DXRacer released the world’s first gaming chair in 2006. For over 15 years, it has reigned as one of the most successful names in the industry. In recent years, the company switched focus from sales to R&D to address changing market trends. In 2021, DXRacer began rolling out its new product line. This article reviews the new 2021 collection of DXRacer gaming chairs. It has relevance for fans of office chairs, gaming chairs, and desk-free mobile computing.
DXRacer is a Chinese company with its global headquarters located in Michigan. The company’s pioneering 2006 design coincided with the rise of esports. That helped gaming chairs to become a thriving global industry.
DXRacer 2021 product revamp
When the work-from-home era emerged in 2020, demand for gaming chairs skyrocketed. Some big gaming chair brands struggled to keep up with demand. Others (like Secretlab and GTRacing) began breaking sales records.
In our 2020 Gaming Chair Industry Report, we predicted that the massive office chair industry would take notice and swarm into the market. Likely, the minds at DXRacer predicted similar. So instead of bulk selling chairs in 2020, the company focused on reinventing its seating concepts.
Old vs new collections
The old DXRacer product line was confusing. There were racing-style chairs, office-style ones, and some hybrids. But most of that was aesthetic.
Under the hood, most chairs shared similar features. New users browsing the collection would likely struggle to differentiate between different models.
For 2021, DXRacer has trimmed the fat. The Drfting, Boss, Iron, Valkyrie, Classic, and Sentinel Series chairs have been discontinued.
Those get replaced in favor of modular designs (with customizable add-ons). Summary of the new product line:
- P-Series: affordable gaming chairs (for students).
- G-Series: modular gaming chairs for enthusiast home gamers.
- Formula and Racing Series: classic chairs based on the original DXRacer design.
- Master Series: modular chair for pros, executives, and power users.
- Tank Series: big and tall luxury chair.
New concepts: mesh, modular gaming chairs
The new collection introduces two pioneering concepts. We predict these will have a big impact on both the gaming and ergonomic office chair industries. Here’s a quick summary:
Modular gaming chairs
Modular gaming chairs are designed to accommodate extra features. In the new product line, the Master, G-Series, and DXRacer Air all have modular capability.
Optional modules include a retractable footrest, a laptop/mobile device stand, and a cupholder. The most intriguing extra is a mesh fabric seat replacement.
This gives you the best of both worlds. When you desire thick, meaty support, slap in the padded gaming chair seat. When you prefer a light, airy, floating sensation, pop in the mesh fabric seat.
Breathable mesh gaming chairs
Somebody on the DXRacer design team really loved the mesh seat idea. Following up on the modular technology release, DXRacer pushed things even further with an all-mesh gaming chair.
The DXRacer Air has the cool breathability of traditional ergonomic office chairs. Stacked on top are pro esports gaming chair features. Stacked on top of that are an array of modules.
Five years from now, we predict hundreds of mesh modular gaming chairs to flood the market.
DXRacer warranty, durability, and support
All models come with a 2-year warranty on parts, plus 10-year protection on the steel frame. Making a claim is very easy. Simply head over to this form and fill out your details.
Based on my experiences, you can definitely expect DXRacer chairs to meet or exceed the warranty period. Check our DXRacer durability case study for details.
Premium DXRacer chairs for power users
This section summarizes the functionality, dimensions, and value for money DXRacer’s high-end chairs for pros.
Master Series: modular chair for power users
DXRacer price: $499
DXRacer first made waves with its pioneering racing-style design in 2006. Fifteen years later, the company releases a second pioneering design — a modular gaming office chair.
‘Modular’ means you can add on different pieces (at extra cost).
Modular addons
There are four modules you can stack with a Master chair. Two modules enhance the existing qualities of the chair. These are designed for workers not bound by a desk. There’s also a cup-holder addon.
- Multifunction bracket: holds a laptop and tablet or phone.
- Retractable footrest: use this to enjoy La-Z-Boy style reclining. Ideal for console gaming, relaxing, watching movies, and reading.
The fourth module is a mesh seat pan replacement. If you prefer more breathability, this lets you do so with ease.
Many who prefer office-style ergonomic chairs do so for the mesh. With this brilliant addon, the Master chair becomes the world’s first gaming/office chair hybrid.
Master chair features
Beyond the modular addons are two standout chair features. First is a depth-adjustable internal lumbar support, instead of a pillow. Unlike other internal lumbar chairs, the DXRacer model is both depth and height-adjustable.
That’s a massive upgrade. It means that the Master chair can suit a wider range of sizes than any other integrated lumbar chair on the market.
Depth-adjustable lumbars work better than pillows. Controlling the depth lets you set the perfect amount of pressure on your lower back. That ensures full contact between your spine and the backrest, without any gaps.
The other standout is a rail-mounted headrest. Slide it up or down to get the perfect fit for your size.
Summary of specs
According to the DXRacer rep we spoke to, the Master chair is ideal for pros, executives, and power users. “It’s a different concept from our racing-style chairs. It has a more office-style look that suits both gaming and executive workstations.”
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 90-155°; multifunction tilt lock (15-degree seat tilt).
- Support: cold-cured foam padding; integrated (depth-adjustable) lumbar support; rail-mounted headrest.
- Comfort: high-density foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Upholstery: microfiber leather in black, maroon, or brown.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; 3″ ((76 mm) XL PU-coated casters.
DXRacer has done a fantastic job making this chair suitable for a wide range of sizes. In particular, the internal lumbar support has a 2″ height adjustment range as well.
No other chair on the market offers this feature. It allows shorter users to lower the lumbar support to suit their body type.
- Seat width x depth: 15″ (W, excluding seat edges) x 19.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 22″(W) x 33 (H)
- Floor to seat range: 19.75-22.75″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’6″; 275-pound weight capacity
Assessment
With this design, DXRacer seems poised to repeat history. When it released its pioneering racing-style design in 2006, it took over a decade to catch on.
In 2021, its pioneering ‘modular’ concept will also (likely) need time to catch on. Luckily, in today’s red-hot ergonomic seating market, word travels a lot faster.
- Pros: intriguing concept; good option for dedicated mobile users; ideal for living room users; strong company pedigree.
- Cons: high price, short warranty, missing specs (minimum height rating).
Everything is high-end on this chair, except for the warranty. It has impressive features, sleek executive looks, and modules.
Part of the joy of splashing out on a high-end chair is knowing it will be with you for years. A two-year warranty on such a high-end product induces anxiety more than assurance.
That’s our only quibble with this chair. If DXRacer bumps the warranty to five years, the Master Series is basically the perfect work-from-home gaming chair.
Master Series chairs are also (infrequently) available on Amazon.
DXRacer Air: revolutionary mesh gaming chair
DXRacer price: $499
Gaming chairs qualify as ergonomic with three essential features. Those are adjustable lumbar, adjustable armrests, and a reclining backrest. Even so, many prefer the breathability of office-style mesh chairs.
To address that, the mad lads at DXRacer cooked up a wild solution. Behold, the world’s first gaming chair upholstered in ultra-breathable mesh. You’ve never seen anything like this:
What the heck is this thing? At a glance, it’s a standard mesh office chair with a futuristic design twist. In terms of gaming chair functionality, it compares with the best pro esports gaming chairs ($300-$550).
It also matches or exceeds the functionality of the best ergonomic office chairs priced between $350 to $600.
Whether you have quibbles with ergo office chairs or gaming chairs, the DXRacer Air looks well-equipped to keep everybody happy. But that’s not all.
Modular addons
The DXRacer Air borrows the modular concept first introduced by the DXRacer Master. ‘Modular’ means stackable components. You can add a retractable footrest, laptop or mobile device holder, and even an RGB exoskeleton with brilliant lighting effects.
Example modules:
- Multifunction laptop bracket: $169.99
- Soft plush chair cover: $99
- Retractable footrest: $59
DXRacer Air specs
Features match up with both pro esports gaming chairs and mid-range ergonomic office chairs. Notables include a height-adjustable lumbar and headrest.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 90-135°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Support: height-adjustable lumbar (15 cm range); height-adjustable headrest.
- Upholstery: ultra-breathable mesh; supporting suspension springs.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; 3″ (76 mm) PU casters.
- Extras: modular add-ons; leather or fabric slipcovers.
DXRacer Air seats are flat, without ridged edges. That provides enough room for semi-thick bodies; average sizes get enough room to sit cross-legged.
- Seat width x depth: 19″ x 20″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 21.5″(W) x 34.5 (H)
- Floor to seat range: 19-22″
- Size rating: 5’10” to 6’6″; 254-pound weight capacity
Assessment
The DXRacer Air is in pre-release. You can browse the DXRacer site for details, but not yet order a chair (or modules).
Can DXRacer strike lightning twice? Its first pioneering design birthed the entire gaming chair industry. The DXRacer Air blurs the lines between gaming and ergonomic chairs for something entirely new.
This is an incredible design with unlimited potential for user-centered customization. If you want to go deskless, add a laptop holder module. If you find out you don’t like mesh, slap on a leather or fabric cover and use it as a gaming chair.
Prediction: DXRacer has indeed struck lighting twice. Two years from now, expect dozens of DXRacer Air clones to flood the market and blur ergonomic chair definitions even further.
Kudos to the DXRacer team for this amazing new concept!
G-Series: modular gaming chairs
DXRacer price: $399
The G-Series is a slightly stripped-down version of the DXRacer Master. Instead of an integrated lumbar, it comes with a conventional lumbar pillow. It also has a smaller recline range of 90-135 degrees.
This chair is also ‘modular’. The parts aren’t yet available but will include the same addons as with the DXRacer Master.
Once they’re released, you will be able to extend your chair with a retractable footrest, cup holder, or laptop/ tablet stand. You’ll also get the option of swapping out the padded leather seat for a mesh fabric version.
G-Series features
Beyond the modules, the G-Series is a full-features racing-style gaming chair. Our DXRacer contact described this collection as ideal for “enthusiast home gamers”. With the laptop/cellphone holder module, it’s also a handy option for pro and enthusiast-level streamers.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 90-135°; multifunction tilt lock (with 15-degree seat tilt).
- Support: cold-cured foam padding; height-adjustable neck and lumbar support pillows.
- Comfort: high-density foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Upholstery: PU leather in all-black; black and white; black and red.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; XL PU-coated casters.
DXRacer hasn’t released the exact dimensions of this chair (we’ve reached out for specs). Given the fixed-height lumbar support, there’s likely a minimum size requirement to make use of it. Based on available specs, this is a slim-fitting chair best-suited to average sizes.
- Seat width x depth: 15.7″ (W, excluding seat edges) x 19″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 23″(W) x 34.5 (H)
- Floor to seat range: 17-19.5″
- Size rating: 5’5″ to 6’2″; 200-pound weight capacity
Assessment
Based on features and price, G-Series chairs are in the same league as the Noblechairs Hero. Both models cost around $400 and come with 2-year warranties.
The G-Series beats the Hero chair on two fronts. First, since its debut earlier this year, chairs have been regularly in stock. In comparison, Hero chairs have been out of stock for several months now.
The G-Series also surges ahead with its modular functionality. You can swap in a mesh seat, connect a footrest, or attach a laptop stand.
Like the DXRacer Master, this extendability makes the G-Series ideal for home-based users. You can use it as an office chair, a deep recline gaming chair, and even a La-Z-Boy footrest.
If you’re a fan of DXRacer chairs and want to push things to the next level, this modular design is an intriguing option to consider.
The G-Series Series is also available on Amazon for $399.00.
Racing Series: pro esports racing-style
DXRacer price: $399
The Racing Series is an upgraded version of the F-Series. Instead of basic features, these have 4D armrests and a multifunction tilt lock. They’re also slim-fitting chairs, although they accommodate taller sizes than the F-Series.
Because I loved my F-Series so much, I followed it up with a Racing Pro Series chair. I tested that model out over eight glorious months of full-time work. Compared to the F-Series, both gave a similar level of healthy posture support.
However, the Racing Pro Series had a more luxurious feel and much better ergonomic adjustability. If you can afford it, it’s worth upgrading to a Racing Series for the luxury. If not, an F-Series will suffice.
Racing Series specs
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 90-135°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Support: cold-cured foam padding; height-adjustable neck and lumbar support pillows.
- Comfort: high-density foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Upholstery: PU leather designs in various colors
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; 3″ (76 mm) PU casters.
Like F-Series chairs chairs, Racing Series models have slim-fitting dimensions. If you have thick legs or wide hips, expect a tight, uncomfortable fit. The main difference is that Racing Series chairs accommodate taller sizes than F-Series ones.
- Seat width x depth: 20″ (W, including seat edges) x 18.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 21″(W) x 34 (H)
- Floor to seat range: 15-18″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’0″; 225-pound weight capacity
Assessment
Four gaming chairs priced under $300 offer comparable features as the Racing Series. Three of those models come with flat, wide seats better suited to thick bodies. All also come with a 1-year warranty.
The Racing Series costs more but comes with a 2-year warranty. You’re also paying a premium for the DXRacer brand name. The significance of that is the quality it represents. There are no surprises with Racing Series. It’s well-built, extremely comfortable, and works as advertised.
For a closer look at these models, check out our Racing Series Pro 2021 review.
The Racing Pro Series is also available on Amazon for $399.00.
DXRacers for students and enthusiasts
The models in this category have stripped-down features. Instead of a seat angle tilt-lock, these let you rock the chair, but not lock the seat at angles.
P-Series: cheap gaming chairs
DXRacer price: $259
This new collection features compact dimensions, basic features, and a rock-bottom price. That makes it a solid pick for both students and young home-based professionals.
Cheap gaming chairs provide a comparable level of back support as expensive ones. They typically cut corners with thinner padding, less adjustability, and less durability.
P-Series chairs follow this trend with 1D armrests and a standard tilt mechanism (not a multifunction one). However, they’re also backed by DXRacer’s 2-year warranty.
P-Series specs
You can save money buying this chair, at the expense of some luxuries. 1D armrests should help sync your chair and desk but without any adjustment options. The lack of a multifunction tilt means you can rock the chair, but not lock it at angles.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; recline from 90-135°; standard tilt (rocking and tilt tension).
- Support: cold-cured foam padding; height-adjustable neck and lumbar support pillows.
- Comfort: high-density foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Upholstery: PU leather in all-black; black and white; black and red.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 3 gas lift; 60 mm PU casters.
P-Series chairs are compact, with slim-fitting dimensions. The size rating (5’3″-5’9″; 160-175 cm; 63-68″) suits children aged 12-18 (using Wisconsin averages).
- Seat width x depth: 15.7″ (W, excluding seat edges) x 21″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 22.5″(W) x 33 (H)
- Floor to seat range: 16.5-20.5″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’9″; 200-pound weight capacity
Assessment
P-Series chairs are cheap, durable, and very comfortable. The low price, compact dimensions, and 2-year warranty make an excellent first gaming chair for adolescents.
These models lack the flash and features of price models. Even so, the P-Series provides the support young bodies need to sit straight while computing.
The P-Series is also available on Amazon for $259.00.
Tank Series: big and tall gaming chairs
DXRacer price: $629
The Tank Series fits people between 5’11” to 6’6″. It supports up to 400 pounds with extra-wide dimensions for big and tall bodies.
Tank Series specs
Functionality is solid. Features include 4D armrests, an extra-large headrest, a lumbar support pillow, and a conventional tilt mechanism.
The biggest drawback is a limited to only 120 degrees. Most other DXRacer chairs recline to at least 135 degrees or more.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 90-120°; standard tilt (rocking and tilt tension).
- Support: cold-cured foam padding; height-adjustable neck and lumbar support pillows.
- Comfort: high-density foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Upholstery: All-black PU leather or black with red/ blue trim.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; 3″ (76 mm) PU casters.
DXRacer hasn’t released the exact dimensions of this chair (we’ve reached out for specs). Given the fixed-height lumbar support, there’s likely a minimum size requirement to make use of it. Based on available specs, this is a slim-fitting chair best-suited to average sizes.
- Seat width x depth: 18″ (W, excluding seat edges) x 20″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 26.5″(W) x 37 (H)
- Floor to seat range: 13.-17″
- Size rating: 5’11” to 6’6″; 400-pound weight capacity
Assessment
Compared to our top-ranked big and tall gaming chairs, the Tank Series has some issues. It’s more expensive than other top-rated XL chairs. Cheaper XL models from Secretlab and AKRacing boast better features and longer warranties.
On its own, the Tank Series is large, luxurious, and attractive. But when compared to other leading models, it offers less value for more money.
Formula Series: classic gaming chairs
DXRacer price: $329
ChairsFX.com was founded atop an F-Series FD101 chair. It’s a timeless classic that will forever hold a place in my heart.
The Formula Series is DXRacer’s original gaming chair. It’s an entry-level model that’s the blueprint for pretty much every other gaming chair on the market.
There are several versions, all priced at $329. Differences between models are the colors and type of upholstery. A few are hybrid mesh and PU leather chairs. One model is all-fabric. The rest are PU leather designs.
Looking for a reliable starter chair with basic styling and rock-solid performance? Even though the F-Series design is dated, it remains one of the all-time classic gaming chairs.
Formula Series specs
All chairs in the Formula Series collection have the same features and dimensions.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; recline from 90-135°; standard tilt (rocking and tilt tension).
- Support: cold-cured foam padding; height-adjustable neck and lumbar support pillows.
- Comfort: high-density foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Upholstery: mesh fabric upholstery with colored PU leather trim.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; 2″ (50.8 mm) PU casters.
These are small-slim-fitting chairs. The size rating (5’3″-5’8″; 160-172 cm; 63-67″) fits young people aged 12-18 (using Wisconsin averages).
- Seat width x depth: 15.1″ (W, excluding seat edges) x 18″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 22.5″(W) x 33 (H)
- Floor to seat range: 16-20″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’8″; 200-pound weight capacity
Asessment
A gaming chair with 1D armrests for over $300 sounds insane. A hybrid fabric and leather gaming chair with 1D armrests from DXRacer is reasonable.
The hybrid upholstery is a great choice for a young person’s first gaming chair. It gives them a taste of both upholstery types in a solid, sturdy, and very comfortable package.
In our roundup of best gaming chairs under $300, a few models offer better features than the F-Series.
However, none offer a 2-year warranty or the legendary ruggedness that the F-Series offers. Learn more about the updated F-Series collection in our DXRacer Formula Series gaming chair review.
F-Series chairs on DXRacer.com $329.99
The F-Series is also available on Amazon for $296.22.
Pink collection
DXRacer also offers a trio of pink gaming chairs. These are only available on the DXRacer website.
All three come with brilliant pink designs, basic ergonomic features, and higher-than-normal prices. If you’re looking for cheaper pink gaming chairs, many alternatives offering better value for money.
If you don’t mind paying a premium for designs, these models are worth a look.
Pink Paw Print
The Pink Paw Print chair has a cute pink design backed by a solid array of ergonomic features.
The chair has a pink leather base with white PU trim. There’s a paw print embroidered on the front, plus DXRacer logos sewn across the chair’s edges.
Quick specs
- Functionality: 3D armrests; recline to 135 degrees; conventional tilt-lock.
- Floor to seat range: 18-22″
- Size rating: 5’6″ to 6’0″, 225-pound weight capacity (American sizes ages 16+)
Assessment
This is a cute gaming chair with decent features and slim-fitting dimensions. Based on technical features, the value for money is mediocre. For instance, $399 can get you a full-featured esports chair from Secretlab with a 5-year warranty.
The aesthetics of this chair are the main attraction. The good build quality and 2-year warranty also give an idea of the quality to expect.
It’s not the best value. But if the design appeals, you’ll get a solid, comfortable product that does the job.
Maple Story Pink Bean
MapleStory is a 2D, side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game. First developed for the South Korean market, the game now has over 180 million registered users worldwide.
Maple Story Fest 2019 celebrated the 14th anniversary of the game in Los Angeles. As part of the celebration, DXRacer released a limited-edition run of Maple Story chairs.
When the limited editions sold out, fans clamored for more. As a result, DXRacer added the pink Maple Story chair as a regular member of its roster.
Quick specs
- Functionality: 3D armrests; recline to 135 degrees; conventional tilt-lock.
- Floor to seat range: 18-22″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’8″, 200-pound weight capacity (American sizes ages 12+)
Assessment
This chair pays tribute to a children’s game with a colorful design. On the downside, paying $300+ for a kid’s chair seems excessive.
Even so, Maple Story gaming chairs are a good option for students. They’re cute, colorful, and (most importantly) support good sitting posture.
Used full-time, you can expect this chair to last around 2.5 years before the leather degrades. Considering that students rarely sit full-time, this model should last through most of a Maple Story fan’s teen years.
Pink Kitty chair
This pink chair comes with a massive headrest that looks like a cat. There’s no adjustable lumbar support. Features include 3D armrests and recline to 135 degrees.
Based on modern ergonomic guidelines, adjustable lumbar support is the most important back support component.
As a result, the Pink Kitty doesn’t qualify as truly ‘ergonomic’. Even so, it has rave reviews on the DXRacer website. The cute kitty cat styling seems to be the main appeal.
Quick specs
This design seems very appealing for kids. The lack of lumbar support also seems a better fit for smaller, lighter bodies. Even so, this chair suits larger sizes (5’7″; 170 cm; ages 16+)
- Functionality: 3D armrests; recline to 135 degrees; conventional tilt-lock.
- Floor to seat range: 13-17.3″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’1″, 220-pound weight capacity (American sizes ages 12+)
Assessment
This chair emphasizes style over functionality. It’s the only chair we know of with a headrest shaped like a cartoon cat’s head. The lack of lumbar support means there’s no protection for your natural back curve while sitting.
On top of that, the Pink Kitty chair is very expensive given its basic feature set.
Those looking at this chair from a technical standpoint won’t be impressed. But based on customer comments, those looking from a ‘cuteness factor’ will be delighted with this product.
DXRacer healthy sitting tips
When I bought my first DXRacer F-Series back in 2017, it took me several weeks to learn how to use it. My biggest challenge was learning how to use the DXRacer lumbar support pillow.
Brand new, the uncompressed lumbar pillow is too fat. That leaves a gap between your spine and the backrest. My solution was to squish it under my bed’s mattress for a few hours.
But even with the proper depth, many might still struggle to adjust to find the right height adjustment.
For most, the DXRacer lumbar pillow should be a few inches higher than the seat pan. Setting it too high or low will curl your hips forward. Check out this clip about proper lumbar pillow height adjustment:
To learn more, check this article:
Conclusion
The gaming chair pioneer has pioneered once again. As work-from-home becomes the norm, consumers are flooded with a huge array of ergonomic seating options.
Instead of joining the fray, DXRacer has chosen to redefine it. The modular concept allows a gaming chair to be anything you want it to be.
The DXRacer Air shatters our definitions of both gaming chairs and ergonomic office chairs. It qualifies as both, yet resembles neither. Stacked with modules, it most resembles the cockpit of a 2077 spaceship.
Overall, we’re cautiously optimistic about the new DXRacer product line.
Will DXRacer maintain regular stock and availability?
Online, DXRacer chairs were out of stock through most of 2020. At present, both the Master and Air chairs also show as out of stock.
Maintaining stock in the COVID era is a huge challenge. In fact, only a few brands (Secretlab and GTRacing mainly) have maintained consistency. If DXRacer can keep its products in stock and available to buy, these new products will surely sell like hotcakes.
Browse all products at DXRacer.com
If you prefer shopping on Amazon, check out the DXRacer Amazon storefront.
