A regular chair might seem sufficient for any purpose, but when it comes to gaming or office work, the selection of the correct chair is paramount. Over time, a poorly chosen chair can lead to severe physical implications, including back issues. This often neglected aspect was brought to light during the lockdown when people began working from home, often at their kitchen tables or even on their couches.
Whether you’re indulging in marathon gaming sessions or pulling a long day at work, the demand for a chair that is comfortable, supportive, and ergonomically sound is universal. Interestingly enough, effective gaming chairs can indeed serve both purposes.
Although investing in an exceptional chair might seem extravagant, the benefits can be plentiful. However, extras such as built-in speakers, which are found in many gaming chairs, might not be necessary. One noteworthy example of a good balance between price and features is the Trust GXT Ruya gaming chair.
Priced at €250, it may not be the cheapest, but it doesn’t reach the soaring prices of some higher-end models. Essential attributes of this chair include adjustable armrests, a lockable tilt function, and durable materials. It’s upholstered in a mix of PU leather and fabric ensuring it’s easy to clean as well as breathable. The use of PU leather over real leather is a strategic one due to its lower maintenance requirement.
While the version evaluated here is the simplistic black, those favouring a splash of colour might consider the blue, red, or other vibrant alternatives.
The Ruya gaming chair comes delivered in a substantial-sized package, ready for you to assemble. Although the assembly process might require a bit of handy work, it becomes notably faster if you recruit an additional helper. It is relatively uncomplicated and should be completed within approximately 40 minutes.
Upon completion, the Ruya gives off quite a conventional gaming chair vibe. Adorned with a racing style aesthetic, it boasts a supportive cushion that isn’t the plushiest, but will undeniably offer optimal support throughout the duration of the day. The version being discussed is the unadorned black one, but for those desiring a more vibrant look, options such as blue and red amongst others are available.
This particular gaming chair excels in versatility, featuring a breadth of 40cm and a gas lift mechanism rated for weights up to 150kg, enabling rapid and effortless height adjustments. There is also an independent lumbar support which is adaptable, and can be held in position with stretchy straps for easy up and down movement, accommodating for a variety of body sizes and shapes.
As expected from quality gaming chairs, the Ruya’s seat can tilt between 90 and 180 degrees, and has a locking function to avoid the constant requirement to recline to achieve an ideal position or alleviate back strain. Its effectiveness is subjective and will vary depending on individual height and comfort preferences. For instance, someone with a shorter stature might have difficulty utilising the headrest when reclining the chair, an issue not encountered by taller individuals.
A worthwhile feature offered by the Ruya are its 3D arm rests, a vital factor to mull over. Not all arm rests function the same: there are 2D, 3D, and 4D arm rests, each offering a different range of movements. 2D arm rests operate vertically and horizontally; 3D arm rests incorporate rotational movement around their axis, while 4D arm rests can even move towards and away from your body with a simple button press.
One should note, widening the distance between the Ruya’s arm rests requires the utilization of the Allen key included in the original assembly process. Even though it might seem like a slight inconvenience, it certainly doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the chair.
The Ruya proves to be a reliable and comfortable choice, providing ease even after prolonged periods of use. It contains an adjustable lumbar support feature that does make a difference, however, the emphasis remains on regular intervals of relief.
The assembly of the chair doesn’t pose much of a challenge, credited to the transparent instructions provided. Roughly, the complete assembly consumed about 40 minutes of my time. However, it may be wise to keep an extra pair of hands readily available to help with any tricky steps.
On completion, the chair stands strong and scores high on comfort. It is more than capable enough to allow you a lengthy and enjoyable gaming experience without giving way to discomfort. The further flexibility of the backrest angle and the three-dimensional armrests ensures you receive support in abundance.
Although there are a few areas that could use some improvements. Given its cost, one would expect it to include the convenience of four-dimensional armrests. Angle adjustments for your body require the inconvenient method of loosening screws rather than the easier option of pressing a button. Additionally, it could benefit from a greater degree of padding in the cushion.
One valuable piece of advice is to thread the straps before tightening every screw, this avoids the potential difficulty of getting the straps through the seat. The lumbar support is attached to adjustable straps permitting movement up and down the backrest.
In conclusion, the Ruya is an affordable yet high-quality gaming chair option. It is a firm selection aiming for premium comfort and support.