Sidiz T80 Office Chair Review (14 Days Hands On)

The T80 is chair manufacturer Sidiz’s top of the line office chair. Proudly billed the ULTIMATE chair that “changes lives” by the company, I spent 14 days with this high end office chair to see just how much it lives up to that slogan, especially next to the cheaper T50 model.

T80 Specs & Dimensions

Compared to its cousin the Sidiz T50 (detailed review), the T80 is bigger in every way, adding half to one inch extra to the seat width, depth, height range and backrest height. This means it will be able to fit a wider range of body shapes and sizes:

Seat Width	19.5”
Seat Depth (Adjustable)	17” to 20.5″
Seat Height Range	18” to 22” from floor to top of cushion
Seat Tilt	Yes
Backrest Height	22.5” from seat cushion to top of chair
Backrest Tilt	Tilt angle limit lockable to 4 angles.
Backrest Recline	None
Tilt Tension Control	Yes
Lumbar Support (Adjustable)	Up / Down adjustability
Armrests (3D)	3-way adjustability (up/down, left/right & forwards/backwards)
Weight of Chair	49 lbs
Maximum User Weight Recommendation	250 lbs

Note: These numbers may differ from those stated on the manufacturer’s site but these are my measurements directly.

T80 Quick Video Review (versus T50)

T80 Build Quality & Look

First impressions, the T80 is an absolutely beautiful chair. When comparing it to the T50 the difference is apparent. Small changes in the design make a big impact, such as the sleek tubular control knobs, brush metal styled back panel that hides the lumbar support, as well as the non obtrusive armrest design.

The T80 also feels like its built to last. It is heavy, decked out with materials that look good and feel strong. There were no weird squeaks or rattling coming from the mechanisms during the two weeks I tested it. If there is any chair I think will continue to perform in the long-run, this is one of them.

One of my complaints of the T50 was the cheap plastic casters. On the T80 it’s been upgraded to Urethane, making the chair less likely to roll around uncontrollably on hard floors.

The Seat on the T80

For me, the seat on the T80 is one of the main highlights. I found it continuously comfortable even during 8hrs+ sessions at the desk, at which point many other chairs I’ve tested started to feel increasingly board-like. Instead, I was treated to a luxurious experience with the T80.

Compared to the T50, the cushion on the Sidiz T80 is thicker, and as a result vastly more comfortable after a while. Though durability remains to be seen, within the two weeks of testing, the cushion shows no signs of bottoming out.

In terms of dimensions, the seat width measures 19.5”, with the depth being adjustable between 17″ to 20.5″. Thanks to the highly breathable fabric material, you don’t have to worry about sweating even after a few hours of marathon sitting.

As with the T50, the seat cushion on the T80 is fully removable, with the cover coming off individually so you can throw it in the washing machine. For users who are clumsy like I am, this feature can be a saving grace after accidental spills. For the average user, it is still a great feature that makes it easy to refresh the upholstery every few months.

Seat Height and Forward Tilt

The seat height range on the T80 lies between 18″ to 22″,. Although the minimum height seems to start much higher compared to the T50 (at 18” instead of 15”), this is down to the seat cushion on the T80 being much thicker. I’m 5’4″, and the T80’s height suits me just fine.

One of the defining features of both the Sidiz T50 and T80 is the forward tilting seat function. On the T80 you pull a lever and the seat tilts forward and locks into place at a slight angle. For people with back pain, a declining seat has been shown to ease pressure on the spine.

Backrest & Lumbar Support

The backrest on the T80 is mostly excellent as well, save for the lumbar that could use some extra TLC.

Despite being mesh, the material used in the backrest feels silky smooth to the touch and yet durable. It has a robust knitted pattern that is definitely a big step up from the mesh used on the T50. There is just enough tension to keep my back feeling supported without being too firm.

The backrest tilt mechanism on the T80 is rather clever. You twist a rod-shaped lever forwards or backwards to snap it into four positions that correspond to the 4 maximum tilt angles. The tilt tension control has a similar twisting mechanism. These controls are a lot smoother to use than the levers you find on other chairs.

.There is no recline adjustment on this chair however. This is predominantly a productivity chair.

Let’s talk lumbar support now. This is one area where the T80, like the T50, could use a redesign n my opinion.

While its appropriately curved and provides good coverage, the issue I have is the lumbar support material, which is still all plastic. At times I can feel it against my back. You can adjust it up and down, though there is no depth adjustment.

Superb Neck Support

When it comes to neck support, the T80 knocks it out of the park.

The material used on the headrest is the same as in the seat cushion – in other words, very comfortable. It can adjust both for height and depth, and best of all, doesn’t accidently shift positions. There is nothing more annoying than a headrest that keeps moving out of place when you put weight on it.

The result is one of the most supportive headrests in a chair I’ve come across yet.

Flawed but Innovative Armrests

One of the most striking elements on the T80 are the armrests. Unlike most chairs where they are attached on the two sides of the seat, in this chair, they extend out from the backrest. Practically speaking the design is a mixed bag.

In terms of adjustments the armrests move up/down, in/out and forwards/backwards, which is fairly standard on higher end chairs.

For the height adjustment, each armrest moves along a track next to the lumbar support. As novel as it is, I found the mechanism quite stiff and difficult to adjust and get level on both sides.  One feature I wish the T80 had taken from the T50 is the physical notches given to mark the height adjustment on the armrests. It makes much easier to ensure both armrests are equal in height. 

Having said that, an unique advantage of the design is that you’re not longer boxed in by the armrests. This could be a big deal if you’re a wider person. Plus it looks downright futuristic.

Piece of Cake to Assemble

These days, it seems the higher end the office chair, the easier it is the assemble. The Steelcase Gesture chair for example actually comes fully assembled already.

On that note, assembling the T80 was a breeze. As you can see in the picture above, the seat comes pre-attached to the backrest already. This leaves just the smaller components for you to pull together yourself.

Final Verdict

So is the Sidiz T80 the ULTIMATE chair? I wouldn’t go that far.

I can say though, the T80 is an all around excellent ergonomic chair. From the backrest, seat, to headrest, most key components are very comfortable. The build quality is also exceptional. The main let down to me is the plastic lumbar support, though it’s not a deal breaker comfort wise. But alas, it could have been even better.

For those struggling to decide between the T50 and T80 models, I’ll say this. Both chairs are excellent, but the T80 does everything a notch above the T50. This means if you’re on a budget, the T50 delivers on the essence of what the T80 offers. On the other hand, if you have the means to splurge, the T80 will make you happy you did.