The Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2 is a well-built and comfortable office chair suitable for long work sessions and gaming alike, though its $499 price tag presents a slight disconnect with its feature set when compared to competitors. Autonomous has designed this chair with the 'all-day PC enthusiast' in mind, incorporating expected features such as 4D adjustable armrests and a spacious seat.
For context, the reviewer stands at 184 cm (72.8 inches) and weighs 68 kg (149.9 lbs), a frame that typically requires ample support, often leading the reviewer to prefer dense foam chairs over mesh designs. However, the ErgoChair Ultra 2 proved to be an exception, offering significant comfort without sacrificing support.
Innovative Back Support
The chair's backrest utilizes a unique polymer structure, described as resembling 'alien cartilage,' which allows for flexibility and a slight twist. This design supports the user's frame effectively by molding to their shape without the need for manual adjustments via dials or levers. This material choice also contributes to a lighter overall weight compared to traditional gaming chairs. IMAGE3
The seat base, while featuring a foam pad, incorporates an array of polymer 'springs' underneath. While generally supportive, the reviewer felt that an additional few centimeters of foam would enhance the plushness, noting that the seat doesn't feel as luxurious as the back despite its ample size. IMAGE4
A notable feature is the adjustable seat depth, allowing users to slide the seat forward or backward for improved thigh support. However, this mechanism can produce a 'clunking' sound and slight movement when the chair is repositioned while occupied, detracting from an otherwise solid feel.
Armrest and Build Quality Concerns
The 4D adjustable armrests present a minor drawback. While easily adjusted for height via a small catch, other adjustments like lateral and horizontal positioning are achieved by simply pushing or pulling the rests. This ease of movement means they can unintentionally shift out of place, especially when moving the chair on carpeted surfaces. While a tightening solution exists, it requires partial disassembly of the armrests, and they remain light to adjust by design. IMAGE6
Minor imperfections, such as rough edges from the injection molding process, were also noted, though these are largely cosmetic and do not impact the chair's functionality or overall build quality.
Value Proposition
At $499, the ErgoChair Ultra 2 sits in a competitive market segment. While it offers strong points like its flexible back support, low weight, and adjustable seat depth, it lacks features found in comparable chairs, such as headrests or footrests, which are often included at a similar or lower price point by manufacturers like ThunderX3 and Flexispot. An optional headrest is available on the 'Plus' model for an additional $50.
The reviewer suggests that a price reduction of $75 to $100 would make the ErgoChair Ultra 2 an unreserved recommendation. As it stands, prospective buyers are advised to weigh the chair's specific strengths against their personal needs and the offerings from competing brands before making a purchase.