I’ve broken a chair or two in my day.
I don’t say that to brag. I’m a big guy, and I’m hard on my office chairs. I said “chairs” because if I use a chair long enough, I’m going to break something on it. Maybe the lift mechanism, maybe the recline, maybe a wheel.
Let’s just say I’m 6 foot 2 inches and my doctor would love for me to lose some weight.
It is refreshing (and long overdue) for me to find a chair made for people exactly my size.
An interesting part about being a tech reviewer is when I publish a review for a product, I get a lot of other companies who have items in the same category (like keyboards, power stations, chairs) that reach out to ask you to review their product as well. About six weeks ago I reviewed a gaming chair from Vertagear.
This week I’m reviewing the Boulies Elite Max Gaming Chair.
The specs that got my attention about the Elite Max are the height and weight capacities.
The Elite Max is designed for people from 5 foot 10 inches to 6 foot 7 inches and who weigh up to 400 pounds. For the record, I am comfortably inside the height and weight limits for this chair.
The Elite Max is available in two finishes — water repellent fabric in charcoal or Ultraflex PU (artificial) black leather — and at the time of this writing, the chair is on sale for $399 (list price is $459).
The Elite Max is a chair designed to be sat in for long periods of time. I can attest it is very comfortable for my large frame.
The chair is shaped like the seat from a sports car. The backrest is taller and wider (22.4 inches by 34.3 inches) to make it suitable for large and tall people.
The width and depth of the seat bottom are both 20.5 inches
The height of the seat is adjustable from 18.5 inches to 20.9 inches.
The backrest reclines all the way back and can rock up to 15 degrees. You can also lock the backrest while its tilted.
The armrests are adjustable eight ways and they stay in their adjusted position quite well.
The chair frame is made from steel and the wheel base is aluminum. The seat and backrest are made from 100% cold-cure foam, which is built for long life.
The 6-centimeter casters are made from polyurethane.
You’ll receive the Elite Max in a quite large box. The chair is delivered in several pieces you must assemble. All necessary tools are included.
You’ll attach the armrests, tilt mechanism, wheels and the gas lift cylinder. Then you attach the backrest to the chair base and make any adjustments.
The assembly took about 20 minutes and went smoothly.
The Elite Max includes a lumbar support cushion and a neck pillow. Each has elastic bands attached to help keep them in place on the chair.
You don’t have to use them, but both are very welcome additions if you sit for long periods of time.
I’ve been sitting on the Elite Max for about six weeks, and it has totally changed my comfort level while sitting at my desk.
My job doesn’t require me to sit for hours on end. I have to get up and go fix things several times per day, but in the time I do spend at my desk, the Elite Max is a game-changer.
The chair feels so solid — I can lean back and not hear creaking noises or feel like I’m going to tip over.
You might be reading this and think, “Well, that’s great, but I’m not as big as Jim.” To that I’d say Boulies makes a standard version of the Elite for those who don’t need an extra-large chair.
If you’ve been shopping for a gaming chair, you’ll know many are tricked up with LED lights or speakers. The Elite Max is just a simple, good-looking chair designed to comfortably hold the average NFL offensive lineman.
I’d say the fit of the chair is neutral, meaning the cushioning is not too hard or too soft and the backrest and seat are fairly flat, which feels great on my wide body.
I can say everyone who’s visited my office comments on the Elite Max, wishing they had a chair like it at their desk.
They are not wrong.
