The original Haworth Zody is one of my favorite high end office chairs so I am excited to see what the newest Zody 2 has in store for me. I am hoping there were some improvements made compared to the original design. There have been many successful redesign chairs. The Leap V2 from Steelcase and the Aeron Remastered from Herman Miller are prime examples. The Zody 2 has an opportunity to have a successful redesign.
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Newest Haworth Zody Links
- New Design for Haworth Zody II
- First Sit in the Zody II
- Durable Arms
- Flexible Backrest
- Promising Lumbar
- Reclining Feature for the Zody II
1. New Design for Haworth Zody II
To begin, the Zody 2 will be priced over $1000, and it definitely feels like that range. Haworth used mostly an all-metal frame and base for this design. The chair feels solid and well put together. However, the arm frame and base were altered a bit in the new Zody. It includes a low-profile base, more of a modern design and a sleeker arm frame. The seat adjustment levers are another noticeable change in the newest Zody. They have an updated look to them.
The longevity of these chairs are well known in the used chair market because of the build quality; therefore, I think the Zody 2 will have that same long-term effect. The upgrades may even give the chair a longer life than the original.
2. First Sit in the Zody II
Next, I went to sit in the Zody 2 for the first time and I immediately noticed the firmer seat. This compares closely to the Haworth Fern or the Leap chair. It is comfortable and supportive for long days at the office. I want to point out it is one of the bigger changes from the original, as the original had a very soft and cushy seat. The only other major update is the fabric. The Zody II presents a mesh back and digital knit look.
While the foam makes the chair feel different, the height adjustment range makes it unique. The original Zody has a height of 16”-21” which is average for an ergonomic chair. With the Zody 2, Haworth introduced a dual posture adjustment range option which gives a 17.5”-24.5” range. Now this fits perfectly with an electric standing desk.
Furthermore, the forward tilt position adds an extra feature. It allows you to sit in more of a perch arrangement at your desk. There is no need for a standing chair or stool, this chair provides the same functionality.
3. Durable Arms
Additionally, the arm pads are a bit different. The first thing I discovered was the feel of them. The arm pads were not as soft as the original. This can be an advantage and disadvantage. Softer arm pads can wear out easier and faster whereas firmer arm pads can last. The Zody II has similar arms to the Fern chair. They are comfortable and offer significant durability.
Ultimately, the adjustments for the arms will be very similar including the 4-way adjustment. In order to move the arms, you have to use a bit more effort though. Some may like this feature because the arms will be less likely to move when you don’t want them too. I would agree with this personally.
4. Flexible Backrest
Moving on to the backrests, there isn’t much change between the two designs. Both are very solid and sturdy. I’m assuming Haworth wanted to keep the backs the same so they can be easily distinguished as a Zody chair. The mesh on the chairs is good quality and has substantial flexibility.
Equally important is the plastic frame that ensures movement and stretching while sitting in the chair. It moves with you and I like that aspect because it gives comfort throughout my back. The shape is more flared out which is ok, but not my favorite. The Fern on the other hand has a much thinner back and I think this design is overall better for range of movement. This is different for everyone when it comes to sitting styles.
5. Promising Lumbar
Lastly, the lumbar system is a feature that I appreciate. It has a large height range and controls on either side for tension control. It is not overly aggressive but rather simple and accommodating. Some people may like more or less of a lumbar system. For me, I’ve been known to like less of a lumbar system, but in this case the Zody 2 feels just right.
6. Reclining Feature for the Zody II
Besides the lumbar, I was also curious about the recline quality and the tilt. In the original, the tilt was a deal breaker for many consumers. The Zody 1 has a mechanism with two modes of recline. The first one being a forward tilt position and a forced recline position with nothing in between. Haworth continued to go with this feature in the Zody 2 except they decreased the tilt quite a bit on the seat in the starting position. It’s more of a flat angle now.
The recline in general is not as deep as the Zody 1. The original recline feel is much like the Herman Miller Aeron and the Herman Miller Embody. The newest Zody recline will feel more like the Fern chair. The backrest also has an angle to it so it doesn’t sit up enough in the recline setting. My preferred way of using the Zody 2 chair is with the forward tilt engaged and the tension control a bit loose.
Final Thoughts
Above all, this chair is a good remake. Haworth stuck with the original design, while improving some of the problem areas. I am excited to sit in the Zody 2 for a prolonged period of time.
