Researching about the Steelcase Leap V2 Chair, I’m going to assume you’re looking for a high end ergonomic chair.
An adjustable and comfortable office chair is the backbone (no pun intended) of any ergonomic setup.
Make no mistake, there are a lot of worthy office chairs to consider on the market.
In fact, the Steelcase Leaps closest alternative and rival is the Herman Miller Aeron– a chair considered to be the Rolls Royce of ergonomic chairs.
In this guide I’ll compare the two chairs, while also doing an in depth analysis of the Steelcase Leap.
Finally, a will mention and review some other recommended Steelcase chairs.
About The Company
Steelcase, originally called ‘Metal Office Furniture Co.’ was founded in Michigan in 1912 and has grown to become the largest office furniture manufacturer in the world.
They were quite innovative at the time and offered metal wastebaskets to companies who wanted to protect their offices from hazardous fires.
In those times wicker baskets were used at the offices and obviously (from this perspective) they were a huge fire hazard.
The name Steelcase was first used in 1954 when the company started expanding on a global level. Today Steelcase has offices in the USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.
They work with 800 dealers all over the world and their yearly revenue is $3.7 billion.
Steelcase Leap V2 Fabric Chair
The Highlights
There are three main features that make the Leap office chair unique.
Dynamic adjustability.
Some parts, like the arms and lumbar support, can be manually adjusted. Other parts, like the front of the seat and the upper part of the backrest, literally follow the movement of your body.
Manual adjustments
The second reason this chair is so unique is the large range of adjustments it allows. The seat height can be raised from 16’’ to 21’’ off the ground which is more than most models on the market.
Additionally, the arm width goes from 12.75’’ to 20’’ and the arm height can be adjusted up to 4’’.
Durability and comfort
Finally, we really liked the quality of the frame that accommodates people up to 400 lbs and the comfort of the seat that feels good even after several hours of sitting.
Pros
- High-quality materials on the frame
- Supports up to 400 lbs of weight
- Back reclines in 5 different positions
- Dynamic adjustability – some parts move with you
- Comfortable even after long hours
- Superior breathability due to slots in the backrest and seat
- Arms move in 4 directions: up and down, back and forth, at an angle and pivot
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and gas cylinder
- Comes fully assembled and ready to go.
Cons
- No headrest
- High price tag
- Additional features that add to the cost
- Backrest can’t be adjusted for height
The Specs
- Total height range – 5’’ to 43.5’’
- Overall depth – 75’’ to 24.75’’
- Width of the chair – 27’’
- Seat depth – 15.75’’ to 18.75’’
- Seat width – 19.25’’
- Seat height – 16’’ to 21’’ off the floor
- Arm height – 22’’ to 31’’ off the floor
- Maximum weight capacity – 400 lbs
- Shipping weight – 70 lbs
Design
Look & material
While there are no flashy parts on the Leap V2, what it lacks in looks it more than makes up in ergonomic features.
The way we see it, the design of the chair was made to blend in with any type of office.
The seat and back cushion is made of a foam that’s designed to hug your body as you sit down and you get to choose between standard or leather upholstery.
Build quality
Unlike other models on the market, the Leap V2 gives you the option to choose the frame material of your chair. You can either choose a platinum or polished aluminum frame.
Steelcase built this chair to last and this is why they offer a lifetime warranty on the frame as long as you are the first owner.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, this chair definitely exceeds people’s expectations.
The seat cushion is made of a foam that might not be as thick as other models but was created to support people who work long hours.
The adjustability options definitely add to the comfort factor so once you receive this chair, take some time to adjust it to your specific needs.
Back support
One of the main selling points of the Leap V2 is the dynamic back support that moves as you move.
You’ll be able to adjust the sensitivity of the chair movement so it feels a bit stiffer or a bit more flexible. It’s up to you.
Lumbar support system
The lumbar support system on the Leap V2 was made with the end-user in mind. While other office chair manufacturers say they have good lumbar support they often don’t deliver any visible results.
With this chair, you get 2 parts of the backrest. An upper part that moves with you, called LiveBack and the static lumbar support.
The lumbar support is also adjustable in 2 ways. You can either lift it up and down or adjust the tension to bring it forward, or push it back depending on your needs and the curve of your spine.
It is an intelligent design that really makes a difference.
Seat comfort
Overall, the seat cushion is on the firm side but it doesn’t activate any pressure points. This is good for people that sit a lot and need extra support.
You’ll be able to glide the seat forward and recline without changing your field of vision, you’ll also be able to adjust the seat height and depth.
What we really liked is the elastic front of the seat that reacts to the pressure you apply with your knees and the upper part of your legs. This is similar to a waterfall seat but more advanced.
So if other chairs make you feel like your circulation comes to a halt, consider getting this one.
Armrest support
The armrest is cushioned and feels spongy when you press your arms on it.
The adjustability range on the armrest is quite impressive, both arms move independently and face whatever you’re facing.
The arms can be moved up and down, to the sides, or widened. This is especially helpful if you’re ordering in bulk for your office workers as you won’t have to worry about sizing.
Each person can set their chair exactly how they want it, so prepare yourself for increased productivity and employee satisfaction
Adjustments
There are several adjustments you can make on the Leap V2 model. The ones you don’t have to worry about is the front of the seat and the top of the backrest.
The first third of the seat is elastic and adjusts as you move, so if you apply pressure with your knees it will bend and follow your movement.
The top of the backrest is the same and after you adjust the upper back force it will follow your movements. This is called LiveBack technology and it was patented by Steelcase.
What you can do manually is glide the seat forward, and change the seat height and depth. Also, the lumbar support is pretty awesome and you’ll be able to adjust it for height and firmness.
Shipping & Assembly
People that order this chair for personal use (less than 5 items) will have the option to choose FedEx ground for delivery.
Expect to receive a large box that was created to fit the chair perfectly thus eliminating any transport damage.
The delivery is very professional and fast. The Leap V2 chair comes fully assembled and all you have to do is place it where you want it and unpack.
Due to the weight of the package (around 70 lbs), you might need another person to help carry it to the desired location but once you unpack it and remove the bubble wrap you’re all set.
Steelcase Vs Aeron
It is never easy to decide which chair will suit your needs in the best way. At the moment most people are divided between the Leap chair from Steelcase and the Herman Miller Aeron.
We thought the best way to decide would be to compare both chairs, feature by feature:
Quality
When it comes to quality and strength, the Aeron chair is superior because its frame is made of steel and plastic components, while the Leap is almost entirely made of plastic.
So while Aeron is stronger, Leap is more lightweight.
Both models are pretty nice looking with clean lines and the tilt mechanism is good on both chairs but Aeron’s is just a bit smoother.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, we have to say that Steelcase’s Leap is a clear winner. First of all the seat is cushioned and feels amazing.
Then, the front of the seat is flexible and moves as you move which helps reduce any pain caused by prolonged sitting, plus it helps with pressure points and blood flow.
The pellicle mesh on the Aeron is great for ventilation and to keep you cool, but is on the firm side.
Overall ergonomics
With regards to ergonomics, Steelcase’s Leap comes with a lot more adjustable features.
To be specific you can adjust the width of the arms, the depth of the seat, and the depth of the lumbar support with the Leap.
Moreover, the tilt lock on the Aeron can be set to only 3 positions, while the Leap offers 5 different tilt positions.
Price
Both chairs are made with a unique design and high-grade materials, but when it comes to pricing, the Aeron is definitely more expensive.
If we look at the price for a basic model, the Leap saves you money and comes with adjustable lumbar support.
On the other hand, the Aeron has some of the best mesh upholstery and will keep you cool, while the foam on the Leap backrest might make you feel warm.
Customer reviews
While we were doing our research we noticed that people are strongly divided in regards to the Aeron. They either really like it or totally dislike it.
Steelcase’s Leap V2 model, on the other hand, did not get such strong dislikes and seems to satisfy a broader range of people.
Most people who bought the Leap V2 love that it is comfortable for prolonged sitting and has superior adjustability features.
Plus, unlike the Aeron that comes in 3 sizes, the Leap can be adjusted to fit multiple sizes. This makes it easier when ordering in bulk as every employee can adjust the chair to fit their needs.
Other Steelcase Chairs
Steelcase Gesture Chair
The Gesture model came to life after Steelcase undertook extensive research on human sitting positions. 9 new postures were uncovered and this chair is an answer to them all.
It shifts with you in every way possible and provides support throughout the working day. Instead of fixing the body to a certain pose, the Gesture chair encourages movement.
The armrests move 360 degrees and in any direction, following the movement of your arms. The Gesture also offers the same LiveBack technology that allows the backrest to move with you.
Lumbar support and adjustability
We especially liked the lumbar support that changes depending on whether you’re reclined or sitting straight up.
The seat height and depth can be adjusted as well, and the seat width is 20’’. The upholstery was made of fabric with air slits in the backrest and the chair will hold people up to 400 lbs.
Steelcase 3D Knit Think Chair
Steelcase’s Think model features an innovative 3D knit mesh fabric and a sleek design.
It was designed to be simpler than other adjustable models so you won’t have to make a lot of adjustments every time you sit on it.
The seat has some cushion on it, which gives you the best of both worlds: Mesh back and a cushioned seat. The seat can also be adjusted for height and depth.
Backrest and adjustability
The backrest comes with Steelcase’s innovative LiveBack technology that’s elastic in the upper area and moves as you move.
The same is true for the armrest, it can be adjusted for height and width plus it pivots. You’ll be able to recline in this chair, and adjust the tilt tension and recline angle.
Steelcase Series 1 Work Office Chair
The Steelcase Series 1 is an amazing lightweight office chair with fewer adjustability features.
The lumbar support can be moved up and down but doesn’t have depth adjustability. The seat can be adjusted for height and goes from 16.6’’ to 21.5’’ off the ground.
You can slide the seat forward or back but you can’t adjust the depth. The arms are fully adjustable and move in all directions. The range of the arms from the seat is 6.5’’ to 11.5’’ tall.
Assembly and portability
This chair comes fully assembled and all you’ll need to do is take it out of the box and place it where you need it.
The wheels are standard carpet casters and they roll quietly and smoothly. The Steelcase series 1 is an entry-level ergonomic chair that looks stylish and is well-built.
Should You Buy It?
We’ve reviewed several brands and after looking at customer reviews we have to say that Steelcase chairs are clearly a favorite on the market.
Customers love that they are made with high-grade materials that are durable and hold a lot of weight. They also have nothing but praise for Steelcase’s LiveBack technology.
In our opinion, Steelcase is a quality brand that deserves the attention it gets. The Leap V2 is a high-end model that will last a very long time while supporting your back along the way.
The price point does seem a bit too high for some but if you invest in a quality chair now, you will not need to consistently replace it in the future.
