Boulies Master Rex Gaming Chair Review – A Sleek, Sturdy Throne for Work and Play

The Boulies Master Rex is a versatile gaming chair loaded with comfort-focused features, ideal for working, gaming, or web surfing. It’s a notable choice if you’re considering an upgrade; however, its price, currently around $400 (£300), places it beyond the affordable range.

It’s great that Boulies provided a black Ultraflex PU model of the Master Rex for testing, enabling me to evaluate its worthiness of the high-end price tag and determine if it’s worthy of becoming your next gaming chair.

Design and Aesthetics

In the introduction, I got hold of the black Ultraflex PU variant of the Boulies Master Rex. This material lends it a sleek and crisp appearance, with a subtly sophisticated vibe that suits either a corporate office environment or a less flamboyant gaming setup. It steers clear of the overly vibrant gamer style, which I appreciate, and overall, the materials convey a sense of quality.

Upon opening the box, I immediately noticed the chair’s substantial weight. It’s quite noticeable when handling each part during assembly, but in this case, its heaviness contributes to a feeling of robustness and high-quality construction. Once assembled, it feels strong and steady, which is comforting when you know you’ll be spending extended periods sitting on it.

The seat is spacious as well, boasting a width of 31 centimeters and a depth of 48 centimeters. This ample size provided enough padding and support, ensuring comfort during extended periods. I never felt cramped, and the added depth aids in maintaining proper posture throughout the day.

Boulies suggests the Master Rex chair is suitable for users between 5 foot 1 inch and 5 foot 11 inches tall. Since I fall within that height range, it seems a good fit for me. But if you’re over 6 feet tall, you may need to explore other options or verify that the dimensions match your setup, especially when considering back and neck support.

Assembly Process

Assembling the Boulies Master Rex on my own wasn’t as straightforward as I had hoped. I found myself requiring an additional set of hands to complete it, primarily due to the challenge of attaching the backrest to the base. The alignment of the screws in that section was particularly problematic, making the process more difficult than expected and causing some unwanted stress during what should have been a straightforward build.

To summarize, the guidelines provided were simple and understandable, making it easier to stay organized. Each component was neatly packed, avoiding unnecessary complexities. Given that there were just two of us, assembling the entire thing proved to be a straightforward process, with completion achieved within an hour.

Although constructing it single-handedly might be challenging if you’re not very patient or an expert, it’s certainly manageable. Just ensure you have assistance on hand for the more demanding sections of the project.

Build Quality and Materials

The Boulies chair I received boasts an Ultraflex PU leather finish, giving it a premium look and making it simple to clean – a swift wipe suffices (and this proved particularly useful at times). However, having used a mesh chair previously, I noticed that the Master Rex tends to heat up during extended periods, especially in warmer climates. It’s not a major issue, but over time, it can become somewhat sweaty if the room lacks proper air circulation.

One notable feature of the construction is the 4D armrests made from aluminum. These armrests provide an extensive adjustment option, allowing you to move them up and down, twist them, or slide them sideways. What’s more, they have a robust feel that withstood my weight testing without showing any signs of give or wobble, owing to the aluminum structure. The added padding on top also enhances comfort when resting your arms on them.

At the foot of it all, the oversized PU wheels are another triumph for me. They glide rather effortlessly, even on carpets – a feature I’ve always valued as some chairs can drag or stick. Moreover, the base appears robust and sturdy, effortlessly carrying both the chair and its user (up to 110kg) without a single squeak or shake.

In my view, the Master Rex chair stands out as exceptionally well-crafted. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the stitching to the PU finish, which lacks any rough spots or indications of budget construction. Although it might not be the most cooling option, that’s a matter of personal preference when making a purchase, as Boulies provides several mesh chairs as alternatives.

Comfort and Ergonomics

From a comfort perspective, the Boulies Master Rex offers roughly what one would anticipate in a high-end gaming chair. It’s generously padded all over, featuring plush yet firm cushioning that maintains its support throughout extended gaming or office hours.

This chair boasts integrated lower back support and an independent pillow for the headrest – two features that are really beneficial. The lower back support can be adjusted in height using a side knob, which is a thoughtful design, even if I didn’t notice a significant improvement when using it. Adjusting the height offers only a modest range, so you shouldn’t expect drastic changes. However, the fixed lumbar support was effective in helping me keep good posture during long periods of sitting.

Instead of that, let me rephrase it for you: Unlike other parts, the headrest really shone. It’s incredibly comfortable, making a significant impact during extended work periods. Its soft texture snugly molds to the back of the neck and upper spine area.

If you frequently find yourself seated for extended periods, the comfort consistency offered by this chair makes it a noticeable improvement over simpler designs, as its quality suggests.

Adjustability

The Boulies Master Rex chair comes with an array of customizable options, allowing you to effortlessly tailor it to your unique setup and seating habits. It boasts a recline angle that can be adjusted between 95 and 165 degrees, offering ample space for relaxation. Additionally, it allows you to set it in a stationary position or activate a 15-degree rocking motion, which I found more convenient for everyday use. However, the handle for adjusting the tilt was somewhat stiff initially. After getting accustomed to it, it functions well, but could benefit from being more smoothly operated.

In my perspective as a dedicated enthusiast, the 4D armrests truly stand out as a remarkable feature. They offer not just height adjustments, but also allow for twisting and side-to-side movements, ensuring my arms find the perfect position, whether I’m typing diligently or immersed in a gaming session. I delved deeper into this aspect during the build section, but it’s worth reiterating that they are robust, easy to adjust, and exude a sense of durability with each use.

This chair is not only furnished with a high-quality gas lift for easy height adjustment, enhancing its sturdiness and dependability. The lift operates seamlessly without any wobble or sagging, even at its maximum extension. Additionally, you can count on a smooth, frictionless 360-degree swivel movement, free of noise.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that the Master Rex chair offers an impressive array of customizability options that you’d expect at this price range. It boasts versatility to cater to various tasks and physiques, with just a handful of minor issues – primarily the rigidity of the tilt mechanism – that keep it from achieving perfection in that department.

Features and Extras

As a gamer, I appreciate the slide-out, pressure-free leg rest on my Boulies Master Rex gaming chair. This extra feature is particularly handy for me when I want to recline the chair all the way back, almost lying flat. In such a position, this leg rest significantly enhances comfort, making it a thoughtful addition that some gamers might find genuinely useful.

For me, the footrest wasn’t utilized frequently due to my workspace setup. Consequently, it was mostly stored away. Despite being a nice feature, I could manage quite well without it, particularly if its presence led to a slight reduction in cost. It seems more like a desirable extra rather than an essential, based on your space and intended use of the chair. The need for it depends on your specific circumstances.

Value for Money

Currently retailing at $419.99 (£329.99), the Master Rex undoubtedly falls on the higher-priced side of gaming chairs. Compared to my Boulies EP400, it is pricier; however, it feels like a noticeable upgrade, particularly regarding its adjustability and overall construction. Despite not being budget-friendly, given its features, materials, and craftsmanship, it provides a reasonable value for the money spent.

It’s important to mention that while this chair is slightly more expensive, there are some less costly options with similar features available. If budget is your main concern, it would be wise to explore these alternatives. However, Boulies provides a 2-year warranty and a 14-day return policy, which can give you some reassurance if you’re unsure about your purchase decision.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Boulies Master Rex

The high-end gaming chair, known as the Boulies Master Rex, offers an optimal blend of comfort, customization options, and robust construction.

If you’re someone who frequently finds yourself seated for extended periods, whether for work or gaming, and you prefer a sleek, professional design over vibrant, colorful accents, this chair is definitely worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals within the recommended height range who are looking for something robust, comfortable, adjustable, and long-lasting.

In simpler terms, this product might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with budget constraints or who stand over 6 feet tall. There could be more suitable alternatives available that cater better to your financial situation or physical dimensions. Additionally, though the added features such as a leg rest are convenient, they may not be necessary or practical for every user’s specific setup.

2025-04-09 11:13