INTRODUCTION

   Just like with RGB lighting which became a sensation in the electronics industry faster than anyone could had predicted gaming chairs also appeared out of nowhere and inside a couple of years managed to take over the PC market. Yes, they weren't as good for our bodies like some ergonomic chairs are but thanks to their combination of looks, build quality (when it comes to models by well-established companies) and price (at least in many cases, always compared to ergonomic chairs) winning over both consumers and professionals alike wasn't hard. Several years later both old and new companies continue to introduce gaming chair models and so today I’ll be testing one such model manufactured by one of the newest kids on the block, the SR600F-BK by SPC Gear (from SilentiumPC).

   Since 2007 SilentiumPC brings well-made CPU coolers, cases and power supplies with main focus on exceptional value for money achieved through effective design and smart cost-cutting. No fancy trademark names, just well-thought-out products designed to work, chosen and praised by value-minded enthusiasts and system integrators.

   The SR600F series of gaming chairs by SPC Gear is currently available in black and black/red colors and features a mesh-weave breathable fabric cover which should provide ideal comfort all year long. Of course, the SR600F-BK also sports high-density foam padding, metal frame for optimal durability, class-4 gaslift (supports up to 150Kg total - 120Kg for user), 60mm nylon caster wheels, 4D armrests (adjustable height, orientation and position), 5-star metal base with center reinforcement, height adjustable seat (45cm-49cm), removable neck and back/lumbar support pillows, backrest adjustment (up to 155 degrees) and tilt function up to 15 degrees. All of the above do sound interesting enough so let's get close and personal with the SR600F-BK by SPC Gear.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

As with most gaming chairs SPC Gear uses a plain cardboard box to ship the SR600F-BK.

The bundle is wrapped inside bubble wrap and placed between sheets of foam and cardboard.

As expected, the 5-star base was the very first thing to get out of the box.

The 85cm tall backrest was next along with the 2 side covers and the mounting bits.

Strangely enough the Z-support mechanism arrived with a bit of dust on it (still what matters is that SPC Gear chose this over the "weaker" butterfly one).

Next in line were the two 4D armrests which are obviously not attached to the base.

Finally, i took the base out along with the assembly instructions, five 60mm nylon caster wheels, class-4 gaslift and its cover (unfortunately the 2 cushions were not in the box).

ASSEMBLY

Once again starting from the 5-star base by attaching the caster wheels onto it is how i assemble gaming chairs.

I've always preferred 70-75mm caster wheels myself (look and roll better) but 60mm are more popular.

Attaching the class-4 gaslift with its plastic cover onto the 5-star steel base comes next.

The seat of the SR600F-BK has a piece of cloth underneath which covers the metal frame.

Mounting each of the two armrests requires 4 Allen screws as does the Z-support base (which I've always favoured compared to the less durable butterfly one).

Each side of the backrest has two round holes on which you'll secure the seat with 2 Allen screws.

Typically, after doing that you'll need to place the plastic side covers over each metal piece, secure them with a single screw and place the round plastic caps over the holes.

With the main body of the chair assembled it's time to place it on the class-4 gaslift.

FINISHED LOOKS

Even though the black color theme looks nice the SR600F-BK is far from the most padded gaming chair to ever arrive here.

The company logo is stitched at the top of the backseat and i have to admit that it looks nice (stitching quality is also better than some other chairs I’ve reviewed).

Overall i have no issue with the quality of the fabric SPC Gear has used and stitching looks great too.

The height for the 4D armrests can be adjusted by roughly 7cm whereas the top can move forward, backwards and diagonally to suit your body type.

Thanks to its backrest adjustment of up to roughly 155 degrees and tilt function of up to 15 degrees you should also be able to rest after long periods of gaming.

SCORE

Many of you recommended (including some manufacturers) that I place a chart pointing to the pros and cons of each gaming chair that finds its way to the lab. Now of course since there's really no way for me to "benchmark" gaming chairs i decided to rate them based on their size, comfort and quality after using each chair for at least one full week. Size and comfort usually go hand to hand (the larger the chair the more comfortable it usually is - that however also depends on the amount of padding and also the type and quality of the cover) while in terms of quality having tested dozens of models over the past years, i think i have a good idea about that as well. Of course, these scores are based on my personal opinion (always based on the samples i get – isolated/early sample issues are always possible) so do take them with a grain of salt.

CONCLUSION

   3 things stand out the moment you lay your eyes on the SR600F-BK Gaming Chair by SPC Gear, its size (medium sized model, although the 85cm tall backrest which we mostly find with larger models was a surprise), the amount of padding (which leaves quite a bit to be desired) and the overall build quality (which is actually what I liked most about this chair). Unfortunately, the lack of cushions for my sample means it doesn’t look as good as it could in my pictures but luckily, I was informed by SPC Gear that this was due to a warehouse mistake so I didn’t factor this in my final score (seems that the box was opened for them to verify everything was in order and someone left the cushions out). Color selection is also not the greatest, yes, black and black/red will cover the majority of consumers but colors like blue and green (even pink lately) have grown in popularity over the past couple of years so i do hope SPC Gear offers more in the future.

   As I’ve always said in my reviews cost is what makes or breaks a product and right now even though availability is far from great you can find the SPC Gear SR600F-BK at around 220Euros inside the EU a price tag which is right on the spot. Long story short the SR600F-BK may not be one of the best gaming chairs out in the market today but it still represents good value for your money which is why if you can find it somewhere near you (or at a place that delivers) i do suggest giving it a chance.

PROS

- Good Build Quality (Breathable Fabric / Metal Frame)
- Features (Adjustable Height / 4D Adjustable Armrests / 15 Degrees Tilt Function / 155 Degrees Backrest Adjustment)
- Head & Lower Back Removable Support Pillows
- Price Tag (For Some)

CONS

- Current Availability
- Amount of Padding