's exactly why I also bought a gaming chair at first. But eventually got the $1200 chair and the expensive office chair is clearly better. But at $400, I would agree some brands of gaming chair offer good solution for the same price.

[–] Holzkohlen@feddit.de 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

This. I can't afford a proper ergonomic chair my dude. Gaming chairs are as good as it gets for me. Mine was like below 250€.
I am also a big guy. A proper ergonomic chair for my weight is expensive AF.

[–] tuxed@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago

Which model? Currently searching for one, and that sounds bearable

[–] Metallibus@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But unfortunately these chairs are great value, you can't find office chairs with the same comfort features for that cheap.

This is blatantly false. There are tons of options on Amazon alone with better comfort features for the same $400 you listed. I've bought multiple for just about that which are on oar with $1200 chairs. Office chairs over $1000 are almost all Herman Miller and those are just overpriced. There are plenty of options if you just search Amazon for "office chair".

[–] mestari@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

It's not made up, just hugely dependant on area and market. In Finland there just isn't shops selling affordable decent quality office chairs. Less than $500 gets you a horrible seat where half of the price is markup, and Finnish made chairs cost anywhere from $800 to $4000.