Before I received the Boulies EP200 office chair to test, I spent my workday sitting on a dining chair, so that was basically a step up from sitting on the floor. However, the EP200 has changed that situation forever, and my back will thank me for it.
When the EP200 came onto the market, it was difficultbut I managed to lug it up the stairs to my office by myself. Everything inside was safely stowed away and wrapped in bubble wrap. Despite my complete inability to do anything, I assembled the chair in about 25 minutes. If you are not a complete idiot like me and do not attach the armrests, And If you do the main mechanics backwards, you can probably save about half that time. Since I was alone, this experience was relatively painless.
The EP200 is at the lower end of Boulies’ price range (around $300, while most other chairs are over $350 or even $400), but is of the same quality. Once everything was assembled, I could tell it was a sturdy piece. No wobbly armrests or other weaknesses. The back of the chair is also wide and supportive, with a neck rest on the top. I could immediately feel the benefit of the support for my neck, as I could rest my head against it and still have a comfortable distance from my desk. As someone with a severe case of shrimp posture, I was very grateful for this.
The seat cushion itself is comfortable enough, though it’s not super-plush. I got the chair with the mesh cushion, which may have been a factor, so if you prefer a softer seat, the foam is probably the better option (it costs the same, so it’s just a matter of preference). Still, it’s comfortable; even after several hours of sitting down working, I didn’t have to fidget to get comfortable again. The back of the chair also extends to just below the seat cushion, creating a support area for the lower back. I have a terrible habit of slouching forward, so this was another welcome feature that helped improve my posture.
Please note, however, that the height of the chair that I have set is jerk. I was sitting in it when I pulled the lever which ejected me from the chair with much more force than I expected. So if you want to adjust the height, make sure you do so when you not sit in it.
You can also adjust the direction of the armrests (forward, left, or right), although I haven’t had much use for this other than as a pseudo-fidget toy (the way it clicks into place with each turn is particularly satisfying).
Overall, the EP200 is a great chair if you value quality and durability but aren’t willing to dig deep into your pockets for higher-end options. At $300, I wouldn’t exactly call it cheap, but given the quality of the materials and the support it offers, it’s worth the little extra, especially if you’re going to be using it for hours, daily, or both.
Boulies EP200 Ergonomic Office Chair
- Provides comprehensive neck and back support.
- Quick and easy to assemble.
- Robust and of good quality.
- Quite expensive for a simpler option.
