Chair recommendations

[SilverZ06]

I am looking to replace my crappy/cheap desk chair at home. I'm currently going to school for computer programming so I do spend a good deal of time in the chair doing homework and some PLC programming for work. I'm hoping to find a decent chair for under $300. Does anyone have any recommendations. Obviously a cheap $300 wont be as nice as a $1500 chair but those are chairs are just not in the budget right now. Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks
 

[The Fugitive]

Believe it or not the best chair I had was a seat from a cordoba. 8 way power, I installed it in my simpit. It was built for long rides so it could handle long sessions at the keyboard. $50 at a junk yard,build a base for it and your good to go for a long time.

Easily  out lasted any office chair.

[Bizman]

You'd probably get a whole lot of recommendations for all kinds of supportive chairs, so here's an alternative that can save you from future back ache: A gym ball! They are available in a variety of sizes, just choose one that will be at a comfortable height with your weight on it. Two ft might be quite close if you're not extraordinary tall. I know a couple of physiotherapists who use such and I've tried them while looking at their computers. Very easy to get accustomed to and an even easier way to take care of the supporting muscles of your back.

[Gman]

I bought DX racer chairs, two now, one at first, and after the missus stole it for her own PC station, I had to buy another one.  Not cheap, can be upwards of 400$ USD, but they do have some lower priced models as well.  Very well built IMO, very comfortable, and very adjustable.  I can lean mine back far enough that I'm almost flat horizontal, and it won't tip over.  I have a K and an R series, and both fit me fine.  There are 1/2 dozen competitors out there now.  The "F" or "Formula" series are right at 300$ including shipping, and will fit you well if you're of average size/weight - if you're over 225lbs, I would recommend one of the R or Ks, but at 225 to 230 you'll still fit fine in an F IMO.


http://www.dxracer.com/us/en-us/product/1/pc_gaming_chair/formula_series/

Barring that, a trip to Staples and sitting in various chairs until you find one that fits and is comfortable.  The last time I did this it was nearly 300$ for any of the decent ones, so I spent the extra 80$ and got a dedicated gaming chair, and am not sorry I did.

[ebfd11]

This is what i got...



And I love it... j_Af4i0XkaB2IoCtSXf88fFMXZ9d9 Sp7H9a2y70yXzvZA_SSMB5kDUCpa1 sSCsxaCs01N_nL83Q8zBhbxJBTHfT G8OHGRIZAFPVH739kqPZMj37Zu_Md _Tf5X2djTCKEw&ved=0CBwQpis&ei=ds2EVarNJcHEogT4l4LABg" class="bbc_link" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/shopping/product/17759635182353354577?q=playseat+flight+chair&biw=1902&bih=869&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.&bvm=bv.96339352,d.cGU&tch=1&ech=1&psi=9MyEVanpB8HuoATQypcY.1434766578059.3&prds=paur:ClkAsKraX32tsij1SPVyugT3OKlSM j_Af4i0XkaB2IoCtSXf88fFMXZ9d9 Sp7H9a2y70yXzvZA_SSMB5kDUCpa1 sSCsxaCs01N_nL83Q8zBhbxJBTHfT G8OHGRIZAFPVH739kqPZMj37Zu_Md _Tf5X2djTCKEw&ved=0CBwQpis&ei=ds2EVarNJcHEogT4l4LABg

LawnDart

[pembquist]

I got a used IKEA Poang chair, the're always for sale on craigslist. Its more of a lounge chair but it takes stress off the vertebrae. you need a keyboard shelf of some kind and you are sitting kind of low but its cheap and easy on my back. Much better than the office chair I used before. To play AH you can clamp a couple squares of plywood to the arms to place your gizmos on.

[Bizman]

I'd like to add to my previous post, that although the gym ball would be good for your back, it certainly doesn't work in playing AH. For playing, especially if you're using pedals, you need a chair that doesn't rotate or roll. If you're on a budget you might be able to get a nice car seat to be modified into something like the one LawnDart has.

But for your programming work a gym ball is still what I recommend. It prevents you to keep a static posture, thus improving blood circulation in your brain which might even improve your productivity.

If you have the money and/or space, an electrically adjustable table would also be good for your study and work. I mean those tables that can be lifted to a standing height. Recent studies like this NY Times article claim that sitting is as harmful as smoking, causing diabetes and coronary heart disease. Notice that the lethal thing is sitting in itself, not the quality of the seat.

[Gman]

There are standing gaming desks available, I know a PC Gamer editor that has used one for 2 years now due to a bad back and being unable to sit.  I've considered this as well, for other health reasons than back, but haven't pulled the trigger on the idea yet.  I have enough gaming PCs that I should set one up and try it out.

I had a seat setup like Lawndarts, but I found it a little more difficult to be accurate with pedals being leaned back, and also that my elbows and forearm just float in space, where I normally have them at least partially planted on my desk surface, especially when mousing, and even using HOTAS sticks.  Some people don't fly like that though, and a chair like LDs is a good option as well then IMO.

I also haven't had any trouble with the rollers on my chairs moving while using rudder pedals, but they are on carpet, which gives a bit of resistance to the wheels and keeps them in place - not sure if on a flat and hard surface if it would be a problem or not.

[SilverZ06]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I went to office depot and ended up liking this one the best:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/604924/WorkPro-1000-Series-Mid-Back-Mesh/?cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-Chairs_Seating-_-604924-VQ6-42102183356-VQ16c-VQ17-pla-VQ18-online-VQ19-604924-VQ20-99730626257-VQ21-&gclid=CMWzp_3Cn8YCFYiPHwodd7UAyw

I think I may buy a gym ball as well as to switch out. Thanks for the recommendations guys! 

[SilverZ06]

Whew! I'm glad I made this thread and posted the chair I bought. I just clicked the link today and saw that it is on sale for $130 where as I just paid $200 yesterday. I called the store and they said they will gladly refund the difference if I bring in the receipt. 

[Masherbrum]

Do you have any complaints on it, etc?

[The Fugitive]

This is the one I use,

http://www.staples.com/Tempur-Pedic-Ergonomic-Mesh-Mid-Back-Office-Chair-Black-TP9000-/product_324021

Im 6'1" 270 and have had this chair for over a year. It is holding up very well, and is very comfortable for those long secessions.

[SilverZ06]

Do you have any complaints on it, etc?

None at all. I am very happy with it so far. It is very comfortable (to me (6', 230lbs)) and it was super easy to assemble. I like the mesh bottom and back as the chair actually feels cool when I sit in it.  For $130 (or even $200) I don't think it can be beat for what I was looking for.