The choice of a computer chair is important not only for health but also for the overall look of a workspace or gaming setup. We all appreciate when the place where we spend a lot of time is comfortable in various aspects. After all, we shouldn’t treat our backs and seats as if they’re made of adamantium. So today, we’ll be reviewing the HATOR Darkside 2 Pro chair. Let’s see if it’s worth the price they’re asking for.
Why is choosing a chair important?
Let’s look at two key aspects. Let’s start with health, which is crucial:
- Proper posture support is essential. Sitting for long hours without adequate back support can lead to spinal misalignment, and pain in the back and neck. While it might sound like a scare tactic when you Google symptoms online, a good chair with ergonomic design truly supports the natural curve of the spine, reducing strain on the vertebrae and muscles. Over time, this can lead to fewer issues with your back.
- Reduced lower back strain. Having adjustable lumbar support helps prevent overexertion in the lower back, which often occurs due to poor posture. Looking ahead, the magnetic mounts will save you a lot of hassle when it comes to securing the support.
- Improved circulation. A chair with the correct seat tilt and height adjustment helps avoid compression of blood vessels in the legs. This is particularly important for preventing conditions like thrombosis or tired leg syndrome. Of course, it’s especially crucial during colder months when you’re more likely to be in a space that’s not warm enough for comfort. Reduced fatigue and joint health preservation. Ergonomic chairs are designed for long-term use as they evenly distribute body weight, reducing overall fatigue and boosting productivity. Adjustable armrests prevent strain on the shoulders and elbows, while the correct chair height helps avoid wrist strain during work or rest at the computer.
The second important aspect is the interior. Aesthetics and style are crucial when a chair becomes part of your workspace or relaxation area. Choosing a model that complements the room’s design can significantly enhance the overall perception of the space. Modern chairs come in a variety of colors and materials, making it easy to integrate them into any style, from minimalist to high-tech. A high-quality chair also conveys a sense of professionalism in organizing the workspace, which can be important for those working from home or meeting clients.
You’re probably wondering what all of this has to do with the review. Well, it’s important because of the risks associated with making the wrong choice. Poor posture due to a subpar chair can lead to chronic back pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome. An uncomfortable chair increases fatigue, which can negatively affect your productivity. Additionally, a poorly chosen chair won’t blend well with your room’s overall aesthetic, it might look bulky, and could even cause frustration. And let’s be honest, you probably don’t need that added stress right now.
So, choosing the right office chair is an investment in your health, comfort, and the aesthetics of your workspace, which, in turn, will bring you at least a bit more peace of mind.
HATOR Darkside 2 Pro specifications
Now let’s move on to the subject of this review. The HATOR Darkside 2 Pro is a modern office chair that combines stylish design with a high level of comfort.
Full specifications:
- Frame material: Steel
- Upholstery material: High quality PU leather
- Mechanism: Multiblock NobleShift
- Gas lift: Class 4 with SGS certification
- Armrests: Ergonomic, 3D
- Base: Reinforced 5-pointed star made of high-strength plastic
- Foam density: 50 kg/m³
- Wheel size: 75 mm
- Wheel material: Highly elastic PTE material
- Maximum backrest tilt angle: 170°
- Pillows included: Headrest (with magnetic attachment) and lumbar
- Seat dimensions:
- Width: 54 cm
- Length: 54 cm
- Seat height: 45-55 cm
- Height of the armrests: 28,0-35,5 cm
- Maximum permissible load: Up to 100 kg
- Weight of the chair: 24.6 kg
Package contents
It’s worth starting with the packaging and instructions, as although this chair is not marketed on the website as strictly gaming-oriented, gamers will certainly appreciate the assembly process. In the photos, you can see both the instructions, which are color-coded and easy to understand, as well as all the included components.
An interesting part of the instructions is the section showing how to sit correctly and how the manufacturer categorically advises against sitting. By the way, the instructions do mention that this chair is designed for gamers, but the restrained color scheme indicates that the Darkside 2 Pro can also serve as a comfortable office chair.
Experience, advantages and disadvantages
The experience of using a chair is subjective, but it’s still very useful to share. In fact, that’s exactly why you’re reading this review.
I’ll start with the advantages. The restrained design that suits any interior, from a home workspace to a stylish office, is definitely a plus for the HATOR Darkside 2 Pro. The sturdy construction plays a significant role, with the metal frame ensuring the chair’s durability and stability. It’s worth noting that the manufacturer offers a two-year warranty. Of course, you’d prefer not to have to use it, but it’s a positive signal from HATOR.
The material is often a debatable topic, as some people prefer fabric surfaces (and HATOR does offer such chairs), while others are fond of leather. In this case, the high-quality PU leather provides an interesting mix — a prestigious look and pleasant sensations during use. Additionally, the perforation in warmer weather will allow the leather to “breathe” more effectively.
The premium rocking mechanism, Multiblock NobleShift, provides a wide range of seat tilt angles. In the photo, you can see the special lever on the right side of the armrest, which allows you to recline the chair up to 170°, offering a near-lying position.
The headrest cushion, with magnetic attachment and memory foam, provides maximum comfort for the neck and head. The ergonomic 3D armrests allow for individual adjustments to suit personal needs. The highly elastic wheels are gentle on the floor and ensure smooth chair movement, which helps preserve the flooring—particularly important in rented apartments. On thick linoleum, the chair glides effortlessly without any issues.
Another notable feature is the side panels, which are easily attached using magnetic fasteners. This is a very convenient and elegant solution. However, small children running past may accidentally knock off the upper panel if they bump into it too forcefully.
Now, let’s discuss the downsides. The weight limit, with a maximum load capacity of 100 kg, might be insufficient for some users. In this case, the issue lies more with misleading information from third-party sellers, rather than HATOR itself, so this is something to consider when purchasing from local retailers or marketplaces. Additionally, the lumbar pillow has a somewhat unreliable attachment, which has been mentioned in reviews from other customers across various platforms.
Regarding the magnets, it’s worth considering that potential users may have devices that are very sensitive to magnets. While the likelihood of this being an issue is minimal, it is still something to keep in mind.
Price is another subjective factor, and for some buyers, the cost of the chair may seem too high. While it’s fair to say that some of the downsides are minor or exaggerated, nothing in this world is perfect, so it’s important to point these things out.
Conclusions
Creating the right environment around you is just as important as the chair itself. Therefore, approach the process holistically and explore various solutions. HATOR offers a wide selection, so there’s something for every taste and budget. As for the Darkside 2 Pro, I’ve been really impressed with it. It’s comfortable, provides great support for the lower back, and keeps you cool in the seat – what more do you need? But the best endorsement of the chair came from my cat – it now sleeps only on it.
