ProtoArc Ergonomic Office Chair with Lumbar Support – EC200...

Most Helpful Review

"I've reviewed numerous ProtoArc ergonomic keyboards and mice previously and have always appreciated their attention to detail, good build quality and reliability. So, when the opportunity to review an ergonomic office chair came up, I was surprised to learn that ProtoArc had ventured into office equipment. I was thankful because I was looking for a replacement office chair that offered ergonomic features.This model, the EC200, offers a mesh-style chair back with lumbar support, a matching adjustable 3D mesh headrest, and a breathable fabric-covered 55D high-resilience foam seat. Beyond the typical height adjustments, the seat cushion can slide forward, the seatback can be locked in place at several angles between 90° and 130°, along with the lumbar support, which can be moved up/down and in/out to provide as much or as little support as you feel comfortable with. The arm rests are wide at 4" and also height adjustable. The overall construction of the chair is very good with durable matte black plastics, and the five-star base is made from hollowed, but reinforced steel. I'd describe this chair as a step above your typical office chair from the big-box or office supply store. Priced under $300 at the time of this review, I do think it falls in the above-average office chair category and is not a budget-built offering.Assembling the chair was around a 30-minute project from beginning to end, and I will note that the unboxing experience is well above average. ProtoArc should be commended for how carefully the components are packaged, including cloth-like bags for the seating, chair back, and armrests. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. The box contained all the tools, including a well-constructed ergonomic Allen key and individually packaged screws, with spares, and nothing was missing. I didn't use the provided roller wheels as I prefer roller-blade styled wheels to protect my hardwood, and the five-star base frame accommodated the ones I had perfectly.I found the 55D high-resilience foam seating to feel a little firm out of the box, but it feels thick, and you don't feel the base of the chair seat. I think it may need some time to break in. I weigh 225lbs for reference, and I also found the width of the seating and chair to be good. The sides of my body didn't rest against the armrests, though I suspect that if you are heavier set, this chair may feel snug. The chair supports up to 280lbs; however, I think it is more suited for an average-sized individual who weighs below 225lbs.Overall, I'm pretty impressed by the EC200 ergonomic office chair from ProtoArc. It is very well built, and I didn't experience any creaking from the quality plastics used in its construction. It felt very stable and comfortable during my hours-long sessions sitting in it. It is a fully customizable ergonomic chair, offering options for the seating depth, chairback angle, headrest, and lumbar support. The foam seating feels breathable; however, I am hoping the cushion becomes a little more cushiony as I continue to use it as my everyday office chair. I will return to update this review if anything of note changes in the coming weeks and months; however, at the time of this review, this is a recommended buy if you are an average-sized person looking for an excellent ergonomic office chair for your day-to-day use."