AmazonBasics Racing Style Gaming Chair Review


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AmazonBasics Racing Style Gaming Chair Review

Serving as Amazon’s digital store brand, AmazonBasics has earned a reputation for offering bargain-priced products. They usually provide just enough of an edge to beat out competitors vying for the same market. Especially their computer accessories, which tend to be great deals for the price. But how well does the brand hold up in the hyper-competitive gaming chair market, where top-quality brands like DXRacer and Maxnomic rule the roost with premium offerings that earn their premium price?

I decided to find out firsthand.

For our top picks for this year, check out our PC chairs list.

What’s the difference between a gaming and an office chair, you ask? Check out the answer here.

Zoom In: Specs

  • 22 by 29 by 51 to 55 inches (L x W x H)
  • 41 pounds
  • 275 pound weight capacity
  • 1-year limited warranty through AmazonBasics
  • Removable Headrest and back cushion
  • Red, blue, white color options
  • Tilt control
  • Height-adjustable armrests
  • Partial recline
  • 20-30 minute assembly time

The AmazonBasics Gaming Chair features just what the doctor ordered in terms of size, adjustable armrests, and both lumbar and neck cushions. It does all this at a price point around half that of the equivalent DXRacer or Maxonomic chair. Unlike those premium brands, AmazonBasics doesn’t have much of a selection to choose from — just a single model with red, white, and blue variants. For me, of the three, blue won the rock-paper-scissors match.

Putting it Together

Amazon Prime had it on my doorstep by the end of the second business day. Right out of the box, I could tell it was going to be an easy assembly. Perhaps I was burned by my previous chair, but it feels like AmazonBasics put a lot of thought into streamlining the build experience. The result? Only four pages of assembly instructions. Everything was clearly labeled, with only a handful of screws and washers that all seemed happy to find their homes. After twenty breezy minutes without a single hang up in the process, the chair was all put together and ready to go.

AmazonBasics Racing Style Gaming Chair Review 2

During assembly, my first impression of the plastic base and rollers was that they look and feel like the cheapest parts. After several extended gaming sessions, including daring tests of the reclining feature’s limits, I can happily confirm that the base is sturdier than it appears, rendering it purely an issue of aesthetics. Grabbing the backrest and rocking back and forth — as one might after missing a headshot that clearly hit — reveals some wiggle and play. Nevertheless, I don’t think it’s anything that would be noticeable with regular everyday use.

As for the rest, it’s standard fare. A lever located under the seat near the right rear handles seat elevation, while just off the right side at the hip is the handle for adjusting the angle of the backrest. The armrests are polyurethane wrapped foam and offer plenty of positions to match most desk heights. They’re spaced a bit on the narrow side, which may be a sticking point for gamers with a wide stance. If your mousepad is of the XL+ variety, take note. Most areas where the metal frame or mechanisms would be exposed are covered with standard and serviceable PVC shields. Rolling the chair around the room is easy, even on carpet, which is another point in the base’s favor despite the poor first impression.

AmazonBasics Racing Style Gaming Chair Review 3

A Week with the AmazonBasics Gaming Chair

At first sit, the up-turned edges of the seat were almost too snug relative to the roomy office chair I was replacing. Once I settled into the lumbar and neck pillows, any concerns about the tight fit melted away along with the aches and pains brought on by the previous chair. Take note, however, that those of broad build may find it unforgiving.

AmazonBasics cushioned the seat and the backrest using simple foam with no memory worth noting, though I would have happily paid a little extra for the option. It’s comfortable enough for extended sessions, but the artificial leather doesn’t breathe well and can leave you as sweaty as a Gears of War protagonist. To be sure, it isn’t the most comfortable seat and may take some getting used to. But in a world filled with “you get what you pay for” flavored regrets, it’s a better experience than the price suggests.

AmazonBasics Racing Style Gaming Chair Review 5

The polyurethane-coated leather upholstery looks more luxurious than it sounds. From across the room, it certainly gives off the vibe of a premium gaming chair — easy to mistake for a new variant from one of the big names in the space. The illusion falls apart as you close the gap, but it’s not likely to elicit any scoffs at a glance. The stitching is well done and mostly hidden from sight, though it lacks any embroidered logo on the headrest — another telltale sign of budget design. As previously mentioned, the base and rollers look the cheapest, but they aren’t likely to be the focus when showing off the chair.

After a week with the chair, alternating between Destiny 2, World of Warcraft Classic, and long software development sessions, I will recommend it. There are far better chairs out there, but the price point is hard to beat for a gaming chair that brings all the fundamentals — and nothing more. If you have the cash, a top-tier gaming chair is still the best bang for your buck. On a budget, the AmazonBasics Gaming Chair offers something noticeably better than a cheap office chair without breaking the bank.

Related Reading

Zoom Out
Overall
7.8/10
7.8/10
  • Value - 9/10
    9/10
  • Comfort - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
  • Features - 7/10
    7/10

Summary

Has AmazonBasics earned a spot in the gaming chair arena with the AmazonBasics BIFMA Certified Gaming/Racing Style Office Chair? Yes, for the most part — especially for low-budget gamers looking for a happy medium between the big boys and the cheap seats. If you’re looking for a moderately comfortable seat with all the basic bells and whistles and nothing more, the price simply can’t be beaten.

Pros

  • Exceptional value
  • Easy assembly
  • Adjustable arms and backrest
  • Lumbar and neck pillows included
  • Better than average poly-leather

Cons

  • Narrow seat
  • Narrow armrest positioning
  • Wiggle/play in the backrest
  • Material doesn’t breathe well
  • Basic foam cushions
 

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