Every fidgeter's favourite: testing Puma and Playseat's gaming chair
19.11.2020
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Console gaming has its advantages. Like being able to lean back and relax during gameplay, for example. This can be done on a sofa, armchair, beanbag and now the brand-new Active Gaming Seat. It promises revolutionary seating during action-packed games. Relaxation and intensity in one?
Puma on your feet? That's a given.
But beneath your behind?
That's certainly something I'd like to try. Granted, I'm not really curious because of Puma's involvement, but because it looks so wonderfully strange. Like a cross between a saddle, hammock, swing and shoe. It even looks a bit like a sled. Is it even comfortable?
The Active Gaming Seat was birthed through a partnership between the sports company Puma and the gaming equipment supplier Playseat. Their marketing promises a combination of fun and, thanks to its rockers, full control of the seat. The following GIF and explanation below should provide some insight.
I've even come up with a fifth setting: leaning deep into the seat and resting your head on the support, also known as the «Chillaxing mode». Even if the names for «Attack» and «Win» mode are slightly peculiar, I'm still looking forward to the active chair, which is currently still wrapped up in my hallway.
A sturdy, lightweight design
This chair doesn't really require any assembly. The hammock seat is ready to go in the blink of an eye.
The user manual is barely necessary. I say barely, because the drawings in it give good indications on how best to place the frame around before you put the cover over it. But you can figure out everything aside from that yourself. Connect the poles wherever you find the same colour points. These are attached in a way that they're no longer visible after the seat has been cobbled together.
The matt lacquered metal tubes are equipped with small bolts with springs, thanks to which they automatically lock into position when assembled. So put aside those screwdrivers – you won't need them. The cover is fixed with four velcro fasteners. They work like a charm, keeping everything nice and taut. The headboard is basically just a big clip to be fastened to the top of the seat during a final step.
Make sure you weigh at least 20 kilograms before buying this chair. The maximum load capacity on the other hand is 122 kilograms, which is why playing together on one seat isn't advisable. On the sides and at the front the cover is made of imitation leather. The seat itself uses a breathable plastic. It all feels comfortably padded.
Luckily, the active seat doesn't weigh much. At only seven kilograms, I can reposition it quickly. Or carry it to my bedroom to continue what I started in the living room.
The usable surface of the chair measures 30 x 97 centimetres. The feet, or «runners», are made from rubber. In addition, there's a small bag on all four sides. Enough for your smartphone, Smarties and other smart things.
This is how you do active gaming
The average PC gaming session often involves me bouncing up and down on my chair. I'm therefore quite experienced with active gaming. However, «Win mode» won't do you any good in an office. Your desk is just too close. Thankfully, my living room gives me more than enough space to physically express my joy. Hurray! Since my TV is attached to a wall, the Active Gaming Seat allows me to see what's going on even when I’m in «Chillaxing mode». On the other hand, this mode wouldn't work with a TV set up directly in front of me. That's probably why this position isn't officially recommended.
When sitting down, the first thing I notice is how rigid the swinging range on this thing is. The runners are rounded at the front and back, but in the middle, they're relatively stable when not fidgeting. And that's a good thing. To bounce, I simply push my feet off the floor slightly. When I'm tense, it even happens by itself. The defensive position is ideal in my case.
Forward rocking isn't possible in cruise mode, i.e. normal sitting. For the seat to tilt forward, you must first sit up and get into the winner position. But is it even necessary? I try to recreate the image above and yes, it works. But the active chair doesn't fire me up that much more whenever I score a goal or get a kill.
The seat is basically a cross between a sunchair and a hammock. Since there's nothing under the cover, the padded surface adapts to your bottom and back. Long play sessions are possible without back pain or sweat stains. Nevertheless, I wouldn't choose it over a sofa. At least not until I start moving more during games. It's just different. Slouching feels weirder, but it's still comfortable. And it bounces nicely, which my sofa doesn't manage.
Conclusion: great for high-energy users
There were times when I could hardly sit still. In the nineties, I would’ve been very happy about the Active Gaming Seat from Puma and Playseat. These days, I'm calmer, and in nine out of ten cases, I prefer gaming on the sofa without actively moving. Yes, my sofa remains the unbeaten king in the living room when it comes to pure comfort.
But in those rare times I get that certain tingle, this chair is a nice addition to have. Back in my day, I would’ve considered buying it. But unfortunately, these days, it more sojust gets in the way. No dice then.
If you aren't afraid of an already used seat, I now give you the opportunity to win it. It almost looks new. Almost. I don't think there are any stains. So, if you know anyone who can't sit still, make sure to click «Participate».
Sign up to win this barely used test product
Would you like to win the Active Gaming Seat from Puma and Playseat?
The competition has ended.
You can participate up until 6 December 2020. The winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted personally by me.
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
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