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I must admit that the pricing of the Cougar Stryder ergonomic gaming chair was not immediately clear to me. What I mean is that while assembling it, I only noticed in the final steps where the manufacturer had introduced some unique and interesting features that also contributed to lowering the chair’s cost. These changes do not necessarily make the chair superior, but they make it somewhat comparable to the Crosser. In other words, it is highly specialized and potentially very cost-effective – provided that this particular specialization aligns with your needs.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Cougar Stryder Specifications
- Load capacity: 120 kg
- Weight: 15 kg
- Gas lift: 4 categories
- Height: up to 1250 mm
- Seat width: 570 mm
- Handrail: 260×80 mm
Cougar Stryder Video review
Price and Positioning
Starting with the price: the Cougar Stryder retails for approximately €160 or $180. This makes it one of the company’s most affordable gaming chairs, even though its design and approach are fundamentally different from the closest model in terms of price, the Cougar Fusion SF.
Assembly
Moving on to assembly, the process is straightforward and well-executed. The packaging is notably compact, especially when compared to another chair that arrived at the same time as the Stryder (a review of that model will follow soon). All screws are compatible with a single T30 or T30H bit, or a 5.5 mm hex key, simplifying the setup process.
The instruction manual, however, is somewhat unconventional. Even using the box as a temporary support, assembly took about an hour. You might ask why the process is considered non-standard.
This is because the chair’s backrest attaches in a very specific way. It is a two-part design, with only the upper section secured directly to the side rails using screws. This has two implications: first, the Cougar Stryder provides solid lumbar support; second, it completely lacks any mechanism to recline the backrest. In other words, it is suitable only for users who do not intentionally lean the chair backward.
For example, myself – I have never reclined in my personal chair over the past four years. I’m simply accustomed to keeping my back straight, so for me personally, this design works very well. I realize that I am in the minority, but I also know that I am far from the only one.
Additionally, all other aspects of the Cougar Stryder are either adequate or exceptionally well-executed. To start, it is a hybrid between an ergonomic and a gaming chair. The fabric resembles linen rather than mesh or faux leather, and it delivers a premium feel. The chair comes with two large cushions – one for the head and one for lumbar support.
The armrests are wide and adjust only vertically, similar to those found on buses. The side rails are continuous and also strongly resemble bus-style construction. This is more of an advantage than a drawback, at least for me, as I personally have only positive associations with buses.
It’s also worth noting that the Cougar Stryder is available in three color options. The unit I received for review is Gray, not Black. Another available color is White, while Black is also offered and represents the darkest option.
Next – specifications. The maximum supported weight of the chair is 120 kg, gas lift category 4. Despite the lack of tilt, there is rocking support from 103 to 122 degrees. The seat height is from 47 to 57 cm, the chair width is 57 cm, and the backrest height is 70 cm. The castors are reliable, wide, vinyl, there are 5 of them, and the crosspiece is metal.
I was very surprised by the chair’s weight – it comes in at just 15 kg. This makes it one of the lightest chairs I’ve reviewed in my experience. Even the Fusion SF proved to be 200 g heavier, and that model, as a reminder, includes a full backrest reclining system.
The key question, however, is how comfortable it actually is. In my usual sitting posture, it feels extremely comfortable thanks to the lumbar cushion – I notice it immediately. It protrudes forward enough that if you attempt to lean back, this is the first point your back will encounter.
However, there is one aspect where the chair falls short: the armrests lack padding or fabric covering. On the Stryder, they are surprisingly hard, and due to their width, my arms rest directly on the top edges at an angle, which feel quite sharp. For comparison, the difference with the Armor One V2 armrests is immediately noticeable.
Conclusion
In summary, the Cougar Stryder combines premium materials, high-quality stitching, and all the weight-support advantages of a classic gaming chair. Add strong ergonomic support, remove the backrest recline, and account for the unpadded armrests, and you have one of the most unique hybrid gaming-ergonomic chairs on the market. For its target audience, it is a model I can confidently recommend.