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.
