GTPlayer GT800A Footrest Review

For gamers who value comfort, adjustability, and style, but are working on a tight budget, the GTPlayer GT800A Footrest gaming chair emerges as a good option. While it offers sufficient comfort and adjustability to cater to various gaming requirements, it may not match the level of comfort and adjustability of the most premium models, but its notably lower cost directly correlates to this difference. With its well-thought-out design, this chair delivers enduring comfort and support, even during long gaming sessions. Moreover, its integrated footrest is a value adding feature for leg comfort during or in between gaming sessions.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Our initial and paramount evaluation criterion centered around comfort, a vital aspect when it comes to gaming chairs. Comfort held substantial weight, contributing to 55 percent of the overall score for this model. Our test team conducted a comprehensive assessment, carefully considering individual components and taking an overall perspective on comfort to assign a score to each model tested. The GTPlayer GT800A Footrest garnered predominantly positive feedback from our team, performing well in the comfort category, although slightly trailing behind most top models.

The seat of the GTPlayer GT800A Footrest is rather firm, but can be raised or lowered to your needs and to avoid putting pressure on the back of one's thighs. The backrest, lumbar pillow, and even headrest are all similarly firm and comfortable for shorter durations. However, the lumbar might be a bit too aggressive for some and the lumbar pressure can not be reduced.

Unfortunately, the fixed armrests only offer average arm comfort with a thick and easily compressible padding, but can not be adjusted to more comfortably fit different sized gamers due to its unique design and integration into both the seat and seatback of the chair. Most gamers will find enough comfort in this chair in most situations, but will struggle when trying to sit cross-legged as there is no outward adjustment for the armrests.

Following extensive evaluation, rating, and collaboration, our test team members concluded that the GTPlayer GT800A Footrest provides satisfactory comfort for up to 5 hours of gaming. This makes it a viable option for individuals who often engage in long gaming sessions, but isn't as comfortable as the most premium chairs that we felt were adequate for up to 8 hours.

Adjustability

For our second primary test metric, we thoroughly examined the overall adjustability of the GTPlayer GT800A Footrest in comparison to other gaming chairs in our test lineup. We scrutinized its ability to adjust the seat, backrest, armrests, reclining positions, and lumbar support, among various other features. This particular assessment contributes to 35% of the total score assigned to each chair.

Overall, this is not one of the most adjustable models we tested, due in large part to being a rather introductory gaming chair in a world of more expensive and premium options. It does however have enough adjustable features that matter to make it an adequate gaming chair on a tight budget. Seat height is one of the few adjustable features of the GTPlayer GT800A Footrest and covers a large range that is adequate for both shorter individuals as well as gamers over six feet tall.

The backrest itself offers no real adjustable features, but this model does include an adjustable headrest pillow and lumbar pillow. The lumbar support is a straightforward pillow that can be adjusted to position it higher or lower along the lumbar region. However, it lacks the ability to fine-tune where it sits, which may lead to more frequent readjustments than desired. For individuals who prefer a less forceful lumbar pressure, this lumbar pillow might be a bit overwhelming due to its fixed amount of pressure it applies.

The armrests on this model per the assembly instructions, "will loosen up over time", but that is the limit to any adjustability, as they are a fixed part of the design that move with the backrest from a pivot point that changes the geometry from taller and rectangular to shorter and rhomboid-shaped with the backrest reclined.

The reclining angle is also more limited than other premium models at a maximum of 135 degrees, and does not have a tilting tension knob or tilt mechanism, just the backrest reclining feature.

Setup

Our third and least weighted test metric evaluated the setup of each chair, and accounts for 10 percent of each model's overall score. The setup of the GTRacing Music Series is not the worst of any chair our team has assembled, but you will need to spend 30 to 40 minutes to take this chair from a box full of parts to a usable gaming chair, and be ready to practice a little bit of patience.

Instructions for the assembly are straightforward, however a lot of similar looking hardware makes it easy to place hardware in the wrong spot. Fortunately, in the event of minor stripping, or you lose hardware, a spare for each part is included. An oddly shaped allen key is also included, but loctite on the screws made it hard to use the tool to spin hardware into place.

Should You Buy the GTPlayer GT800A Footrest?

The GTPlayer GT800A Footrest is a budget-friendly option that provides a decent level of comfort and can be adjusted to suit a wide range of gaming styles and setups. It doesn't compromise much on quality to offer a lower price compared to more premium models, but is also not as comfortable or adjustable as those pricier options. It's a great choice for people looking to spend a little less while still trying to enhance their comfort and create a more enjoyable gaming experience compared to using a regular desk chair.

What Other Office Chairs Should You Consider?

The GTPlayer GT800A Footrest is an excellent choice if you're on an extra tight budget, but there are better, more comfortable, and more adjustable options if you are able to increase your budget. The GTRacing Music Series is a budget sensitive option that offers a little more than the GT800A Footrest with regards to comfort and adjustability, with only a modest increase in price. However, for the ultimate in comfort and support from a gaming chair, there are two great options, and the one you feel is better depends mostly on your gaming style and preference. The first is the amazing SecretLabs Titan Evo 2022 which our team felt was the best overall, and best for PC gaming. However, if you prefer an aggressive bucket seat racing design with higher seat bolsters, then the Razer Iskur may be better for you. Both options are perfect for long gaming sessions, and the Iskur offers nearly identical comfort and adjustability to the Titan Evo, but is also slightly more affordable.