The most wanted gaming chair is getting attention around the world. I got the chance to test it out. The Herman Miller Vantum might seem like the top chair, but I found some misconceptions that might make you think differently in purchasing the product. I am going to give you the inside scoop so you can make a valued decision.
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The Vantum Chair Links
1. Unboxing the Vantum Chair
To start, the Vantum is a $995 chair, so my expectations were already high when I ordered it. I was impressed with how the chair was packaged and it made the unboxing process easy and enjoyable. The branding was vividly shown on the wrapping materials which I thought was a great touch for Herman Miller. However, compared to the other Herman Miller chairs we have received, there was a little more assembly that had to be done with this chair.
2. Backrest
One of my favorite parts of this chair is the backrest. It really screams the Herman Miller brand. The rest of the chair including the look and color remind me of the Cosm chair. I have mentioned in the past that I like a chair that moves more freely versus locking you up into place. This chair holds true and moves with your body.
The lumbar support is phenomenal and probably the best I’ve used within the Herman Miller brand. The adjustment knob is easy to use to fit my comfort level especially with lower back pain. The high back and natural curve design is a great feature because my entire back is supported.
3. Vantum Headrest
On the other hand, the headrest is terrible. It feels cheap and making adjustments is extremely difficult. If you choose to lean all the way back, the headrest will force your neck forward and it will cause discomfort. This almost compares to the Human Scale Freedom chair, and I am not a fan of that headrest either. If you are not leaning all the way back, then I would say the headrest is pretty comfortable.
The Vantum also has an upper back support function that I think is pretty pointless. It’s strictly there for looks. I’m sure it does not provide any sort of difference in your shoulders or back.
4. Seat
Next, the seat of this highly talked about chair does not follow the bucket seat design with the side bolsters. Instead, they have created a more ergonomic design. I appreciate this design because the seat and backrest are much more open and not so condensed like other gaming chairs. This aspect is very important to keep your muscles loose, blood flowing and helping with overall stiffness when sitting for long periods of time.
In addition to the ergonomic design, this chair provides a seat slider which allows you to adjust the depth of the seat. This accommodates short and tall people. Unfortunately, the seat depth is shallow and with the angled seat front, it prevents people taller than 5’9 to fit comfortably. However, when moving the seat inward it can fit a small child. But it is strange to me that it doesn’t move farther out for taller people. The seat itself is not very comfortable in my opinion, the foam isn’t that soft and it’s an awkward feeling.
5. Arms
Furthermore, the armrests have 3-way adjustment which is a promising function to point out. The only problem with that is the depth and width ranges are minimal. I wish they would be narrower, and they don’t come far enough back to support me in the recline. The arm pads themselves aren’t too bad, wide enough and soft to the touch. The shape really gives it more of the gamer feel and sleek design.
The Vantum offers a synchro tilt mechanism. This is an upgraded feature we see on many other gaming chairs. The dial system that is used is also a nice touch because it has numbers for different levels of tension and limits. It helps you to know which positions work best for you. My biggest complaint is the recline mechanism. I wish this chair would have one of those top end reclines since it will most likely be used for gaming at home. The Vantum has a limited recline compared to other chairs like the Aeron.
6. Build Quality
Lastly, the quality of this chair doesn’t feel as solid as other chairs from the Herman Miller brand. The fabric is not impressive, it truly feels like a downgrade from mid-tier chairs like the Salem Lionel which costs less than the Vantum. I would also agree the mesh is not doing me any favors. The mesh on Herman Miller chairs usually holds a pretty high standard like the Aeron for instance.
Bottom Line
Despite the mesh and fabric, the Vantum chair looks better in person compared to pictures and videos put out online. It has a high-end design but also some unique aspects like colored back frame and angled arm pads. I do think it is a big upgrade to a typical gaming chair and the best looking for sure. But overall, it is a disappointment in my eyes and I don’t think it’s going to be a good investment at the $995 price point with the problems mentioned. It may not be a good fit for some people. Take this information as you will to make your judgment on the Vantum gaming chair.
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