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Kaiser 3E XL from AndaSeat: minute review
AndaSeat has built something quite remarkable here. With the Kaiser 3E XL, it's balanced the books almost perfectly, choosing just the right set of modern features and jettisoning those often gimmicky marketing extras that some of us hate about most modern gaming chairs.
It's a simple, clean design that does exactly what it says on the tin, and that's to be commended. The Kaiser 3E XL balances budget and comfort, delivering outstanding build quality, great ergonomics and a comfortable seat base to rest your backside on, both during and after a hard day at work.
This best gaming chair there? Well, not really. There are a few things it lacks, namely: it doesn't come with any pillows (you have to buy them separately) and you can't adjust the lumbar support in any way, but if you're a fire and forget taller person, this is a really good place to be.
Kaiser 3E XL from AndaSeat: price and availability
- Costs $389 (about £290 / AU$580).
- Only available directly through AndaSeat.
- Six colors in two finishes
Ahh, the old Achilles heel of AndaSeat chairs is rearing its ugly head again. Unfortunately, the Kaiser 3E XL is still so new that it is only available through the AndaSeat online store and only in the US. At least for now.
The good news is that they are making their way to traditional e-tailers and retailers in all regions (including Amazon) after a certain period of time when shipping containers finally land in designated countries, but this usually occurs three to six months after the initial debut.
Honestly, the online store does a great job of selling it. Not only do you get access to additional color options with the Kaiser 3E, available in black, brown, orange, maroon, white, or that lovely fabric, ash gray (all other colors mentioned are PVC leather), but there's also free shipping, as well as some extended warranties.
AndaSeat is also kindly saving $20 off its $69 Magnetic Memory Foam Cushion with Cooling Layer, which unfortunately doesn't come standard. However, there's a reason the 3E XL and the standard L model that follows it are so cheap, and this is part of it.
AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: characteristics
|
Price |
US$389 (approx £290 / AU$580) |
|
Dimensions |
54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1 inches / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm |
|
Max. user weight |
395 lbs / 180 kg |
|
Min. seat height |
18.1 inches / 46.0 cm |
|
Seat width |
21.1 inches / 53.5 cm |
|
Tilt angle |
90-155° |
|
Guarantee |
3 years |
|
Material |
PVC leather/linen fabric |
AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: design and aesthetics
- Simple clean design
- The soft fabric finish is exceptional
- Could use a pillow or two
I've always been a big fan of the Kaiser series for its design philosophy. Aside from the questionable 6D armrests found in the professional line, the overall aesthetics are top notch, rivaling chairs that cost two to three times as much. You know in particular is a perfect example of this, you wouldn't guess that this chair only costs $250 on average, and the same can be said for the $390 Kaiser 3E.
The soft fabric finish I'm reviewing here is exceptionally clean. It comes complete with a sleek black leather back, black detailing and trim throughout, and satin black plastic accents.
The armrests are also impressively comfortable. If I were too critical I might complain that they're a bit boxy, but once you've sat in them for all of 20 seconds you forget about that pretty quickly as they're perfectly comfortable and perfectly adjustable, of course compared to the cheaper Novis and the ridiculously expensive 5D and 6D you'll find on the pro lines.
There are also a variety of color options, and while admittedly most are only available directly from AndaSeat's online store, it's nice to see the brand offer so many options for such a low price. In short, this is a chair that looks much more expensive than it actually is.
The downside, and I'll touch on this in more detail in a second, is the lack of lumbar adjustment and the included cushions. This holds it back somewhat, especially if you don't agree with the default AndaSeat settings implemented here. However, overall very good for the money.
AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: comfort and adjustability
- The armrests are excellent
- The seat base is not soft.
- No lumbar adjustment.
When it comes down to the details, the good news is that overall the Kaiser 3E really impresses in terms of comfort. The fabric is incredibly soft to the touch, wicks away moisture well and is not at all abrasive.
The armrests here are also excellent. It's a standard “4D” unit with 2.7″/7cm up/down movement, 0.78″/2cm left/right adjustment, 1.2″/3cm forward/backward adjustment, and 36-degree rotation. They don't fold in half or have a rotating periscope design like the 5D and 6D variants, and as a result, they're honestly miles ahead. Sometimes simpler designs are the industry standard for a reason. They're also lightly padded, and while not very soft, it does give your elbows and forearms a bit of give.
But the seat is another matter. Compared to something like Novis or Standard Kaiser 3it's not that convenient. If you've ever used something like the Noblechairs badge, you'll completely understand what I'm talking about here.
Essentially, it's more of an ergonomically designed, durable base rather than the soft plush thing found in other models. This may be preferable for some, and it's probably much better for your back and spine in the long run, but if all you want to do is kick back and unwind after a hard day, it's not quite up to the same standard as the alternatives.
There's also lumbar support, and like the Novis, the Kaiser 3E doesn't have built-in adjustment as standard. This reduces the cost, but deprives the user of choice.
This lumbar support isn't completely absent; there's a 1.9″/4.8cm long “outward curve” at the base that follows the curvature of your spine (even comfortable for a short 5'8″/174cm person like me), but unless you're a fan of the protruding ergonomics, you're stuck with it and there's not much you can do.
However, overall it's a solid four out of five for comfort; you just have to be willing to deal with the lumbar support for what it is.
AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: assembly
- Easy to build
- Traditional installation
- Pre-attached arms
The Kaiser 3E XL took me about 15 minutes to assemble. I'm a bit of a gaming chair pro at this point, but to be clear, you're looking at a total of six screws here, and that's it. Chances are you won't run into any major problems, and AndaSeat also includes an incredibly detailed instruction manual.
Interestingly, my guide asked me to install and attach the armrests to the base; however, mine came pre-installed. It could be something regional, but even then you're talking about an extra four bolts, so it's not that much work.
Typically the biggest challenge I have when making these chairs is attaching the backrest to the seat base. When using other brands of chairs, you may have trouble aligning the threads with the brackets that connect them. Luckily, AndaSeat has included the design of the tilt slot mechanism. hand the side that allows you to slide the backrest straight down and onto it, holding both roughly in position so you can screw the two screws back in.
I would recommend (for all chairs, in fact) not to tighten the four back screws one at a time all the way, but to do all four a little at a time until they are all secure.
Is AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL worth buying?
Buy if…
Don't buy it if…
Also consider…
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL |
The Legend of the Noble Chairs |
AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL |
|
Price |
US$389 (approx £290 / AU$580) |
US$630 / £400 |
US$550 |
|
Dimensions |
54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1 inches / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm |
55.9 x 20.5 x 20.5 inches / 142 x 52 x 52 cm |
53.0 x 29.1 x 22.6 inches / 134.5 x 74 x 57.5 cm |
|
Maximum user weight |
395 lbs / 180 kg |
331 lbs / 150 kg |
395 lbs / 180 kg |
|
Minimum seat height |
18.1 inches/46.0 cm |
18.9 inches/48.0 cm |
17.5 inches/44.5 cm |
|
Seat width |
21.1 inches/53.5 cm |
20.5 inches/52.0 cm |
21.0 inches/53.5 cm |
|
Tilt angle |
90-155° |
90-125° |
90-165° |
|
Guarantee |
3 years |
2 years |
3 years |
|
Material |
PVC leather or linen fabric |
High-tech artificial leather or fabric |
PVC leather or linen fabric |
Not your style? Just want something without the fancy frills or are you looking for something with a design that goes above and beyond your expectations? Then try these alternatives.
How I tested the AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL
- I used it for two weeks before writing a review.
- Notes taken throughout the process, including creation
- Asked many people to sit in it to get external feedback.
I spent a total of two weeks testing the Kaiser 3E XL after it arrived on my doorstep. I took notes and detailed the complaints, annoyances and pleasures I encountered while using it during this period.
In addition, I also received a second device which was then tested on-site, giving me a good idea of how it performs in both a professional and casual setting.
