Steelcase Leap Chair- 12.29.08
The Steelcase Leap has been literally supporting me through this holiday season. Amongst the chaos and overworking it’s been looking out for my back and posture, and its comfy! I also love that it comes in a stool version, perfect for those architectural sketching desks… and then a lounge version too with a leather ottoman to match! Check out the whole Steelcase Leap collection.
So here’s the deal, while my back can’t talk and tell you quite how comfy and supported it’s felt ~ and although the holidays are coming to a close and most are getting back to the office soon… here’s the perfect post holiday gift to help yourself (or your hard workers) have a little more fun at work (Steelcase claims that increased ergonomics increases productivity…. and in between there i assume everyone just feels better and happier too!). So here’s my review/closer look through lots of pictures on the next page ~ including the inspiring GIANT cardboard box! And pictures that can’t be missed on the next page… besides the closeups… pictures of their test models! They look like fantastic crazy contraptions from medieval times meet today’s office chairs! Check it all out on the next page ~
First things first ~ awesomest unboxing surprise yet…. a MASSIVE box showed up at the door, the type where the delivery guy forces me to open both sides of the double glass doors just so he can get it into the house… (the chair was in one piece, no assembling/etc)… and i pop the top, and i’m greeted with this message that just makes me smile (and wish i was a little kid!)
Personally - building a fort was my first choice ~ but dance floor was hilarious ~ and painting a recycled box masterpiece awesome as well ~ but PUPPET THEATER!!!! blew my mind. So traditional and old school, but i instantly imagined hours of amusement if my sister and i were little… so if you order a bunch of these for your office, please, have a weekend where you invite all the kids in to build forts, make art, and have a puppet show! (and yes, storage and donations are good ideas too) That being said, i was quite distractedly inspired by the time i had to figure out how to lift/tilt/maneuver the awesome chair out of the HUGE box!
The shape of the back support is interesting, and feels great, nice to have the additional height adjustable lumbar support piece as well…
Here are a few details pulled from various Steelcase materials…
Here is a look at a few detail shots i just took ~ i love the way they give you shortcuts in the armrests ~ not that it’s so complicated, but just nice if someone new happens to try it out!
Here’s a look at the back ~ nice sleek lines…
And a closeup look at the mesh backing ~ super comfy!
Not sure why it was amusing, but i liked the idea that a good chair increases productivity ~ but then again, i guess we all do more when happy! and not in ever growing pain…
Ok, here’s my favorite!!! When i was browsing the Steelcase Leap Microsite i had to share these pics of the tester chairs they made to perfect each and every aspect of the final Leap!!!
Here are a few Leap fun facts i was sent:
· The technology in the Leap extends through the company’s seating portfolio and has been integrated (in some way) in virtually every chair launched by Steelcase since Leap (e.g. Think, Amia, Move, Siento, cobi and i2i). It has also been licensed for use in automobiles and airplanes by those industries respectively. The Leap technology is currently being used by Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines with other airlines close to announcing their plans to integrate as well.
· Leap was four years in development; the company partnered with four universities, 27 different scientists and 11 studies including 732 participants
· When under development, the Steelcase seating development team took a fresh look at biomechanics and the impact increased computer use was having on workers who could be tethered to their computers for up to nine years of their life
· LiveBack technology allows the upper and lower parts of the backrest to function independently
· Leap mimics the individual user’s unique spinal motion so the user is free to move, but never left unsupported, allowing the user to stay comfortable and productive
· Lower back controls allow the user to specify the preferred amount of lumbar support, creating a hugging sensation as the pressure is dialed up
· The Natural Glide System allows the seat to glide forward so users stay in the vision and reach zone even when reclined
Here’s an overview of the different options ~ i’m kind of craving an ottoman now…
And just like the Think chair i reviewed a few years ago, Steelcase goes the extra mile to make it as green as possible it seems…
Ooooh and for the record, while i still LOVE the look and feel of the Think chair, the Steelcase Leap is definitely more supportive of my overworked little body… If you ever wander past one in an office, etc ~ hop in and feel for yourself!
Take Ben’s advice and look into the Ergohuman. My boyfriend bought one for our home office for like $540 or something. I think it is awesome and I have actually kinda taken it over becasue I think it is so comfortable!
----- Jamie 27.03.09 09:53