Looking for a new gaming chair to game 2021 away? Read our review of the AKRacing Core SX to learn just how well this chair really stacks up against the competition and whether it’s actually worth your money and time.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a gaming chair that won’t fall apart after just a few months, the AKRacing Core SX Is worth a look. This gaming chair isn’t exactly in the low range price wise, but it won’t break the bank either. Best of all, the quality of the chair seems to be up there with other gaming chairs that cost a lot more.
With two decades of industrial experience, AKRacing knows a thing or two about comfort, function and style
Recently I had the privilege to review the AKRacing SX. Here are my candid thoughts on the Core SX Chair from AKRacing.
The Series
From design to the production and right through to the testing, AKRacing oversees the entire creation process of their artisanal chairs. This allows them to ensure that each chair is crafted with precision and quality.
AKRacing offers many models of gaming chairs to choose from. There is the Core, Master, and Office Series depending on your budget, features, and primary usage.
At the more affordable end, the Core series features a minimalist, aesthetic design but with most of the bells and whistles of its higher end siblings. The Core SX model sits in the mid-upper price range of this four part series.
AKRacing Core SX Overview
The AKRacing Core SX is part of the budget line of chairs from the company. With a suggested retail price of $399, it’s actually more of a mid range gaming chair in terms of pricing.
This chair is available in six great colours, from the ubiquitous black to an eye-catching lavender. No matter which colour you pick, each chair is covered in top quality PU leather upholstery which is soft to touch and easy to maintain. The black armrests are padded and offer adequate support whilst the metal legs are coated in black, anti-corrosive paint making them both durable and long lasting.
AKRacing suggests the ideal user for the Core SX to be between 5’3″ – 6’3″ in height, weigh 130-250 lbs, and have a BMI that doesn’t exceed 32.
Build Quality and Comfort
Many of the differences you’ll find between high end and cheap gaming chairs simply aren’t visible to the naked eye.
The Core SX chair for example is filled with high density, mould shaping foam, also known as cold cure foam. Cheap gaming chairs will use standard or memory foam instead, which while initially just as comfortable as cold cured foam, will quickly sag and lose its shape, especially if you’re on the heavy side.
After sitting in my Core SX for many weeks, the seat has not changed shape at all. Even the center of the seat where most of my body weight is bearing down on has held up very nicely. I can tell this seat is going to last for many years.
At its core, the SX features a metal base and frame with a five-star leg support design and smooth rolling caster wheels. Many cheap chairs will use plastic for their base, which is hardly reassuring.
The superior build of the SX means that it is not only strong, but quiet. No matter which way you roll and turn, you will find the SX to be quiet and squeak-free—which is what you want when you’re in the zone.
The SX can comfortably support a maximum weight capacity of 150kg and is ideal for people who are between 160cm to 190cm in height. The Core SX is ergonomically designed for comfort, which AKRacing backs with a five year chair warranty, plus five additional years for the frame.
The Seat
As already mentioned, the high density foam seat on the SX manages to keep its shape whilst offering support, even after a long gaming session. It has more integrity than regular foam and features that firm, bounce-back characteristic present in more expensive, gaming chairs. Furthermore, this seat is topped off with elevated side bumps which offer ample support. The foam filled side bumps provide a good level of stability whilst cradling the body in a secure and functional fashion.
The size and shape of this seat is commendable. As an individual of average height and weight, I found this seat to be perfect for my size. One female buyer, who is a few centimetres shorter than the indicated height, has remarked on the suitability of this model and would recommend it to other petite gamers.
The Backrest
Most gaming chairs come with a reclining backrest, but on the SX Core, this is taken to a new level. According to Webmd, a reclining chair has been shown to relieve back tension much better than standard chairs.
The backrest on the Core SX can recline to up to 180 degree, which makes it ideal for both gaming and napping. Along with tilt control and a tilt lock, this deep-recline chair offers more features than other mid range gaming chairs on the market.
The backrest can also tilt, with tension control that lets you disable it when you’re trying to focus on work or gaming.
The backrest dimensions on the SX measures 21.25 inches in width by 32.75 inches in height, making it large enough for average sized gamers.
The Armrests
Armrests are an understated feature and are often overlooked when it comes to choosing a gaming chair. The SX is equipped with 3D armrests which can be modified to a great extent and, in the long run, help to reduce neck and back ache.
These dynamic armrests are both height and length adjustable, practical attributes that support your arms in different positions. The armrests can slide back and forth easily, which is perfect for when you’re relaxing in a reclined position, and they can also pivot. This is a great feature for when you’re on the edge of your seat during a particularly intense game.
Other Adjustments
The ability to adjust the height of a chair may not be a novel concept, but the Core SX boasts a super-powered, class four gas lift. This means that the height can be adjusted smoothly, quickly and quietly making it ideal for the avid gamer.
Although the chair is already ergonomically shaped to contour the body, the lumbar pillow is height adjustable which offers additional support for the spine. The neck cushion is superb when you’re gaming at an angle and can be easily altered to suit your needs.
What Customers Say
From the buyers of the Core SX, there is a general consensus that this gaming chair offers reliable performance and a high level of comfort for the cost.
One customer was particularly satisfied with the reduced pain they experienced after purchasing this chair, while another endorsed the SX as a chair built for lengthy periods of sitting down.
As a side note, customers have also mentioned the easy assembly and have found that the Core SX to be simple to set up. From start to finish, it takes the average buyer fifteen minutes or less to build.
Final Verdict
Unlike other gaming chairs within this price range, the Core SX is more than just a glorified office chair, although it can definitely be used as such. The high density foam offers long lasting support. This cold cure filling also makes the chair a more economical choice in the long run as it does not have to be replaced as quickly as chairs made with low quality materials.
After a few weeks with the AKRacing Core SX, it’s hard to imagine going back to my old office chair. My back feels better, my neck is more relaxed, and my arms feel supported whether I’m gaming, typing, or on the phone. This is a gaming chair I can highly recommend to anyone that sit for long hours, and not just heavy duty gamers.
The Review
AKRacing Core SX Gaming Chair
AKRacing started out producing seats for high end racing chairs. As such, their chairs all feature state of the art design and ergonomics. The Core SX chair is one of the most well rounded models in their lineup, offering a great balance between price and quality for gamers that need a comfortable yet stylish gaming chair.
