Review : Secretlab Evo + Charcoal Blue Skin

At the end of 2021, we brought you Secretlab’s Titan Cookies & Cream seat for testing, followed by their 2022 model. Today, we’re back with the Titan Evo model in size S and its charcoal blue fabric skin for their respective tests. As a reminder, the seat is currently available for €524, while the skin is available for €199.

In this test, we’ll be judging the quality of this seat, its skin, its assembly and, above all, its day-to-day comfort.

So, what’s the value of Secretlab’s Titan Evo? Find out in our full review!

Presentation

The Titan Evo S is clearly designed for smaller users. It has been specially designed for users measuring less than 1.70 m and ideally weighing less than 90 kg. But don’t worry, it can still support up to 130 kg. This is more of an ideal weight, if you want to feel comfortable on the chair, morphologically speaking. The regular model can ideally support 100 kg, while the XL model can support up to 180 kg. So make no mistake when choosing your model on the Secretlab website. But it’s all pretty clear!

The brand doesn’t skimp on interesting options, equipping, like Noblechairs and its Hero, with an integrated lumbar support adjustable by means of a small knob.

Here too, we’re treated to a memory foam cushion. The cushion is magnetic and attaches itself to the top of the backrest without straps. It can be removed or kept in place, as the user wishes. Secretlab also offers 4D armrests with magnetic tops.

The Titan Evo model is available in a host of different materials and colors. In fact, when it comes to upholstery, you’ll find Secretlab Neo hybrid imitation leather, softweave plus fabric and NAPA leather. Of course, the price depends on the material you choose. Then there are the different colors depending on the covering you choose. Here again, prices vary according to the patterns selected. Indeed, limited editions are bound to be more expensive than other models.

Otherwise, Secretlab seats come with a 5-year warranty.

This “S” model is clearly smaller than the XL model we tested previously. In fact, the widest part of the backrest measures between 62 and 70 cm, depending on the position of the armrests, while the upper part of the backrest is 51 cm wide. The seat is 53 cm (with edges) and 48 cm deep.

You can also vary the height of this Secretlab seat thanks to its actuator. You’ll have room to maneuver from 45 to 52 cm.

Here, the base of this S model measures 70 cm (compared with 80 cm for the XL model), while the complete seat weighs almost 33.5 kg. That’s almost 4 kg less than the brand’s largest model.

[nextpage title=”Montage”]

Titan Evo assembly

It’s time to start assembling the Titan Evo S. The packaging is very neat, with all components packed in hermetically sealed bags. Likewise, spare parts such as cylinders, cylinder covers, screws and bolts are protected by protective foam. In terms of packaging and presentation alone, the brand claims to be top-of-the-range!

Steps 1 and 2: Foot and jack installation

As with all the seats we’ve tested so far, the assembly stage begins with the installation of the base. To do this, we take the five-legged base and turn it upside down. Then, at the end of each leg, we insert a castor. You don’t have to use too much force, just a little, and it clicks into place!

Once the castors are in place, we turn the assembly over and place the jack in its center. Once the cylinder is in place, we can place the cover around it.

Step 3: Mounting the backrest on the seat

The next step is to install the backrest directly onto the seat. In any case, this is how you should proceed, referring to the instructions. You should also know that, compared with the 2020 series, we still have the backrest side rail, which facilitates assembly. Simply slide the backrest onto the rail and screw in place, everything is perfectly aligned. Just note that this famous rail is only present on the left-hand side.

Once the backrest is in place, you can “unlock” the lever controlling its inclination. To do this, remove the screw locking the mechanism. It would have been a shame to injure yourself when the mechanism backfires, as it generates a lot of force!

Finally, to complete the installation, remove the side screw covers. No need to screw anything in, these are held in place by magnets. No change from the 2020 range.

Step 4: Preparing and mounting the tilting bracket

The next step is to install the Titan Evo S’s tilting bracket. We start by positioning the joysticks on either side of the bracket. Simply insert them sideways until you hear a click.

Once ready, all that’s left to do is screw it onto the backrest. First, however, you’ll need to turn the whole seat back over. It’s best to be accompanied, as this assembly is already quite heavy! In short, once you’ve got your butt in the air, you can proceed with screwing on the support. The large screw should point towards the front of the seat.

Step 5: Fitting the foot

The penultimate step in the assembly of Secretlab’s Titan Evo S is to install the stand on the freshly mounted bracket. To do this, insert the actuator into the hole pointing towards the backrest. During this maneuver, the actuator cover may prove recalcitrant and fall off.

Now that everything’s in place, you’ll clearly need help to straighten the chair. Normally, the person who helped you in the previous step should still be around ?

Step 6: put on the armrests

Finally, the armrests complete the assembly of the chair. There’s no difficulty here, as all you have to do is place the armrest tops in their dedicated positions. Magnets hold everything in place. In the event of a tear, just call our service department and we’ll send you a new set. No need to reach under the seat, completely unscrewing the armrests to replace them. Well done Secretlab.

In a nutshell:

Broadly speaking, the assembly process is very similar to that of the previous series. Aids and assistance are still present, such as the side rail on the backrest side. Likewise, the safety aspect is also present, since you won’t be able to operate the backrest recline lever without having assembled it… At least, if you follow the instructions to the letter.

On the other hand, you’ll need a little extra help during assembly, especially when it comes to straightening and/or turning the seat/backrest. This model is imposing and heavy, so don’t strain your back during assembly.

Skin installation

Installing the skin on this Titan Evo S is really quick and easy. The first thing to do is to open the box and unpack the various components. Like the seat, everything is protected in plastic covers.

We then start by installing the top section. Simply unfold the fabric cover and slip it over the seat, no more, no less. The most “complicated” part is stretching it tightly and then passing the straps under the backrest.

And we repeat with the bottom part.

Here on this second part, you’ll need to clip two tabs on either side of the seat.

Once installed, don’t hesitate to go back around the seat and tighten the skin on all sides to avoid wrinkles. All in all, in just a few minutes, the whole thing is installed and ready to use!

[nextpage title=”Comfort and ergonomics”]

It’s time to test the comfort and ergonomics of Secretlab’s Titan Evo S and its fabric skin. We’re off!

A word about the “classic” skin:

Our seat of the day comes with a polyurethane cover called Neo. It’s relatively thin to the touch, with a texture that imitates leather. Even so, for this type of upholstery, the welcome isn’t too cold when you sit on it. Of course, it’s still cooler than fabric, but it will warm up fairly quickly. As this is a breathable seat, it shouldn’t retain heat either.

An improved lumbar support system!

This is one of the new features of the 2022 version: the improved lumbar system! Like the Noblechairs, we used to have a single knob to control seat depth. With the 2022 models, it’s now possible to manage the depth via a first knob, but also the height using a second knob. This allows you to position the recess so that it sits exactly in the hollow of your back.

Magnetic cushion:

This Secretlab seat comes with a small memory foam cushion. This foam is very supple, unlike the brand’s previous models. It’s therefore more pleasant to use. Another plus is that it’s magnetic. Yes, you read that right. It positions itself on the top of the seat, without straps, and holds itself in place. It’s really practical, because you can really position it as you like, according to your head/neck position. Gone are the straps that wear out and stretch over time, as was the case with the 2020 models or Noblechairs.

Once seated in the Titan Evo S 2022 ” Classic ” :

This S model is of course designed for people under 1.70 m tall and weighing less than 90 kg. In my case, it’s perfectly suited to my 1.65m frame. It clearly adapts to my height and weight. Once I’m sitting on it, I don’t feel cramped either in my shoulders or in the seat. In fact, the seat is “open”, giving me plenty of freedom of movement.

The same applies to the bucket section at the bottom of the seat. The hips come to rest here naturally, without being constrained. I feel enveloped and supported without being squeezed. Finally, at the top of the seat, my shoulders are level with the widened backrest.

The foam in this Secretlab seat is much softer than in the Noblechairs. If I have to compare it to my partner’s Hero TX, the difference is really obvious! The Noblechairs keep you upright, especially in the seat area. Nevertheless, the Secretlab foam is still firm, without being too hard, and will provide good support on a daily basis. In any case, it’s not something that “shocked” me in the sense that I’m used to it since I’ve been using the Titan Cookies & Cream since the test came out in September 2021!

A quick word on the aesthetics of the Titan Evo S 2022 “Classic “:

Aesthetically speaking, this Titan model from Secretlab is as successful as ever. By default, in its classic upholstery, it doesn’t look dull thanks to the little contrasts present all over the seat. For example, between the polyurethane and the white stripes on the seat and back, as well as the various logos embroidered into the seat.

This type of detail is also found on the back of the seat, with a number of embroidered logos. What’s more, Secretlab even includes an NFC chip on the back of the chair, so you can check whether your model is an original product or not. This automatically redirects you to the brand’s website. Secretlab logos are also featured on the armrests of the Evo S 2022, with a small plaque reading: ” Designed by Secretlab 2022/2023 series “.

Let’s talk about the armrests:

The armrests are made of plastic, but they’re also relatively flexible in use. This is a real pleasure to use, since our elbows rest on a soft, non-rigid surface. We can therefore spend hours with our elbows resting on them, even hard, without any pain whatsoever.

What’s more, the undersides of the armrests are removable and held in place by magnets. This is very practical, as it means they can be easily replaced should they become damaged.

The armrests on the Secretlab seat are 4D and can be adjusted in all directions. The range of adjustment is good, allowing you to position them as you wish.

And what about the skin?

As you may already know, Secretlab offers skins that can be installed on your seat to change the color or hide the original upholstery if it becomes damaged. Installation is relatively straightforward, as you saw in the previous section of this article. But what does it actually do?

First of all, it’s worth noting that installing a fabric skin on a PU model isn’t necessarily the best idea of the century. Indeed, the cover will unfortunately tend to slide over the original skin. The retaining clips often come off, so you’ll regularly have to pull the cover back on and reclip it to the sides of the chair. Not to mention that if you move forward on the seat without lifting your buttocks off it, the cover will follow you too. In our case, we have to replace the cover at least 2-3 times a week. However, we suppose a cover would hold better on a fabric cover! But please check.

What’s more, the fabric effect isn’t necessarily there. In fact, this textile looks more like a polyester “plastic” covering than fabric per se. We won’t get that warm, comforting effect we had with our original fabric model.

In our case, the magnetic cushion often falls off for no reason at all, due to the layer between the seat and the cushion. It’s a bit of a shame, especially when you consider that a skin costs between 199 euros and 229 euros for special editions. That’s almost half the price of a PU or fabric chair! As a reminder, the seat with Softweave Plus upholstery costs 544 euros, and 524 euros for the Neo hybrid leatherette model.

[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]

We’ve come to the end of our test of the Titan Evo S 2022 with its SecretLab skin . So it’s time to wrap it up!

A presentation as meticulous as ever :

There’s no denying it, one of the brand’s strong points is the presentation of their products. From the moment they arrive home, the packaging is meticulous, giving us quite an unpacking experience. I’ve only seen this at Secretlab personally. Everything is packed in vacuum bags and the elements are presented in compartmentalized foam. And it’s the same treatment with the brand’s skins .

Simple, secure assembly!

As you can see, assembly is simple and straightforward. You’ll find plenty of tips and tricks to make this stage even easier. These include the magnetic side covers and the rail on the side of the seat, which is unfortunately only present on one side of the chair.

On top of that, everything is secure. If we follow the instructions to the letter, we won’t be able to operate the lever to raise the backrest without it being fitted. This could save us a flipped wrist (for example), if we handle this element carelessly.

Great improvements over the 2020 version:

The 2022 model offers some significant improvements over the 2020 series. These include the lumbar support, which can now be adjusted in height and depth. The advantage is that this system can be adapted to the user.

What’s more, the armrests are soft and easily replaceable, thanks to magnetic installation. There’s also a cushion held in place by the same magnet system. Speaking of the latter, it’s much more pleasant to use than on the previous version. This is something I’ve been systematically removing for years. Here, for the first time I think, it’s still sitting on my chair!

A word about the skin:

As far as the skin is concerned, the principle is very appealing on paper. Indeed, you can change the visual aspect of your chair in the blink of an eye, according to your desires. Set-up is really simple, taking just a few minutes at the most. You don’t have to undo or unscrew a thing, which is great! Even so, it’s important to remember that this is a cover only, and it comes with a few negative aspects. It won’t replace the original coating. In fact, the cover will tend to slide around on the seat, so you’ll need to replace it regularly and reclip it on the sides.

Even so, the skin isn’t really fabric. It’s a kind of polyester, so forget the soft, warm, comforting look of your original fabric if you had a Secretlab softweave cover on your chair. What’s more, expect to have to replace the magnetic cushion regularly, as it will tend to fall off due to the cover’s overlay.

A very high price :

Secretlab is not a brand that everyone can afford. To buy a gaming chair, you’ll need to spend at least 524 euros (excluding special offers). As for the skins, the price varies between 199 and 229 euros, i.e. almost half the price of the chair. It’s starting to sting. Nevertheless, this is a top-quality seat, with a 5-year warranty. It remains to be seen whether you can/want to pay such a high price for your chair.

Secretlab Titan Evo S 2022 Skin:

We liked:

• The chair’s ultra-careful presentation
• The contrasting look of this “Classic” version
• The wide range of colors and coverings..
• … as well as the different sizes available
• The number of different skins available on the site to change the chair’s look
• 4D armrests that remain soft and magnetic
• The safety aspect of assembly
• The chair’s impeccable workmanship and finish
• Soft foam , not too hard
• Height-adjustable lumbar support
• Magnetic cervical cushion = no more straps and more comfortable to use

We didn’t like :

• The absence of a second rail for backrest mounting
• The price, which is still very high: €549 for this version alone
• The price of the skins (almost half the price of the seat)
• The cover needs to be reattached to the chair on a regular basis
• The magnetic cushion falls off because of the overlay

With its Titan Evo, Secretlab offers us a chair that takes up the advantages of the previous series and improves on other aspects. I’m thinking of the cushions, armrests and lumbar support. Otherwise, presentation is still top-notch, as are finishes and manufacturing quality. On the other hand, you’ll have to pay a hefty sum for this 2022 model, as the bill climbs to €550. In spite of this, we feel it’s justified in view of what’s on offer – you don’t get something for nothing. As far as the skin is concerned, it’s bronze for us. Indeed, despite the number of different covers on offer, we mustn’t forget that the price is too high in my opinion (half the price of the seat), that it will have to be reclipped regularly and that the cushion often tends to fall off because of the overlay.

Thanks to Secretlab!