The full chill of winter is gripping all of Japan, and it's about time for heavy coats and scarves to see action.
Even within the editorial department, a writer has appeared with a strained lower back, which is common in cold seasons. However, the relationship between modern people and desk work is inseparable.
It is extremely important for our future lives to prepare an environment that is even slightly easier and kinder to the body.
This time, we received the "Boulies Master Rex" gaming chair from the UK-based gaming chair brand "Boulies," which originated in London!
We'll immediately review its assembly and performance!
Unboxing & Assembling the "Boulies Master Rex"!
Boom!
The "Boulies Master Rex" is a gaming chair from the UK.
Fujii Yodan assembled it for us.
The recommended height for the "Boulies Master Rex" is 155–180 cm, and the recommended weight is 110 kg.
It's packed with features, including 4-way adjustable lumbar support, a maximum 165-degree recline, and a retractable ottoman!
You might think that having so many features means the assembly will be difficult... but it's exactly the same as any typical gaming chair!
Fujii Yodan is attempting his first gaming chair assembly.
Fujii Yodan: "Oh, so this will be the head part."
Fujii Yodan: "I was wrong (laughs)."
Fujii Yodan: "It looks cool, like a sports car."
Not just for gaming chairs, but when assembling any furniture, it's important to "confirm that all necessary parts are included."
If you start assembling and discover a shortage or defect in parts, the item will just become a big lump until the replacement arrives.
Now that the number of parts has been confirmed, we move to the assembly phase!
The instructions are detailed with color photos for the steps, so there doesn't seem to be any room for confusion.
The color photos are subtly helpful.
Please make sure to assemble with at least two people!
First, flip the seat upside down and attach the armrests.
Follow the L/R stickers! L is left and R is right!
There is a little extra room where the armrests are fastened, so you can adjust the distance between the left and right sides to your liking.
After hand-tightening, use the included wrench to secure them tightly!
Next, attach the tilt box, which is necessary to connect the seat and the base.
This also has an orientation, so the protrusion should face the back as shown in the photo!
Don't forget to put in the washer when attaching the screws!
The completion of the seat part is now in sight.
Attach the mysterious plastic tubes to the remaining holes on the back of the seat.
Since there seems to be no left/right difference or specific orientation, follow your instincts.
Their purpose will become clear immediately after.
It was for inserting the ottoman, one of the features of the "Boulies Master Rex"!
After attaching the ottoman in this orientation...
It is fixed only by a rubber ring.
I was worried that it might slip out, but it surprisingly serves as the last line of defense.
With this, the seat is complete!
Next, we attach five casters to the base.
The base is made of aluminum alloy and has a durability with a maximum load capacity of 180 kg (recommended weight 110 kg).
The casters are made of silent PU material, which is great because they are less likely to scratch hardwood floors or carpets!
After completion, they glide smoothly and naturally, I must say.
The gas cylinder, essential for the height adjustment mechanism, has achieved Class 4, the highest practical grade in SGS certification.
High safety and durability are guaranteed by a third-party organization.
Once you fit the cover...
Insert the seat!
The seat is quite heavy at this point, so this step must be done by two people!
The base and seat have been successfully integrated.
The seat uses "molded polyurethane (cold foam)," which resists sagging even after long hours of sitting and maintains a stable sitting comfort.
Including the gas cylinder and base, it is designed for stable use for five years or more.
What's more, it seems to have fire resistance!
All you flame-using gamers (smokers) can rest assured.
The assembly process is reaching its final stage.
Attach the backrest to the seat.
Again, make sure two people do this job!
The side covers that hide the frame also have L/R markings.
Be careful not to be misled by the trap that the L and R labels will be upside down when facing the correct direction.
Finally, attach the head cushion, which can be easily attached and detached with rubber...
DOOOM!!
It's complete.
Assembly took about an hour, even while filming.
Even an inexperienced person should be able to finish it in an hour and a half.
"Boulies Master Rex" Feature Review!
From here, we will review the features!
First, the backrest recline.
While pulling the right lever backward, the backrest tilts back according to how much weight you put on it.
One small thing I noticed was the angle of the lever.
The initial position is pointed quite far up, so it might take a little time to get used to the operating feel when reclining it.
Pulling it sharply...
Flop.
The backrest allows for stepless adjustment from 95 to 165 degrees.
Whether it goes up to nearly 180 degrees is one of the criteria for choosing a gaming chair, but the maximum 165 degrees is acceptable, and the reason for this will become clear next.
If you click the left lever...
The 15-degree rocking function is activated.
If you turn it on, you get a leeway like a cradle, and you can fix it at any angle.
Combining the 165-degree recline with the 15-degree rocking function reaches 180 degrees!
You can nap in this.
Saiga NAK
Furthermore, the 4D armrests allow you to change the "height"
Saiga NAK
"front-to-back"
Saiga NAK
"left-to-right"
Saiga NAK
and "angle."
Perhaps because they are made of aluminum, the smoothness of the height adjustment in particular was remarkably amazing.
Saiga NAK
The seat height can be changed between 45 and 54 cm.
My personal preference is for something a little higher, but this is a sufficient height for the average Japanese body type.
The ottoman, which may or may not be included on gaming chairs.
In the "Boulies Master Rex," it is stored under the seat and can be easily deployed.
Pull it...
And flip it!
This use is completely geared toward napping rather than gaming, but it is incredibly comfortable.
If you deploy the ottoman and recline the backrest all the way, you can genuinely nap.
The only problem is whether you have enough space in front and behind you...?
Saiga NAK
Actually, the "Boulies Master Rex" does not come with a lumbar cushion.
Instead, it is equipped with a built-in lumbar support.
By turning the screw located on the side of the backrest, you can adjust the built-in lumbar support to perfectly fit the curve of your lower back.
It's hard to tell from the picture, but I hope you can see the bump!
By turning the screw on the back of the seat, you can adjust the stiffness of the rocking motion.
I, the overwhelming cradle-lover, prefer it loose.
Available on Amazon.co.jp and More!
The "Boulies Master Rex" is available for purchase on the Boulies Official Online Shop and elsewhere.
We reviewed the Black one this time, but there is also a rich variety of calming color options, including Brown, Charcoal Grey, Ash Grey, and Como.
"Boulies" also offers numerous other products with different prices and features, such as the "Master Neo," a limited model designed for the Japanese market, and the "Master," which is not equipped with an ottoman.
For more details, please visit the "Boulies" official website!
| Product Overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Boulies Master Rex |
| Category | Premium Gaming / Executive Chair |
| Recommended Height | 155 to 180 cm |
| Recommended Weight | to 110 kg |
| Maximum Load Capacity | Approx. 180 kg |
| Net Weight | 25 kg (Assembled) |
| 360 Degree Swivel | Standard Feature |
| Seat Height Adjustment | Gas lift (45 to 54 cm) |
| Reclining | 95 to 165 degrees stepless adjustment (stop at any position) |
| Rocking Function | 15 degrees (On/Off switch and lock function included) |
| Lumbar Support | 4-way adjustment (Up/Down, Front/Back) Push-out type |
| Headrest | Height and angle adjustable |
| 4D Armrests | Front/Back, Left/Right, Height, Angle adjustment (Aluminum) |
| Ottoman | Retractable (Under the seat, one-touch deployment) |