Please report any spam that you see, it is an ongoing issue with RUclips! And while you're here, what do you make of the new Refine chair from Fractal?
Nice of them to send you a white one and a different material black one - I like the black one myself, I get hot gaming too so that material would work better for me
Probably the most amazing chair I've had. Coming from someone who had a Herman Miller Mirra for 7 years. I absolutely love this chair. Only slight con is the arm rests are very easy to move forward and back and don't have a locking mechanism for this. They don't move during use though which is fine!
That's big praise! I agree on the armrests - it's the only negative thing I have to say about the Refine and it's a very minor thing for me to be fair - Mat
@@KitGuruTech absolutely well deserved for a product of this quality at such a great price point. Costs less than half of HM and other top brands. I got the mesh as mesh chairs are best for me and provide the most comfort and keep me cool. Great review, I'm glad to see people are enjoying this chair ❤️
£780 for the alcantara version? holy crap thats high end - some balls on them doing that with their first chair - alcantara is amazing material - quite expensive too
and it's a human gunge magnet. You do not want it anywhere your hands or skin will touch. Have you ever seen an Alcantara steering wheel after use? Gross.
Sometimes they miss the mark a little, but i dont think this company have released many ‘turds’ in the past. This is a heck of a first chair, without gimmicks too
Been waiting for this since the show coverage a few months ago - it hasnt disappointed - I love fractal, they put a lot of thought into their designs and even looking at the headrest shows the effort they put in.
Amazing to see they have painted the chairs to match the color scheme - so much attention to detail with this ones. But the prices are high, cant have it all I guess
adjustability is good, looks like a fine chair - surprised their first one was so good, normally takes quite some time for a company new to this sector to get it right. clearly put a lot of research into this. actually looks like it might be worth the money too, which is unusual 😛
well if you say its good Mat I believe you, I watched you rip apart two very big makes recently, so its refreshing that Fractal have came out of the gate so positive with this one. looks lovely in white. not so keen on the black one, but it looks like its ventialated better.
Thanks. It’s a very, very good first chair from Fractal. Makes me excited to see what they come up with next (setup wise) to be honest. I have hope that they make a desk someday- Mat
I would be interested to hear long term how these wear Mat, if Fractal let you keep them, hope you can come back with a report in a few months, or end of year.
Alcantara is one of my favourite materials - surprised they are warranting that for 3 years? my phone case fell apart in a matter of months ! its quite a soft material
Long term testing these would be great, those are some soft materials that do not tend to wear very well. My Apple phone case looks terrible in a few months
Lovely job, the alcantara version is the one to get, its a pretty good warranty too, as I would be surprised if that material lasts long under heavy use
Lumber support is crucial for me and this one looks like it really works, even if it looks a little clunky and you can't adjust it for yourself while sitting there, so I guess you need to invite a mate over for a good long Warcraft session if you really want to get the support right. Wish it was a little cheaper!
Really interesting to see a first hand review now. Ive been tempted as ill be moving soon and dont want to ship my embody over with me (UK -> Sweden) so ive been looking for a new chair, ive been really impressed with fractal as both my ITX and main rig are in the North and Terra, so im happy to support.
I’ve been looking for a new chair and I stumbled upon this a couple weeks ago and I instantly love it, for the price its amazing. Just one question: Fabric or Mesh. I’ve only ever tried Mesh chairs and never really Fabric but what’s your overall thought on it? I know you mentioned it in the video but not much.
Hello Matthew! Super amazing review, was waiting for something like that, thank you so much. Since you seems like the only person on the planet that owns both the fabric and the mesh one, i'll give you the one million dollar question: Which one do you prefer and why? I'm torned between choosing between the mesh and the fabric and i'd gladly hearing for some toughts about that. Thank you so much for your help and the review!
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it. I prefer the mesh but only very slightly. They’re both great but the mesh feels a bit cooler and the darker finish is better suited to my setup
@@KitGuruTech Thank you so much for the answer. I'm waiting for my mesh one now! :) Just out of curiosity: In terms of seat/backrest comfort, which one do you prefer? Do the mesh really change the game there? I'll leave that here for future readers :)
The white one looks amazing - very Herman Miller in design too - wonder if they hired them to make it. for them. could have - same scandavian origins too
I know you can't really judge these things from a video, but it doesn't look as durable or solid as a NobleChairs, IMO. I currently use a Hero model that's into its 5th year without the slightest signs or feel of wear & tear on it..pretty sure it will outlive me 😊
I dont think alcantara will cope well after a year - thats why I am massively surprised fractal have offered a 3 year material warranty on this - they must have some faith in the products to offer 5 year as standard on the parts and 3 year on materials.
Love it, and very good review, you answered most of my questions - only one I wanted to know is it really that easy to make around 12:00 in ? very few faults with this one
Yeah this is good, well done Fractal. No wonder they do so well on the market - they put a lot of time into getting things right instead of just releasing a ton of crap all the time.
Thats a great chair - and looks lovely too - the only thing I noticed was how thin the metal bar from the gas lift is - looks half the thickness of mine. Im just fat too, would give me a concern that
I always think that spending over £250 needs to buy you something extra. That said, this does seem like a lot of chair. I like the bits that are missing, much more comfortable to have mesh at the back and space to spread out. Can I try one anywhere near London or Manchester?
I've not had the chairs with me for long enough to tell, but I'll be using the dark mesh version as my main chair from now, so I may make a follow up video in the future - Mat
I think the biggest potential problem with this chair is the lack of out-of-warranty support. Sure, there's the 3/5 year warranty, but what happens if you're 5-6 years in and something is just worn out and you want to buy a spare part to replace it? I see this very likely to happen with the armrest pads for example. If they don't plan to sell spares, it's a lack of commitment in my book.
Please report any spam that you see, it is an ongoing issue with RUclips! And while you're here, what do you make of the new Refine chair from Fractal?
Lovely looking chairs - no crap on them, headrests that work, nicely designed, good adjustment and well made. Incredible first chair
My thoughts exactly - Mat
@@KitGuruTech Me too!
This is some standard to hit out of the gate, only negative I heard you say was the armrest adjustment being a bit loose
If I hadnt watched a lot of your chair reviews id say this one was paid for, but you have been very critical in the past, so I believe you
I’ll always let you know if a product misses the mark. This one definitely hits 👍🏻
@@KitGuruTech Right!
Look at you playing guitar and doing a Clapton solo at the start - you rock star you !
If you could hear what I was playing you definitely wouldn’t be calling me a rock star 😂
@@KitGuruTech You're a Rock Star!
Nice of them to send you a white one and a different material black one - I like the black one myself, I get hot gaming too so that material would work better for me
Both are nice in their own way but I personally prefer the black one too
Thats impressive, Ive watched you tear apart from pretty big makes before in your reviews.
Probably the most amazing chair I've had. Coming from someone who had a Herman Miller Mirra for 7 years.
I absolutely love this chair. Only slight con is the arm rests are very easy to move forward and back and don't have a locking mechanism for this. They don't move during use though which is fine!
That's big praise! I agree on the armrests - it's the only negative thing I have to say about the Refine and it's a very minor thing for me to be fair - Mat
@@KitGuruTech absolutely well deserved for a product of this quality at such a great price point. Costs less than half of HM and other top brands. I got the mesh as mesh chairs are best for me and provide the most comfort and keep me cool. Great review, I'm glad to see people are enjoying this chair ❤️
I wouldn’t expect anything less from Fractal tbh - always rated them highly
£780 for the alcantara version? holy crap thats high end - some balls on them doing that with their first chair - alcantara is amazing material - quite expensive too
and it's a human gunge magnet. You do not want it anywhere your hands or skin will touch. Have you ever seen an Alcantara steering wheel after use? Gross.
@@BerserkismExactly. And it literally disintegrates in hot, humid climates.
@@Berserkism Hmm!
Sometimes they miss the mark a little, but i dont think this company have released many ‘turds’ in the past. This is a heck of a first chair, without gimmicks too
Been waiting for this since the show coverage a few months ago - it hasnt disappointed - I love fractal, they put a lot of thought into their designs and even looking at the headrest shows the effort they put in.
Their designers have nailed it with the Refine. My favourite chair so far to be honest - Mat
@11:44 The irony of a chair ad in the middle of a video on a $700 chair 🤣
I had one at the beginning too 🤣
Wow finally a chair with a headrest that doesnt look like a complete afterthought!
100%
A mat review end of the week, awesome !
Moving that headrest to a neck rest position looks like a good idea, never seen a vertical movement adjustment on that area before
Amazing to see they have painted the chairs to match the color scheme - so much attention to detail with this ones. But the prices are high, cant have it all I guess
adjustability is good, looks like a fine chair - surprised their first one was so good, normally takes quite some time for a company new to this sector to get it right. clearly put a lot of research into this. actually looks like it might be worth the money too, which is unusual 😛
I 100% agree - for their first chair it’s very, very good.
Going into the market in the high end, thats a a bold move - have to clap them for this one
The lumber support and headrest look well thought out, thats good
They work really well
@@KitGuruTech Yeah you are Right!
well if you say its good Mat I believe you, I watched you rip apart two very big makes recently, so its refreshing that Fractal have came out of the gate so positive with this one. looks lovely in white. not so keen on the black one, but it looks like its ventialated better.
Thanks. It’s a very, very good first chair from Fractal. Makes me excited to see what they come up with next (setup wise) to be honest. I have hope that they make a desk someday- Mat
I would be interested to hear long term how these wear Mat, if Fractal let you keep them, hope you can come back with a report in a few months, or end of year.
Would love an update like this on all the chairs Dominic has tried! 🤩
Alcantara - love it !
Thanks Kitguru
Alcantara is one of my favourite materials - surprised they are warranting that for 3 years? my phone case fell apart in a matter of months ! its quite a soft material
I had a steering wheel trimmed in that. Was lovely to hold but it goes shiny very quickly
The warranty is quite generous. It would have been nice to take a look at the Alcantara model, I’m guessing it’s very premium - Mat
@@KitGuruTech The price is; £300 extra
@@paulthompson9837 That's not worth it I reckon
Its a win for the head cushion design alone. every chair ive bought ive had to either take the head rest off, or just not use it as they are crap
Long term testing these would be great, those are some soft materials that do not tend to wear very well. My Apple phone case looks terrible in a few months
Lovely job, the alcantara version is the one to get, its a pretty good warranty too, as I would be surprised if that material lasts long under heavy use
The wheels, head rest and some other features are great design parts
Definitely 👍🏻
The casters look lovely, look like a ducati wheel design
Nicely done Fractal, I will be trying to buy the alcantara one in black, as while will get messy quickly
Very nice design. That head cushion and the lumbar support design is pretty unique.
Agree but without a bit of RGB it doesnt really say its a gamer chair.
Easily the cleanest head cushion design I’ve seen! - Mat
Wow I have never seen you be so positive about a chair before, except that 2 grand massive sofa one - if its impressed you Mat it must be good 😎
I struggled to find the one negative point to be honest. I was very, very impressed with these chairs
Well you liked that one Mat, can’t really argue that one !
I did indeed!
@@KitGuruTech Okay!
Thats a really good chair - and a good review too mat ! Fractal are a quality company, dont see that changing in other sectors.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. It’s a very, very nice chair - Mat
This may have been the best report of a chair you guys have given yet.
Thanks
Wow they didnt get too much wrong with this one - surprised it was so good
Color me impressed. does not happen too often
A pleasant surprise indeed. Fern's superiority has been well challenged.
Really like his chair reviews appreciate he takes the time to assemble the chair and show that.
Thank you
I love seeing properly designed stuff.
Wow this has got high praise! Need to go and try one of these to see if its worth the fuss... Can you get them in a shop or are they online only?
I’m not sure of retail stock sorry - Mat
@@KitGuruTech Shame would love to try one of these
One of the nicest looking chairs I have seen, reminds me of herman miller - I think they might have been involved by looking at it. Some scoop
Excellent review Matthew - the headrest can turn into a neckrest - love it !
Thanks!
Lumber support is crucial for me and this one looks like it really works, even if it looks a little clunky and you can't adjust it for yourself while sitting there, so I guess you need to invite a mate over for a good long Warcraft session if you really want to get the support right. Wish it was a little cheaper!
Good review mat, thanks for the work on this, a lot of detail, some people just sit on chairs, take some marketing money and say its great
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)
@@KitGuruTech Welcome!
I got an advert that sounded like Morgan freeman talking about science stuff. wtf lol
Great design overall, cant see too many things wrong with this one
Agreed!
Really interesting to see a first hand review now. Ive been tempted as ill be moving soon and dont want to ship my embody over with me (UK -> Sweden) so ive been looking for a new chair, ive been really impressed with fractal as both my ITX and main rig are in the North and Terra, so im happy to support.
You could do a lot worse to be honest - Mat
I’ve been looking for a new chair and I stumbled upon this a couple weeks ago and I instantly love it, for the price its amazing. Just one question: Fabric or Mesh. I’ve only ever tried Mesh chairs and never really Fabric but what’s your overall thought on it? I know you mentioned it in the video but not much.
You got the best version Mat, super review man - well done. Im ordering one next month when I am paid
Nice of them to send you two chairs, can I pop over and pick one of them up later? ill bring a fish and chip and some cola with me, trade in?
Love how they didnt go crazy planting their logo all over it like some manufacturers do.
Another great review
This is a really impressive chair, saw another review a few days ago too and it got good scores
Nice range of adjustments looks like it can fit almost anyone.
The bat mobile style casters are a nice touch, dont see that very often.
The mesh one puts me off based on the soft base - the fabric ones are always more cushioned on the bum cheeks
The base of the chair and that metal support gas pole bit, looks very thin to my eye, id be concerned with that long term if I was close to the limit
Nice looking chair.
Sounds like a really good chair this will have to have a sit.
That's a lot for a chair. But I like how subtle it is, I hope the comfort matches the price.
It is, but in my opinion, it’s worth it - Mat
That was a very good review of a very pretty looking chair. You get all the good stuff to review man 🎉
Thanks! Glad you liked it
Hello Matthew! Super amazing review, was waiting for something like that, thank you so much.
Since you seems like the only person on the planet that owns both the fabric and the mesh one, i'll give you the one million dollar question: Which one do you prefer and why? I'm torned between choosing between the mesh and the fabric and i'd gladly hearing for some toughts about that.
Thank you so much for your help and the review!
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it. I prefer the mesh but only very slightly. They’re both great but the mesh feels a bit cooler and the darker finish is better suited to my setup
@@KitGuruTech Thank you so much for the answer. I'm waiting for my mesh one now! :)
Just out of curiosity: In terms of seat/backrest comfort, which one do you prefer? Do the mesh really change the game there? I'll leave that here for future readers :)
Very good - I normally hate the chairs you guys review as they are gamer oriented, but this is excellent
I like the black version too, not sure why everyone just immediately goes for the white - you can get all materials in both colors
This is a nice chair that could double as a subtle office chair.
Definitely
Thanks for the review
Really like the lighter colour one it gives me a nice 1980s chair in Star Trek vibe.
There's probably a market for chair assembly, even if there are only 5 bits
Good point about the colour coded casters. Too often they are chrome or just cheap black.
It's the little touches that make the difference
If Herman Miller put their name on this, everyone would be wetting themselves over it and saying it was the best thing ever.
I’d love to compare to a Herman Miller. One day we’ll get to review one hopefully 🤞🏻
Plus they could stick a 1 or a 2 at the beginning of the price.
The aeron chair is fab though.
Their stuff is such a rip off
The white one looks amazing - very Herman Miller in design too - wonder if they hired them to make it. for them. could have - same scandavian origins too
Good review, black suits your room better Mat IMO
Thanks
I know you can't really judge these things from a video, but it doesn't look as durable or solid as a NobleChairs, IMO. I currently use a Hero model that's into its 5th year without the slightest signs or feel of wear & tear on it..pretty sure it will outlive me 😊
I dont think alcantara will cope well after a year - thats why I am massively surprised fractal have offered a 3 year material warranty on this - they must have some faith in the products to offer 5 year as standard on the parts and 3 year on materials.
The handles in the seat cushion look a bit of a weak point
Love it, and very good review, you answered most of my questions - only one I wanted to know is it really that easy to make around 12:00 in ? very few faults with this one
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Yes it is very easy to assemble and the instructions are very clear.
Torn between the clean look of the beige and the more gamer look of the black. The beige is a bit office for me even though I think its better looking
Think I prefer the mesh instead of the all fabric as it makes the chair look smaller than it is.
I feel the same. They’re both nice but in different ways. I’m swaying towards preferring the dark mesh one at the moment - Mat
I thought you were going to play some guitar there ! damn, was hoping to hear if you were any good !
Haha. I wouldn’t put you all through that. I’m a 20 year learner 😂
Yeah this is good, well done Fractal. No wonder they do so well on the market - they put a lot of time into getting things right instead of just releasing a ton of crap all the time.
This seems to be the best product you have reviewed Mat, you normally do like a good whinge
It's definitely up there!
Fractal make great products, this is excellent too
How good is the lumbar support? and how long have u sat in the chair? I'd be interested in your thoughts after around 1 month of using it!
How do those wheels work? That's some kind of magic right there.
Magic indeed. They’re very solid too! - Mat
@@KitGuruTech Do they actually rotate or do they just scrape across the floor
@@pixelrefresh348 The outer bit rotates around a fixed 'inner cylinder'
Thats a great chair - and looks lovely too - the only thing I noticed was how thin the metal bar from the gas lift is - looks half the thickness of mine. Im just fat too, would give me a concern that
Wonder if a chair manufacturer we all know and love is involved in this, looks like a mixture of herman miller and bang and olufsen products
That looks lovely. Sadly I'm just over the weight limit.
Good job on the review, got a lot from it. i am going to order the black one in alcantara then hide the credit card bill from the wife
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Good luck! 😉
@@KitGuruTech Welcome!
Very good chair by all accounts. Thanks for review 👌🏻
I agree and no problem, hope you enjoyed the video - Mat
Good job mate 👍🏻
Thanks. Glad you liked it
I always think that spending over £250 needs to buy you something extra. That said, this does seem like a lot of chair. I like the bits that are missing, much more comfortable to have mesh at the back and space to spread out. Can I try one anywhere near London or Manchester?
The base of the chair for your bum doesnt look very thick on the b roll - is it soft enough and strong enough to last if you are like 100kg + ?
I've not had the chairs with me for long enough to tell, but I'll be using the dark mesh version as my main chair from now, so I may make a follow up video in the future - Mat
@@KitGuruTech Ya you are Right!
That Gas lift pole looks a bit weak to my eye
I think the biggest potential problem with this chair is the lack of out-of-warranty support. Sure, there's the 3/5 year warranty, but what happens if you're 5-6 years in and something is just worn out and you want to buy a spare part to replace it? I see this very likely to happen with the armrest pads for example. If they don't plan to sell spares, it's a lack of commitment in my book.
Warranty sounds decent wonder what happens if you actually need it. I’m not disassembling and posting a chair!
Wish they could incorporate haptic feedback into gaming chairs.
How does this compare to the Corsair T500 that you covered recently!? Between these 2 which is the better buy? 😁
I'm confused do either of these have the fancy Alcantara finish? Can we see one of those?
Neither chair in the video is Alcantara. The darker one is mesh and lighter is fabric. Fractal didn’t send the Alcantara for review unfortunately
@@KitGuruTech Any chance of seeing that one? Would love to know if its worth the premium.
It’s nice but could do with a.couple of active features too like RGB or sound.
Alright well I'm pretty much sold on buying this chair. Since you got both mesh and fabric, which one do you preffer?
Thanks Mat, another good review, surprised you were so positive. you tear chairs apart so I value your opinions
Thank you