Killabee is one of the world’s most established cheap gaming chair manufacturers. Their brand is synonymous with high-quality, low-cost ergonomic chairs. But not all chairs sold on their website use the Killabee brand name. Last year, Killabee added the Von Racer brand to their collection of chairs. In 2020, they added Fantasylab heavyweight luxury chairs. This Fantasylab gaming chair review looks at the chairs in this new product line.
Who is Fantasylab?
Fantasylab is an alternate brand name of Killabee, a well-established maker of cheap gaming chairs. On the Killabee website, they explain the relationship between their three brands:
- Killabee: their original brand of cheap gaming chairs priced under $300. Browse their best models in our Killabee Brand Review.
- Von Racer: cheaper versions of Killabee chairs. All cost less than $160. These are starter chairs for part-time users. Browse the Von Racer Collection on the Killabee website.
- Fantasylab: a new collection of high-end chairs. These models offer heavyweight support, premium build materials and a rich suite of adjustable features. We review these models below.
There are three chairs in the Fantasylab product line, but one has already sold out. The next two sections review each Fantasylab chair still in stock.
Fantasylab 8331 review
Direct buy price: $248.99
The Fantasylab 8331 is a solid chair that supports up to 400 pounds. It has a flat, wide seat and comes with a massage unit built into the extra-large lumbar support pillow. There aren’t many chairs in this price range with such rich features.
The low price and solid features should appeal to a wide group. Fantasylab 8331 chairs are robust enough to support full-time professionals. At the same time, they are cheap enough for even casual hobbyists.
Features
This is the smaller chair of the two, supporting users 5’8″ to 6’2″ weighing up to 400 pounds. It also offers less adjustability than the other model with 3D armrests. This model also comes with a USB-chargeable massage unit built into the extra-large lumbar pillow.
- Functionality: 3D armrests; recline to 155°; tilt-tension rocking function.
- Support: steel frame; high-density sponge padding; neck pillow & massage lumbar pillow.
- Warranty: standard 1-year warranty from Killabee.
Sizing
The Fantasylab 8331 doesn’t have as wide of a seat as other heavyweight chairs. But because it has flat instead of ridged edges, it allows for plenty of legroom. This is a good fit for typical big & tall users.
- Seat width & depth: 21.7″ (W) x 20.5″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 33.5″ (H), 23.2″ (W)
- Size rating: people 5’8″ to 6’2″; up to 400 pounds
Buy the Fantasylab 8331 from Killabee for $248.99
The Fantasylab 8331 is also available on Amazon for $249.99.
Buying advice
The Fantasylab 8331 is a good looking chair that looks like a cheaper version of the Secretlab Titan. That is our top-rated pro chair.
While they look similar, the Fantasylab 8331 is $150 cheaper than the Titan. Compared to the Titan, it has a shorter warranty. It also lacks the Titan’s advanced seat-angle tilt locking mechanism. Aside from those two major differences, both offer an equal level of back support while you sit.
If you want the best possible features while cutting a few corners, the Fantasylab 8331 is an intriguing option.
Fantasylab 8247 review
Direct buy price: $276.99
The Killabee version of this chair ranks #3 on our list of best affordable gaming chairs. The Fantasylab version is the same chair with a different brand name.
This is the larger chair of the two Fantasylab models. It supports users 5’8″ to 6’4″ weighing up to 440 pounds.
Features
The 8247 doesn’t have a massage unit in its lumbar pillow like the other chair. Instead, its memory foam pillow has a gel-lined insert. That provides extra padding while also keeping the pillow cool against your neck. It’s a nice functional touch.
Like the 8331 chairs, the Fantasylab 8247 comes in a single style. The 8247 uses premium breathable leather in 2-tone grey. It’s a subtle style with a commanding look and extra-large dimensions.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline to 155°; tilt-tension rocking function.
- Support: steel frame; high-density sponge padding; neck pillow & massage lumbar pillow.
- Warranty: standard 1-year warranty from Killabee.
Sizing
Unlike the 8331 model’s flat seat, the Fantasylab 8247 has ridged edges. But it’s seat dimensions are larger. Because of the ridged edges, it provides a comparable amount of legroom as the 8331 model.
- Seat width & depth: 22″ (W) x 22″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 32.3″ (H), 24.8″ (W)
- Size rating: people 5’8″ to 6’4″; up to 440 pounds
Buy the Fantasylab 8247 from Killabee for $276.99
The Fantasylab 8247 is also available on Amazon for $269.99.
Buying advice
The Fantasylab 8247 is an affordable luxury gaming chair. It supports heavyweight users up to 440 pounds. But its dimensions will also suit most average-sized adults. Heavyweights can expect a snug fit with crisp posture support. Slimmer figures will enjoy a roomy, luxurious chair with rich ergonomic features.
Fantasylab 8257s footrest chair review
Direct buy price: $218.99
The Fantasylab 8257s is a big and tall gaming chair with a retractable footrest. It supports up to 400 pounds and has an extra-wide seat suitable for those with wide hips or thick legs.
Features
This is the smaller chair of the two, supporting users 5’8″ to 6’2″ weighing up to 400 pounds. It also offers less adjustability than the other model with 3D armrests. This model also comes with a USB-chargeable massage unit built into the extra-large lumbar pillow.
- Functionality: fixed armrests; recline to 175°; retractable footrest.
- Support: steel frame; high-density sponge padding; neck pillow & massage lumbar pillows.
- Warranty: standard 1-year warranty from Killabee.
Sizing
The Fantasylab 8257 has a normal-width seat, but its flat edges allow for plenty of legroom. Given the height of the chair, it should be a good fit for most average sizes and up.
- Seat width & depth: 20.5″ (W) x 20.9″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 33.5″ (H), 23.2″ (W)
- Size rating: people 5’8″ to 6’2″; up to 400 pounds
Buying advice
The Fantasylab 8257 is one of the few footrest gaming chairs that supports 400 pounds. The chair has a solid feel, as does the retracted footrest.
Footrest chairs offer a more casual sitting experience than racing style gaming chairs. Then again, they are also more versatile. When set upright, the chair supports a healthy posture over long sitting periods. With the chair and recline and the footrest extended, it works like a high-end La-Z-Boy recliner.
Looking for a casual living room office chair? The 8257 is a very affordable option.
Fantasylab gaming chair overview
This section summarizes what we like and dislike about Fantasylab gaming chairs.
Pros
Large, full-featured gaming chairs for less than $300 are very popular these days. Fantasylab chairs offer the same great features as the best pro esports chairs. Even better is that they offer excellent support over long periods of sitting. Expect a solid feel, superb comfort, and excellent back support.
Cons
Fantasylab chairs only come with only a 1-year warranty. That’s decent, but many cheaper chairs (like GTRacing models) offer two-year warranties.
Despite this quibble, Fantasylab chairs offer solid value for money.
Conclusion
Since the start of 2020, we have seen an increased demand for full-featured, super-heavyweight, affordable gaming chairs. Fantasylab chairs support these specs with superb comfort and adjustable features. To see how these chairs stack up with others in the sub-$300 price range, check out this feature: