Looking to review and buy a AKRacing gaming chair but having trouble deciding which one? The company’s most popular lines of chairs are the Core, Master, Office and California series, each catering to different groups of buyers.
Use the below info to look up the specs of each gaming chair within the AKRacing lineup. Quickly compare and review the main differences between each chair, and whether you’re the right audience for the selected chair.
What We Like About AKRacing Gaming Chairs
It’s hard to tell just by looking at the specs, but the biggest selling point of the AKRacing brand in our opinion is the quality of their chairs relative to cheaper gaming chairs. If you’re tired of replacing your gaming chair every couple of years, this is a brand you’ll want to consider.
When we reviewed the AKRacing Core SX for example, we were thoroughly impressed with how well the chair was built. There’s zero creaking or squeaking as I rock the backrest or wiggle around in the chair, and all key components are ether made of metal or aluminum. For heavier guys or gals, build quality is an especially important consideration that often falls by the wayside.
All chairs in the AKRacing lineup are designed and manufactured in house under one factory. This explains how they are able to consistently produce reliable and high quality gaming chairs.
AKRacing Core Series Review
The AKRacing Core sits at the lowest end of the AKRacing lineup. Even still, prices start at around $280, which is almost double one of my favorite budget gaming chairs, the GTRacing chair.
Here is a quick overview of the four models in the core lineup:
| Core EX | Core EX-Wide | Core SX | Core LX Plus | |
| Seat Dimensions (excl bolsters) | 15.5” W x 19.75” D | 17.3” W x 19.75” D | 15.5” W x 19.75” D | 15” W x 19.3” D |
| Seat Height (ground to top of cushion):: | 18” – 21.5” | 18” – 21.5” | 18” – 21.5” | 19.1” – 22.2” |
| Seat cushion thickness: | 4.25” | 4.25” | 4.25” | 4.7” |
| Backrest Dimensions | 21.25” W x 32.75” H | 22.6” W x 32.75” H | 21.25” W x 32.75” H | 23.5” W x 34.25” H |
| Recommended Height: | 5’3″ – 6’3″ | 5’4″ – 6’4″ | 5’3″ – 6’3″ | 5’5″ – 6’5″ |
| Recommended Weight: | < 250 lbs | < 290 lbs | < 250 lbs | < 270 lbs |
| Suggested Price | $349 | $369 | $399 | $449 |
The Core EX and Core EX-Wide feature fabric upholstery, while the Core SX and LX Plus use PU leather. The Core LX Plus also has more padding (around 20%) in the seat than the other three, resulting in a higher price point.
All chairs in the Core Lineup feature a standard tilt mechanism that enables the backrest to tilt up to 18 degrees and recline up to 180 degrees. The armrests are 3D that pivot and are length adjustable. And finally, the seats all use cold cured foam inside, which is up to 5x denser than memory foam and resistant to sagging.
As a general guideline:
- If you’re big and tall, the Core EX-Wide will be best for you within the lineup due to the wider seat, though consider the Master series below as well.
- For people above 6’1”, I’d recommend the Core LX Plus due to the taller backrest and more generous padding.
- For all others, the Core SX is your best bet.
AKRacing Master Series Review
The AKRacing Master Series is AKRacing’s premium lineup. Apart from catering to big and tall folks better, they also come with a more robust tilting mechanism, thicker cushions in some cases, and more adjustable armrests, among other differences compared to the Core Series.
Let’s look at the three chairs that are a part of this lineup.
| Max | Premium | Pro | |
| Seat Dimensions (excl bolsters) | 23.25” W x 20.5” D | 15.25” W x 19.75” D | 17” W x 21.5” D |
| Seat Height (ground to top of cushion) | 19.4” – 22.25” | 18.25” – 21” | 18.9” – 21.4” |
| Seat cushion thickness | 5.0” | 4.25” | 5.3” |
| Backrest Dimensions | 24.25” W x 34.25” H | 22.25” W x 34.25” H | 23.25” W x 34.25” H |
| Recommended Height | 5’6”-6’6” | 5’5”-6’5” | 5’7”-6’7” |
| Recommended Weight | < 390 lbs | < 270 lbs | < 290 lbs |
| Suggested Price | $519 | $529 | $579 – $699 |
Compared to the Core lineup, the Master series all come with a more robust tilting mechanism that lets you lock not just the backrest recline angle, but tilt angle as well (where the seat is inclined). This facilitates working at a reclined angle better.
The armrests in the Master series are also 4D compared to 3D in the Core lineup, and there is overall more padding (up to 30% more). And finally, the base in the Master series chairs is made of aluminum, which is 10x stronger yet lighter than the metal base on the Core chairs.
Within the series, the AKRacing Pro model is the most expensive due to the thickest cushion and option of real Brazilian leather upholstery.
The AKRacing Max has the highest weight capacity in the lineup, up to 390 lbs. This is supported by a seat that is 23.25” wide.
And finally, the AKracing Premium model is suitable for both big and average sized gamers looking for an upgraded sitting experience compared to budget gaming chairs. Its dimensions fall between the AKracing Pro and AKRacing Max models.
Here’s our suggestions on which chair to pick:
- Choose the Master Series over the cheaper Core Series if you prefer a softer seat or like to rock the backrest even when it’s reclined.
- People over 290 lbs should go with the AKRacing Max model.
- People that prefer the most well cushioned seat should go with the AKracing Pro model.
- Both regular and big people looking to step up from a budget gaming chair should consider the AKRacing Premium model.
AKRacing Office Series Review
The AKRacing Office Series marries the most positive aspects of a gaming chair with the subtier design look to help them blend into any office. For anyone looking for a high back fabric or leather office chair with robust reclining, the Office Series merits a look.
Let’s take a look at the chairs in this line and their specs.
| Opal | Obsidian | Onyx | |
| Seat Dimensions (excl bolsters) | 22.8” W x 19.75” D | 22” W x 19.75” D | 23.5” W x 20” D |
| Seat Height (ground to top of cushion) | 19”-21.75” | 18.25”-21 | 19.75”-21.75” |
| Seat Cushion thickness | 5.0” | 4.25” | 5.25” |
| Backrest Dimensions | 22.2” W x 33.3” H | 22” W x 34.25” H | 23” W x 34.25 H |
| Recommended Height | 5’4”-6’4” | 5’5”-6’5” | 5’7”-6’7” |
| Recommended Weight | < 290 lbs | < 270 lbs | < 290 lbs |
| Suggested price | $369 | $479 | $599 |
All chairs in the Office series come with cold cured foam that resist sagging.
The Opal is the least expensive and features fabric upholstery, 3D armrests, a metal base, and standard mechanism that tilts the backrest 18 degrees and reclines up to 180 degrees.
The Obsidian is the mid range offering with a sturdier aluminum base, 4D armrests and premium PU leather laced with carbon fiber to make it much more durable.
And finally, the Onyx one ups the Obsidian with real Brazilian leather in the front, up to 30% thicker seat padding, and an advanced mechanism that lets you lock both the backrest recline angle and tilt angle (where the seat is inclined).
In general:
- The Opal and Obsidian are fairly similar in specs and comfort level. If your budget allows, the latter’s two main selling points are the 4D armrests and more durable carbon fiber PU leather. The width adjustable armrests in the Obsidian better ensures they will support your arms even if you have very wide shoulders. The carbon fiber upholstery ensures the outer layer of the seat won’t tear easily.
- Pick the Onyx if you’re looking for the most plush sitting experience or like to work in a reclined position. The 5.25” thick seat is the most generous within the line up, and the advanced tilt mechanism supports locking the tilt angle aside from the recline angle so your whole body moves back.
AKRacing California Review
Short and petite people often have a hard time finding chairs that fit their body size well.
The AKRacing California is one of the select few gaming chairs designed especially for smaller people. Everything from the seat height, depth, to backrest dimensions are optimized for people as short as 4’9”
| California | |
| Seat Dimensions (excl bolsters) | 15” W x 17.7” D |
| Seat Height (ground to top of cushion) | 17.5” – 20.5” |
| Seat cushion thickness | 4.25” |
| Backrest Dimensions | 21” W x 27.7” H |
| Recommended Height | 4’9 – 5’6” |
| Recommended Weight | < 155 lbs |
| Suggested price | $379 |
The most important consideration for petite people is the seat and backrest dimensions, in particular, the seat depth and backrest height.
The AKRacing California’s seat depth is only 17.7”. This ensures the edge of the seat doesn’t cut into a petite person’s thighs, constricting blood flow. A smaller backrest means the headrest is better aligned with a short person’s head or cervical spine.
Features wise the AKRacing California is very similar to the AKracing Core SX – you’ll find 3D armrests, cold cured foam padding, and a standard tilt and recline mechanism.
If you’re a petite gamer between 4’9” and 5’6”, the AKRacing California is an excellent choice due to the specialized dimensions.
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