My journey began many months ago when I was living in Houston. I was spending a lot of time at the computer and needed to have a chair with good ergonomics. From my experiences, and a little research, I determined that a healthy chair would require the following at the minimum:
- adjustable seat height
- adjustable seat angle, including being able to tilt forward
- adjustable back angle
- either no arm rests, or very adjustable arm rests
I dove into my research for an affordable chair that would meet my needs. I initially set my price limit around $200. That very soon started to creep up as I discovered how expensive the market was. It seemed pretty inflated to me, but I figured since I spend so much time in front of my computer, it was worth it for my health and happiness, and hopefully the chair would last me five years.
Well, the price just kept going up. It was truly amazing. Everything that seemed sufficient was $600 or more. There were some around $300 or $400, but for one reason or another they seemed unconvincing.
Then I stumbled upon the Raynor Mobility Multifunction Task Chair at Office Depot. This chair had everything listed above, plus adjustable back height, and it was $100!!! And now it is even cheaper.
I bought the chair and have been very happy with it for many months. I sold it when I moved, and when I arrived here in Durham I bought another one.
My only small gripe is that the seat padding could be a little denser. It’s actually fine how it is, but if I was a little heavier (I’m 170 pounds) it might be uncomfortable. Also there is some play in the mechanisms, but that barely affects my experience, and for the price the construction is excellent.
- Features: A. The only reason it doesn’t get an A+ is because it could have adjustable back depth.
- Seat cushion comfort: B+
- Construction: B+
- Price: A+
Funny, I recently switched from laptop to PC and have been shopping around or a chair in the 150-200 dollar range. There’s an OD next to my workplace….I may have to check the chair out.
Chair reviews…
Nice.
-denise
As the purchaser of John’s old chair, I will say that yes, it is a good chair. Maybe even a great chair. No, that might be going too far. But definitely good.
This is the best chair ever!! I’ve had two employers buy it for me so far. Now Office Depot doesn’t carry it in stores any longer. I finally gave up and bought an “ergonomic” chair w/3 position levers at $127 only to find that the chair depth is too deep for me (I’m only 5′ 3″) thus the back would not come far enough forward for me. I finally gave it to a colleague who is 6′ tall. I even went so far as to contact my last employer and ask him to trade my Raynor mobility (left at that job) for the more expensive chair I had just purchased — no deal. So today DETERMINED to find the chair I went back on the net. Happily, I found it again at OfficeDepot.com (apparently it’s available online but not in the stores as I tried local pickup and was informed it was no longer carried). The price was $99.84 and it will be delivered in 2 days. This time I’m paying for it MYSELF so that if I change jobs this wonderful chair goes with me. And to the above person who said it would be uncomfortable if you weigh more than 170, I weigh more than that and find the seat very comfortable (maybe b/c I have my own padding?). Love the way the back tilts forward separate from the seat. Gives great lumbar support for an “edge sitter” like me. Can’t wait to have my wonderful chair again!!!
new link:
http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=277952&uniqueSearchFlag=true&Ntt=raynor+&x=0&y=0&An=text
Hey all, I found the Patriot and the Maverick at OD, tried them both, had to go for the Maverick. It was $199 less a$30 from a current OD coupon. Very good back support, many adjustments as well as a gliding seat (you can slide the seat forward/back).
Hello, JOhn: I have a Raynor chair, love it, need another, trying to determine if it is the one you describe. Your link now goest to Office Depot® Brand Mobility Multifunction Task Chair, Black Fabric Item #: 277952 $109.99. My much loved Raynor has three paddles, adjustable seat height,adjustable seat angle, including being able to tilt forward, adjustable back angle, & no arm rests - though it did have, and I took them off. So, is 277952 still the one you love ? For me, the old one has been a wonderful find. Best, Bill wtdowney@verizon.net
Bill-
That chair seems an awful lot like my beloved raynor, i guess office depot bought and/or rebranded them?
Hmm. The Maverick actually looks like a good deal too. I’m not sure if that was around when I was buying my chair. Some nice extra features and just as adjustable (I think) as #277952. If I was getting a new chair I would have to give that one a spin first.
I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to find a truly ergonomic chair that is also comfortable for around $200. Most of the chairs that I have researched that are certified for intensive use seating are over $1000. I was able to find a Raynor chair at Office Depot called the Ergohuman that has all of the functions and more that I need for $599.00 It is an all mesh chair with an ergonomic headrest. There is a ton of information about the chair and most sites compare it to the Aeron. It is $599 + tax and delivery from Office Depot which ends up being close to $700 but I was able to call and get a deal for just over $500 at http://www.1officefurnituremall.com/raynor-ergohuman/ME7ERG-Mesh-High-Back-Chair.php with free shipping, no tax and lifetime warranty. I have had it for a couple weeks and love it so far.
Eric,
I am researching this very chair(Raynor chair at Office Depot called the Ergohuman) too.I am a low back sufferer.
So you still have it now? Your review of this chair still the same? I’m about to purchase it soon barring a caution from you.
Hope to hear from you.
Beanne,
I do still love the chair. The best part about the chair is the lumbar section. Even though I can’t adjust the lumbar independently, I can still get max pressure on my lower back by sliding the seat further back which forces my butt back in the chair. The armrests could be better but get the job done and the headrest is also nice to have even though I only have my neck in it when I am reclined. The only thing that I regret is not waiting a little longer because they came out with one that has a mesh back and a leather seat. My co-worker is ordering his Ergohuman in the new combo version because they told him the leather seat is better for usage of 6-10 hours per day. I haven’t run into any problems yet sitting for this long on the mesh so I am crossing my fingers that it keeps working out.