Fractal Design Refine - their first chair!

[@KitGuruTech]

Please report any spam that you see, it is an ongoing issue with KZbin! And while you're here, what do you make of the new Refine chair from Fractal?

[@mdqmusic9]

If I hadnt watched a lot of your chair reviews id say this one was paid for, but you have been very critical in the past, so I believe you

[@KitGuruTech]

I’ll always let you know if a product misses the mark. This one definitely hits 👍🏻

[@mdqmusic9]

@@KitGuruTech Right!

[@Daniel-zl9im]

Lovely looking chairs - no crap on them, headrests that work, nicely designed, good adjustment and well made. Incredible first chair

[@KitGuruTech]

My thoughts exactly - Mat

[@Daniel-zl9im]

@@KitGuruTech Me too!

[@lovingthelife804]

This is some standard to hit out of the gate, only negative I heard you say was the armrest adjustment being a bit loose

[@beppe524]

Look at you playing guitar and doing a Clapton solo at the start - you rock star you !

[@KitGuruTech]

If you could hear what I was playing you definitely wouldn’t be calling me a rock star 😂

[@beppe524]

@@KitGuruTech You're a Rock Star!

[@pixelkid4]

Thats impressive, Ive watched you tear apart from pretty big makes before in your reviews.

[@4thofjuly-fk4oq]

Been waiting for this since the show coverage a few months ago - it hasnt disappointed - I love fractal, they put a lot of thought into their designs and even looking at the headrest shows the effort they put in.

[@KitGuruTech]

Their designers have nailed it with the Refine. My favourite chair so far to be honest - Mat

[@GraymaneGaming]

Probably the most amazing chair I've had. Coming from someone who had a Herman Miller Mirra for 7 years. I absolutely love this chair. Only slight con is the arm rests are very easy to move forward and back and don't have a locking mechanism for this. They don't move during use though which is fine!

[@KitGuruTech]

That's big praise! I agree on the armrests - it's the only negative thing I have to say about the Refine and it's a very minor thing for me to be fair - Mat

[@GraymaneGaming]

@@KitGuruTech absolutely well deserved for a product of this quality at such a great price point. Costs less than half of HM and other top brands. I got the mesh as mesh chairs are best for me and provide the most comfort and keep me cool. Great review, I'm glad to see people are enjoying this chair ❤️

[@semvloedgraven7815]

​@@GraymaneGaminghi! Did you order the mesh or fabric?

[@GraymaneGaming]

@semvloedgraven7815 mesh

[@anthonyward4654]

Nice of them to send you a white one and a different material black one - I like the black one myself, I get hot gaming too so that material would work better for me

[@KitGuruTech]

Both are nice in their own way but I personally prefer the black one too

[@justinhowe8322]

I wouldn’t expect anything less from Fractal tbh - always rated them highly

[@stevenbryant8445]

£780 for the alcantara version? holy crap thats high end - some balls on them doing that with their first chair - alcantara is amazing material - quite expensive too

[@Berserkism]

and it's a human gunge magnet. You do not want it anywhere your hands or skin will touch. Have you ever seen an Alcantara steering wheel after use? Gross.

[@Noneya5555]

​@@BerserkismExactly. And it literally disintegrates in hot, humid climates.

[@stevenbryant8445]

@@Berserkism Hmm!

[@anatoliolombardi6030]

A mat review end of the week, awesome !

[@joshuav.d.3777]

Sometimes they miss the mark a little, but i dont think this company have released many ‘turds’ in the past. This is a heck of a first chair, without gimmicks too

[@samshawn4887]

Moving that headrest to a neck rest position looks like a good idea, never seen a vertical movement adjustment on that area before

[@NASIRMiyA-hf8bn]

Wow finally a chair with a headrest that doesnt look like a complete afterthought!

[@KitGuruTech]

100%

[@felicebuccio6304]

Lovely job, the alcantara version is the one to get, its a pretty good warranty too, as I would be surprised if that material lasts long under heavy use

[@jonaht2330]

Alcantara - love it !

[@mikepowell8044]

Thanks Kitguru

[@Wyatt775]

The lumber support and headrest look well thought out, thats good

[@KitGuruTech]

They work really well

[@Wyatt775]

@@KitGuruTech Yeah you are Right!

[@grayson8414]

Nicely done Fractal, I will be trying to buy the alcantara one in black, as while will get messy quickly

[@fredericknewman6338]

Long term testing these would be great, those are some soft materials that do not tend to wear very well. My Apple phone case looks terrible in a few months

[@georgebrown2974]

Amazing to see they have painted the chairs to match the color scheme - so much attention to detail with this ones. But the prices are high, cant have it all I guess

[@richardbruna1969]

I would be interested to hear long term how these wear Mat, if Fractal let you keep them, hope you can come back with a report in a few months, or end of year.

[@SarahBytesBack-s4e]

Would love an update like this on all the chairs Dominic has tried! 🤩

[@hothardwareforthewin-he4fz]

Thats a really good chair - and a good review too mat ! Fractal are a quality company, dont see that changing in other sectors.

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. It’s a very, very nice chair - Mat

[@bernardo9605]

Going into the market in the high end, thats a a bold move - have to clap them for this one

[@scarletartem5987]

Really like his chair reviews appreciate he takes the time to assemble the chair and show that.

[@KitGuruTech]

Thank you

[@Linuxdistro15-ih8ox]

Wow I have never seen you be so positive about a chair before, except that 2 grand massive sofa one - if its impressed you Mat it must be good 😎

[@KitGuruTech]

I struggled to find the one negative point to be honest. I was very, very impressed with these chairs

[@festerleech4952]

Very nice design. That head cushion and the lumbar support design is pretty unique.

[@dreschaffhausen5693]

Agree but without a bit of RGB it doesnt really say its a gamer chair.

[@KitGuruTech]

Easily the cleanest head cushion design I’ve seen! - Mat

[@UnitedAlgorit-el4hy]

well if you say its good Mat I believe you, I watched you rip apart two very big makes recently, so its refreshing that Fractal have came out of the gate so positive with this one. looks lovely in white. not so keen on the black one, but it looks like its ventialated better.

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks. It’s a very, very good first chair from Fractal. Makes me excited to see what they come up with next (setup wise) to be honest. I have hope that they make a desk someday- Mat

[@jiyaulansari-dn1ty]

You got the best version Mat, super review man - well done. Im ordering one next month when I am paid

[@Blake846]

Well you liked that one Mat, can’t really argue that one !

[@KitGuruTech]

I did indeed!

[@Blake846]

@@KitGuruTech Okay!

[@nicolasjoseph9446]

Wow they didnt get too much wrong with this one - surprised it was so good

[@ryanrichardson7285]

The casters look lovely, look like a ducati wheel design

[@monukumar-kg3wk]

Excellent review Matthew - the headrest can turn into a neckrest - love it !

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks!

[@Raul-id9gp]

Good review mat, thanks for the work on this, a lot of detail, some people just sit on chairs, take some marketing money and say its great

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Raul-id9gp]

@@KitGuruTech Welcome!

[@Iloveyoutube-oh4ug]

adjustability is good, looks like a fine chair - surprised their first one was so good, normally takes quite some time for a company new to this sector to get it right. clearly put a lot of research into this. actually looks like it might be worth the money too, which is unusual 😛

[@KitGuruTech]

I 100% agree - for their first chair it’s very, very good.

[@Mog780]

Really interesting to see a first hand review now. Ive been tempted as ill be moving soon and dont want to ship my embody over with me (UK -> Sweden) so ive been looking for a new chair, ive been really impressed with fractal as both my ITX and main rig are in the North and Terra, so im happy to support.

[@KitGuruTech]

You could do a lot worse to be honest - Mat

[@harleylover9446]

Alcantara is one of my favourite materials - surprised they are warranting that for 3 years? my phone case fell apart in a matter of months ! its quite a soft material

[@philipjfry628]

I had a steering wheel trimmed in that. Was lovely to hold but it goes shiny very quickly

[@KitGuruTech]

The warranty is quite generous. It would have been nice to take a look at the Alcantara model, I’m guessing it’s very premium - Mat

[@paulthompson9837]

@@KitGuruTech The price is; £300 extra

[@pixelrefresh348]

@@paulthompson9837 That's not worth it I reckon

[@Novasuper-jm5zy]

This may have been the best report of a chair you guys have given yet.

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks

[@SahilKamble-wd5tf]

The wheels, head rest and some other features are great design parts

[@KitGuruTech]

Definitely 👍🏻

[@enrico8553]

Its a win for the head cushion design alone. every chair ive bought ive had to either take the head rest off, or just not use it as they are crap

[@BhaskarTaye-i3e]

One of the nicest looking chairs I have seen, reminds me of herman miller - I think they might have been involved by looking at it. Some scoop

[@dreschaffhausen5693]

Wow this has got high praise! Need to go and try one of these to see if its worth the fuss... Can you get them in a shop or are they online only?

[@KitGuruTech]

I’m not sure of retail stock sorry - Mat

[@dreschaffhausen5693]

@@KitGuruTech Shame would love to try one of these

[@taomahNEGEV]

A pleasant surprise indeed. Fern's superiority has been well challenged.

[@Tialian]

I've had a Secretlab for almost four years now, and its been a solid chair but in recent months I've been noticing lower back muscle pain. My old chair is a used leap v2 which I love, but gave to my wife when I got my Secretlab because she started working from home and I wanted something with a headrest. If I were shopping at the same price point now I would definitely pick up this Fractal instead of the Secretlab. I found out recently that atlas is making a headrest for the leap v2, so my plan is to get another used leap v2 and the new headrest which should come in at the same price point as a Fractal/Secretlab.

[@allensmall5448]

Color me impressed. does not happen too often

[@powermaster5004]

That was a very good review of a very pretty looking chair. You get all the good stuff to review man 🎉

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@Onmoneyline]

I love seeing properly designed stuff.

[@LexieMorin]

Another great review

[@artIfactuaI]

I’ve been looking for a new chair and I stumbled upon this a couple weeks ago and I instantly love it, for the price its amazing. Just one question: Fabric or Mesh. I’ve only ever tried Mesh chairs and never really Fabric but what’s your overall thought on it? I know you mentioned it in the video but not much.

[@shoutingstone]

I asked the same question further up and he said both were nice but he preferred the mesh. I actually prefer the look of the fabric one but might still get the mesh as a lot of reviewers skew that way.

[@VijayMohite-kq8vj]

This is a really impressive chair, saw another review a few days ago too and it got good scores

[@mikemarshall2747]

The base of the chair and that metal support gas pole bit, looks very thin to my eye, id be concerned with that long term if I was close to the limit

[@Noneya5555]

What about those of us who like to cross 1 or both legs while sitting? I've seen reviewers say that the raised side edges makes that difficult? Also, is there much of a curve in the backrest? From the video, it looks pretty flat. How does that affect lumbar positioning without the support?

[@SimonBennett-fw6zq]

Lumber support is crucial for me and this one looks like it really works, even if it looks a little clunky and you can't adjust it for yourself while sitting there, so I guess you need to invite a mate over for a good long Warcraft session if you really want to get the support right. Wish it was a little cheaper!

[@darrendavies1102]

fantastic review im thinking about buying one but which is best the fabric or the mesh not read the reviews as yet but thank you

[@pietro444]

Great design overall, cant see too many things wrong with this one

[@KitGuruTech]

Agreed!

[@PoonamKumari-x4y9y]

Love it, and very good review, you answered most of my questions - only one I wanted to know is it really that easy to make around 12:00 in ? very few faults with this one

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Yes it is very easy to assemble and the instructions are very clear.

[@durgachapagain2353]

Very good - I normally hate the chairs you guys review as they are gamer oriented, but this is excellent

[@philipjfry628]

Think that three year warranty on the Alcantara is a pretty good deal. Does it cover the material going shiny or are they going to say that is normal wear and tear?

[@KitGuruTech]

We’re not sure regarding what exactly it covers. The Fractal Design website states ‘3 years warranty for soft parts (e.g. upholstery, lumbar support pad, arm caps and headrest)’

[@philipjfry628]

@@KitGuruTech Hmm I wonder what constitutes wear and tear for them.

[@QwietStorm]

Nice review. Can you comment at all on how this compares to the Haworth Fern?

[@Gates-Tech]

I appreciate the video and am curious which one you would prefer now that you have tested both, the mesh or the fabric?

[@semvloedgraven7815]

Hi @kitgurutech which one did you prefer? The mesh or fabric. Im not sure which one too get. The chair i use now has a fabric seat and mesh back. Were there any things you liked or disliked about the both?

[@Roccosiffredo93]

Hello Matthew! Super amazing review, was waiting for something like that, thank you so much. Since you seems like the only person on the planet that owns both the fabric and the mesh one, i'll give you the one million dollar question: Which one do you prefer and why? I'm torned between choosing between the mesh and the fabric and i'd gladly hearing for some toughts about that. Thank you so much for your help and the review!

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it. I prefer the mesh but only very slightly. They’re both great but the mesh feels a bit cooler and the darker finish is better suited to my setup

[@Roccosiffredo93]

@@KitGuruTech Thank you so much for the answer. I'm waiting for my mesh one now! :) Just out of curiosity: In terms of seat/backrest comfort, which one do you prefer? Do the mesh really change the game there? I'll leave that here for future readers :)

[@jamey89k83]

The mesh one puts me off based on the soft base - the fabric ones are always more cushioned on the bum cheeks

[@Eesaregood]

I'm confused do either of these have the fancy Alcantara finish? Can we see one of those?

[@KitGuruTech]

Neither chair in the video is Alcantara. The darker one is mesh and lighter is fabric. Fractal didn’t send the Alcantara for review unfortunately

[@Eesaregood]

@@KitGuruTech Any chance of seeing that one? Would love to know if its worth the premium.

[@larwiemcdonnel5322]

Very good chair by all accounts. Thanks for review 👌🏻

[@KitGuruTech]

I agree and no problem, hope you enjoyed the video - Mat

[@EvaMorris3718-g2z]

How does this compare to the Corsair T500 that you covered recently!? Between these 2 which is the better buy? 😁

[@keblin86]

How good is the lumbar support? and how long have u sat in the chair? I'd be interested in your thoughts after around 1 month of using it!

[@AntonijoMilenkovic]

The bat mobile style casters are a nice touch, dont see that very often.

[@luvkushdhakad9128]

Thats a great chair - and looks lovely too - the only thing I noticed was how thin the metal bar from the gas lift is - looks half the thickness of mine. Im just fat too, would give me a concern that

[@rajanbhai9334]

Thanks Mat, another good review, surprised you were so positive. you tear chairs apart so I value your opinions

[@KitGuruTech]

Thank you

[@BiteSizeWoW]

Hey, do you have a list of your top recommended office/gaming chairs? Looking for a new chair but not sure what!

[@KitGuruTech]

Hi, thanks for the feedback - definitely something we can look into!

[@Noneya5555]

Judging from the video, it seems as if, in the default position, there's too much space between the seatpan and the backs of your legs; definitely more than the 2 fingers of space. Other reviewers have pointed out the short seatpan as a con, along with the hard side bolsters. In future chair reviews, can you include the ability to sit with one or both legs tucked?

[@AshikSk-ik1qg]

Thanks for the review

[@JuliaJohnson84]

Nice range of adjustments looks like it can fit almost anyone.

[@Dr.D00p]

I know you can't really judge these things from a video, but it doesn't look as durable or solid as a NobleChairs, IMO. I currently use a Hero model that's into its 5th year without the slightest signs or feel of wear & tear on it..pretty sure it will outlive me 😊

[@Linuxdistro15-ih8ox]

I dont think alcantara will cope well after a year - thats why I am massively surprised fractal have offered a 3 year material warranty on this - they must have some faith in the products to offer 5 year as standard on the parts and 3 year on materials.

[@pixelrefresh348]

The handles in the seat cushion look a bit of a weak point

[@Andrew-ks7zj]

I got an advert that sounded like Morgan freeman talking about science stuff. wtf lol

[@KoolKarl-qq2pr]

Sounds like a really good chair this will have to have a sit.

[@EdnattPoling]

Good point about the colour coded casters. Too often they are chrome or just cheap black.

[@KitGuruTech]

It's the little touches that make the difference

[@darrendavies1102]

Just seen you review on the ERGO Gaming Chair Thunderx3 which one would you go for hopefully you can answer. I really can't decide. Ty

[@DeborahBernal]

If you buy the Alcantara version is it completely covered in the stuff or is the middle bit mesh still.

[@KitGuruTech]

I've not seen it in person but looking at the picture online, the backrest, headrest and seat base are all completely covered in Alcantara

[@KnightRider-lq5yb]

Good job mate 👍🏻

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks. Glad you liked it

[@GrumpyBear_CZ]

Can you compare the cloth version to Noblechairs Legend? I have Legend TX and thinking about replacing it.

[@user-uv8qn1br8q]

Cant find them in UK?

[@KitGuruTech]

the whole range is on Scan: www.scan.co.uk/search?q=Fractal+Design+Refine

[@festerleech4952]

@@KitGuruTech Annoying are they not on Amazon?

[@KitGuruTech]

Doesn't look like it yet, in the UK at least!

[@pikkon38]

Also is the mesh one physically larger? It seems like the specs are all bigger. And which one feels more plush to sit on it?

[@KamenMinkov]

I think the biggest potential problem with this chair is the lack of out-of-warranty support. Sure, there's the 3/5 year warranty, but what happens if you're 5-6 years in and something is just worn out and you want to buy a spare part to replace it? I see this very likely to happen with the armrest pads for example. If they don't plan to sell spares, it's a lack of commitment in my book.

[@jameskane6273]

Nice of them to send you two chairs, can I pop over and pick one of them up later? ill bring a fish and chip and some cola with me, trade in?

[@pikkon38]

Do you feel like theres enough seat depth? Currently using a secret lab titan XL and i love the seat depth but the seat is now hard as a rock.

[@AmaneGee-fb2ws]

Nice looking chair.

[@Wilfred4815]

The base of the chair for your bum doesnt look very thick on the b roll - is it soft enough and strong enough to last if you are like 100kg + ?

[@KitGuruTech]

I've not had the chairs with me for long enough to tell, but I'll be using the dark mesh version as my main chair from now, so I may make a follow up video in the future - Mat

[@Wilfred4815]

@@KitGuruTech Ya you are Right!

[@kalumakwana3374]

Fractal make great products, this is excellent too

[@drmashooque9550]

Good review, black suits your room better Mat IMO

[@KitGuruTech]

Thanks

[@ShubhamYadav-tc6ob]

The white one looks amazing - very Herman Miller in design too - wonder if they hired them to make it. for them. could have - same scandavian origins too

[@Krimicu-ci6cn]

Love how they didnt go crazy planting their logo all over it like some manufacturers do.

[@trevinowoods9602]

This is a nice chair that could double as a subtle office chair.

[@KitGuruTech]

Definitely

[@PCPro2017]

I always think that spending over £250 needs to buy you something extra. That said, this does seem like a lot of chair. I like the bits that are missing, much more comfortable to have mesh at the back and space to spread out. Can I try one anywhere near London or Manchester?

[@shoutingstone]

So the eternal question, Mesh or Fabric? I've been alternating my office chair between a mesh and fabric one all week in preparation of buying one of these (not a like for like comparison as these are just bargain-basement office chairs we have at work) and still cant decide. So which do YOU prefer and why?

[@KitGuruTech]

I like both, but prefer the mesh over the fabric. I do a lot of work at my PC and find the feel of the mesh slightly better over longer periods of time. Both are comfortable though, so it's personal preference really - Mat

[@michaeldigtheme2337]

Really like the lighter colour one it gives me a nice 1980s chair in Star Trek vibe.

[@Blacknike98]

Anyone with the chair have any issues with the seat depth? I'm currently using a Staples Dexley and looking to replace the chair with something similar of actual quality. Also wondering if anyone's tried sitting in the chair crosslegged if possible?

[@stickyfingers9710]

I thought you were going to play some guitar there ! damn, was hoping to hear if you were any good !

[@KitGuruTech]

Haha. I wouldn’t put you all through that. I’m a 20 year learner 😂