The RapidX Ferrino gaming chair is definitely among the most comfortable office chairs I’ve ever used. Do your butt the favor of sitting in one.
I’ve sat in many gaming chairs at trade shows (E3, PAX), usually just to take one for a spin or take a load off aching feet and knees in between appointments. But I’ve never gotten the opportunity to truly use one for an extended period until RapidX offered to let me try out the Ferrino model.
My frame of reference for gaming chairs is relatively limited, although my general office chair ‘experience’ (working in many cubicles and offices over the last 15-20 years) is still considerable.
And within that frame of reference, I regret not investing in a solid gaming chair sooner. Try one out. Your butt (and your neck, back, and shoulders) will probably thank you. It’s an investment well worth considering for your favorite past time.
RapidX Ferrino feature highlights and specifications
The Ferrino provides many points of articulation for customizing its fit.The arm rests have 3 points of articulation (vertical, horizontal, and tilt), and like typical office chairs the Ferrino can raise and lower to accommodate common desk heights. A lever and lock/tilt mechanism enables the chair to tilt back as far as 155 degrees if you want to recline or take a power nap.
RapidX Ferrino gaming chair features and specifications
- Diamond-patterned backrest with color stitching
- Locking tilt mechanism inspired by car seat recliners
- Five-point base on 2-inch rim-styled casters
- Bucket seat harness inspired by professional racing seats
- Adjustable and removable neck and lumbar support pillows with color stitching
- Orthopedically and ergonomically designed
- Lift cylinder adjusts seat height from 14 to 16.6 inches
- Armrests adjust from 11.8 to 14.5 inches in height
- 3D-adjustable PVC armrests with three directional settings
- 85-155 degree angle recline adjuster
- Durable and stylized PVC leather
- Molded polyurethane foam core
- 20.8-inch Black aluminum star base
- 20.5-inch seat width
- 10.5-inch long armrests
- Supports up to 265lbs (100-150kgs)
- Weight: 48lbs (25kgs)
How do you test an office chair?
I initially envisioned an entertaining array of tests covering the gambit of office Christmas Party Shenanigans and episodes of Jackass: Office chair jousting. Downhill street slalom. Fire extinguisher races. Car-skiing and jumping a line of shopping carts. But as endlessly entertaining and life-threatening as that might be, rating the quality of any chair is generally all about two things: comfort and design.
Perfect comfort is unique. Perfection would probably be a ‘you-shaped’ mass of memory foam wrapped in baby-butt-soft material of your choice. Hence general design, customization options, and how well they work to achieve the best ‘fit’ for you are key considerations for any gaming chair.
I initially envisioned a suite of tests that covered the gambit of office Christmas Party Shenanigans and episodes of Jackass.
Assembly
I assembled the Ferrino in approximately 30 minutes using the included Allen wrench. The printed instructions are minimal but adequate, although they don’t show you how you’re supposed to attach the lumbar and neck pillows. (I went online anyway and watched RapidX’s helpful Ferrino Assembly video for that.)
RapidX Ferrino gaming chair ‘performance’
As an aging but very physically active “old school” gamer I suspect I’m more prone to minor aches, pains, etc. than the average gamer. I was keen to find out if the RapidX was as comfortable as gaming chair sellers would like you to believe — and more comfortable than a fairly nice office chair I just bought about 6 months ago.
Let’s be honest: A significant number of ‘gaming chairs’ are just ergonomic office chairs with a racing stripe or two applied to them. I’m not counting the ones purpose-built to ‘enhance’ gaming with built-in subwoofers to shake your ass or built in mouse surfaces and other niche accessories. I’m referring to ‘standard’ desk chairs. The RapidX Ferrino is one of these.
Simply put and by all accounts, my ass, neck, shoulders, and back are happy campers in the RapidX Ferrino. Every time my butt hits the Ferrino’s seat, I’m in at least a 5% better mood. And I was repeatedly surprised at just how much more comfortable it truly is than the ‘average’ office chair.
Every time my butt hits the Ferrino’s seat, I’m in at least a 5% better mood.
My lower back and neck are especially more comfortable, no doubt thanks to the included lumbar support and neck pillow. I’ll admit the neck pillow might be a bit thicker than I’d prefer, but removing it was far worse.
You could probably take a nap in this thing. I almost did.
You could probably take a nap in this thing. I almost did. Mid day doldrums settled in after a 5.5 mile run, a warm shower, and all the caffeine drained from my body. I threw my feet up on my desk, reclined the Ferrino just shy of its 155-degree angle maximum, and damn near fell asleep. I’m certain I would have if I hadn’t stopped myself, and I’m not an easy sleeper.
The adjustable lumbar support pad and extra pillow enabled to me to make the Ferrino a reasonably “perfect fit” and enjoy a level of comfort unobtainable by my current office chair.
All that said, I do think are some areas for minor improvement. The controls (buttons and levers) for adjusting the chair are a bit stiff, particularly the one used to lower the back into position, which also makes a very loud ‘SPROING’ when pull it. And the Lumbar/neck pillows are held in place with straps and buckles, and hence prone to shift around a bit more than I’d like — but these are all minor complaints at best.
Overall: 8/10 – Highly recommended
The RapidX Ferrino is a great addition to any gaming set up. At $349 it’s a bit steep, but if you game for extended hours investing in a chair that provides excellent comfort and proper ergonomic support is well worth the investment.
And it’s one you’re not likely to need to make again for a long time. (A good gaming chair will almost assuredly long outlast the latest generation of video card by a considerable margin…)
…investing in a chair that provides excellent comfort and proper ergonomic support is well worth the investment.
By the way — did I mention how nicely the RapidX Ferrino casters/wheels glide across my office floor? I suspect it be an excellent steed in Office Chair Jousting and Downhill Street Chair races…
PC & Video Gaming Examiner 