As someone who spends countless hours parked in front of a computer, I know the importance of having a good office chair. A bad chair can mean poor posture, back pain and decreased productivity. So when I had the chance to try out the Boulies EP200 office chair, I jumped at it.
In our never-ending quest to find the best office chair for back pain, the Boulies EP200 stands out as an interesting hybrid. This chair brings together the flashy aesthetics of a gaming chair, while offering the comfort, support and functionality you’d expect from a high-end office chair.
Boulies makes some of the best gaming chairs on the market but the EP200 doesn’t scream gamer, instead it brings together the comfort features gaming chairs are known for while having a design that wouldn’t look out of place in and office or your work from home setup. I put together this chair and tried it out for a couple of weeks while doing a variety of tasks. Here’s what I thought of it…
Boulies EP200: Design & assembly
The Boulies EP200 arrived in quite a large, heavy box and despite it saying it was a two person job to carry, I managed to move it from room to room without much bother (it’s bulky if anything). The base and the backrest come already assembled and although there is some assembly required with this chair, even I, as a flat-pack avoider managed to put it together without much hassle.
It took me around 40 minutes to get it all together and whilst it was easy enough to do the bulk on my own thanks to the clear instructions, I did need to call in help when it came to attaching the seat and the armrests. Everything you need is in box, including the tools so you don’t need any extra equipment.
Unlike some other gaming chairs that are bulky and look downright ugly, the EP200 has a really nice aesthetic. It comes in a couple of different choices, you can go for mesh or cold-cured foam and either opt for black or grey. The model I was sent was a black mesh with an aluminium base. The actual frame is black plastic, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. In fact, the build quality is impressive. It also comes with chrome effect accents so the chair looks a lot more expensive than it is.
Boulies EP200: Features & comfort
The one thing this chair does well is encourages good posture. If you’re anything like me and find yourself becoming more slumped and sloth-like over the working day, having exceptional lumbar support can make a huge difference. The back rest has integrated lumbar support that can be fully adjusted by twisting the knob on the back of the chair until you reach your optimum comfort level – this is placed centrally at the back but it’s easy enough to reach and twist without dislocating your arm.
It’s not just your back that’s supported either, this chair comes with an adjustable neck pillow, which can be moved up or down as well as being tilted back and forth so you get good neck support. But one thing I found was the headrest didn’t stay in place so I did have to fiddle with it quite a bit. It’s not a deal breaker as it took seconds to get it back in position, but a bit more tension in the neck rest would make all the difference. The backrest is also covered in a sturdy mesh that doesn’t just look good but also ensures that there’s plenty of airflow so you’ll stay cool while you work or game.
The actual seat itself is also made from a mesh – you can get a soft foam version if you prefer something a little more plush – but the mesh is surprisingly comfortable, and the depth and height can both be adjusted.
The 3D armrests are designed to be adjustable, you can twist them so they’re forward, to the left or to the right. I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t really like the armrests. They feel clunky and large, and I’d have much preferred them to have lifted so I could push the chair neatly underneath my desk. Plus, it’s easy to just knock them out of place.
Boulies EP200: Price
The RRP of the Boulies EP200 is £279/$299 but discounts are sometimes available so it is worth shopping around to make sure that you’re getting the best price.
Who’s it for?
Whether you’re looking for a new chair to improve your work from home set up, something for the office or a chair that you can kick back and game late in to the night in, the Boulies EP200 will fit the bill. This is an excellent all-rounder that promises comfort and support without breaking the bank. There’s plenty of adjustability so you can get it just how you like it and if you’re prone to poor posture and back pain whilst you’re working, this chair will be a good buy.
Buy it if...
- You need good lumbar support
- If you prefer a mesh back design for better airflow
- You want a chair with adjustable elements
Don't buy it if...
- You’re on a tight budget
- You’re a gamer and prefer the classic racing seat design
- You need armrests that fold up
