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What chair do you use?
- Thread starter alsec
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So starts a whole debate about what kind of consumer you are :
Most Important : Cost or "Content" ?
I use a Steel Case Leap chair. For years I had your Office Max deal of the week. For Christmas this year, my wife surprised me with a fantastic difference. For as much time as I spend in my office, in a chair, it has made a world of difference.
http://www.steelcase.com/en/products/category/seating/task/leap/pages/overview.aspx
http://www.steelcase.com/en/products/category/seating/task/leap/pages/overview.aspx
I just threw out my old chair that cost $500, but it lasted over heavy daily use for 13 years. (I wonder if that Staples chair would have gone the distance.) I'm a writer, so this is my most important purchase aside from my computer. I just replaced it with a Steelcase Leap chair, after extensive research, and that cost even more but right now I'm sitting on a cloud. My lower back is very happy, as is the rest of the anatomy. Really, sometimes you get what you pay for (especially as you get a little older).
I would personally recommend a mesh chair, as it will allow your body to breathe whilst you sit in it all day. You also need to make sure that the chair is ergonomic, as this will ensure that you have a healthy posture. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a chair, but you do have to remember that you get what you pay for. A few hundred dollars is, in my opinion, fine, as it will ensure that the chair lasts a few years and is comfortable for that time.
We stock a number of chairs that would be suited to your purpose, such as our Stealth model (which features both fabric and mesh seating).
We stock a number of chairs that would be suited to your purpose, such as our Stealth model (which features both fabric and mesh seating).
I'm glad this discussion came up, since I've been looking for a good chair to replace my current one. The one I have now is from Office Depot, nothing special, but it's not bad. It's leather-covered and fairly comfortable. I have two problems, though.
First, I'm a fairly tall/large guy, 6'3" and 225 pounds. As such, when I buy a cheap chair, after about 6 months the seat's cushion is pretty much flattened out and worthless.
Second, I live in the southwest US where it is hot, and long periods in a leather chair get to be uncomfortable. Back sweat and swamp-ass
For both of these reasons, I want a mesh chair (seat and back), and it's got to be STRONG. We have chairs at work with a mesh back, and the back on mine stretched out within a couple of weeks and now it's very uncomfortable. I need mesh that's not going to stretch out under my weight.
So, I've been looking at the Aeron because it's well-reviewed. I tried one out at the store and it's very comfortable. Just wondering, are there other similar chairs out there that are worthy of consideration?
First, I'm a fairly tall/large guy, 6'3" and 225 pounds. As such, when I buy a cheap chair, after about 6 months the seat's cushion is pretty much flattened out and worthless.
Second, I live in the southwest US where it is hot, and long periods in a leather chair get to be uncomfortable. Back sweat and swamp-ass
For both of these reasons, I want a mesh chair (seat and back), and it's got to be STRONG. We have chairs at work with a mesh back, and the back on mine stretched out within a couple of weeks and now it's very uncomfortable. I need mesh that's not going to stretch out under my weight.
So, I've been looking at the Aeron because it's well-reviewed. I tried one out at the store and it's very comfortable. Just wondering, are there other similar chairs out there that are worthy of consideration?
Aerons are singularly the least comfortable chairs I've ever sat in. The armrests are uncomfortable and WAY too low, the hinge point in the seat is in an uncomfortable place (makes me feel off-balance), and I'm not a fan of the mesh.
For the past several years I've been using some relatively inexpensive (~$75) desk chair I picked up from Office Depot, and it suits me fine.
For the past several years I've been using some relatively inexpensive (~$75) desk chair I picked up from Office Depot, and it suits me fine.
I have worked from home full-time for the past 6 years, spending long hours each day in a chair (punctuated by frequent breaks). I own both an Herman Miller Aeron, and a Humanscale Freedom with headrest and gel seat and advanced arms.
I spend the vast majority of my sitting time in the latter, because I like to lean back in my chair and have to have that headrest. However, I now find myself hating the way the front lip of the seat pan puts pressure on the underside of my thighs even with my feet flat on the floor, and the relatively unyielding arms that make my elbows hurt. Also, the Vellum textile likes to retain dead skin particles, and no amount of (light) washing has been able to clean them off of the arm coverings. Finally, even after 6 years of use, the spring that restrains the lean-back motion is still too strong for my taste, making me push back unnecessarily (and likely contributing to my lower back pain).
If I were to buy another chair today, I would get a Herman Miller Embody. I have tried one out in a store, and love the gentler way it treats my thighs and elbows, not to mention my poor aching back.
I spend the vast majority of my sitting time in the latter, because I like to lean back in my chair and have to have that headrest. However, I now find myself hating the way the front lip of the seat pan puts pressure on the underside of my thighs even with my feet flat on the floor, and the relatively unyielding arms that make my elbows hurt. Also, the Vellum textile likes to retain dead skin particles, and no amount of (light) washing has been able to clean them off of the arm coverings. Finally, even after 6 years of use, the spring that restrains the lean-back motion is still too strong for my taste, making me push back unnecessarily (and likely contributing to my lower back pain).
If I were to buy another chair today, I would get a Herman Miller Embody. I have tried one out in a store, and love the gentler way it treats my thighs and elbows, not to mention my poor aching back.
I find this one very comfortable it uses bungee cords for the seating and back area.
http://http://www.containerstore.com/shop/desks/deskChairs?productId=10022641
http://http://www.containerstore.com/shop/desks/deskChairs?productId=10022641
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Standard black for me. With the amount of sitting I do in my desk chair, I really should get a better one. I would love one of those Herman Miller Embody's but those are a little over my $100 budget or so.
The first purchase we made when my wife and i moved into our home was a super kingsize bed. We did not scrimp on this and did a lot of research before hand. That was over 10 years ago and we have just renewed our mattress so the cost outlay has paid us both back (so far)! You spend a lot if time in bed and its wise (IMO) to invest in a good bed.
In so far as seating, i don't. I stand when using my computer. Its cheaper, a space saver (which appeals to the minimalist side of me) and i find its a more productive way of working. This isn't always possible at work but I have an ergonomically sound chair that can be adjusted in many ways which i have set for me and find it very comfy. i have no idea of the brand.
Standing is much better for you if you are able to.
All the best!
Update: it also discourages chair snobbery but can lead to bed snobbery if you are that way inclined...
In so far as seating, i don't. I stand when using my computer. Its cheaper, a space saver (which appeals to the minimalist side of me) and i find its a more productive way of working. This isn't always possible at work but I have an ergonomically sound chair that can be adjusted in many ways which i have set for me and find it very comfy. i have no idea of the brand.
Standing is much better for you if you are able to.
All the best!
Update: it also discourages chair snobbery but can lead to bed snobbery if you are that way inclined...
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Full options Herman miller Aeron here, doubted about it for years and now feel stupid for waiting so long. I had back problems quite often, since I have my throne my back has become a lot better. It's a lot of money, but since I spend at least 8-10 hours a day behind my desk it's definitely worth it.
I don't use a computer chair for my MBP. I'm usually sitting on one of these:
http://www.gammarr.com/bond-en/
http://www.gammarr.com/bond-en/
OK, I guess I'm the cheapest guy here. I spend several hours a day in front of the computer, and I'm not young, but I've been very happy with the $20 Ikea Snille !
Ikea Snille Chair
Ikea Snille Chair
The Aeron is nice, but not over time. You won't find it in many stores, but if you need to sit in the chair for extended periods, you can't beat an Ironhorse. I currently use a 4000 series and it is one of the best purchases I have ever made.
Nice! Looks like an automotive seat with a base. What do they cost, if you don't mind my asking?
The Euro Style Bungie Chair. Most comfy chair evar!
Price is mid-range. Between $120 and $200, depending on the exact model (armrest, etc) and where you buy it (Ikea, Container Store, and similar stores)
Price is mid-range. Between $120 and $200, depending on the exact model (armrest, etc) and where you buy it (Ikea, Container Store, and similar stores)
Lifeform
If you have a relax the back nearby I'd recommend trying out a Lifeform chair. I have a Lifeform executive with neck rest that I found to be extremely comfortable for all day use compared to other high end chairs from herman miller, steelcase, etc that I also tried. The only problem is that these chairs are excruciatingly expensive, and the only reason I was able to get one was a craigslist deal (paid 500 for it, was over 4000 originally because of upgraded leather, etc.)
If you have a relax the back nearby I'd recommend trying out a Lifeform chair. I have a Lifeform executive with neck rest that I found to be extremely comfortable for all day use compared to other high end chairs from herman miller, steelcase, etc that I also tried. The only problem is that these chairs are excruciatingly expensive, and the only reason I was able to get one was a craigslist deal (paid 500 for it, was over 4000 originally because of upgraded leather, etc.)