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The Cougar Speeder One finds itself in an unfortunate position. It’s essentially the more affordable sibling of one of the company’s most advanced and well-regarded gaming chairs—one that has already made a strong impression in the market with innovative designs. Setting aside the challenge of transporting it, I had no real complaints about the Cougar Speeder. Any descriptors I had were largely positive. The Cougar Speeder One, however, comes at a lower price. That fact alone makes it both intriguing and concerning. Intriguing because it raises the question of where the manufacturer cut costs, and concerning for exactly the same reason. So, let’s get straight to it.
Specifications
- Backrest width at the shoulders: 47 cm
- Seat dimensions: 52×53 cm
- Seat height: 45-55 cm
- Weight: 19.9 kg
- Backrest tilt: up to 135°
- Main material: mesh
- Maximum weight: 120 kg
Cougar Speeder One video review
Price
The Cougar Speeder One is priced at $390, which is about $25 less than the standard Cougar Speeder (after its price increase). However, it still places the chair in an interesting price bracket. At $415, you’re not just looking at the regular Speeder—you’re also stepping into the territory of several more traditional gaming chairs from Cougar. Even this slight price reduction already makes the Cougar Speeder One stand out, and in some cases, quite competitively.
Assembly
Let’s start with transportation, and here, I have mostly positive impressions. The box dimensions are 730×325×560 mm, compared to 760×450×570 mm for its predecessor. That’s about 3 cm less in one dimension and nearly 10 cm in another. Plus, it weighs 4 kg less. As a result, my biggest concern about handling the package is no longer relevant—it’s much easier to transport. Well, almost. The weight is still 20 kg, so it’s not exactly lightweight, but moving it solo is far more manageable.
Next up is the assembly process. Once again, Cougar deserves praise because, for the second time, the process is nearly flawless. Each screw comes with a spare, and all of them fit a single T30 or T30H bit—or, as a colleague pointed out, an H5 or H6.
I don’t have the latter, so I can’t say for sure, but at least you’ll have more options. Plus, the included tool is something unique—at least to me. It’s not just an L-wrench but a full-fledged screwdriver with a plastic handle. And you’ll definitely need it because attaching the armrests without it would be tricky—the opening is quite narrow. However, even in that case, the bit is standard.
The assembly process is almost identical to the previous model. It’s still recommended to have two people, but using the packaging box as support makes it significantly easier. However, at this stage, it becomes clear where the Speeder One shed those 4 kg in weight.
Differences and advantages
The base at the back is no longer metal but polycarbonate. If that’s a concern for you, this chair might not be the right choice. Additionally, there’s no footrest.
The comparison gets more complicated from here because the Cougar Speeder One isn’t just a cheaper version of the Cougar Speeder—it’s, in some ways, an entirely different chair. For example, the seat base has a noticeably different shape, resembling an airplane seat more than a traditional gaming chair. The armrests reinforce this impression. To my knowledge, they are quite unique, designed in the style of airplane seating. While they don’t rotate a full 180 degrees, they do have adjustable height and can recline completely. This makes it easier to sit in a cross-legged position and provides more flexibility in seating posture.
Lumbar support is still present and remains height-adjustable. The seat itself can also be moved forward or backward. Head support is included as well and is arguably even better than in the Speeder. One notable improvement is the addition of a clearly visible locking button for the headrest, something I didn’t notice in the Speeder. Given the sheer number of adjustable points across different planes, this locking mechanism is a welcome addition, making it easier to maintain a stable and comfortable position.
The mesh material used here is not Chenille Yarn but an unnamed, stiffer alternative. Other reviewers have noted this as well, and I also get the impression that it’s noticeably firmer. I emphasize “impression” because I don’t have a solid reference for seat softness. However, I generally prefer firmer seating, as most modern soft cushions tend to lose their shape and compress significantly over time.
That said, the seat remains very comfortable, especially considering the wide range of adjustability. The mesh still ensures good breathability, so your body won’t overheat. In the summer, this will definitely be a major plus.
Similar features
Now, what’s more or less similar between the Speeder and Speeder One? The base is quite similar, with 75mm wheels on the same type of hinge. The control format is a bit more traditional, but the tilt angles are the same—ranging from 7° forward to 135° backward.
The BIFMA certification is still present, so I can be confident in the durability of the chair. The gas lift is of category 4, supporting a weight of up to 120 kg, with the seat height adjustable from 45 to 55 cm.
Conclusions
The choice between the Cougar Speeder One and the Cougar Speeder is more difficult than I personally expected, but that’s a good thing because these models are different and cater to different audiences. However, the key advantages they share are still quite similar.
The Cougar Speeder One adapts well to the body, still allows for breathability, and can handle decent loads. The absence of certain features from its older sibling is offset by its own unique qualities, like the armrest design, which I’m sure will attract buyers on its own. Overall, I don’t have any reasons not to recommend the Cougar Speeder One.
That’s all from me. In the comments, let me know if you’ve ever considered getting a mesh chair. And if you have, what was the main reason? For me, it’s definitely to keep the body cool and allow for breathability. But feel free to share your thoughts — don’t hold back!
Read also:
- Cougar Speeder Gaming Chair Review: 10 out of 9
- Cougar E-Star 140 Gaming Table Review
- Cougar Armor Evo S Gaming Chair Review
