Secretlab, a prominent name in gaming chairs, has introduced the Atlas, a new model that attempts to bridge the gap between dedicated gaming furniture and professional office seating. The Atlas distinguishes itself with a design that eschews the overtly aggressive aesthetics of many gaming chairs for a more mature and understated look, while retaining features geared towards comfort and support during long sessions.
Design and Features
The Atlas presents a visual departure from Secretlab's previous Titan Evo line, featuring curved lines and integrated bolsters that blend into the overall silhouette rather than standing out. While it shares Secretlab's design language, the Atlas aims for a more neutral presence suitable for varied environments. Unlike its predecessors, the Atlas does not feature a full recline mechanism, prioritizing focused work and rest over the deep recline typical of some gaming chairs.
The chair's cushions are notably slimmer than those on the Titan Evo, contributing to a sleeker profile. This design choice allows the Atlas to occupy less visual space, making it more adaptable to professional settings. Despite their reduced thickness, the cushions are constructed with plush materials, including options for NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette and dual composite foam in the Premium range, designed to provide comfort and conceal the chair's internal frame.
Secretlab offers the Atlas in two tiers: Standard and Premium. The Standard model, priced at $499, utilizes Secretlab's traditional cold cure foam and Neo Hybrid Leatherette or SoftWeave fabric. The Premium version, starting at $699, enhances the experience with NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette and dual composite foam for increased softness, along with color-matched hardware. The reviewed Premium version in Dune+ combines a neutral SoftWeave fabric with NanoGen accents on the bolsters.
Ergonomically, the Atlas integrates a lumbar curve directly into the backrest's design, forgoing adjustable lumbar support. Secretlab states this approach, informed by extensive research and development, aims to provide optimal support for a wider range of users and prevent improper posture. The backrest also incorporates a mix of foam and springs for responsive support.
A significant update is the synchro-tilt system, which allows the backrest to move independently of the seat. This feature, common in high-end task chairs, aims to reduce muscle tension by allowing the body to move more naturally. Adjustments for seat height, tilt tension, and seat depth are located beneath the seat base, controlled by levers that offer a visual indicator of their locked or unlocked status and resistance levels. The tilt resistance is adjustable across four distinct levels.
The armrests have also been redesigned, featuring cast slots instead of the previous bolted-on system. While they retain adjustments for height, depth, and angle, they no longer offer width adjustment. Additionally, the Atlas sits approximately one inch lower than the Titan Evo when fully extended, a design choice intended to help users maintain an active posture with their feet planted firmly on the ground.
Assembly
Assembly of the Secretlab Atlas follows a familiar bottom-up process, beginning with the casters and progressing through the base, piston, seat, armrests, and finally, the magnetic headrest. The process is designed for a single person and is straightforward, typically taking around 15 minutes with the included T-shaped wrench. Secretlab has also improved its packaging, moving away from excessive styrofoam towards more environmentally friendly materials.
Performance
In testing, the Atlas proved comfortable for both extended workdays and gaming sessions. While it may not offer the same level of gaming-specific versatility as the Titan Evo, its ergonomic design provides substantial support. The Premium version's materials, including the NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette and dual composite foam, offer a comfortable and supportive seating experience.
The integrated lumbar support, initially a point of doubt, performed well for a 5'8" tester, offering consistent comfort throughout the work week without inducing soreness. The magnetic neck pillow, a returning feature, is noted for its comfort.
Minor drawbacks include the lower seat height, which may require adjustments to desk and monitor placement for users accustomed to higher chairs. The armrests, while comfortable with their gel cushion toppers, lack width adjustment, which is perceived as a limitation compared to other ergonomic chairs.
Value and Availability
The Secretlab Atlas is available directly from Secretlab. The Standard edition starts at $499, with options in Neo Hybrid Leatherette and SoftWeave Plus fabric, including colors like Classic Black, Moon, Black(3), Cookies & Cream, and Dune. The Premium range begins at $699 and offers upgraded materials and color-matched hardware in variants such as Dune+, Pure Black+, Pure White+, and Black(3)+.
When compared to other high-end ergonomic task chairs, the $500 price point for the Standard Atlas is considered reasonable. As a gaming chair, the price is competitive, though its design prioritizes a blend of function over the more pronounced gaming aesthetics of chairs like the Titan Evo. The Atlas represents a mature evolution for Secretlab, offering a sophisticated option for users seeking comfort and support across various activities.