AKRacing Rush Gaming Chair Review

By Olin Coles

Manufacturer: AK Racing
Product Name: Rush Gaming Chair
Model Number: AK-6016
SKU: AK-RUSH-RD
Price As Tested: $299 (4GamerGear | Amazon | Newegg)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by 4GamerGear.com.

I have a long personal history with chairs, going all the way back to my early days as an infant sitting tall in a high-chair. I recall the steel folding chairs heated by the sun during my graduation commencement. There was even a memorable chair that followed me around after college, and played several roles at the dining table and behind the office desk. More recently, there was the expensive Embody chair review that stirred controversy. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I spend hours on my seat to test the new AKRacing Rush gaming chair.

AK Racing is a European brand, influenced by the eSports scene sweeping over the globe. According to their website, AK Racing maintains “close ties with top eSports teams such as Ninjas in Pyjamas”, which inspired the design of team-themed chair. Notable gaming personalities such as Emil “HeatoN” Christensen and Joona “natu” Leppänen of CS:GO fame have also stepped up, then sat down, in AKRacing gaming chair.

Details courtesy AK Racing:

• Metal Construction: Thanks to the metal frame, the chair is extremely safe and strong.
• Padding: High quality, comfortable hard foam, not prone to deformation over time.
• Quality Surface: Made from very durable high quality materials.
• Adjustable Armrest: Set up the right height for your comfort
• Multiposition Mechanism: Adjustable seat tilt and back, height adjustment, and adjustable flexibility
• Adjustable Back Angle: 180-degree backrest adjustment allows you to adjust it to your needs.
• Durable Wheels: These wheels wont break easily and won’t leave nasty scratches on your floor.
• Metal Base: Very strong five-star base, made of metal.
• Class-4 Gas Lift: Durable gas lifts with class 4 cylinders, supports up to 180 kg/396 lbs!
• Ergonomic armrest: Armrests designed to provide comfort and support.
• Pillow Cushions: Two cushions included, one for your lower back and one for the neck.

The red/black AKRacing Rush gaming chair I received for review arrived from their Walnut, California distribution center. Available direct from 4GamerGear (who is also the US distributor for OZONE gaming accessories) for $299, the RUSH AK-6016 model we’ve received represents a small investment for long-term comfort.

AKRacing gaming chairs come in a variety of designs, from simple black or white schemes, to colorful combinations that really go over the top to stand out. One common feature in nearly every model is the over-shoulder harness cut-outs, which are identical to those in authentic race car seats.

Unlike authentic race car seats, AKRacing adds plenty of padding to their gaming chairs. the model we’re testing for this review came with a small head pillow and lower-back support pillow; both made with matching materials and elastic straps that fit around the chair’s backrest.

Like the surface material designs, AKRacing uses a combination of different roller wheels on their gaming chairs. The AK-6016 Rush gaming chair sent for this review came with black plastic coaster wheels, whereas other models come with much nicer racing wheels with 8-spoke design in either black or chrome. 4GamerGear.com is offering the racing wheels as an upgrade kit for $29.99.

All AKRacing gaming chair feature a steel frame, with lever handle along the right hinge to adjust the backrest position. Levers and knobs beneath the seat cushion adjust chair height and rocking limits. The frame works together with shaped cushions for an ergonomic finish.

Behind the backrest is a good place for the stand-out eSports competitor to place their handle, or even number their chair with vinyl decals like a race car. Either way, AKRacing gives you excitement on the front, and a blank canvas in the back.

In the next section we’ll explore some of the detailed features offered on these AKRacking gaming chairs…

In this section we take a detailed look at the features built into AKRacing’s Rush gaming chair. We begin with a close-up look at the color-matched stitching on our RUSH model, which illustrates the quality of manufacture and texture of leather-feeling synthetic material.

On all AKRacing gaming chairs, adjustable armrests come standard. The armrest itself is comprised of closed-cell foam with poly-vinyl over molding. The rests adjust to a height of 13.4″, and down to approximately 10.6″ (340-270mm). Some assembly is required, so when the arms are bolted to the frame they may be made wide or narrow by approximately one inch total.

All AKRacing gaming chair seat bottoms measure 14.4″ (365mm) wide, which fits most small to large sizes. Extra-large sizes may not fit as comfortably in AKRacing gaming chairs, as the side padding and armrests may cause obstruction.

A look below the seat cushion reveals a system of elastic bands stretching across the bottom, which offer gentle support without the discomfort of a plastic frame or coil system. Also shown is the tilt limit knob, which can be adjust for relaxed control of the chair.

I’ve included the graphic below (courtesy AKRacing) to illustrate some of the more specific construction features with their gaming chair series. On some models the basic roller caster wheels are used, and others receive the more appealing racing spoke design.

All chairs make use of their class-4 gas lift strut, and a strong metal frame. AKRacing offers an extended-height hydraulic gas lift strut. It does not appear that armrest extenders are available at this time.

Also available on every AKRacing gaming chair is their reclining backrest system, reminiscent of automotive seats. The image below illustrates an AKRacing chair fully extended, ready for a between-rounds rest (pillows included).

In the next section I’ll discuss my final thoughts on these gaming chairs, and offer a summary conclusion based on the features we’ve reviewed.

AKRacing makes this statement on the product page of their website: “Most often it is the office workers and gamers that are the most vulnerable to various health disorders resulting from bad posture. Therefore it is worth finding solutions that will have a positive impact on your health. The best and most effective option is to offer an ergonomic chair by AKRACING. Prepared with great care and attention to detail ensures quick results.”

After sitting in an ultra-expensive office chair these past few years that was purpose-built for spinal support and circulatory health benefits, I’m dubious of claims made by the manufacturer. Usually something gets sacrificed, such as the soft seat-bottom comfort on my Embody chair. While AKRacing’s claimed health benefits are what some might consider ambitious, their gaming chair really does feel great to sit in all day… and only costs about 25% the price of my ‘ergonomic’ chair. The pillows are a nice added feature, which make it possible to customize positioning. In terms of performance I’m very pleased with the AKRacing gaming chair, and choose it over my others.

The AKRacing gaming chairs aren’t all looks, but the bright colors and stylish designs certainly do make them appear that way. I didn’t choose the style sent to me but it looks awesome, and with more than thirty different variations it’s hard to go wrong. I was a bit let down by the plain castor rollers that came on this model, but 4GamerGear.com is offering the 8-spoke racing wheels as an upgrade kit for $29.99. Most styles use color patterns that really stand out, and on the Rush model we received the red color-matched nylon stitching and soft pillows really help add contrast.

When a company uses metals instead of plastics, you’ve usually got yourself a good product. AKRacing utilizes a steel chair frame, steel gas pistol, and steel roller legs. Even the synthetic materials used to cover the cushions and solid wheels have been designed to last decades… or longer. AKRacing manufacturers a very well-built chair, and it’s clear they’re just as focused on function as they are with fashion.

Like most high-end chairs, AKRacing includes seat and armrest height adjustments. Unlike most others, you can adjust the backrest exactly like you would in a car. This is a unique feature not found on most chairs, and I’ve discovered it comes in very handy when I want to kick back and relax while reading. The pillows add to my comfort, but also help with posture. The lower pillow is soft enough to mold against your back, but firm enough to provide lumbar support.

As of April 2015, AKRacing gaming chairs are available in the USA through distribution. The AK-6016 RUSH model used in this review is currently selling for $299 online (4GamerGear | Amazon | Newegg). I’ve owned basic chairs that cost nearly as much with none of the features, and fancy chairs with the same features at four times the cost. Personally I think the AKRacing chairs are a solid value considering their construction and features, but the eye-catching looks really help them stand out and make a statement.

For the past few weeks I’ve sat in the AKRacing gaming chair for up to eight hours each day, sometimes as long as ten continuous hours when an important project keep me working late. Not once do I ever rise from the chair sore or aching, which is more than I can say for some of the purpose-built chairs I’ve used. The AKRacing chair is meant for gaming, but I spend much more time at the office these days… and the people I work with don’t have sports cars they can park behind their desk. It’s worth every bit of my comfort, and their envy.

+ Colorful styles that demand attention and evoke jealousy
+ Very comfortable cushions and soft pillows for head and back
+ Adjustable reclining backrest mechanism just like in a car
+ Solid construction with steel frame, base, and parts

– Racing wheels are an upgrade on this model
– May not comfortably fit extra-large people

• Performance: 9.25
• Appearance: 9.75
• Construction: 9.50
• Functionality: 9.00
• Value: 8.50

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

COMMENT QUESTION: Would you buy a AKRacing gaming chair, or use a basic office chair?