by : Ryan Bald

Leading chair manufacturers like Herman Miller and Steelcase have cemented their place in the ergonomic chair field with products like the Aeron (by Herman Miller) and the Leap Chair (by Steelcase). They have done this by combing modern design with high end upholstery and ergonomic adjustability. Until recent years there has been little to no competition for Herman Miller, especially in the ergonomic mesh chair field. Their Aeron chair has dominated not only the mesh chair market but the office chair market entirely for nearly 20 years. But there may be another contender on the block. The by Raynor was designed to meet the growing need for high quality at a moderate price point. The main gripe from most Aeron customers is the price of the chair and the size difference in chair models. Basic Aeron Chair models will run from $700-$800 while their top of the line posture-fit models can reach prices as high as $1300-$1400. Herman Miller also has 3 different sizes for their Aeron Chair making it difficult for multiple people to use the same chair.

The first thing that most people notice when they see the is the extremely low price. Most Raynor Ergohuman models range in price from $500-$700. This price will usually include a lifetime warranty provided by Raynor. This is the biggest advantage the Ergohuman has over its competitors as most comparable chairs sell for well over $500.

You then may say, “What does the Aeron or any of these other high priced chairs have that the Ergohuman Chair does not?” The answer is: “Not much.” The Raynor Ergohuman is rated for intensive use seating and has a fully ergonomic design. Almost every aspect of the Ergohuman is adjustable including:

• Pneumatic Seat Height Adjustment: This function allows the user to move the seat up/down in order to correctly position the knees at a 90 degree angle.


• Tilt Tension Control: This control adjusts the tension placed on the backrest when the user reclines.


• Adjustable Lumbar Support: The user can change the position of the lumbar support pad, placing it directly on the lower back.


• Multi-Dimensional Armrests: The armrest move up/down and swivel side to side. This keeps the user’s shoulders in a relaxed position and elbows at a 90 degree angle.


• Back Angle Adjustment: Recline the backrest for a more relaxed position or move the backrest more upright for tasking.


• Synchro-Tilt Mechanism: The seat will move in direct relation to how the backrest is reclined or declined to keep the user in an ergonomic sitting position.


• 3 Position Tilt Lock: Lock the backrest in 3 separate positions depending on your desired viewing angle.


• Back Height Adjustment: Move the backrest vertically to place the back of the chair on your shoulders and the lumbar curve on your lower back.


• Seat Depth Adjustment: The seat slides horizontally allowing the user to adjust the seat to a position where the space between the seat and back of the knees is about 2 inches.

Raynor also did not hold back with the quality of their upholstery. The Ergohuman Chair comes in mesh or leather. The mesh used is the same design that has become so desirable by Aeron users. The Legget and Platt mesh is both soft and durable, featuring a nylon/polyester weave creating a product that is comfortable to the touch and sag resistant. The leather Ergohuman offers top of the line black leather wrapped around high density foam. Both options provide a fantastic sitting experience. The Ergohuman Chair is also eco-friendly with over 97% of the chair being made with recycled materials.

The Raynor Ergohuman may help to start a new trend in the ergonomic furniture industry. Attractive, ergonomic designs that are affordable for most customers may be a new path to follow and Raynor may be able to take some responsibility for this new concept. As the Ergohuman grows in popularity and buyers shy away from purchasing over-priced ergonomic products, manufacturers will have to come up with even more innovative, low priced designs.