Vertagear SL2000 Gaming Chair Review

By Olin Coles

Manufacturer: Vertagear, Inc.
Product Name: S-Line Racing Series
Model Number: VG-SL2000_GR (Green)
Price As Tested: $299 (4GamerGear | Amazon | Newegg)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Vertagear.

Much like the beds we sleep in, it’s very important to select the right chair to sit in for a good portion of our lives. I owned a comfortable office chair that followed me around after college, and played several roles at the dining table on occasion. More recently, there was the expensive Embody chair review that stirred controversy. Now we’ve got gaming chairs, bringing style together with luxury. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I report my test results with the Vertagear SL2000 S-Line Racing Series gaming chair.

Vertagear is a new private brand, created on October 2014 by Vertagear, Inc. in California, USA. The Vertagear S-Line Racing Series VG-SL2000 gaming chairs are available at 4GamerGear for $299, although our visitors receive a discount by using coupon code “BENCHMARKREVIEWS” for 10% off your purchase price until October 31st.

Details courtesy Vertagear:

A combination of form and function, Vertagear Racing Series S-Line SL-2000 series gaming chairs focus on ergonomics, design, and functionality. Designed to give wide range of adjustability that gives gamers the best comfort and support in every gaming position for extended period of time. High backrest is designed to provide neck, shoulder and lumbar support.

Adjustable seat height
To prevent repetitive stress, having the correct ergonomic posture is important when seated for a longer time. Seat adjustments ensure every type of user from different heights can adjust the chair to their unstressed posture. Good range of height adjustability to ensure you are at the optimum angle in relation to your desk.

Adjustable armrest
Cushioned and contoured to the shape of the arm with adjustable height levels give support to the gaming arm and prevents repetitive stress.

Adjustable back
Features independent back angle option. An angle-adjustable backrest to help you adjust your sitting position throughout the course of your gaming experience (up to 170 degrees).

Elegant Exterior
The SL2000 is made of high quality synthetic PVC leather, which makes it extremely durable and gives the chair a luxurious look. This material is easy to clean and maintain due to it’s stain- and water-resistant characteristics.

Comfort Padding
The SL2000 padding is made of high density foam, which adds great support and seat comfort to the chair. The open-cell breathing structure ensured that heat given off from the body won’t get trapped inside. This gives great comfort to the user, even when seated for extended period of time.

Solid Structure
The SL2000 is constructed from a steel frame that assures a solid structure. The aluminum alloy 5-star base keeps the chair solid, stable and lightweight. Assembled with a Class 4 gas lift for better durability and ease of use. Our Class 4 Gas Lift has thicker walls to accommodate the higher pressure and stability.

Tilting feature with adjustable resistance and locking system
Our adjustable tilt tension mechanism allows you to increase or decrease the tension by easily turn the knob to match your body weight. This allows you to rock comfortably, without heavy pushing, reducing muscle fatigue.

Extra accessories
Additional neck support cushion and lumbar support cushion is included.

Soft-glide Wheels
Wheel is formulated for a quieter operation and greater resistance to foreign objects and debris.

• Overall height (including base): 50.4 – 53.5 in
• Width backrest (shoulder): 21.9 in
• Width backrest (lumbar): 11.4 in
• Width seat: 14.6 in
• Depth seat: 21.3 in
• Materials: Steel frame, High density resilient foam, PVC leather, Aluminum alloy stand
• Max. Load: 330 lbs
• Net Weight: 44 lbs
• Gross Weight: 53 lbs
• Package dimension: 35 x 16 x 27 in

The green/black Vertagear S-Line Racing Series VG-SL2000_GR gaming chair received for testing are available for sale online at 4GamerGear for $299, which represents a small investment for long-term comfort. Benchmark Reviews offers our visitors a 10% discount when using coupon code “BENCHMARKREVIEWS”.

Vertagear SL2000 gaming chairs come in a variety of color, utilizing a black center section with a contrasting outer section to help it stand out. One common feature in every model is the over-shoulder harness cut-outs, which are practically identical to authentic race car seats.

Unlike authentic race car seats, though, Vertagear adds plenty of padding to their gaming chairs. The SL2000 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 seat material colors, Vertagear uses unique roller wheels on their gaming chairs. The SL2000 gaming chair sent to us for review came equipped with black 8-spoke plastic wheels, whereas other manufacturers producing similar chairs offer their styled racing wheels as a premium upgrade.

All Vertagear S-Line 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 gaming alias, or even decorate their chair with vinyl decals like a real race car. Either way, Vertagear 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 Vertagear SL2000 gaming chairs…

In this section we take a detailed look at the features built into Vertagear’s SL2000 gaming chair. We begin with a close-up look at the color-matched stitching on our green VG-SL2000_GR model, which illustrates the quality of manufacture and texture of leather-feeling synthetic material.

On all Vertagear 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.

Vertagear SL2000 gaming chair seat bottoms measure 14.6″ (370mm) wide, which fits most normal body types. Larger bodies should look into the Vertagear SL4000 and SL5000 gaming chairs, as the side padding and armrests are designed wider. Complete dimensions and specifications are listed at the Vertagear website.

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. Once assembled a tilt limit knob is located below this seat bottom, which can be adjust for relaxed control of the chair.

All Vertagear chairs make use of a class-4 gas lift strut, and a strong metal frame. Vertagear offers varying height hydraulic gas lift struts dependent on the model. SL2000 seats adjust 14.6″-17.7″ from ground level.

Standard on Vertagear chairs is their stylish 8-spoke racing wheel, which are a welcome improvement over the generic castor wheels that come on similarly designed racing chairs. True enthusiast will likely paint these silver.

Also available on every Vertagear gaming chair is their reclining backrest system, reminiscent of automotive seats. The image below illustrates an Vertagear 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.

Vertagear makes this statement on the product page of their website: “The Racing Series easily adjust to fit the gamers’ preferences and movements throughout the day. Made to fit various body shapes and sizes, keeping you aligned with your game and one more reason to sit comfortably.”

Any chair you sit in while playing games qualifies as a gaming chair, but it has to be comfortable or you won’t be gaming for very long. For the past several years I’ve been using an ultra-expensive office chair that was purpose-built for spinal support and circulatory health benefits, according its manufacturer. In truth, the Vertagear gaming chair is more comfortable and really does feel great to sit in all day… all while costing costing about 25% the price of my ‘ergonomic’ chair. The Vertagear pillows are a nice added feature, which make it possible to customize positioning. In terms of performance I’m very pleased with the Vertagear gaming chair, and choose it over others.

Vertagear gaming chairs aren’t all looks, but the bright colors and stylish designs certainly do make them appear that way. The style I choose looks awesome, although eight color variations are available. Most styles use a contrasting color that really stand out, but even the black on black style looks good. On the Vertagear SL2000 model we received, green 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. Vertagear utilizes a steel chair frame, steel gas pistol, and aluminum alloy roller legs. Even the synthetic materials used to cover the cushions and solid wheels have been designed to last decades… or longer. Vertagear 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, Vertagear 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. I will admit that the pillows take some time to break-in, and fully soften.

As of September 2015, Vertagear gaming chairs are available in the USA through distribution. The SL2000 model used in this review is currently selling for $299 online (4GamerGear | Amazon | Newegg). I’ve owned basic office chairs that cost nearly as much with none of the features, and fancy chairs with the same features at four times the cost that delivered the same comfort. Personally I think the Vertagear 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 week I’ve sat in the Vertagear gaming chair for up to eight hours each day, and not once have I got out of the chair sore or aching. The Vertagear 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 help set this chair apart from others

– 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 gaming chair, or just use a basic office chair?