The Asus ROG Destrier is a gaming chair that has created a lot of excitement. As a reputable brand in the tech industry, Asus has produced a chair with a futuristic and gamer-inspired design. The Destrier focuses on ergonomics while still maintaining a gaming aesthetic. But at $900, is it worth the investment?
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
Asus ROG Destrier Chair Links
1. Solid Build
To start, the build quality of the Asus ROG Destrier is what you would expect from a chair in this price range. While it may not compete with the highest-end gaming chairs like the Gaming Embody or Gaming Fern, it is on track with chairs such as the Mavix M9 and is better built than the Herman Miller Vantum and Secret Lab Titan Evo.
2024 Price: $899.99 Where to buy: Amazon
One thing I like is the way Asus focused on making an ergonomic chair look more like a gaming chair. It has a sharp and stylish appearance, with logos and tags for adjustments that I appreciate. Asus went for a “futuristic cyborg aesthetic” and they have certainly achieved that.
The only part that appears slightly cheap is the acoustic panel around the headrest, but if it serves a purpose, it can be seen as valuable. However, one major downside is the lack of a warranty. Unlike most chairs in this price range, the warranty for the Destrier is provided by the seller and only covers a period of one year.
2. Seat Design
Next is the design of the seat. The Asus ROG Destrier is not shaped like your typical car seat with side bolsters and lacks seat depth adjustment commonly found in racing chairs. Instead, it features a pulled mesh design. While this mesh seat is more comfortable than most chairs, it’s still not my style for long hours of sitting because of the frame and front pad.
While the mesh seat will be more spacious and less constricting than a racer, it will be the least flexible and most restrictive design when it comes to ergonomic chairs. Also, the foam pad at the front creates a crease where it meets the mesh, which I do not prefer. However, for those who enjoy mesh seats, the Destrier offers great adjustability, a large seat, and decent quality mesh.
3. Comfortable Backrest
Furthermore, the backrest of the Asus ROG Destrier is one of its strongest features. Unlike racing chairs with closed-off designs and bolsters like the Titan Evo, the Destrier features an open design that allows for better range of movement and stretching throughout the day. It also has a natural curve that provides support for the upper back, which is lacking in most racing chairs with flat backs.
Additionally, the Destrier offers a great lumbar adjustment system with good height range and independent lumbar tension adjustment on both sides, a unique feature in the ergonomic chair world. I really like the support pad. It is soft and not overly aggressive, adding to the overall comfort. The side wall things at the bottom of the backrest are meant to enhance the futuristic aesthetics, but I was afraid they would make the back stiff and uncomfortable.
4. Headrest Support
An eye-catching feature on the Asus ROG Destrier is the headrest thanks to the acoustic panel. This panel is designed with gamers in mind, creating a more immersive experience. For those who use headphones like me or prefer a sleeker look, the panel can be removed.
The headrest itself is highly adjustable, with three different adjustment points to accommodate both short and tall individuals. It is also adjustable enough in both the relaxed and upright positions. The padding is soft and thick enough to provide good comfort without becoming too warm. One drawback is that the headrest does not hold its position well. It constantly moves around which can be annoying.
5. Recline in Style
Following the headrest is the recline. Now the recline design of the Asus ROG Destrier is not my favorite, but it is still a good feature. It has a synchro tilt recline with an open hip position, rather than a deep recline found in chairs like the Mavix or Gaming Embody. I prefer a deeper recline.
The backrest has a nice range and allows for a large amount of reclining, while the seat stays pretty flat. This allows for reclining while maintaining an open hip angle, promoting ergonomic posture. It may not be the best design for constant rocking or movement but is good for more static positions and offers several locking positions for those who prefer to stay in one position.
6. Armrest Package
Lastly, is the armrest package. It is well-designed and offers a comfortable experience. The pads themselves are soft and have extra padding where the elbows rest, which are not usually seen on other chairs. The armrests have many adjustments that make them stand out. They can be adjusted ridiculously high, which is useful for mobile gaming. This allows you to comfortably rest your arms with your phone in front of your face.
The armrests also swivel 360 degrees and adjust front to back, ensuring proper support during reclining. This will close up any gaps made by the recline and accommodate different sitting and gaming positions. However, one problem is the lack of width adjustment, which may require users to reach out slightly to use the armrests.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the Asus ROG Destrier may not be the perfect chair for everyone. I personally would like it better if it didn’t have a mesh seat, but it is a solid option for gamers who like chairs with mesh seats. It compares favorably to similarly priced chairs like the Vantum, Mavix, and Secret Lab Neue. I believe it is a worthy investment for those seeking a unique and ergonomic gaming chair experience.
