There are things in my life that reliably drive me crazy: buying new slippers, finding the perfect pillow - and a new gaming chair. Anyone who plays a lot of games and spends all day in front of a computer for work knows exactly what I mean. Your back doesn't last forever if the chair doesn't fit. Too often I've had models that looked stylish at first glance, but in the long run were more like torture devices than gaming chairs. This time I wanted to do better, so I clicked through stores, test reports and manufacturers' websites, compared countless designs and eventually arrived at Paradox24 got stuck. A brand that I hadn't had on my radar before, but which immediately aroused my curiosity.
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Of the trade fairs I have attended in recent years - Gamescom in Cologne or the CAGGTUS in Leipzig - I knew that the market for gaming chairs is huge. You are spoiled for choice between dozens of international suppliers, and yet it is difficult to find a model that is not only visually appealing, but also ergonomically convincing. My back is sensitive, and if the seat doesn't fit or the backrest can't be adjusted properly, I notice it immediately. So the big question was: could a manufacturer I hardly knew before be the solution I've been looking for for so long?
Slanted gaming chair roulette
In the Paradox24 store, I first came across the different product lines they offer. There's the Commander range for solid beginners, the Vanguard range, which is a little more upmarket, and the Ultimate chairs for those who want a luxury version. There is also the Ergo-One range, which is almost like an ergonomic office chair from the premium sector.
Looking through the pictures, I immediately noticed one detail: The seat appears to be tilted slightly backwards. At first glance, this seems inconspicuous, but for me it was a real plus point. I know this feeling from the car - if the seat is slightly slanted, you automatically have more stability and don't constantly slide forwards. It's small differences like this that make the difference in the end.
My pact with Paradox24
After some hesitation, I finally clicked on "Order" and opted for the Vanguard Space Comms with leather cover. Four days later, the box arrived on my doorstep. It weighed a whopping 24 kilos and was immediately inspected by my cats, who thought I had ordered them a new climbing tree. Even lugging it up to the fifth floor was a bit of a workout, but well - maybe that was the first test to see if I really deserved the chair.
By the way, I also have to confess one thing to you - more on that later.
Leather wasn't actually my first choice. Anyone who has ever stood up from a leather chair in summer knows the feeling of the back sticking to the material like a sticker on a car windshield. But my partner really liked the look and I thought to myself: if need be, the chair would go to her desk. Which is what actually happened, but more on that later.
From the box to the throne
Assembly was straightforward. Everything was well organized, the instructions were included in several languages, and the German version was not only clearly translated, but also provided with clear pictures. It took me less than 15 minutes to assemble the chair - without breaking a sweat or getting angry - but with the help of a Makita drill driver. Without this, I estimate the assembly to take 20 - 25 minutes.
One positive thing I noticed was that every part was neatly finished and could be fitted precisely. There was no fiddling around, no crooked holes, no tugging at unruly screws. The whole process seemed very well thought out. Once assembled, the Vanguard was stable in the room - and was waiting for its first seat test.
How the Vanguard performs when seated
My first impression was: Wow, that feels light. And not in the sense of cheap, but pleasantly flexible. The chair rolled effortlessly across the floor, almost too quietly not to sneak into the study at night. At the same time, it felt stable - no creaking, no wobbling, no queasy feeling that something is about to give way. The base of the chair is made of an extremely durable plastic that looks light but is extremely stable. Unlike my previous Backforce One, which seemed almost oversized with its solid steel base, or the Dowinx, where I had the feeling that the plastic would break away from under me at any moment, the Vanguard has struck just the right balance.
At this point I should briefly explain, why I've become a little wary of gaming chairs - and why it's so important to compare them with my previous models. Until recently, I used the Backforce One myself because I thought the badges were great at the time. To be honest, I hardly paid any attention to anything else - a big mistake, as it turned out later. Even after the first few weeks, I had the feeling that I was slowly slipping forward off the chair when working upright. Especially when you sit at your desk for several hours concentrating, this quickly becomes a pain. Before the Backforce, I had brought a Dowinx chair into the house. However, that was a really short guest appearance. It tortured my back for a whole six months until I gave it away without further ado. In both cases, I experienced more frustration than joy.
Back to the Vanguard: I also quickly noticed the difference when sitting down. I didn't slide forwards, the seat provided stable support and the combination of backrest and cushion ensured that I could work and play in a relaxed manner. I couldn't help but grin - finally a chair that not only shines on the outside, but also gives me the feeling that my back is being taken seriously at a very good price-performance ratio.
Features that have made the difference for me
I was particularly impressed by the pillow. Instead of slipping around on the chair with rubber bands, it holds magnetically. Simply position it, move it and you're done. So simple, so ingenious - and above all so comfortable. I was also impressed by the lumbar cushion - it also has a slight incline that adapts well to my back. Unlike the Dowinx, where it was more of a plush cushion, or the Backforce, where there was none at all, here it actually relieves my back and is pleasantly flexible with memory foam.
The backrest can be adjusted in several stages so that I can switch between concentrated work and relaxed leaning back at any time. The armrests are also simple but functional and stable. They can be adjusted in height and reliably support my arms without too much gimmickry.
And a side note for all those who like really good designs: Paradox has prepared some real eye-catchers for your gaming setups. Gamer ladies in particular get a real eye-catcher with the Paradox Vanguard Pink Princess an extra portion of pink behind the desk - but unfortunately it wasn't for my partner. 😘
My confession
With a price of around 279 euros, the Vanguard is in the mid-range of gaming chairs, but for my taste it offers much more than you would initially expect. It was easy to set up, the workmanship is high quality and the seating comfort is impressive. The fact that I immediately bought a second model after my first positive experience - this time the fabric version - speaks for itself.
I have now had the choice of upholstery: the leather chair is now at my partner's, while I have secured the fabric version and ordered it a second time. The fabric is pleasant to the touch, breathable and robust enough not to be worn out even after years of use. Clearly the better choice for me. So my confession is simple: I originally wanted the leather chair for myself, but gave it to my partner. For me, the Paradox Vanguard Space Comms fabric ultimately more of an option because it is more breathable. In the end, we now both have a Vanguard at our desks. Top!
After two weeks of use, both working and playing, I am completely convinced. The Vanguard is stable, comfortable to sit on, has a well thought-out design and offers small details that were simply unbeatable for me. For me it was Paradox24 a real surprise - a brand that I didn't know before, but one that has really impressed me.
Finally, I have some pictures of the setup and the two different gaming chairs for you. Feel free to join the discussion and share your feedback on our Discord Community Server.
