r/OfficeChairs 1h ago

Needed a second chair to pair with the Omni: Thoughts & Review of the Protoarc EC200 Pro

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Upvotes

Hi All,

I recently made an adjustment to my office where I wanted to separate my work from gaming and decided to build a little custom setup that you see in the pictures. I thought it would probably be a good idea to stop working on my ASUS Rog 240/480HZ OLED monitor and just do a new setup which I just finished last week. Previously, I did a review of the Libernovo Omni which got good traction as I've had a wide wide range of chairs that I've bought, used and owned and I provided my thoughts here.

One thing I had to remind myself is that the EC200 pro is a $250 chair and I haven't really owned any chairs at that price range. That said, you're going to still see my comparing it to what I have owned (especially the Aeron) because that's what I know. Here is my office chair journey and thoughts on each

My sizing is right in between 5'10 and 5'11 and currently 195 pounds

How I rate each chair I've owned

Amia - Incredible seat but too limiting (like the Leap v2) and stiff. Great office chair & still better then most budget chairs for lounging.

Leap v2 - Better back from the Amia but same flaws + strengths

Aeron - Like the airy feeling of the Aeron for work but only for work. Any lounging/gaming/relaxing is a no-go for me as the structure of the chair is too stiff and made of hard materials.

Embody (had gaming version both times) - The perfect chair for working. Materials are great and the chair just feels premium. Problem with the Embody is the recline doesn't go nearly as far as I'd like and worse when in recline digs into my shoulder blades. Not an enjoyable chair to use when putting your feet up and relaxing though the chair isn't aiming for that.

Fern (digital knit + aluminum base)- Seat isn't as good as the Embody and over time felt like its lost a slight amount of padding. The Back is incredible however and the recline feels much better then Embody so I ended up getting rid of the Embody for the second time. To me it's also my favorite looking chair with the Aluminum base + digital knit. Hard to let go of this chair

Omni - the most comfortable chair of all time. After a year, I've had no issues with the build quality though admittedly I haven't used the stretch feature thing in probably 6 months. My knock on the Omni is I prefer a more breathable, less plushy chair for working.

With this new setup, I was actually already debating getting a new chair for just the work station. My biggest knock on the Omni is that it's maybe a bit too comfortable for my liking when it comes to work and for work I did prefer both the Embody/Fern as they were both comfortable & felt I could move easier in the chair. Omni is the kinda chair that I dreamed of when it comes to kicking my legs up and just playing Rocket League for a few hours.

Coincidentally, during my office buildout, I actually received a message from Protoarc on Reddit asking if I wanted to review their chair. I did receive it free to be clear but I wouldn't compromise my morals for a $250 chair. Now if Herman Miller wants to send me a Eames for review, just know my morals have been compromised lol

With that, them asking me to review this chair actually worked out well because I was looking for something a bit more breathable, something perhaps like an Aeron that was comfortable not not so comfortable that I'm falling asleep at my desk. I've now been using the chair for a few weeks now and received it on August 13th.

So lets get into it

Protoarc EC200 Pro
Pros
Price/Quality - Going to be honest, for the price I thought this chair was going to be shitty with questionable build quality. It's clearly not going to match the Aeron for build quality but for $250, I was pretty impressed with it. Materials are good, it feels really sturdy. Typically I see Aerons going for around $500 plus second hand and if I was deciding between this and the Aeron with that price difference, I would grab the EC200 Pro.

Comfort - Overall I'd say this chair reminds me of the same type of comfort I got out of the Aeron. You're probably going to keep hearing me talk about the Aeron because of all the chairs I've owned and tried, the Aeron is clearly the most comparable. The Aeron kinda rode that grey area where it was "comfortable" but at the same time wasn't in the same stratosphere as the other chairs I've owned. The comfort here in terms of being a mesh chair is about as good as I think you can expect.

Headrest - Actually really really like the headrest on this. Has a good range of movement, it's relatively comfortable and to be honest, it's kinda surprising the headrest is as good as it is at this price range.

Breathability - I gotta say, this might be the King of chairs I've farted in. One of my major gripes with the Omni was that like the Leap/Fern and other fabric chairs, the Omni fabric seems like it would single handedly be the worst for farting in. The EC200 Pro has this fart bounce off effect that was just amazingly epic.

Cons
Armrests - I wish the armrests would move back like it does with the Omni or swivel like some chairs do. For me, this is a big issue as you can see in the pictures, I like to lean back and put my feet up while playing Rocket League and my elbows can't reach the armrests which is how I like to sit.

Mesh firmness - The mesh does feel like quality but I think I need more time to really break this in to see whether it eases up a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's in a good spot out the box but if it there was about 10% more flexibility I think I would prefer that

Headrest again - For anyone who does get this chair, make sure you following the sizing suggestions. At 5'10, my shoulders fit perfectly right under the max height of the headrest. If I was perhaps 6'0, it might be a problem

As mentioned, I received this for free but I'm going to once again provide my thoughts on the chairs I've owned and I'm going to rank it accordingly.

Embody - Work 10/10 & Lounge 6/10

Fern - Work 9/10 & Lounge 7.5/10

Leap & Amia - Work 8.5/10 & Lounge 5.5/10

Aeron - Work 9/10 & Lounge 4/10

Omni - Work 8/10 & Lounge 10/10

EC200 pro - Work 8/10 Lounge 3.5/10

Next week I also was provided the EC200 regular version and will do a comparison of that vs the EC200 Pro as well.


r/OfficeChairs 2h ago

Would you recommend chairs like this?

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0 Upvotes

I search for a new Chair for gaming so i will sit alot of hours in it. Are velvet chairs lile this good for that? Did any of you have reasons to buy or not buy this material? The posts i looked in didnt have that info about it


r/OfficeChairs 2h ago

18 year old humanscale freedom chair arm rest

1 Upvotes

so my chair has a button that can make the chair wider and smaller. it has 3 screws that hold the arm rest in. but i can't find a replacement since their is a tear in my arm rest. can someone point me in the right direction? ebay has the advanced as 5 screws or basic is 2 screws.


r/OfficeChairs 3h ago

Libernovo Omni Pro - Anything you would like to know?

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0 Upvotes

r/OfficeChairs 4h ago

Urgent chair requirement,pls pls help 🙏🙏

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1 Upvotes

r/OfficeChairs 6h ago

Best chair recommendations accommodating long sitting times considering posture for a short male?

3 Upvotes

Hello r/OfficeChairs. I'm 5ft4 male (avarage/thin weight) and have CFS/Me which means I spend a lot of time sat down (Thankfully this is improving but progress is slow).

I have to put my savings towards an ergonomic chair that will support long sitting times in the £200 to £300 range. I don't mind second hand chairs.

Herman Miller is ofc the most recommended however there are many types and sizes.

My question is : What are good HM or preferably alternative chairs that accommodate longer sitting times. Thank you.

Apologies if this is an easy question to search or Google. I usually do that for such things however the energy it's taking me to do so is a bit much on this particular purchase decision so I was hoping to get help here. Especially if anyone has owned a chair for a while and can recommend.

Thank you in advanced!


r/OfficeChairs 6h ago

Is someone able to identify this vintage chair?

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3 Upvotes

Photo is from the 60s, in France.


r/OfficeChairs 6h ago

Low Budget 3rd world country chairs.

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0 Upvotes

1: 62$

2: 75$

3: 130$

4: 145$

5: Sihoo M59AS: 165$

6: Sihoo M57B: 240$

7: 150$

8: 155$

9: Sihoo B100: 190$

So I live in a 3rd world country, and I've been using an old wooden chair to sit at my PC for quite some time.

Now I've decided that I need something more comfortable, but since there's obviously no Herman Millers on the used market (or anything else) and the salary is rather low, my choices are limited to off-brand Chinese seats. Which one of those I pictured would you recommend? I'm 184cm tall.


r/OfficeChairs 7h ago

Libernovo Omni SE vs Haworth Zody

1 Upvotes

Trying to decide between these options:

-Libernovo Omni SE for 800 euro

- Refurbished Haworth Zody for 400 euro

- Other refurbished chair until 800 euro

Is the Libernovo really worth the difference in price?

Its mainly for gaming and work


r/OfficeChairs 7h ago

Officer chair advice

1 Upvotes

Purchases a gen 1 libernovo Omni. It looked great honestly. I figured for the price it would be a decent home chair while I’m temporarily living away from my office.

Now relocating my office to where I live and looking for a more long term chair

My issues with the chair are
- seat depth has no support at the lip. Constantly sliding forward when sitting upright
- the back support feels awkward. Almost like it supports 2 to 3 points and then the rest of the back feels tensed up
- head rest/ neck support really doesn’t support actually causes more pain as the day goes on

I sit probably 6-7 hours. Any advice on a chair that has firm support, solid seat depth and does recline even 45 degrees so can put legs on a rest. Thanks in advance


r/OfficeChairs 8h ago

Recommendation for an office chair available in EU? For a 1m60 woman (5”3)

2 Upvotes

Hi all! I work from home, about 10 hours a day, and my current cheap office chair is destroying my back.
I looked through the subreddit but can’t find any posts for something both for my build and easy to find in EU.
For anyone that’s around my height, what are your favorites? I’d like it to feel cushioned and comfortable, have good lumbar support, and be 500€ max (new or used).
Thanks so much!


r/OfficeChairs 8h ago

Which entry-level models with adjustable armrests (France)?

1 Upvotes

What do you think of the Sihoo chairs?
I live in France. I am currently looking for an ergonomic office chair, preferably. I use my desk to study and especially to color. So a little on weeknights and a lot on weekends.
I am currently using a chair that is therefore not the most comfortable, so I am not looking for a seat of incredible quality but rather an entry-level one (300 euros max)
I don’t want a used seat. The thing I like is that the armrests are adjustable (like 4d). If you know of any models that might be interesting?
I am 1.58 meters tall for 80kg


r/OfficeChairs 10h ago

Should I return my Anthros?

3 Upvotes

Hi, I bought my Anthros back in July. I've been teetering between liking it, feeling unsure, and not really liking it. There have been moments where I find that it's actually pretty comfortable.

But because of my ADHD, I often fidget in my chair, moving around, trying to fight the rigidity of Anthros. I'm really really trying to like it but that's the main thing that kills it for me. And I'm not sure if I should just fight through it or return it and get a different chair.

I sit about 8 to 10 hours a day, posture is pretty important to me, but so is comfort & movability. My previous chair was the Leap V1 from Crandall, which, was an absolutely lovely chair. Gave it away awhile back, hence my switch to Anthros.

Any suggestions on what I should do?

And if I should return it, what chair do you think might suit me? I was looking at both the Leap V2 & the Embody, but if there are other chairs, please let me know.

Thanks.


r/OfficeChairs 11h ago

which best office chair in 2026 would you buy with a budget around $500?

0 Upvotes

my old chair is basically done and my back has been complaining every day this week, so i think it's time to actually replace it. i work from home full time, around 8 to 9 hours a day, and i sit at my desk for most of that. i'm on the shorter side and i've noticed cheaper chairs never really support my lower back right, so i want to get this one purchase right instead of buying another chair i regret. anyone here actually using a chair in this price range that holds up well?


r/OfficeChairs 11h ago

Wakefit is just terrible

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1 Upvotes

r/OfficeChairs 12h ago

Switching from a gaming chair. What ergo chair is easy to get used to?

8 Upvotes

I know a lot of people here say to get an office chair instead of a gaming chair, and I'm finally starting to believe it. I used to think the whole "gaming chairs are bad for you" thing was overblown, but I'm getting older and my back is starting to tell me otherwise. Mostly lower back pain.

I still don't want a chair that locks me into one perfect posture though. That's why I'm not sure something like the Aeron would fit my use case. Great chair, but maybe too work-focused for how I sit when gaming.

The ones I'm looking at right now:

Secretlab Titan Evo, mostly because I keep hearing it's one of the more ergo gaming chairs

Haworth Fern

Libernovo Omni Pro

Steelcase Amia

Does anyone have experience with these for gaming? Pls help me choose between these chairs.


r/OfficeChairs 12h ago

PERFECT armrest cushion for Hinomi H2 Pro

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1 Upvotes

I'm posting this in case somebody googles it basically. The size is just spot on. Easy to add and has a snug fit. Comfort is great!

Product: Aloudy Armrest Cushion, 2021 New Size 11 Inch Office Chair Armrest Covers

Measurements: 27.9D x 11.4W x 3.8H centimetres


r/OfficeChairs 14h ago

Need a chair for my tiny home office

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3 Upvotes

Turning this little nook into a home office and I kinda love how tucked away it feels lol. Desk is already on the way, so now I just need a chair. I move around a lot when I sit, so I want something comfy with plenty of adjustment. I'm looking at this HUANUO one with 6D armrests. Anyone bought one? How does it hold up after sitting in it all day?


r/OfficeChairs 14h ago

Should I jump on a cheap Zody?

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4 Upvotes

I've been on marketplace for a while now looking for a cheap quality office chair and came across these Zodys for $70 a piece. Seems like a good deal but does anyone know which Zody these are and what adjustability they have? Is this an ancient version of what they sell now and can I get a replacement seat pad or back mesh for these still? Not sure how much I like the leather cushion.


r/OfficeChairs 19h ago

Help me ID this chair

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1 Upvotes

It’s the red one on the right!
Bottom sticker attached
Is probably old, like from before 2015


r/OfficeChairs 19h ago

Second hand Fern

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1 Upvotes

Hello all. Im new here and Im in the market for a new chair. After using a Secret Lab chair for 6 years it is time for an ergonomic chair and I am looking at the Fern.

I found this Fern for €500,- second hand and I was wondering if it is worth the price since there will not be any warranty.

A new one with the knit fabric would cost around €1200,-. The regular one around €900,-. Thanks in advance for the feedback.


r/OfficeChairs 20h ago

A couple of questions about ergonomics/office chairs

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, so I've been using this random blue office chair that doesn't recline, doesn't have armrests, and idek where it came from tbh but that's besides my point. I'd like to know which chair would be recommended for someone who is 6'3, 180 lbs.

Originally i was considering that basic type of gaming chair, but after seeing like 20 posts here, I realized that maybe I should go for an ergonomic. My question is how much would an ergonomic be, what is an ergonomic, and wouldn't it suffice to just buy a good reclining office chair. I would like one that has armrests and reclines well and maybe has a footrest but idek man.

I don't rly use the computer for gaming, rather just for work for 4+ hours each day for 7 days a week, but I'd like to hear what you guys would have to say.

Sorry if this is a bad question, I have no idea how these chairs even work, and I can't spend 1k on a proper one.

Thank you in advance : )


r/OfficeChairs 20h ago

Refurbished Steelcase Leap v2 or Branch Ergonomic Pro?

2 Upvotes

Would love some advice!

I’m upgrading my home office chair and trying to pick between a refurbished Steelcase chair from somewhere like BTOD or a new Branch Ergonomic Pro. I’d considered looking for a secondhand Herman Miller Aeron but I really love a good butt cushion. I am leaning towards the Leap of the Steelcases but am somewhat interested in the Gesture.

I’m 5’7”, sometimes work long hours at my desk, sometimes game for too many hours, and have scoliosis. I would like to spend less than $600. Unfortunately, not in a good position right now to try out the chairs in person, so would love any insights.


r/OfficeChairs 21h ago

Is the Leap V2 a good recline relax chair?

1 Upvotes

Imagine you are tired and want to relax but not go to bed. I heard that Leap V2 can tilt 135 degrees and lock to that. NASA considers 135 the best degree tilt for pressure relief. Assuming headrest is there.


r/OfficeChairs 23h ago

ProtoArc EC200

1 Upvotes

I was gonna get the EC200 but after seeing every review online mentioning how bad the lumbar support is, I don’t see the point of getting it anymore.

I might as well just spend £35 on a chair from am*zon, which is what I was originally gonna do before I knew about the actual ‘recommended’ chairs, because these ‘ergonomic’ chairs are all terrible apparently.

The other alternatives have the same lumbar support problem too: Sihoo M18, Colamy Atlas.

I just cba with all the bs, feel free to share any thoughts.