BACKFORCE ONE: Test & Reviews

Features

All of the following data is for a “Regular” type seat.

• Recommended size: 151 – 192cm
• Maximum weight: 45 – 130kg
• Coating: Back shell in synthetic material, black – faux suede seat – faux leather & suede backrest
• Cushions : No
• Backrest adjustability: up to 25°
• Colors: 7 colors. 5 classic, 2 doubles
• Guarantee : 10 years (warranty extension possible 2 years)
• Total height : 130 – 141cm
• Price : €533.00

Simple and customizable ranges

BACKFORCE is the brand new brand of the German family business Interstuhl Büromöbel GmbH & Co. KG. Specialized for 50 years in the development of seating solutions, BACKFORCE offers a single range of gaming chairs available in two sizes. The “classic” BACKFORCE ONE as well as its Deluxe counterpart the BACKFORCE ONE PLUS.

Interestingly, the manufacturer gives the user the possibility of creating his own model of chair, according to pre-established standards. Thus, you can choose the color of the armchair, but also decide to modify the shoulder pads, which are scratched, to which we will come back later.

Unboxing

We take a particular interest in the content as well as in the packaging of the product which remains the first contact with it. Regarding BACKFORCE ONE, we are disappointed by the organization where certain elements do not seem to have a designated place. Also, a few items were dusty. We note all the same that it is necessary to keep the cardboard, since it will be used for the final assembly between the seat and the backrest.

The return of the cat

In order not to change a winning team, Coca, the cat, took great pleasure in running into the box in the seat. Note however that all the elements are separated by bubble wrap, but do not have spacer foam. This did not, however, prevent Coke from living its best afternoon.

Mounting

BACKFORCE breaks the codes by proposing an atypical assembly consisting of fitting a plate located in the lower part of the backrest, in a location of the same size located at the back of the seat. The gaming chair box will be useful for those who wish to assemble their chair alone, although it is wise to do so with two people. Finally, despite a detailed explanatory assembly manual, the rear attachment was not intuitive. In fact, we fell back on the YouTube assembly video using the QR code provided with the seat instructions.

Zoom to components

Coating and format

The manufacturer makes the most of the combination of components, which are comfortable, rigid and flexible at the same time. Thus, he ensures a high-performance set from every angle and which is convincing at first sight. Note, however, that faux suede easily assimilates and stores cat hair and dust. Moreover, at the reception, the latter was slightly dusty.

Case

With a slightly wavy shape for a rigid covering on the back and combined on the front, the folder makes a strong impression as soon as it is unpacked. The manufacturer takes the opportunity to emphasize the file of the BACKFORCE ONE and its multi-layered appearance. Thus, your back benefits from the best of this association which constrains a certain position.

The backrest is not very bucketful, but enough to accommodate your back as well as possible. The mixture of coatings gives an atypical feeling, which combines a rigid and soft support. We therefore do not have the impression of sinking into the seat, without its rigidity being a torture. A clever mix that will win over the most skeptical of you.

That being said, the file is intended to be simple and without additional options. It is reinforced by the use of quality and robust materials in order to offer neither integrated lumbar support nor cushion of the same ilk. It goes without saying that the support is very comfortable, provided you use the seat in an exclusive sitting position. In addition, the head cushion is directly integrated into the backrest. More compact and rigid than the competition, it is also positioned further. The posture to reach it is unusual, but is one with the shape of the backrest. It’s hard to say if it’s more or less comfortable to use, as the position will often push you to do without it.

Seated

We remain in the atypical aspect, since the seat imposes by its height. This point comes in total contrast with the appearance of the seat which seems compact and almost no tub. Not too stiff nor too flexible, the combination of coverings is well thought out to provide the user with clear comfort. Finally, the latter are neither too hot nor too cold, enough to spend long periods of time on the seat without fear of discomfort.

The armrests

If the seat BACKFORCE ONE surprises by its comfort of use and the quality of its materials, it does not shine by the options of its armrests. Far from the 4D ones found as standard on the market, allowing the armrests to be moved forwards/backwards or even pivoted, those of the BACKFORCE ONE only offer two options and can be activated using large push buttons:

• Adjust the height
• Pivot backwards.

Fortunately, this last point makes up for some of the faults of the armrests since they are fully pivotable backwards to reduce your distance from the desk. An option that will quickly become useful, but that does not replace the modular comfort of competing 4D armrests. For the rest, they are still comfortable and do not come up against the backrest.

Chassis and finishes

With a German manufacturer, we expected a complete polishing of the finishes of the gaming chair. However, this is not the case everywhere. If the chair itself and the accessories are of good quality, with a nice finish, the frame as such has some flaws. We see welds that have remained raw, unpainted or damaged areas, some wobbly finishes.

casters

No particular information to communicate concerning the wheels. They are in the image of those on the market, except for the white plastic cover to be added during assembly. The glide is standardized and retains a certain comfortable brake in order to control its movements.

The piston

The support part is also one of the most important of your seat since it recovers the efforts and compensates them. However, we will not go into details. Moreover, the manufacturer does not announce the class of its pistons. Nevertheless, during our test, the cushioning was under control and without any particular flaws to note. As a reminder, the class of a piston simply means that it has undergone a battery of tests to which it has responded positively. The piston has a plastic cover.

The cushions

Like many other points, the manufacturer did not consider it necessary to provide its seats with head or lumbar cushions. As identified at the beginning of the article, the head cushion is directly integrated into the backrest and provided with rigid foam, without shape memory. An aspect of the chair that is much more aesthetic than useful.

Adjustment and rocking

Like many seats, it is possible to rotate and tilt the seat, but also to stop it. However, this is not a key point for this device. First of all, the maximum inclination is 25°which remains much more interesting for a rest between two games than for watching a movie or taking a nap (we agree that this is not its primary use).

Finally, the levers allowing the inclination of the seat, the blocking as well as the action on the piston are not very intuitive. Like an endless screw, the levers pivot to lock or unlock the controls. In addition, since no spring is available, it is impossible to sit on the seat without locking the tilt. Otherwise, the simple support rocks you back, which is not really pleasant.

The options

To stand out against the competition, each manufacturer must offer one or more options associated with the brand. Here, the effort is made on the personalization of the shoulder pads, directly for purchase on the site, as said in the preamble, but also the rear lighting system for your logo.

shoulder pads

Whether you choose to modify one or both, they are customizable directly from the site for the price of 12.07 €. Although the format does not change, it is possible to modify the text, the background color as well as that of the border. Note however that these do not arrive at the same time as the armchair, but later (one or two days) in an envelope. The seat, on the other hand, comes to us with the standard shoulder pads. You will have to pick them up to fix the news. Quite easy, but not much use keeping the old shoulder pads when customizing ours.

Finally, the manufacturer promises to develop its offer on the colors available as well as the customization of the border.

The rear LED

This is an element automatically present on the seat. Under the features of a luminous circle, it has two lighting modes and is easily positioned and removed in order to be able to recharge it on the mains. It is much more like a cosmetic element than a useful one, but retains a certain charm. We note, finally, that it is possible to modify the logo found inside the case. An easy solution is offered on the site to guide you step by step. We are still disappointed not to see the manufacturer offer this option directly from the site. The handling will therefore be at your expense.