A while back I wrote an article detailing my search for a new gaming chair. I didn’t find one, so Ol’ Faithful will have to do for a bit longer.

What I did find was a range of decent gaming chairs for every budget, and I’ve detailed a few below.

Before I list the chairs, let’s first go over what I was looking for in a gaming chair. First, it needs to be at least mid-back high to offer decent support while gaming or typing, anything less might as well be a bar stool.

Secondly, it needs arm rests – these are vital (or maybe I’m just lazy).

Lastly, the chair needs wheels. Moving a chair without wheels requires more effort than I’m willing to put in [Ed: Definitely lazy…].

With that said, let’s move on to the chairs.

Bella Supreme high back

The Bella Supreme may have an impressive name, but make no mistake – it’s a budget office chair. Retailing for R499 at Game, this chair is cheap, and it’s not actually that bad. It doesn’t come close to some of the more expensive chairs, but it’s R499 – you can’t beat that.

We have a few of these in the boardroom at the office (I call it the Serious Biznus™ room), and they’re fairly comfortable for meetings. It has all the features you would want, including swivel and tilt mechanisms, and a gas lift height adjustment.

Bella supreme chair, complete with Game special price for your convenience

Soho mesh chair

If you’re looking to spend a bit more, the Soho Mesh chair is the next step on the ladder. This mid-back chair has a mesh back support instead of the typical foam covered in leather or material, and it is surprisingly comfortable.

When I tried out the chair it offered good support, and had all the necessary features including swivel and tilt mechanisms, and a gas lift height adjustment. It’s also certified to carry up to 100kgs, so some of the larger gamers will feel at home.

Soho mesh chair

Deluxe high back chair

I know a few people with this chair, and most are very happy with it. It’s a high back chair with a double padded back rest and padded arm rests which are quite comfortable. The only issue with these is quality.

Around half the owners I know have developed a wobble or crack in theirs, which is slightly worrying for the price tag of R1,399. However, the chair ships with a 12-month guarantee, so even if it does break it’s worth a go.

All the features are here, including a nice wheel system that moves quite freely. The other nice bit is that the chair accommodates up to 120kg, so everyone (well almost) is invited to try it.

Deluxe high back chair. No, there weren't any high res images

Herman Miller Aeron

Unlike the previous chairs, you’re actually able to Google for this one; it even has a Wikipedia page. Everything on this chair is adjustable – in fact Mybroadband’s editor (who uses one of these at the office) called it the “Cyborg R.A.T. 7” of the office chair world – not bad praise.

Winning numerous design awards and having an almost cult following, it isn’t cheap. One of these will probably set you back over R10,000, which is a lot of money, but in the search for the ultimate chair, could you say no?

Herman Miller Aeron chair

Evo Racing seat + base

Here is another option: buying an Evo racing seat that’s meant to go into your Golf.

I’ve sat in a few of these before in cars, and they seem relatively comfortable if racing seats are your thing. Couple one of these racing seats with an office chair base built to accommodate, and you’re good to go.

The base adds height and swivel adjustment, along with wheels and arm rests. The price of around R1,000 per racing seat, plus R600 odd for the base isn’t much more expensive than a regular high back office chair, so if this is your thing it’s worth a try.

Evo racing seat and base