Reviews - Misc. Gear

If you have a bad back or just want to sit in a SUPER comfortable chair around a campfire, tailgating, fishing or picnicing: the STRONGBACK Elite folding chair is for you!

  Snapshot 

Chair Weight:  11.9 Pounds

Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds

Fabric: 600- Denier Polyester

Chair Size in Use:  28.25"(W) x 26"(D) x 36"(H) Seat width 22"

Chair Size Folded:  11"(W) x 6"(D) x 44"(H)

Cup Holders: 1

Made: China

Retail Price:  $79.95

Company Overview 
Started in 2010, STRONGBACK Chairs, LLC., headquartered out of California, is on a mission to design and sell the world's most comfortable folding chairs.

Design Features
Its built-in, patent pending, frame integrated, ergonomic lumbar rest conforms to the natural curvature of your spine and takes pressure off the lower back.

The wide seat design provides plenty of room and allows you to comfortably adjust your seated position.

The 600-denier polyester fabric is sturdy, doesn’t wear or tear and is semi-water resistant.

The silver powder coated steel frame is sleek and durable.

It folds up in seconds and a clip on the back of the chair secures its compact position.

It slides easily into the carry bag which sports a top bag handle for pulling in and out of tightly stored areas and dual shoulder straps allow for optional back-pack style transport.

Field Functionality
I tested the STRONGBACK Elite chair at multiple functions; tailgating, picnic, the beach and fishing. First and foremost it is amazingly comfortable.  For someone like me who has had a broken back and has herniations in my lower back, sitting in your average folding chair can be painful. The STRONGBACK Elite is NOT your average folding chair. The angled, conforming lumbar rest truly relieves much of the pressure from the lower back. Its roomy seat allows you to spread out and feels almost like a lounge chair. I enjoyed sitting long hours at the beach and fishing sitting in my STRONGBACK Elite. It was a little heavier then I liked, carrying it from and to the car, but the backpack shoulder straps made it easier and freed up my hands to carry other gear. I would recommend adding an accessory option to the chair. A clip on pouch, on an armrest or behind the backrest, to put random things in it like a magazine, book or cell phone would be a nice. While at the family picnic and tailgating, as soon as I stood up, someone would sit in it.  When I did get to use it, the only thing I would have liked was another cup holder on the one armrest.

The weight capacity for the chair is rated to 300lbs.  So I was a little concerned when a 6’5”, 255lb, former NFL offensive lineman sat in it and then put a toddler and baby on each knee. The STRONGBACK Elite barely moved. So then I decided to see how it would hold if I sat on his lap (first removing the kids). So this writer, at 5’9” and weighing in at an athletic 155lbs. sat down.  Again, the chair stood its ground.  The retired football player liked it so much he asked me where he could get one!

I also wanted to see how the chair would do when wet so I left it out in a passing rainstorm.  The water beaded up and ran off the fabric initially.  What water did seep into the fabric dried the next day in the sun.  It was as good as new.  The coated steel didn’t rust or seem to notice water had ever been around.

As for the ‘look’ of the STRONGBACK Elite, I would like to see the chair in other colors besides green & grey.  I am sure as the company grows, developing color schemes to match those of major sports team would be beneficial in marketing.

The STRONGBACK Elite retails for $79.95. This is a quality, high-end folding chair.  You won’t find anything this comfortable or durable at Walmart or Target. Is it worth it? Yes.

Pros: Super comfortable, durable and easy to transport

Cons: Needs cup holder on left armrest 

Contact: 

STRONGBACK Chairs, llc

802 Olive St, Petaluma, CA  94952

Phone: 415.787.3033 

www.strongbackchairs.com