When I first sat on the Gesture at my local Steelcase showroom, I liked it the most of all the Steelcase chairs because the backrest offers heaps of support in the lumbar area. Other models, like the Leap and the Please, seemed lacking in comparison. After two days of sitting on the Gesture, however, I learned that there is such a thing as excessive lumbar support. The foam in the lumbar section of the backrest is quite thick and an hour of non-stop sitting in the reclined position left me with a slight numbness in that area. (I should note here that my lumbar curve is deeper than average due to postural problems – if you have correct posture, what I’ve written above should apply even more.) I think a chair should offer more support in the lumbar region than in the thoracic region, but when reclining on the Gesture, I felt like I was sitting exclusively on my lumbar spine. The lesson I took away is that something that feels great when you try it for 15 minutes can get tiresome after several hours.
My test chair had the optional height-adjustable lumbar support, which is just a piece of hard plastic that provides extra rigidity. After using it for a while, I found it completely unnecessary – in fact, the built-in lumbar support was already excessive for me. Furthermore, the plastic bar kept sliding down and I had to readjust it every couple hours. I also noticed that the fabric on my test chair had small holes that had clearly been made by the adjustable lumbar.
Of course, all of the above is just my opinion, and it’s very possible that the lumbar-heavy quality of the Gesture would work great for you. Still, I would definitely advise paying attention to this when testing the chair. It is also worth noting that the firmness of the backrest on the Gesture is not adjustable (unlike on the Leap), so either it’s for you, or it isn’t.
The Gesture has a backrest of what I call the “sticky” type. Once you choose a recline angle, the backrest will tend to stay there, held in place by static friction. This enables you to put the backrest just the way you like it without fiddling with any controls. The cost is that it takes more muscle effort to move the backrest. The difference between the Gesture and the Leap is that when you recline on the Leap, the seat moves a little bit forward. In my opinion, this mechanical coupling of the seat and the back has no real advantages, and plenty of downsides (such as noise and the tendency to develop “backrest lag”), so I’m glad to see that Steelcase has done away with it in the Gesture.
The backrest on the Gesture is similar to the excellent, flexible backrest on the Leap. I didn’t make my own video of it, but here’s a clip from bkwtang’s detailed YouTube review. Notice how the lower part of the backrest flexes in response to movement and how far it reclines. The maximum hip angle is no less than 135°, which is considered the anatomically neutral position.
The backrest may be flexible, but it is heavier and less springy than on the Leap. While on the Leap it’s possible to effect a kind of low-amplitude rocking motion (which is probably a beneficial form of microexercise), the Gesture’s backrest is somewhat more static. When it comes to micromovements, then, the newest offering from Steelcase is a small step backwards.
There is a minor mechanical problem with the Gesture’s tilt limiter. It often won’t engage in the most upright position, even if you take your weight off the backrest. You have to reach back and pull the backrest with your hands, or rapidly bend over (not good for your spine). Here is where Bkwtang stumbles on the problem in his video. I’ve seen the exact same issue on two demo chairs that I tested. While disappointing on a $1000 chair, I consider this a minor niggle, because I don’t think a tilt limiter is very useful on a chair with the “sticky” type of backrest. The inherent friction makes it possible to maintain any recline angle you like without a tilt limiter. Still, if – for some reason I cannot fathom – you intend to use the upright lock, you should be aware of this issue.
Let’s move on to what for me is the biggest flaw of the Gesture: its thermal performance. Because Steelcase wanted to enable users to sit on the Gesture in a variety of positions, including sideways, they fitted it with the thickest seat cushion on the market. Since the thermal insulation provided by foam is directly proportional to its thickness, the result is that the Gesture is the hottest chair I’ve ever sat in, and I’m certainly not the only one who has this opinion – some Amazon reviewers call it the “swamp chair”. In my particular work environment (no air conditioning, normally > 27 °C indoors in the summer), it’s a deal-breaker, but if you use this chair in an office where it’s never hotter than 25 °C (77 °F), you will most likely not notice any problem. (Even a few degrees makes an enormous difference in the subjective feeling of warmth.)
By the way, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can avoid the heat problem by choosing the right fabric. My demo unit was upholstered in a polyester fabric, which – according to Steelcase – is the coolest fabric choice (Atlantic – which is the European equivalent of Cogent: Connect). In reality, the fabric doesn’t matter. If you’re sitting on a few inches of foam (the best thermal insulator known to man), the milimeter-thick outer layer is negligible, so long as it’s not something crazy like plastic foil. (I did some fabric tests and discovered no discernible difference between polyester and wool fabrics of comparable thickness.)
There is also something weird about the way the cushion is profiled. Both I and one of my friends noticed that the cushion puts more pressure on the thighs than usual, with my friend describing it as “uncomfortable”. We human beings are designed to sit on our buttocks, not thighs, so this is probably not ideal from the point of view of ergonomics. Most likely it’s another adverse effect of designing a chair that tries to do too much.
The main thing everybody always talks about when they talk about the Steelcase Gesture are the armrests. This chair has the most adjustable armrests in the world. You can put them low (so they’re out of the way), high (e.g. for holding a tablet in front of your eyes), wide or narrow. You can easily pull them back if you like to sit close to your desk (or if you have to because of your eyesight) – they certainly won’t bump against the edge of your desk. Their adjustment range is even greater than on the legendary “4-D” armrests of the Steelcase Leap. (Again, I refer you to Bkwtang’s video.)
Unfortunately, there is one thing I don’t like about them – they’re covered in a high-friction rubbery material that pulls on your skin a bit when you move your forearms. As I like to place my right forearm on the armrest when I’m using the mouse (it increases precision, which I have experimentally verified by playing Far Cry 4), a rough surface hinders my forearm movements and forces me to move the mouse with my fingers, which is ergonomically verboten. It would be overstating the point to say that the Gesture fixes my forearms in one spot – skin and muscles are loose enough that I can move my forearm left–right and forward–backward even if my skin is fixed in one place – but it does take away the ability to slide around the armrest.
The armrests on the Gesture stay pretty level as you recline. There is a slight tilt that’s not there on the Leap, but I did not find that to be an issue.
On balance, I think the armrests on the Gesture are a small step backward compared with the Leap, Amia or Think. Yes, there’s even more adjustability, but the Leap’s armrests already do 100% of what I need them to do (which is mainly retract enough to allow me to sit close to my desk, and adjust inward so I can rest my forearms while touch typing), and they’re covered in a more pleasant, smoother material that doesn’t restrict my movements. In my book, the old champion remains unbeaten.
The Tom Test
Let’s check the Gesture against my checklist:
- Easy changing between at least two positions (near-upright and reclined): Pass. The sticky backrest makes it trivial to adopt any position you like.
- Open hip angle in the reclined position: Pass.
- Lumbar support: Pass. The foam in the lumbar area was a bit too deep for me. There’s no way to adjust the depth of support, so I would advise extended testing.
- Backrest should adapt to your back: Pass. Excellent flexible plastic backrest.
- Seatpan must not be too long: Pass.
- Micromovements: Pass, but just barely. The back mostly stays where you put it. You can rock, but only a tiny bit.
- Armrests (if you care about them): Pass. Superb adjustability marred by rubbery caps.
- Annoyances: Gets quite hot. Cushion in the seat feels a bit weird to some people. Upright lock is glitchy.
Final words
The Steelcase Gesture is a good chair for computer work, but it is a chair that shows how difficult it is to improve on the Leap. It fixes the Leap’s most nagging issue – the overdesigned backrest that may “lag” or make noises – but introduces two other significant problems: an overheating seatpan (with foam that feels a bit weird to sit on) and unnecessarily high-friction arm caps. Unlike on the Leap, the backrest curve is not adjustable, so its prominent lumbar profile is either for you, or it isn’t – for me, it was a bit too much, but I could live with it.
All of the issues I’ve listed above have a degree of subjectivity. If it never gets above 25 °C (77 °F) in your office, you probably won’t notice the thermal issues. If you don’t use armrests when typing or mousing, you won’t have a problem with the arm caps. You may or may not find the seatpan puts pressure on your thighs. And the lumbar-heavy backrest may be a perfect fit for your spine. The Steelcase Gesture is definitely worth trying out in your own workspace, but perhaps not as your first choice.
Will you be posting the review on the Leap anytime soon?
Thanks for your reviews, you are making an awesome work!!
Wow, thanks for the superb review mate!
The ability to go towards thoracic extension is intriguing (27:05 on bktang’s vid), and much needed upgrade from my HM sayl which locks your thorax hard to a semi-kyhpotic state.
Just like you I’m not a fan of the sticky backrest, Micromovements are important and I honestly believe they’ll become a standard in the future of chairs technology.
The only other good chair I’ve tested that allow thoracic extension but no sticky backrest is the Embody, have you found any others?
Btw regarding armrest shape/material, found a way to customize those.
Bought highquality foam, cut to shape, and fitted with a special tie.
Did it on my HM Sayl, one less factor when buying chairs is good for me.
https://i.imgur.com/SBMimg6.jpg
Chai,
I wouldn’t say “I’m not a fan” of the sticky backrest. It has pros and cons. The optimal solution would be some kind of combination of stickiness and micromovements. The Amia comes fairly close to that due to its relative springiness (but with insufficient max recline).
About your question, I think you can only get thoracic extension if the backrest is flexible. It’s not enough if it just reclines a long way. There aren’t very many chairs with flexible backrests. Usually it’s a rigid frame with some kind of upholstery or mesh.
Thank Thomasz.
Finally had a look at the Gesture, fantastic chair, definitely a step up from my Sayl and might end up grabbing it.
Totally see what you mean about pros/cons of stick backrest, it does allow one to easily change to different steady positions which the Herman Miller doesn’t.
Update, bought it and confirm most of your points.
Definitely a swamp chair, ended up using Seat-X (special lycra cover), which solves this problem up to 33c 50% humidity, I imagine in summer will have to wash cover once a month.
The armrest material is poor, however I cut custom armpads from high quality foam (EVA 75) to shape, placed at elbow for maximum precision and minimal wrist strain.
My chair’s armrests were few millimeter off from each other, found couple other people had same issue, but nothing the custom armpads couldn’t fix.
The lumbar is excessive at lowest liveback position, however it’s *not enough* at the opposite position! (thoracic extension)
Basically meaning wish it had about double the range both ways.
Lack of free recline was dearly missed, and wish it had another recline lock position at around 120º
Apart from that good purchase, 1 step backwards but 2 step forwards from my Sayl.
Hi Tom, re the mechanical issue of the back not popping upright fully, I just bought a Gesture and can confirm this is not an issue relating to the tilt angle setting. Rather it’s the tilt tension setting.
At higher resistance, the chair back pops fully upright each time. You can actually feel the subtle “live” interplay as you recline too and the lumbar is truly supported.
At a looser setting, the back needs your hands behind it as you say, to manually return the backrest to shoulder hug sensation.
Whether every user wants a hard reclining resistance though is the question. For some, it may be too hard on the spine. I reckon the spring-back is potent enough to kick you out of your seat!
Thanks for this review and confirming the confusing experience I was having.
Yeah, that sounds right. If you crank up the tension, the force is sufficient to push the backrest all the way forward. So heavier users should be fine.
Hi Tom
Just recently purchased this chair, but have been very disappointed with the lack of recline in the seat. It feels unatural to me and as if I am sliding out of the chair rather than being tucked into it.
Do you have any recommendations on which chairs to look for if I want a chair that reclines much more in the seat?
Thanks
The Gesture’s seat does recline, although slightly less than the Leap’s. If you want a huge amount of recline in the seat, try an Aeron or Mirra. I don’t recommend it, though.
Sorry to comment on such an old post, but I came across this looking for some info relative to my own Gesture chair that I took delivery of about a week ago. I’m curious – do you recall any wobble or “play” in the seat pan? Especially when not reclining, the seat pan on mine wobbles quite a bit. I contacted Steelcase about it, and they said that unless I was falling out of the chair or it otherwise seemed unsafe, it was “within spec.” I certainly wouldn’t call it unsafe, but it is distracting, and combined with how creaky/clicky it is when reclining, the overall build quality isn’t quite what I was hoping for in a chair in this price range. My experience also mirrors yours with respect to both thigh pressure and the lumbar slide not staying in place.
Thanks much for the well thought-out review!
Sorry, I don’t recall much about seatpan wobble on the Gesture, but I’m not surprised. My Leap and Amia also have some wobble. As for the creakiness, it’s probably fixable with some lithium grease applied to critical joints. You just have to learn to remove the seatpan. There are some videos online for the Leap — the same technique might work on the Gesture. I have to grease my 5-year-old Amia every 3-4 months.
In general, the build quality on Steelcase chairs is not stellar. I’ve seen all sorts of problems. Case in point: the gas lift on my 5.5-years old Amia just broke, half a year after the warranty expired.
Just to give a quick update – the store where I purchased the chair sent a tech over to evaluate the clicking/wobble/backrest issues. He virtually had the entire chair disassembled, and was unable to resolve the noise issue (he did say that the wobble and backrest sliding were more or less byproducts of the design and are what they are). Steelcase advised the dealer to send the chair back and a replacement will be sent out.
Hello! Thank you for this review! It served as my guide to purchasing my chair. My apologies as well for bringing up an old thread.
I initially purchased an Embody and found the seat to cause pain on my thighs and buttocks due to the lack of cushion. The lumbar support was also not as pronounced, so it didn’t provide me great support as I have a pronounced “c-curved” back. The thoracic/upper back support was wonderful though. Ultimately, I returned it for a Steelcase Gesture.
The Gesture does provide me better cushioning, but noticed the seat pan is definitely smaller and when I push the seat pan all the way to the max, there is a large gap at the back of the chair. Its also difficult to sit cross legged (I know that’s bad), which the Embody allowed me to do to a greater extent.
My issue with the Gesture is that I feel like the chair is pushing me off the seat pan and I feel pressure or firmness on my buttocks…or I feel like I have to contract those muscles, not really sure what’s happening. And while the lumbar support is better on the Gesture compared to the Embody, I still experience soreness in that area.
Any suggestions on any adjustments I could make to alleviate this? I’m 5’7 (170cm) and 255 lbs. (116kg) My seat height tends to be on the lower end of 17-17.5 (43-44)” for my comfort.
The gap at the back of the chair can be easily eliminated by moving the seat backwards. About the pressure on your buttocks, it could be that you are just one of the people who need more cushioning. The Gesture’s seatpan is not particularly firm. It might help if you place an extra cushion on the seat.
Hello, I’m undecided between a Leap and a Gesture. I read both your reviews and seen practically every single thread/discussion regarding the two also Aeron’s and the like. I’m demoing a Leap V2 with headrest and not a fan of this chairs headrest. I have yet to try a Gesture with headrest, I hope it’s better than the Leap’s. I’d like to ask you between the two which provides the better lumbar support as I’ve had herniated discs in the past and I’d like to pick the chair which would suit me best as I am 5’10 ~170lbs. I am doing well now and I am back to squatting and deadlifting heavy weights and have regained my mobility. I understand you felt that the Gesture had excessive support. But, for someone with my history do you feel that the Gesture may be the right choice?
Thank you for your detailed reviews.
-Mark
Hello, I am undecided between the Leap and the Gesture. I am looking for the chair that would have the better lumbar support since I’ve had herniated discs in the past. I have recovered and I am back to squatting and deadlifting heavy weight and regained full mobility. I am currently demoing a Leap V2 at home with headrest, I hope the Gesture headrest is better, the Leap’s isn’t worth it. I understand you felt the Gesture had excessive lumbar support but, for someone with my history would you suggest it over the Leap?
If you have the Leap at home and it works for you, I’d say keep it, unless it’s very easy for you to get a demo unit of the Gesture. Make sure you sit with your back pressed against the backrest (don’t leave a gap).
Thank you for all the great reviews.
I posted this on reddit, but I was curious about your opinion: do you think Steelcase got ergonomics right with its “sticky” backrest mechanism? Specially considering the alternative: my ergonomic advisor recommended me to let the backrest of the ergonomic chairs unlocked, and play with the tension adjustment till I find a position in which I’m supported by the backrest.
However my issue is that if I find such “balance point” I’m basically stuck in one position: I cannot lean back because the backrest will offer some resistance, and I cannot lean forward because I will not have enough support.
To me the sticky backrest mechanism of the Steelcase chairs makes much more sense, since it promotes changing positions often. I’m trying a Gesture, and I like this mechanism a lot, so much so that I wonder if all the so-called ergonomic chairs should have it.
I pretty much think all ergonomic chairs should have sticky backrests OR some kind of easy-to-access knob or lever that enables you to quickly switch between 2 or more tension settings (Think-style). The idea is switching positions should be easy. Even a small hindrance can discourage people from using a feature.
I tried the Gesture after selling my Embody. I must say I’m pretty happy I took that decision 🙂 Unlike the Embody:
– it provides good support on my upper back, as well as on the lower back of course.
– it has a sticky backrest mechanism, which is great.
– it has armrests you can actually use (with the Embody I was adapting to the armrests)
However I have two main concerns:
– For some reason the chair seems to make the lower part of my right thigh hurt. I feel like there’s some extra pressure there. It might be due to the seat pan, but since the pain is only at one side it could be something in my body.
– The lumbar support seems to be ok, but I’m worried I cannot adjust it (I have the extra support, but that’s just a bit of plastic).
I am experiencing exactly the same. My right thigh / buttocks is hurting and the seat pan is too short for me, even when fully extended. The curve of the backrest is definitely not a “fit all” design – the lumbar curve pushes me out of the char as it is hitting way too low.
Thank you for the great review. I’ve had the Gesture for about a month as an upgrade to my Leap v1. In combination with the Kinesis Advantage 2 that I got around the same time as the gesture, it has completely eliminated the tendonitis in my wrists, reduced shoulder and back pain, and possibly improved my posture.
The challenge I am having is that my thighs and calves start giving me a “buzzing” feeling as soon as I sit down and then I feel a lot of pressure in my calves once I stand up after sitting for as short as even 20 minutes (I usually get up and walk around at least once per hour). My legs don’t fall asleep exactly, but it seems to be causing some circulation issues in my legs. I am 6’2″ and weigh about 175lbs.
I really want to try and find a way to make this chair work as it is fantastic otherwise. I spoke with the Steelcase product support department and they believe I’m using everything properly. Feet flat on the floor, calves about 2-3 inches away from the seat’s edge, knees at a 90 degree angle…etc. I’ve tried adjusting the seat depth backwards and forwards though perhaps not precisely enough.
Any other suggestions? Would it be possible to buy a cushion of some sort to put over the seat, something with a lower density perhaps, which could allow for improved circulation? I’m also open to a footrest.
Your review of the gesture is very similar to my own experience with it. I read all your reviews on the Steelcase chairs and was still foolish enough to get the gesture without any return policy. Unfortunately, most Steelcase resellers don’t offer any return policy here in Germany. Sadly, the chair does just not work for my back. The S-Curve is way too aggressive for me. It feels like it’s too “low” on my back and thus putting too much pressure on my sacrum (?) What I don’t understand is why Steelcase chose not to made the backrest height adjustable like almost all other chair manufacturers (e.g. Dauphin) do. Maybe there is just too much internet hype around Steelcase. I have tested the chair for almost 4 weeks now and the lower back pain (sacrum area) is killing me. No matter how I adjust the chair. Very disappointing.
The quality of the chair parts is good but – like your issue with the leap – the mechanics seem to be the weakest part. After 2 weeks the recline mechanism started developing a “clicking” sound. Now after 3,5 weeks it started “groaning” when reclining. Probably dust that starts building up next to it and then getting into the lubed mechanism. I have never experienced such an design flaw on a chair.
All in all I am disappointed. Some features are great (armrests, headrest) but the most important parts just don’t match the price and the hype. Maybe it’s just my body type. But yeah: Lesson learned. Never pay 900€ without good return policy.
Btw: I tested a Dauphin Shape Elan for about an hour and it felt like heaven in comparison to the Gesture. Very smooth recline mechanism too. Probably gonna get hold on one of those (with return policy this time)
Oh man, this comment makes me kinda sad. Because you spend 900€ on a chair you can’t return and doesn’t fit to your body.
Do you have the version with or without the adjustable lumbar support? This thing makes the back much more aggressive tbh. I could send you a pdf from Steelcase to remove it (although it’s not designed to be removed).
“Unfortunately, most Steelcase resellers don’t offer any return policy here in Germany”
You mean locals? Every online shop gives you a good 14-day return policy. Yes, support your locals… but to test a chair you really should just try a online shop. But you need someone that helps you carry it in… like the 30kg Gesture 😀
I tested the Gesture 2 weeks from buero object and I really liked it. Interestingly it fits perfectly my back after 1 week of pain. I felt in love with the backrest, because it’s so flexible and supportive in every direction. It really feels like a chair that supports you in every way you sit on it.
Well my 3 negative points are:
– My ellbows always sitting on the arm rests.
– The seat pad is too firm/too thick???
– the chair is not great for uneven ground. It leans a little bit to the right which makes me sitting too uneven.
Beside of that I think it’s really the best chair someone could buy… without the adjustable lumbar support.
The sounds of the backrest shouldn’t be/or get much of a problem. Seems like it’s a disadvantage of the sticky backrest.
Now I’m using the Steelcase Please and for me it’s a downgrade in every way, beside of the awesome (and adjustable) back support. This chair is cheaper than the Gesture, will fit more people and it’s still absolutely great. Well it’s hard to decide.
General speaking of Steelcase Chairs:
Yes, they are kinda overhyped but they are also still one of the best chairs you can buy. Every Steelcase chair has it’s own flaws and advantages. No one is completely perfect. If you look to many other chairs you will feel the same. And the crazier the chairs get the more design flaws it could have.
Maybe you can sell your Chair on Ebay as long it’s “new”. And trying the Steelcase Please.
Dauphin seems like a great chair producer but I didn’t test them yet. Are they really that awesome? 😀
I got the version with basically everything except leather. The “lum bar” is way too hart, I have already moved it away from the pain spots but it doesnt really fix my issue tbh.
The issue with online shops is that you have to pay for return (which can be up to 150€) so I figured that it’s not worth it for 14 days testing. Plus I got the chair way (850€ instead of ~ 1000) cheaper.
Imho the Gesture is great but not a crowdplease due to its aggressive S-Curve and no tension setting. The “fits everyone” marketing is pretty much bs. I always feel like I just need to put the backrest a little bit higher. because the pain is where the S-Curve digs into my (very) lower back.
Another issue is that the seat puts pressure on my thighs. Probably the same issue Tomasz noticed in his review.
Amazon reviews pretty much confirms my experience. The 1 Star reviews state the same kind of discomfort with Gesture. So it’s definitely a body related issue.
The Please chair seems great in terms of comfort but has some fundamental flaws. The backrest is well known for cracking, watch out for that. I know several people who had the backrest switched multiple times.
Dauphin seems to be very common in Gov administrations. Not much hype there. Probably due to the different target group. Unfortunately their warranty is a joke in comparison to Steelcase. Only 4 years and a lot of bs. Still keen on trying tho. That chair felt comfortable and did not cause me any pain. Armrests where shit in comparison to Gesture (of course)
Hi Lars,
thx for your interesting review about the GESTURE. I’m about to buy a new chair too and I’ve tested so many chairs in the Steelcase Showroom that I got back-ache only from testing. 🙂
My experience with the Gesture is basically the same like yours. I think the first impression is quite good but I also had problems with the “S-Curve” which is too pronounced for me. I tried the PLEASE afterwards and even it is ergonomically perfect I didn’t like it eighter despite all the different options. Afterwards I tested the AMIA which seems to be good for my body time despite the limited alignements. It’s softer then all the other chairs but may first impression was good. I also tried the REPLY AIR (didn’t like the regular REPLY) and I have to admit that I felt comfortable as well, even to the sitting experience is firmer than with the AMIA. Big advantage is that the REPLY has a moderate price (for Steelcase). However I have to add that this reviews are from 90 Min. of testing in the showroom so I don’t have a long-term experience. Thx for mentioning the Dauphin chairs – didn’t know this brand – I need to find out whether they have a showroom in Austria.
The Gesture is nice, but one of the Gesture’s I had developed some extremely nasty creaking noises, especially when shifting one’s body weight left/right while seated.
The fix involved a bit of a solid-state lubricant. The flour adheres slightly to all the moving plastic and metal parts in the Gesture, and when moving around in the Gesture, the phenomenon of bulk shear takes over. Problem mostly solved.
https://imgur.com/a/76EuLiH
My issue with the Gesture is that I feel it does not support my upper back sufficiently.
Lumbar support is great, but because of the excessive lumbar curve, my shoulders almost have no support from the backrest.
This is especially noticable in the reclined positition when resting my head on the headrest.
I really don’t know if that is an ergonomically problem and I just could get used to it, because chairs like the HM Aeron do not even have an upper backrest.
At the moment, it annoys me to a degree where I’m thinking about testing a Please instead, eventough I really like the headrest and superb armrest very much.
Whether or not it’s an ergonomics problem, it’s certainly a comfort problem.
Hi Tomasz,
I have the same problem as you with the gesture which is too aggressive for my back. But I have the lumbar support option. The leap is not available new in my country so its not an option because i need to buy it internationale without any possibility of testing. Can you tell if without the option the gesture is very different? I would have tried it without unfortunately steelcase will not accept the return of my seat if I start to disassemble it.
For some background I have an anterior pelvic tilt. I need to be maintained and avoid a gap in my hollow back but gently. If the seatpan digs into my back it causes me pain. The gesture didnt cause me pain at the instant of the try but few days after . I’m 5’7 and 145 lbs.
Thanks
Damien,
I don’t think it is very different – the lumbar support is just a piece of plastic that makes things stiffer, but it doesn’t change the curvature of the backrest. You could try removing the lumbar support yourself – I bet you could put it back in later and your dealer won’t be any the wiser. Failing that, you could try moving the support all the way down to minimize its effect.
The Gesture had to be one of the most uncomfortable chairs I have ever sat in, I promptly returned it. I bought it on Amazon which made it a bit of a hassle as well, the head rest was the most useless thing in existence as well. Every time I leaned my head against it, it just retracted all the way back to its original position. The adjustment for the head rest is done through friction, and perhaps my head is overly big, but it was awful. In addition, I have never had a chair as uncomfortable not only in the sitting position, but in the leaning back position, the position that should be relaxing was simply not relaxing at all!!
Thanks for the review Tom. How does the Gesture compare to the Leap with regard to the ‘swamp chair’ issue? This is a non-starter for me unfortunately.
The Gesture’s seat is much thicker and warmer than the Leap’s.
Hello Tom,
Do you know for the same price what is the best for me between gesture and Please chair at the time (I do not know if some improvements have been done).
I already tried Haworth fern (was nice but chair was broken twice due to poor packaging and I have to cancelled), Herman miller embody gaming version (really nice but armrest was really bad) and Aeron (was really not for me, not confortable at all!)
I could possibly order both (gesture and please) chairs and send one back but i would really prefer to avoid this (planet wise..)
Thanks a lot!
Maybe you could try the Please first and send it back if you don’t like it? If you care about armrests, make sure you get the improved 4D armrests.