Many gamers are familiar with iconic racing-style gaming chairs, which peaked in popularity just a few years ago. DXRacer, one of the oldest and most respected gaming chair brands, is often credited with popularizing that style with its widely successful DXRacer Formula chair.
Gaming chairs have since evolved beyond big, shapely designs to encompass real ergonomics alongside improved materials. Meanwhile, DXRacer has been riding the line between loud, proud gamer seats and durable chairs ready to support players through hours of use.
However, DXRacer recently decided to narrow its focus and cut its lineup down to just three premium gaming chairs: the Craft chair, the Master chair, and the Drifting chair. Each of these gaming chair options has its own pros and cons, but are these new and improved DXRacer chairs actually worth it?
Ergonomics & Comfort
Anyone with a Secretlab gaming chair may be feeling like there’s something familiar about DXRacer’s newest chairs, and they’d be onto something. DXRacer has definitely begun to take a page from Secretlab’s book – and it’s no wonder, given the competitor’s consistent top ratings.
While there’s no substitute for some of Secretlab’s proprietary features (yet), DXRacer offers players the next best thing, at the next lowest price point, too. Typically, $100-200 less than comparable chairs, DXRacer gaming chairs are built with some of the best materials using scientifically-backed ergonomic designs. Make no mistake: DXRacer chairs are comfortable, and it's thanks to this careful R&D process.
From headrests made of high-density memory foam with cooling gel to seat backs with manually operable lumbar support, the DXRacer chairs use a number of features to alleviate pressure points. All the seats are made with cold-cured foam, though each gaming chair offers its own style of wings and contouring, making them more or less ideal for certain body types. Plus, 3D armrests allow users to adjust the arms horizontally and vertically to perfectly match arm length.
However, with all of this accommodation for tall gamers, it’s a little sad to see a weight limit of 275 lbs, especially because the Master series chair is so much wider than the others. Plus, overall, there isn’t a great option for players who want a soft chair. Yes, the water-resistant fabric option is pretty soft, but it's not quite as soft as regular, water-vulnerable fabric, an option not offered by DXRacer.
DXRacer chairs have decided to elevate their designs, and in doing so have given gamers who also work from home an excellent, affordable PC chair to use. Players who just want a comfy gaming chair may not find exactly what they’re looking for with DXRacer and likely could get a softer chair at a comparable price. Regardless, the strategic designs at DXRacer have created new racing-style gaming chairs that actually tackle ergonomics in the long run and could even compete in the office.
Style & Durability
All of DXRacer’s chairs are built with strong steel frames, durable aluminum bases, and thoroughly tested moving parts. However, because of this, all the DXRacer chairs look almost identical, even though their subtle differences have a serious impact on who will like each chair series.
DXRacer’s Craft chairs have plenty of features designed for the average user, with a pretty good 2D integrated lumbar support and a standard wheeled base. On the other hand, the DXRacer Master chairs, despite looking very similar, are designed for players who need extra support through little improvements like a 4D integrated lumbar support and a wider, stronger chair base. Meanwhile, the Drifting chair is perfect for players who like the original racing-style gaming chair that just comes with basic design features for an ironically minimalist seat.
Sure, DXRacer chairs still have those iconic wings, but they also have modest colors and impressive high-back styles. From sleek black to special edition game tie-in designs, plus four types of upholstery to choose between, players have enough room to decide how they want their gaming chair to look and feel. Not every type of chair material is available for every chair model, but in general, players can choose either PU leather, EPU leatherette, microfiber leather, or water-resistant fabric.
PU leather and EPU leatherette are both polyurethane faux leather materials, the main difference being that EPU leatherette was developed more recently. As a result, EPU is much more durable and flexible than PU leather, although it does tend to run a bit more expensive. DXRacer's microfiber leather is a smooth and breathable Nappa leatherette with plenty of resistance to damage and spills, but it also typically costs more than any other option. The water-resistant fabric is similar to old-school Scotch Guard but much more flexible and breathable than previous generations.
Most of the collection is made up of sleek and sophisticated black and gray chairs, leaving players with a chair that looks almost executive. There are some other color options, like white and cyan that are actually pretty gray still, but overall gamers will need to rely on accessories to add flair to their PC space. Of course, there are sometimes special editions available, like the cute human cat Craft chair or the ultra-bold Guild Wars Craft chair, which can use either PU leather or EPU leatherette. However, overall, the variety of styles is lacking with DXRacer chairs.
Overall Verdict
It’s unclear why DXRacer discarded the majority of their wide collection of gaming chairs, but what’s been left are three super sleek, exceptionally ergonomic racing-style gaming chairs. Swapping out needless swooping foam for meaningful wings that help align the back and adjustable lumbar support, utilizing better materials like cold-cured foam and cooling gel, as well as a dozen other improvements have left DXRacer with a small but specialized chair selection. Gamers who want something professional while also fitting in with gaming setups will get exactly what they need from DXRacer chairs.
DXRacer Gaming Chairs | |
|---|---|
Pros | Cons |
Sleek, professional style | Max weight limit is only 275lbs |
Great ergonomic features | Not a lot of style variety |
Can accommodate a variety of body heights | No mesh or soft fabric options |
More affordable than comparable brands | |
Four different types of chair materials | |
Our Favorite DXRacer Chair
DXRacer Craft Series Gaming Chair
The DXRacer Craft series can be defined in one simple word: Premium. With a wide Tilt angle, PU leather, and numerous colors and designs, the Craft is a mainstay in our recommendations for the best Gaming Chairs money can buy.
- Upholstery Material
- Synthetic Leather, Woven fabric
- Color(s)
- 15+ colors/styles
- Adjustability
- 135' Tilt Angle, Lumbar, 4D Armrests
- Chair Weight Capacity
- 255 lbs, 275 lbs (XL version)
- Chair Height Recommendation
- Up to 6'1", 6'3" (XL version)
- Lumbar Support
- Yes, Adjustable
- Very comfortable and ergonomic
- Manually adjustable lumbar support
- Memory foam head pillow
- Lots of styles to choose from
- Not as premium as the DXRacer Master
- Most designs only come in white, black, or gray
The Craft series is the best DXRacer chair for most users thanks to its current array of features. The adjustable lumbar support and cold-cured foam pair with 4D armrests give players ergonomic comfort throughout hours of gameplay. Supporting this is DXRacer's metal frame and other high-quality materials built to last years. The base Craft series model can withstand 255 lbs, but the XL version is just slightly more expensive and is made for users weighing up to 275 lbs.
Overall, the Craft gaming chair from DXRacer is an excellent chair, even when compared to other brands.
FAQ
Q: Are DXRacer gaming chairs ergonomic?
Yes, DXRacer gaming chairs are ergonomic, although some styles are more comfortable than others, depending on personal details like height and weight.
Q: How much do DXRacer chairs cost?
DXRacer chairs cost between $450 and $650, depending on the style and the available discounts.
Q: What is the weight limit for DXRacer chairs?
The weight limit for standard DXRacer chairs is 255lbs, while the XL weight capacity is 275lbs.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a gaming chair?
Most gaming chairs should last at least two years, but with both budget and high-end options, gaming chair lifespans can range anywhere from a few months to over 5 years.