Aeron vs. Leap: My Opinion 3 Years Later

[@btodtv]

Watch Next: Best Office Chair Tier List (30 Ranked For Comfort) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gprGmaeZjbWGfsk

[@vince1271]

I bought the leap v2 3 weeks ago. When i first sat in it, i saw kind of disapointed. The lumbar support was way too much for me, (even though i didn't get the optional lumbar support). I couldn't use the chair for more than an hour without getting back pain. Now three weeks in, i actually love it! Turns out i just had to get used to it. I believe that my old chair was so bad that my back got used to a weird position. Now my back pain got away, i couldn't be happier with my purchase!

[@KirkOnTheLurk]

What is your height and weight?

[@georgepierre3594]

Use to have that problem with my costco foldable chair, your body adapts. I sat in that stiff ass chair for 10 years. And now I feel like stiff back chairs are better for my posture. The leap is just perfect, cuz u can adjust how stiff u want it.

[@sasso3844]

I also just got my leap v2 with lumbar and headrest after trying the embody for 2weeks, but for me it's the other way around. The embody was just really uncomfortable after day6 or so because the lumbar felt like metal or wood. Overall the back of the embody felt like it had no cushion and was just a thinner flexible wooden plank with the lumbar part punching in you like nothing else. So I thought something like the leap with a bit more cushion, even on the back, might be it.. and at first when I sat in the leap v2 I thought "way way better, this is it" but now also a few day in I discover so many design flaws (like asymentrical backrest for a 1k chair) and for me crucial things for how I wanna sit when I'm up straight which the emdoby did way better. The leaps whole back is weirdly made, design wise. The curve and tilt in the upper part to create this S shape is too much and leans to much back. It can never really be straight, it always leans a bit back. and because of this upper curve and also its tilt you never really feel the highest part supporting on your shoulders. Which is what gives you THE most supporting feeling to keep sitting upright with good posture (I had it in the embody). The design of the whole backrest, that it moves with you when you put pressure on the lumbar, and it then kind of leans more into you, but also not really.. still the top half of the back is too much curved and leaned back. It still never really touches your upper shoulders when you fully lean into the lumbar (maybe with A LOT of weight and mass also around your shoulders). But no matter how straight I try to sit in the leaps backrest, the most upper part of the shoulders right to the neck is flying in the chair.. no resting, nothing. And I found that this always makes me at some point let my shoulder fall down, sag down and even hang forward and then it even encourages my neck and head to go forward as well. I had a mirrow besides me on my desk while sitting to always check my posture from the side and the chair brought me into a forward neck posture from time to time. The leaps backrest should have been more straighter, up right, the S curve is fine but it also leans too much back. I'm slowly kinda giving up on these expensive ergo chairs..

[@Jack_80]

it's crazy to me that people spend this absurd amount of money on a chair they're not very comfortable in. i bought an office chair at staples like 20+ years ago for $100 and sat in it at my computer for over 8 hours a day, every day for a few years and always felt comfortable in it. after sitting in it all that time it still looked and felt like the day i bought it. i really wish i knew what brand and model it was, although it's highly unlikely they still make that exact same chair. it was black and looked mildly like the leap i guess, but the seat and back were bigger and the padding much thicker, and the arm rests were padded just like the seat and back, which i don't see on any of these fancy office chairs, but they were extremely comfortable. i seat was big enough that i would often bend my knees and put my lower legs up on the seat. i really miss that chair.

[@darren8343]

Good to know thank you

[@ademiralimanovic2349]

I used Aeron for 2 years, it's good, but rough and limited chair for my use case. I tried Leap for a short time (just to test it) and then Gesture. In the end, I ended up with Leap. In my opinion, Leap is overall the best chair. It feels so ergonomic, and I like the fact it has that "hug" feeling on the back, it flexes with the body!

[@Walhor]

Did you get the original or V2?

[@ademiralimanovic2349]

@@Walhor V-2 of course : )

[@Walhor]

@@ademiralimanovic2349 Thanks!

Koju si veličinu Aerona koristio, naspram svoje visine? Ja sam probao c i čini mi se interesantnim i boljim od Gesure-a. U Leap sam samo jednom sjeo pa nemam neki tačan utisak.

[@sasso3844]

hug feeling of the back? I feel like the leap is doing the worst in this case. The backrest top is so much tilted backwards that it's hard to reach with your shoulders unless you lean slightly in it. You also can't bring the backrest fully upright, it's always slightly tilted on top of the already tilted backrest shell. Kinda annoying if you wanna sit fully up straight and want to feel the whole backrest and not only 2/3rd of it and mostly the bottom lumbar section. And also even if you put your whole weight on the lumbar to make the backrest move the top part for the shoulders it doesn't move into you enough. It always feels like my shoulders have no contact at all in the leap v2's backrest. I wish I could loosen the mechanism of the backrest on the leap. I found out when I sit in it and push down the 2 arms that are attached to the backrest near your butt cheeks and press these down as much as you can with your two thumbs, the backrest moves in so much and feels much much better. Would be an S tier chair like that. A upright backrest encourage me more to sit fully upright with a good posture instead of only leaning back straight. That's what the leap v2 is good for.

[@gibbs779]

Very informative video. It's funny seeing how subjective comfort is. the leap v2 lumbar support helps my lower back pain tremendously. Although I haven't tried it with it out of the chair, so I might have to try it. Thanks BOTD. Leap v2 hands down.

[@dk0898]

Concerning warranty: If your not from the US and are deciding between Steelcase and Herman Miller it might be interesting to know that Steelcase drastically reduced its warranty for consumers in Europe & UK to just 5 years for all products including Gesture & Leap while Herman Miller still offers 12 years on their chairs.

[@btodtv]

Yes, the change to the EMEA warranty is definitely disappointing. My review of the Leap coming out soon mentions this as well -GK

[@Jessicat9919]

Thanks for the warning but the UK is in Europe

[@frogturtle]

Thanks for another great video BTOD. As an Aeron Remastered owner, I can see why a lot of people dislike the chair initially. It is like having a strict teacher telling you how to sit. But the pain I felt was my posture being fixed by the chair, not because of the chair itself. Months later and it is unbelievably comfortable especially when reclining. Because it is so comfortable and holds you in a good posture, you will not feel as much of a constant need to change positions. Sitting in the Aeron is an investment. Let it work its magic and you may not necessarily desire a chair that is more flexible. Obviously test it for yourself because your experience may differ from mine. The great thing about office chairs is that there are multiple incredible options to choose from depending on your needs. Cheers.

[@SuperBroChris]

I dont know if the leap does it too, but the aeron will help your standing posture as well because of how much is forces your posture when seating.

[@Keiktu]

I will be receiving mine by the end of the month, you have no idea how excited I am.

[@kapazander3377]

I had the HAG Capisco. It forces* your posture to be upright because it has very poor slouch/cradle performance. Slouching in the Capisco really puts pressure on my tailbone and after a few months it's quite bad. With that said, is the Aeron accommodating for some lazy sitting posture when you wanna take a break from "proper posture"?

[@Harvester88]

I was looking at a Leap at one point, ended up going with Humanscale Freedom with headrest. Had it for about 2 years almost and still love it.

[@moriyama815]

question: I realized none of the casters have a stopper. I have an under-desk bicycle. Can I swamp the OEM casters with random casters from Amazon?

[@umbles7007]

I JUST got my BTOD refurbished Leap V2 from you guys yesterday. Incredibly comfortable. Very happy with my choice. I was looking at the Aeron, but I like to fold my legs from time to time, so the leap appealed to me more after researching.

[@btodtv]

Thank you for your business! -GK

[@RuhDolu]

I bought leap v2 refurbished 6 years ago, and i have been using it 7+ hours a day since then. The chair is still in good condition. Overall the leap v2 was much better for me compared to the aeron because you have the freedom to sit just as you want... just a review from a guy who had lots of problems sitting on normal chairs because of lumbar problems

[@redalertlaserbeak7244]

This video taught me that the MoMA features an Herman Miller Aeron as part of its permanent collection. Their permanent collection also contains Van Gogh's *Starry Night*. Wild.

[@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691]

The prices on these chairs have inflated an insane amount. Like 130% or more vs 3 years ago.

[@NINJA_INVESTORS]

Used market is the same price

[@John-tk6wd]

I also chose the leap over the aeron and I’m very happy I did. I like a chair with a little cushion. At first the lumbar hurt my lower back so I just put it at its weakest setting and put it as low as possible and now I love the chair perfect combination between ergonomics and softness. The aeron looks so good but I won’t be looking at it when I’m sitting in it. 😂

[@antoinemoulin3871]

Hello, could you tell me what is the color of this aeron model please ? Thanks a lot. Graphit or Onyx ?

[@erikwithakayy]

As someone with a reoccurring back injury, I technically find the leap more comfortable, but the aeron forces me to sit correctly which ultimately helps prevents my back injury from reocurring. I end up sitting super weird in the leap. Usually with my left leg under my but which is not good for me.

[@kieran6743]

Worth remembering for us European's who are considering these chairs. Steelcase done us dirty and reduced the warranty from 12 years to 5, for pretty much no reason at all. Given the cost of these chairs, that pretty much ruled out any steelcase chairs for me.

[@LostStylus]

3:06 - does the seatpan on the Leap actually expand or just move like on Sayl?

[@troygaines4119]

What fabric/color is on the Leap? Thanks!

[@diegogaribay2928]

Why did you stop using the CXO? I was considering buying that chair.

[@chaowu5139]

Have a herniated disk in L4/L5 region. I have heard that the V2 does cause discomfort in tailbone, lowerback area which is what I'm trying to prevent since i mostly WFH. I do like that the V2 is more comfortable for the legs since i have long legs. Anyone with lower backbone who has tried both have any suggestions? My current chair, not an office chair, gives me back soreness if i sit too long amd would obviously like to avoid that.

[@lystic9392]

I never understood lumbar support. It's not supposed to press into the back, right? Just to kind of naturally fall in place?

[@F00Ntik]

The more I see your videos, the more I'm struggling to choose correct one for me... What should I choose for everyday work 12h+ in chairs, height 178cm, weight 84kg?

[@nishadgupte8]

Can you do a Haworth Fern Digital Knit version review?

[@jamesskofee6942]

You guys do the best chair content :) I am trying to decide between buying the Leap and the CXO right now. Would you happen to be able to share any specifics of what was uncomfortable for you with the CXO vs the Leap? It is pretty hard to find comparisons and opinions about the CXO.

[@btodtv]

The seat and the arms are what got me out of the CXO. I realized that the thick memory foam on the CXO was causing lower back pain for me. I didn’t really realize the problem until I started sitting in a bunch of other chairs with thinner seat pads. Definitely not as soft and cush but much better on my lower back. There are also a lot of chairs with better arms than the CXO. They are a bit clunky and don’t have the adjustment range a lot of high end chairs do. It’s still a great chair. I use it at home. It’s a much better fit for me there because I am not in the chair as long as I am at the office. -RB

[@nosenugg3ts626]

I have the old school version of the leap which a lot more people seem to prefer it over the V2 leap. Only problem with it is I experience butt/tailbone pain after many hours.

[@masondj09]

I noticed the leap has a bit of a crease in the fabric on the back rest. One of my concerns with fabric over mesh is the durability over years of use. Is the fabric pulling from the back rest, and is it intentionally designed that way if so?

[@btodtv]

When done properly at the factory or through a good upholstery process when refurbishing, this isn't really a big issue. We get 1,000's of these annually that come from corporations that have had them in use since as long as 2006 and the backs hold up very well. This is done by design. The Leap backrest has a ton of flex in it to allow for movement/flexibility while you sit. The way the backrest is upholstered plays into this flexibility. -GK

What is your height and the chair size (a,b,c) ?

[@Kaiyening]

I feel the same about most of the stuff said in this video. I do prefer a more aggressive lumbar support in the Leap, though. Armrests feel more comfortable on the Aeron but overall my leap at home is more comfortable to me than anything out there, including Aeron at work. Except for a seat in a modern Tesla. But that’s another story 😑

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

I have a small house, computer desk is in living room along with the TV. So I am looking for a good desk chair that would also make for a good relaxing and watching TV chair. Right now I am leaning toward the Embody/Gesture/Fern chairs...all of those seem to have a less constricting seat if one wanted to sit cross-legged or leg under (yeah, I know, bad for posture)

[@btodtv]

Assuming you want a headrest for that scenario? -GK

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

@@btodtv not necessarily, but of the three, the Fern seems to have the best headrest (Embody doesnt have one). If the Gesture only had the Series 2 headrest...

[@amlekar]

Thanks for the great content! I am using Steelcase Think v1 for almost 7 years, but recently started experiencing little bit of lower back pain, so decided to upgrade. Have watched most of the BTODtv videos on Steelcase chairs, but still unable to decide between Leap v2 and Gesture. I don't use the recline function much. Also I sit cross legged quite often as I experience better back support in that position. Haven't used headrest yet. Can you recommend between Leap v2 and Gesture? Use case is 10-11 hours of use everyday. Am 5'8"/60 kgs. Primatry criterion is good back support, followed by arm suport and overall comfort. Okay with pricing of both chairs.

[@btodtv]

Thanks for watching! I would probably recommend starting with the Gesture if you like sitting cross legged. The Leap isn’t quite as good for that -GK

[@Zwimpy88]

I hope you will make another video when the Steelcase Karman comes out. I think that will be the true competitor for the Aeron. Still waiting for it to come out so you guys can review it, I have owned a Secretlab Titan, Herman Miller Aeron and Embody Gaming chair. All of the just didn't reach the comfort level I expected for their respective price ranges. The Steelcase Karman seems to be the ultimate "mesh" chair that conforms to your body without the "rigid cup seat design" of the Aeron.

[@nikita2560]

Ooooo

[@dylanloo9856]

I find this video surprisingly helpful even tho I'm not looking to buy any of these chairs at all lol

[@btodtv]

Appreciate you checking it out! -GK

[@entityHIROH]

I found someone selling a Leap for 350 used in my area but im having trouble deciding if its a good fit. One of my biggest problems currently is tailbone pain/numbness that i get from my current chair (gaming chair). Id like to upgrade to something that would fix that but appearently the leap causes tailbone pain to a lot of people? Due to the thinner seat. But you guys also said that most ergonomic chairs have that problem so im a bit lost right now. Any recommendations for my problem or do you think the Leap is a good option?

[@wtfx5757]

I also have tailbone pain. What did you end up doing? Did you try the leap? What are your thoughts?

[@brenmcrae]

I’ve used both the Aeron and leap extensively since Covid and the Aeron in night and day better with tailbone/butt pain for long working sessions. The Aeron is like sitting on a firm trampoline. It might be firmer than the Leap but it lacks any pressure points which makes it way better for long sitting sessions. The Leap is like sitting on a wood plank after 4 hours. Shorter sessions: Leap Longer sessions: Aeron

[@wtfx5757]

@@brenmcrae thank you for this comment.

[@anil.yuvali]

Great video as always. I wonder why did you choose Leap instead of Gesture?

[@btodtv]

Thank you! That video is coming out in the next two weeks :) -GK

[@anil.yuvali]

​@@btodtv​ That's great. I'm looking forward to it. :)

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

I have sat in an Aeron B for about 5 years. Recently picked up a Leap V2 and it's vastly different and more comfortable in my opinion. Aeron is supposed to give you a floating feeling, like the natural movement of your body. It's quite a stiff seat. In my opinion most people buy it for it's legendary design and cool aesthetic, and they hold their value well. But in my opinion subjectively, the Leap is far more comfortable. I'd say for people over 200lbs, the Leap is a better option. I agree with another commenter that if you find yourself shifting throughout your seated time, the Leap is also more forgiving. The Aeron is designed for you to sit correctly all day and lets face it... that's not easy to do! also don't forget color options - while you can get Aeron in various colors and even in special cases custom, the color and fabric choices are nearly endless with the Leap. Leap even has a leather option! But I understand the Aeron very well and it's such a legendary chair, I'm not sure I'll ever get rid of mine!

[@jovanimal]

I'm pretty much decided to get a Leap V2, but I'm torn whether I should get the one with or without headrest. Did you get one with headrest or without? In either case, how did you find it with/without the headrest so far?

[@DarrenKrusi]

I've used Aeron's in the past, I didn't recognise the name in those days but I wasn't impressed with them at the time. The office I was at had a number of them rolling around and almost all of them had broken lumbar rolls which immediately made the chair uncomfortable, as someone that moves a lot when sitting and will cross legs as well, the mesh and plastic rim were so uncomfortable and it has stuck with me to this day. Last year I managed to snag a Leap V2 no arms for super super cheap, so cheap that it would be devastating to me to lose the chair because I know the outlay to replace it will be so much more. I use it at work where I'm constantly in and out along with long sessions just sitting in it. I may love it more than my Humanscale Freedom I have at home but don't tell it that. The rocking you were doing in the Aeron is something I disliked personally and I would always try to find that perfect angle for me to work at which the Aeron never seemed to be able to lock in, no surprise there that I have a Leap and Freedom able to hold me in the position I want purely with my body weight and tension. Great video again.

[@btodtv]

No one is letting the Freedom know ;) appreciate the feedback, thanks! -GK

[@PandaXpress17]

They are both great chairs. I had the leap V2 for awhile, but found that the recline on the leap (where the seat pan slides forward as you tilt back) was actually making my slouching worse. I also experience severe tailbone pain. I bought a brand new Aeron and couldn’t be happier. The recline on the Aeron is unlike any other chair and really forces me to sit correctly, which has helped me even when standing up. The tailbone pain is also gone as a lot of the sitting pressure is distributed throughout my thighs. They are both a win in my book, tailor the sitting experience to you!

[@btodtv]

Sitting correctly will fix a lot of problems, just need the perfect chair to help you get there. Glad you found it -GK

[@christianburger25]

I too started on a leap v2. I find the seat pan to be lacking which caused me pain on extended periods of sitting. I also had the same issue with slouching in that chair and found I often had lower back pain. A few years later I purchased a new Aeron and all the pain I experienced with the leap are now gone. I have zero back pain. I did like the arms a little better on the leap but they did get loose over time and moved way too easy. I also tested a embody in the store and could not find a comfortable position no matter how I adjusted. It also felt cheap with all the creaking of the plastic

[@theNecksLevel]

So why didn't you like the CXO? There's not much information about it on your channel. There's no formal review.

[@svanir7619]

Heh, I have a Clatina Mellet, which is essentially a knockoff Leap with a great deal of its adjustability. Had an Aeron at work some time back, and I very much prefer the Mellet by comparison for comfort. Only the arm rests are lacking by comparison. Naturally, I'm leaning very heavily towards purchasing a Leap in the near future.

[@btodtv]

We need to check that Clatina Mellet out, since it has such an attractive price point. Thanks for sharing your experience! -GK

[@svanir7619]

@@btodtv That would be pretty fantastic, as for the amount spent I feel I've got my money's worth and then some. I've added some armrest pads to address the hardness and too-low profile on them at their highest setting, and it's been near perfect. I only wish I opted for the mesh back, and believe the headrest will not be for everybody. No creaking, extremely smooth movement, and the parts and build do not feel cheap. Warning: there's only one part to put together, the back. It's not easy.

[@ronpaek100]

Can you do a review on the embody chair too like these series?

[@btodtv]

Yes. We plan to. Thanks for watching! -GK

[@ronpaek100]

@@btodtv thank you these 3 year later review series have been really helpful

[@btodtv]

You’re welcome. Awesome to hear they are helpful. It’s hard to believe it’s already been 3 years with some of these chairs! -GK

[@Wilq09]

Currently sitting in mirra 2. Ngl i love it

[@btodtv]

Nice! -GK

[@DontCryAboutIt]

IMHO the Aeron on has better durability, ventilation and can be cleaned by the user with a cloth. That said I prefer an upholstered chair for home use.which is occasional. I have a 2009 1st gen celle, office star and just ordered a Eurotech.

[@MOVIEKICKS]

Are you testing the Aeron Remastered or the old Aeron?

[@btodtv]

Remastered. -Ryan

[@MOVIEKICKS]

@@btodtv thank you!

[@kiddkai]

I use whatever the company provide for WFH settings, Aeron is pretty solid for 5 years. No back pain at all.

[@GSP2100]

your height and what size Aeron you have been using?

[@kcav1255]

Time for a Laeron?

[@mauricioreginato]

So hard to pick up one. People have different needs. Very nice video though.

[@WelshGrey]

Frustratingly there’s nowhere to try out a Steelcase chair in the UK other than in London

[@btodtv]

That is crazy! Sorry 😞-GK

[@Turnpost2552]

video ended abuptly lol

[@love-hammer]

Very helpful. My ass and back thank you.

[@-Karnage]

Ohpinion

[@LostStylus]

Why do you put your chairs so high?

[@Yo12327]

Leap is nowhere near Aeron , never and ever

[@leef3167]

Leap is better. Aeron was just too uncomfortable for me.

[@btodtv]

What didn’t you like about the Aeron? -GK

[@leef3167]

@@btodtv It hurt my back.

[@Archoniz94]

ergonomics save lives in a nutshell ..

[@btodtv]

haha. Might just make you more efficient and comfortable too -GK

[@Archoniz94]

@@btodtv 8 out of 10 issue when having fatigue with pc is either A. ergonomics issue or B. the monitors , but as per every person would be , need to sit up atleast 30mins away from 2h working/using the pc/laptop

[@btodtv]

Taking breaks is definitely key to comfort and efficiency! -GK

[@modfus]

This channel is very Amerocentric. What about chair manufacturers from Europe? I especially would love to see a comparison between the Aeron and the 'ID Cloud' office chair made by the Swiss company Vitra.

[@psfgtech]

Awful price

[@hosnymohamed6375]

Over Al leap is better

[@MaruBaku]

im first

[@btodtv]

🤔

[@AMIn.SICARIO]

The cost of both chair's can buy you a cheap car or 4 scooters tffff is wrong with people

[@gigar9000]

It's for people who doesn't want to drive a cheap car or own 4 scooters.

[@btodtv]

😂 -Gk

[@AMIn.SICARIO]

@@gigar9000 you must be one of those "respectfully " idiots who rather buy expensive normal chairs that offer the same ass sitting features that of a cheap chair ..

[@AMIn.SICARIO]

@@gigar9000 lol you wish you had my life, you think getting an expensive meaningless chair is a lifestyle? I can get a car and race it till it breaks and that would be hella worth it, but I understand idiots like you spending money to sit their stupid ass and geek around , companies like these thrive on your stupidity 😂😂😂

[@ethan-fel]

fixing your back will cost you way more than that.