The last time we reviewed a GTRacing chair was over two years ago with the budget GT099 model. Since then, the company has introduced several new models that cater to different spectrums of people, including a more premium line of chairs called the Ace Series.
In this review we take a look at the GTRacing Ace-S1 to find out just how much of an upgrade it is compared to the original GT099 model, and whom the chair is best for. Let’s go.
Specs & Dimensions
Model: GTRACING ACE-S1
| Seat Width | 16” usable, without bolsters |
| Seat Depth | 20″ reduced to 17” with lumbar cushion |
| Seat Height Range | 17” to 21” from floor to top of cushion |
| Backrest Height | 32.5” from seat cushion to top of chair |
| Backrest Recline | 90 to 160 degrees |
| Lumbar Support | Free-standing cushion |
| Armrests (4D) | 4-way adjustability (up/down, left/right, forward/backwards & in/out twist) |
| Weight of Chair | 50 lbs |
Note: These numbers may differ from those stated on the manufacturer’s site but these are my measurements directly.
Size & Comfort
In terms of size, the Ace-S1 is slightly larger than the original GT099 model. The width of the seat is 16” (not including the bolsters), compared to 15” in the latter. Combined with a seat height range of between 17” – 21”, this makes the Ace-S1 suitable for people between 5’4” up to 6’1” tall in my estimation.
One of the defining elements of the Ace-S1 is the fabric upholstery, and I’m happy to say that it does add to the comfort of the chair.
The fabric feels good and isn’t abrasive at all, providing a type of soothing sensation. The faux suede details in particular are very satisfying to the touch. It also dissipates heat a lot better than any PU leather chair I’ve tested, which can be a big deal if you live in hotter climates.
I did notice an interesting side effect of the fabric, however. It would create static sometimes, which occasionally made standing or sitting in the chair a (literally) shocking experience!
On the subject of comfort, the foam inside the seat on the Ace-S1 is quite firm, and as such not very comfortable, at least for me over long periods of time.
I can sit in the ACE-S1 for around 3 hours before I find myself shuffling around to try and relieve pressure from my thighs. In comparison, I was still comfortable even after 8 hours of using the Autofull Gaming Chair due to the softer, thicker foam. Your own preference on seat firmness plays a part in this of course.
GT Racing advertises using “high-density foam” in the Ace models in order to better maintain their shape over time. This should translate into a longer lasting seat, though if you’re into a plush sitting experience, the ACE-S1 will disappoint I feel.
Similarly, though the head cushion felt nice to the touch, it was a little too stiff for comfort. I found that I was slouching away from the backrest when using the cushion and that my posture was naturally much more ergonomic when I removed it.
On the other hand, the lumbar support is very comfortable and the stiffness actually helped keep my back straight. The ability to move it around freely was convenient when I leaned the chair back so I could easily find that sweet spot.
Adjustability & Features
One of the outstanding features of the chair are its armrests, which have impressive four-way adjustability. Just as importantly, most of these adjustments can lock into place as well, whether you’re moving them forwards or back, or closer or farther away from you. This makes the armrests a lot more supportive than the 2D ones found on the GT099 model.
The recline angle is generous at around 160 degrees, perfect for leaning back and resting. You can even use the free-standing lumbar support pillow for your head. The recline angle can be locked and the lock mechanism works well, allowing for a good range of positions for every occasion.
When using the tilt adjustment, you have two options, “locked” or “free”, but I found that the mechanism only activates at the higher end of the recline angle. Otherwise, no matter how much force I gave, the chair would not tilt. This may be an issue for users who enjoy rocking in their chair when it’s close to upright.
Build Quality & Aesthetics
When it comes to build quality, the good news is, the Ace S-1 does feel like a reasonable step up from the GT099 chair. For one, gone are the annoying squeaks that haunted the GT099 whenever you shuffled around or reclined the backrest. This is an indication that in general the Ace S-1 is better put together.
Having said that, there are still plenty of reminders that this is a budget gaming chair. The base is still made of nylon, and the backrest seems to wobble a bit despite my best efforts at tightening the screws.
It should be noted that GTRacing also offers an Ace M1 model that is an upgrade from the Ace S1 in most respects. It sports an aluminum base, multi-tilt mechanism, and carbon fiber based upholstery. From what we’ve heard it also doesn’t suffer from the rough edges of the Ace S1 in terms of build quality.
Conclusion
Ultimately with the GTRacing Ace-S1 you’re getting a slightly better version of the original GT099 model. The fabric upholstery and 4D armrests are the two biggest improvements. However, the build quality is still just mediocre, and the firm seat means the chair is only comfortable for shorter sessions at the desk.
For just a little bit more, I’d recommend the GTRacing Ace-M1 or Autofull Gaming chairs instead. Both provide a much bigger jump in terms of quality and comfort compared to the GTRacing GT099, and still come in at around the $200 price points.
- Comfortable and heat-regulating fabric material
- Good range of lockable recline angles
- Supportive lumbar cushion
- Robust armrests that lock into different positions
- Seat cushion is too hard
- Build quality still rough, though better than the original GT099
- Tilt function unusable below 140 degrees recline
