Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series Monster Hunter Edition Review

If you’ve been working from home for a while now, then you know how important it is to have a proper chair. Usually, I’m inclined towards getting an ordinary office chair and stayed away from “gaming” chairs because I thought they were just stylish chairs for, well… gamers. So good thing Secretlab sent us their Titan Evo 2022 Series Monster Hunter Edition, so I can experience it myself.

The Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 is the latest from Secretlab. The company says it is their most technologically advanced chair to date, combining the best aspects of the Secretlab OMEGA and TITAN. In addition, it has improved ergonomics and comfort, overhauled lumbar support system, proprietary pebble seat base, and upgraded upholsteries, to name a few.

As for the Monster Hunter part, Secretlab collaborated with Capcom for this special edition chair with a custom leatherette that looks and feels like scales. We’ll discuss more of that in a bit.

The Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series Monster Hunter Edition comes in two sizes, R and XL. Size R is recommended for users between 170-189cm and weighs less than 100kg, while size XL is for users between 181-205cm and 80 – 180kg.

The chair is a bit tedious to set up as it comes with multiple parts. The seat base and the backrest are also heavy, so it would be faster if you had someone to assist. However, those assembling a gaming chair for the first time will find the manual is easy to follow so that you can have it up in no time.

The TITAN Evo 2022 is upholstered in Secretlab NEO Hybrid Leatherette. The company says that it incorporates a unique top resin layer that recreates the luster of napa leather, has a multi-layer structure that can withstand long hours of daily use, and features a base layer of PU reinforced with a 3D structure of ultra-fine fibers for strength and flex and abrasion resistance. In other words, this leatherette is 12x more durable than regular PU leather while maintaining its plush and supple feel. It’s a combination of leather, rubber, and plastic.

Now, let’s get to the design part. Monster Hunter fans will love the Rathalos iconography embroidered on the backrest as the stitching is intricate and well-made. It also shimmers to the light depending on the angle.

The side wings also feature an intricate texture inspired by the Rathalos armor set. So, not only it looks like the Flying Wyvern’s scales, but it feels like it too. Up at the headrest is the embroidered Secretlab logo.

You will also see embroidered Rathalos spikes by the shoulders of the backrest and at the corner edges of the seat.

Take a look at the back, and you will see more embroidery, including the Secretlab logo and the Monster Hunter emblem and logo. Found on the lower right NFC anti-counterfeit technology. Just tap your smartphone’s NFC on it, and it will direct you to a website to verify the authenticity of the product.

As for its features, the TITAN Evo 2022 features its proprietary cold-cure foam mix with a medium-firm consistency. It’s soft, but it won’t let you sink into the chair. The backrest also features the 4-way L-ADAPT Lumbar System to help align your lower back and support your spine in a neutral position.

The best part about this is that it’s adjustable. Just turn the knobs found on the left and right sides of the backrest to move the support up or down and in or out. Like most ergonomic chairs, the TITAN Evo 2022’s backrest can also be reclined at up to 165-degrees.

To add to the comfort, it also features a heavy-duty multi-tilt mechanism that further reclines the seat to the point that you’re almost lying down. In addition, it’s smooth and adjustable and can be locked, so you don’t get surprised when you lean back.

For extra comfort, the chair comes with an upgraded Secretlab Magnetic Memory Foam Head Pillow, which attaches to the headrest via magnets, so you don’t have to deal with straps. You can also slide it up or down to match your height.

For the arms, the chair features full-metal 4D armrests with a CloudSwap replacement system, meaning you can hotswap the PU foam paddings with something else, like the Secretlab Technogel Premium Armrest. The paddings attach using strong magnets so that you can pull them out swap them in.

The armrests also have adjustable features that can be controlled using buttons and paddles. You can angle the armrests to point outwards or inwards, can be moved in or out, and can be lifted up or down. You can further adjust the distance of the armrest to the chair by adjusting the screws under the seat. My only gripe about this part is that the armrests are wobbly at the top and rattles when shaken.

Lastly, the whole chair is attached to an ADC12 aluminum wheelbase. Attached to it are 6cm PU casters with soft, PU-coated treads. In other words, these are premium rollers that smoothly glide on the floor or carpet.

When it comes to comfort, I like how the seats and the backrest attempt to snug your body and the hips. I guess it’s already given that it’s comfortable even after long hours of use, thanks to its adjustable features. The adjustable lumbar support works wonders. When I need to relax a bit, I recline the chair, giving my spine some stretching. If it had a footrest, it would be almost perfect.

The material used is premium and looks like it’s going to last years without chipping. It’s also doesn’t attract sweat marks and is easy to clean. Perhaps what I miss from the regular office chair is the breathable mesh to allow air circulation and keep you cool. If you have the TITAN Evo 2022 and you’re in a room without a fan or air-conditioning, expect to sweat on this chair.

Overall, the Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series Monster Hunter Edition is a beautiful chair. It’s a gaming chair, yes, but it’s also an excellent chair for work, given the level of comfort it provides. If you’re a gamer and a Monster Hunter fan, the design is a bonus. But even if you’re not, you’re still going to love it.