****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
So like many of you I now work/teach from home, so I needed to invest in a new webcam and office chair to replace my sagging Serta. The webcam is awesome. The chair,... not so much. Because I have used microfiber for almost 20 years I searched for that in "Big and Tall" and came up with this. Although not advertised as "B&T" it said "High Back" and seemed to have the right features and dimensions. I now realize that office chairs, along with fresh fruit and cars, are something best not bought online. Read on for chair review and why.I am giving this two stars because it arrived unbroken, was easy to assemble, it was my mistake trying to substitute this for the big and tall I need. But it was not what I needed and there is little way to tell from a manufacturer's description, or even comments. From the start it had plastic fibers sticking out of the back and through thin shirts. Also, the "waterfall" at the front is rather narrow and only supports your legs if they are close together. As a result, sitting wide my legs got pinched and I had a tendency to slip forward. The chair really only supports you if you sit upright or lead forward. As an 8+ hour home office chair this is not enough. Also, the "high back" did not even reach my shoulders and offered very little support. Although solid, it creaked mightily when I leaned back. Padding is adequate: not the worst, but far from plush. Unfortunately, over two months these issues came out worse and worse (frequent trips out of town helped disguise the issues until the new term began this Fall.) But over the last few weeks it became acute. This past week I had so much pain in my lower back and bad knee I could not sleep. So two days ago I went to an office supply, tried out the options, and bought another Serta (bonded leather, which seems the style now.) It cost more, and not the preferred fabric, but it fits me extremely well and I actually overslept the last two nights. Proof of what the right or wrong chair can do!Here's my bottom line. Everyone has a different body (height, weight, leg length, etc.) A chair rated "great" for some can be a torture device for someone else. And there is no way to tell without sitting in it. Unfortunately, buying and trying online is not the same as a pair of shoes or PC hardware. If you decide in time to return, and can reach the seller, you must disassemble and re-package the product as shipped (hope you kept the box and packing materials.) In my case I am donating this to my Dad who seems to want it and is shorter and has a different posture. But take my advice: buy your next office chair in person. It's the only way to know it will work for you!
