AKRacing makes some of our top-rated gaming chairs for pros. The Core Series EX is their most basic model. It’s a mesh fabric chair with solid features, a decent price, and superb support that will last for years. This AKRacing Core Series EX chair review also covers the Core EX-Wide.
The Core Series EX chair is very comfortable the moment you sit down in one. A big part of the comfort is the breathable mesh fabric cover. It’s soft and feels pleasant on the skin. That plus the effective back support makes this a soothing chair.
It’s not flashy and won’t blow you away with features. Instead, it will support your body while sitting and sharpen up your posture.
This is a great gaming chair for people who don’t care much about gaming chairs. It’s a workhorse of a chair that will do its job while blending in with its environment.
AKRacing Core Series EX review
The Core EX fits between cheap gaming chairs under $300 and pro models that cost more than $350. Compared to cheap chairs, the Core Series EX has more adjustable features. It also has a premium build guaranteed for five years.
Compared to high-end pro chairs, the Core Series EX cuts back on a few high-end features. For one thing, you only get 3D armrests instead of 4D pro ones. For another, you can rock the Core EX and adjust rocking tension, but you can’t lock the seat at angles.
Another key cutback is the amount of padding. The Core Series EX has 70% less padding than AKRacing’s flagship Master Series Pro.
Chair features
The AKRacing Core Series EX gives you a mesh fabric cover, a solid build, and decent features. It serves as a great example of a no-frills computing chair.
Mesh fabric
All Core Ex models have full mesh fabric covers. Mesh is breathable and even more durable than the highest quality PU leathers.
The breathability aspect makes it more comfortable. Faux leather chairs can get sticky in hot weather. Mesh fabric chairs always keep cool. Further, mesh fabric is more durable — it doesn’t degrade the way faux leather does.
Firm padding
Under the fabric is a basic coating of cold cure foam padding. The Core Ex has seventy percent less padding than AKRacing’s flagship Master Series Pro.
AKRacing foam is very dense. With thicker applications as on the Master Pro, you get more pliability. With less thickness like the Core EX, there’s a bit less pliability. The upside of less pliability is that it’s the most effective at maintaining a healthy sitting posture for the user.
The downside is less comfort. For instance, the Master Series Pro feels luxurious — many spend all day basking in the luxury of those chairs. In contrast, the Core Ex feels like an ergonomic chair you’d find in a cubicle office.
Adjustable features
The adjustability of the Core Series EX is decent. You get 3D armrests and a deep recline to 180°. You can also rock the chair and adjust rocking tension. But you can’t angle and lock the seat like you can with pro-quality chairs.
In a corporate setting, these features would make Core EX standout chairs. But among savvy esports pros, Core EX chairs do the job with no frills.
Summary of Core Series EX features
- Functionality: 3D adjustable armrests; recline to 180°; tilt tension & rocking.
- Comfort: cold cure foam padding guaranteed to retain shape and density for five years.
- Upholstery:Â 100% polyester mesh fabric with colored accent stitching.
- Support:Â steel frame; metal base finished in glossy black; class 4 gas lift; 2.5″ casters.
- Warranty:Â 5-year warranty on parts, 10-year warranty on the steel frame.
- Free shipping:Â included.
Sizing
The Core Series EX is a mid-sized gaming chair that should fit most average-sized people. Here’s how it compares to other Core Series chairs:
| Seat width & depth | Backrest height and width | Total height | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core EX | 20.9" (W) x 19.7" (D) | 32.6" (H), 21.2" | 46" to 49.3" |
| Core EX-Wide | 22.8" (W) x 19.7" (D) | 33.5" (H), 22.8" | 46.9" to 50.2" |
| Core SX | 22" (W) x 19.3" (D) | 33" (H), 21.6" (W) | 47" to 50.1" |
| Core LX | 21.5" (W) x 20" (D) | 34.5" (H), 22.4" (W) | 48.3" to 51.6" |
The Core EX-Wide is the widest chair; Core LX is the largest; the Core EX the smallest. AKRacing rates the Core EX for users 5’3″ to 6’3″ weighing up to 250 pounds. Noteworthy are the narrow seat dimensions. This is a good fit for average-sized people with slim hips.
Warranty
All AKRacing chairs come with an industry-leading 5+10 warranty. That means five years on parts, plus ten years on the frame. The brand name and warranty is what makes the Core Series EX cost more than chairs with similar features. That’s because the warranty is legit.
The Core EX frame is super-solid and will likely last more than ten years. On top of that, mesh fabric is the most durable cover material of them all. So you can expect a Core EX to last longer than five years, in most cases.
How to buy a Core EX chair
You can buy AKRacing chairs direct from their website. You can also buy AKRAcing chairs on Amazon. Before buying a chair, it’s worth checking the prices in both places. Amazon prices tend to be cheaper. AKRacing’s Amazon chairs also go on sale very often, for as much as $100 off.
Buying direct from the AKRacing website is handy when Amazon chairs are out of stock. It’s also the best place to buy when AKRAcing runs holiday discount sales.
Buy the Core Series EX on Amazon $289.19
You can also buy the Core Series EX direct. Check out the latest Core EX prices on the AKRAcing website.
AkRacing Core Series EX buying advice
Are you thinking of buying an AkRacing Core Series EX gaming chair? This section answers lingering questions for interested buyers.
Who should buy an AkRacing Core Series EX?
This model is for average-sized users wanting solid back support at an affordable price. The styling is basic. People wanting flashy good looks might prefer PU leather chairs. Those satisfied with mesh fabric styling will enjoy this model’s excellent breathability.
AkRacing Core Series EX alternatives
First, it’s worth browsing all AKRacing models. As alternatives to the Core EX, those have thicker padding, better features, and higher prices.
If price is an issue, check our list of best affordable gaming chairs. All chairs reviewed in that article cost less than $300. Most offer similar or superior features to the Core EX.
For instance, the OPSEAT Master Series has 4D armrests and multifunction tilt-lock. Yet those chairs cost $100 less than a Core Series.
Conclusion
The AKRacing Core Series EX is the cheapest Core Series chair. It offers all the minimal seating essentials and no-nonsense mesh fabric upholstery. Plus it comes with a 5-year warranty on parts.
It’s a solid chair with solid features that support full-time sitting loads.
Buy the Core Series EX on Amazon $289.19
You can also buy the Core Series EX direct. Check out the latest Core EX prices on the AKRAcing website.