The All33 Backstrong (now Axion) is a chair that has been endorsed by big names like Elon Musk, Chuck Liddell, and even Shaquille O’Neal. The maker’s claim that they have solved the sitting problem by incorporating a seat with a rocking motion that is supposed to simulate walking. With so much hype around the chair, we had to try one out in the office. Keep reading to learn more about my opinion of the All33 Backstrong.
*Please note we believe All33 Backstrong has sold its assets through auction and is no longer in business
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All33 Backstrong Review Links
First Impressions on All33
When we first got this chair, I wanted to take it to the sales team so we could get their first impression. Everyone got a chance to sit in it and no one really loved it. In fact, we couldn’t get anyone to volunteer to sit in it for a longer period to see if it would work for them. That meant that I had to step up to the plate and commit to sitting in the chair for two weeks, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. But I only made it five days before I had to quit.
The main reason why I couldn’t use the chair is because of the lumbar support. It is in the wrong place for me and it creates too much pressure. As a result, I constantly found myself sitting forward in the chair which meant that I wasn’t getting any support.
My other big complaint is the armrests. They are just too far apart for me to use while typing and I actually started to develop a pain in my neck. For those two reasons, I just couldn’t make it in the chair for 14 days.
2023 Pricing
For $999, you can choose between fabric upholstery or vegan leather, but the chairs don’t provide a whole lot of other options.
All33 Build Quality
Build quality is an aspect that we really like to focus on in our reviews. When you are investing $1000 in a chair, you want to know that it is going to last and be built to a certain standard. While $1000 doesn’t put this chair in the top tier, there are still certain expectations for the quality of the chair.
When we look at the chair, we start with the casters and move up to the base and mechanism. In this case, the casters are just average. They aren’t anything special, but they do offer some quality.
What really concerns me about this chair is the mechanism. To provide some context, we compared the chair to the $89 Target Essentials chair which comes with a very basic swivel tilt mechanism that allows you to adjust the tension and raise and lower the chair. When you look at the mechanism on the All33, it is almost identical to the $89 chair. Basically, you are getting the same mechanism for ten times the price.
The same is true when you look at the cylinders of both chairs. With the All33, you have a Class 3 cylinder, which is in the middle of the range for quality. For an $1000 chair, you would expect to see at least a Class 4 cylinder.
The next factor to consider when it comes to build quality is the actual frame of the chair. The frame features a lot of different pieces that have been made using plastic molds. While I don’t see a problem with this, you can really tell the quality of the mold when you take a closer look at how the components are pieced together. With the All33, you can actually see imperfections in the plastic and different areas that aren’t smooth. This is something that simply doesn’t happen with premium manufacturers like Steelcase, Hermann Miller, and Haworth. The quality of the frame isn’t impressive, especially considering the price.
We also took a closer look at the quality of the stitching and the seat pad. Overall, the quality appears to be just above average. However, when you take everything into account and look at the overall build quality, I would put this chair in the $300-$400 range.
All33 Adjustments
When it comes to adjustments, the All33 is a pretty basic chair. It comes with the standard height adjustment, which ranges from 18.75” to 21”. That means that the chair won’t provide a good ergonomic fit for anyone under around 5’8”. At the top of the height range, the chair will fit users up to 6’8” tall.
The other adjustment the All33 comes with is a lever that allows you to tilt back. It is powered by a simple swivel tilt mechanism, which means that your knees are pressed up as you lean back. Typically, a chair at this price will come with a more comfortable synchro tilt mechanism.
The armests also offer some adjustment options. The armrests actually flip up and out of the way. This is supposed to allow you to get closer to your desk and your monitor to reduce eye strain. Personally, I would rather have a more versatile armrest that can pivot and be adjusted to fit the user.
The rocking seat is what is supposed to set this chair apart, but it is one feature that I don’t really understand. The manufacturers claim that it mimics a walking motion, but I honestly don’t notice any differences in my posture.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity for the All33 is 275 lbs. Keep in mind that this chair is endorsed by Shaquille O’Neal who last claimed to weigh in at 375 lbs and measure 7’1”. From a height and weight perspective, I am still not sure how he is able to fit in and use this chair.
All33 Comfort
When you spend a lot on a chair there is definitely an expectation of comfort, so let’s start with the seat. I would describe the seat as being on the firmer end of the spectrum. You can visually see that the pad isn’t very thick. Personally, I tend to prefer a thinner seat pad, so overall the seat comfort isn’t too bad.
With the backrest, we always look at how comfortable and supportive it is. Unfortunately, due to the rocking seat, I couldn’t really even get my back all the way to the backrest. You are forced to sit more upright, which means it isn’t a great chair for anyone who wants that back support. If you can get back to it, the back is soft and comfortable.
The lumbar support is one area where I really find the chair lacking. The manufacturer actually recommends that you use the chair for 10-14 days to let your body adjust to the chair. This is because the fit of the lumbar support is very specific. It pushed so hard into the mid back that you can still feel the pressure once you get out of the chair. While this is one of the selling features of the chair, people around our office weren’t big fans.
The arm pads also receive a failing grade when it comes to comfort. They are as hard as a rock. There is literally no padding. Fit is also an issue because they are set far apart and they don’t come with a width adjustment. The armrests are 21” wide, which doesn’t allow your arms to fall naturally at your sides and rest on the pads.
Final Thoughts on All33 Chair
All this doesn’t mean that the All33 Backstrong won’t work for you, but you might want to try it before you buy it.
Additional Steelcase Resources
Amy
I would love to know if you offer replacement armrest parts. One of mine is torn. for what I paid for this chair, I would not have expected this to happen. I take very good care of it and have only had it for 2 years.
Karen Hochman
I am really surprised by these comments! I’ve had this chair for 5 years and really love it. I’ve had spinal surgery and have acute spinal stenosis (arthritis), and for me, All 33 gives great support (I use an extra cushion for my back). I’m just 5 feet tall and before buying the chair, was concerned about being “too short” (might I add that I could not find any ergonomic desk chair that has a stated range that’s low enough for short people). But fortunately, All33 is just fine for me.
Karen H.
Owen S
After two years of daily use, I was getting to the point I could barely walk at end of day after getting out of the All33 chair. Went back to a $99 chair and problem was gone within days. #all33 #fail
Elongated Muskrat
How on Earth did you manage to put up with this piece of crap for 2 bloody years!
Maaike
funny, if you have to be 5’8 to use the chair and the armrests are so far apart i wonder if a single woman was in the design or testing team?