Most people may overlook buying a gaming chair with the notion that it is not as important. However, any avid gamer will tell you just how extremely critical it is in ensuring that you stay comfortable during gaming. Since most gamers will spend several hours seated, a gaming seat will also be responsible for offering ergonomic support to the back, neck, arms and the body as a whole.
A good gaming chair will also offer unlimited mobility within it without compromising comfort, while a regular couch or office chair is inept of this. Have you been thinking of purchasing a gaming seat? Choosing the best in the market may prove daunting, but with these tips on how to choose the best gaming chair, you are definitely headed towards making the best lifetime investment.
1. Deliberate Over the Type of the Seat.
There are hundreds of great gaming chairs in the market, each of them catering for different needs. The first thing you need to understand before making your final choice is what your gaming needs are. This will help in choosing the perfect type of gaming seat that is specifically designed for that particular purpose. The most common types of gaming chairs include the video rocker, racing seat, racing simulator cockpit, beanbag seat and pedestal chair.
The video rocker is perfect for gamers who love sitting closer to the floor as well as enjoy the rocking movement as they play. The second type is the racing seat, which is works best for PC gaming at a desk. There is also the racing simulator cockpit. As its name suggests, this computerized chair comes with a monitor stand, as well as simulations of a steering wheel and pedal supports for racing games. The beanbag seat offers perfect cushioning without taking up too much space, thus great for dorm rooms, small apartments and smaller game rooms. Finally, there is the pedestal gaming chair, which reclines, rotates and rocks on a pedestal base, offering ultimate comfort and maximum mobility.
With this knowledge on the different types of gaming seats, it becomes easier to know where to start your shopping adventure.
2. Study its Ergonomics.
The key to supreme comfort while gaming lies in the balance between lateral support and weight distribution, something that can only be achieved by the best gaming chair. First, make sure that the seat you want has high quality padding especially around common pressure points. This will offer extra cushioning for a relaxed feel in any sitting position, support and promote better blood flow and proper sitting posture. For added comfort, you may decide to go for one that comes with inbuilt massage and heating pads that relax your back, muscles and other pressure points during gaming.
Depending on your body size, there are so many options to choose from, but finding a gaming chair that can support a wider range of user weight and size is always the best option. Most gaming chairs support weights of up to 200 pounds and heights of up to 6 feet.
The best gaming chair should always offer optimal comfort to avoid causing pain and distress during gaming. This in turn leas to better performance, especially for professional gamers.
3. Consider its Customization Options.
When it comes to gaming chairs, there is no limit in terms of customizability. The chair originally comes with its default settings in place, and it may not feel perfect at first. When shopping, you should always try it out even if it looks too ugly or too beautiful to consider. You can get the store attendant to adjust it for you at different angles and heights among other settings just to get a feel of it. Some of the most common customization options include adjustable height, flexible reclining angles and removable parts such as the armrests.
The different additional features it comes with can also add to the gaming seat’s customizability. For instance, a seat with the rocking feature may be used as it is or locked into place, depending on your preferences. This also applies to a seat with swivel properties. Some seats also come with cup holders, side pockets, vibration motors, built-in AFM technology and speakers for the ultimate interactive gaming experience.
It is usually best to find a gaming chair with adjustable settings as it can serve you at any time and create the perfect mood for you when gaming.
4. Is it Durable?
It is a fact that every gamer wants a gaming seat that will stand the test of time. The seat’s durability is closely related to the quality of materials used to build it. Rather than soft faux leather upholstery, it is best to consider genuine leather with hygroscopic properties for better moisture absorption, strength, resistance to wear and durability. The frame and base should be made of strong and sturdy materials such as steel for maximum support especially for users in the heavier spectrum. The padding should also be made of durable materials such as molded cold foam that can stay intact even after lengthy use.
Even the additional features such as cup holders and removable armrests should not look or feel flimsy. Make sure that they are solid enough to accommodate the high level of activity that is characteristic of the gaming environment. The built-in speakers and wireless technologies should also be long lasting, rather than just cool.
5. What is Your Budget?
As much as your budget will dictate the number of features you will enjoy from your gaming seat, it does not necessarily mean that you should splurge a whole fortune on it. There are so many brands in the market, with so many features. You will definitely get your dream gaming chair at a great bargain if you exercise persistence, instead of falling for the first model you see.
Compare the amount you are willing to spend against the major features the gaming chair offers. If your budget it quite low, you may consider having just the most important gaming features that ensure strength, perfect comfort, support and reliable performance.
Over the years, more and more people have started appreciating the importance of owning a quality gaming chair within their gaming stations. The growth in the number of popular gaming chair models has also been witnessed alongside a drop in their prices. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to limit yourself to spending all those long hours in an uncomfortable office chair, couch or floor when gaming. With great gaming chairs going for as little as $150 or even less, you should get one for yourself and enjoy every bit of your gaming experience. With such a gaming chair in your gaming station, you have no worry about suffering from backache, neck pains and muscle discomfort even after gaming for endless periods.