When considering purchasing a gaming chair, Singaporean furniture maker Secretlab has almost become synonymous and one of the market leaders. The brand has established itself at the forefront of the gaming chair market, placing the utmost importance in research, development and engineering to ensure its models are at the top of the range - and it shows.
So we were keen to put the hugely covetable Dark Knight 2022 edition of the iconic Titan Evo range to the test. Since the 2020 model, the brand went back to the drawing board, taking customer feedback to revamp and update each part of the chair to create the most technologically advanced model to date and with huge innovation in design - so let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
Specs
- Sizes: Three available - Small (Recomended for Height: 5’6”, Weight: 90kg), Regular (5’7” - 6’2” and 100kg) and XL (5’11” - 6’9” and 80 - 180kg)
- NEOTM Hybrid Leatherette fabric that’s 12x more durable than regular PU leather
- Cold-cure foam
- 4-way L-ADAPT TM Lumbar Support System
- Magnetic Memory Foam Head Pillow
The build
When the box arrived on our doorstep, we were first struck with just how heavy it was. This was met with a wave of dread at the thought of the building process but how wrong we were.
Constructing the Titan Evo chair was an incredibly simple process from start to finish. It does come in many parts but all comes together with ease, while the instructions provided - albeit extensive - were intuitive. The brand provides every tool that you could possibly need, including a Phillips screwdriver and an Allen key so you don’t need to have a kitted out tool box on hand. Even for the DIY-averse (guilty!), the build took under 40 minutes and would be much less so if you have more experience in the IKEA flat pack game. Secretlab pre-install many of the most complicated elements like the backrest bracket to forgo any need for screws and there are magnetic parts too.
The feel
For those among us who have pivoted our work set-ups to home in one way or another, we are well-versed in the damage an unsupportive chair can do to our back and spine - so this model came like a godsend.
Far more than just for gaming, it offers a much better WFH set-up by keeping your posture aligned in a good position and is attractive enough to take you from work to the weekend - especially with that Batman logo. It is sleek and sophisticated and takes up far less space than traditional bulky office chairs.
The seat itself has a specialised pebble shape and is made up of an ultra-comfortable cold-cure medium-firm foam-padding. It has a subtle incline and waterfall edge that keeps you upright with lumbar support and provides an even distribution of weight. No matter your height, you should also be able to place your feet firmly on the floor which adds to both comfort and support.
The head rest pillow also deserves a mention with a handy magnetic fastening so it doesn’t slip throughout the day. It is filled with a dense memory foam that adapts to your position as well as infused with a layer of gel that helps to regulate temperature and provides a cooling effect.
The ergonomic backrest follows in the same suit as the brand’s OMEGA chair with its curvature that takes the strain off your shoulder and can be reclined up to 165 degrees so you can lie almost flat.
Sitting puts a lot of stress on the body, especially for the discs in your back (they are loaded up with three times more pressure than standing). Secretlab teamed up with an independent Ergonomics Advisory Board of experts and academics to tackle exactly that and ensure strain relief even during those marathon gaming sessions - just add a good headset, the right console or PC and you can go for days.
The look
In a variety of sizes as well as swathed in leatherette, napa leather or plush weave fabric, the Titan Evo can be customised to your preferences. With a range of colours - Ash, Black, Classic, Royal and Stealth, there are also special editions that add a degree of personalisation, from the Batman logo embellishment of the model tested to the likes of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.
Durability was a main concern during the manufacturing process and the model holds up well against wear and tear. The napa leather has a multi-layered construction with a base of PU and fine fibres that feel padded and soft, while also won’t flake, fray or come apart with extended use.
The features
One of the most adaptable gaming chairs on the market, the Titan Evo is brimming with adjustability, from the armrests to the level of recline. In terms of lumbar support, the brand steps it up a notch from previous models with an entirely redesigned internal mechanism where you can change up the incline up, down, in or out as well as with hinges to adapt to the curvature of the spine. The newly positioned handles are easily within reach and placed at better angles than previous models.
Additional extras can also be purchased like the Technogel armrest toppers. This is something that you may want to do as the only slight niggle that we had with the chair was related to the full-metal armrests that feel bulky in comparison to the slick design of the chair and they aren’t the most comfortable. You can upgrade this and swap out easily thanks to the magnetic snap fastening. Add-ons also come in the form of the The Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Pro that’s ideal for work, play or catching Z’s.
The wheels are made from robust aluminium to glide over any surfaces, easily and quietly.
Verdict
The versatility of this chair makes it worth the price tag. If you have spent an extensive period of time straining your back working from your dining chair, this will be the ultimate game-changer, and it is an attractive, slim model that won’t overpower the room. The design is aesthetically-pleasing whether you are placing it in a gaming room or living room, and the comfort and support make it worth every penny. This is a gaming chair but will also become your favourite spot in the house.
