Asus ROG Chariot X review: A top-class gaming chair, with a catch

Price When Reviewed

$749.99

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Hardware manufacturer Asus not only offers hardware under its own gaming brand Asus ROG, but also gaming chairs. This year saw the launch of a new premium model based on the predecessor Asus ROG Chariot.

The new Asus ROG Chariot X gaming chair not only aims to score points with ergonomics and premium upholstery, but also with an eye-catching look thanks to RGB lighting and cool add-ons. I tested the model and revealed its strengths and weaknesses.

Asus ROG Chariot X: Structure, design, workmanship

You can tell that the ROG Chariot X is a big deal as soon as you open the package. This is because the gaming chair weighs almost 62 pounds (28 kg) and therefore requires the help of a second person when setting it up. Nevertheless, it is relatively easy to set up, right up to the point where you have to place the upper section on the stand. Then it takes some strength and skill.

When you look at the chair in its individual parts, you notice the excellent workmanship in every nook and cranny. Every seam fits perfectly, everything fits without wobbling and blends seamlessly into a chic overall look.

In addition to the high-quality faux leather cover, which feels good and doesn’t get too warm when you sit on it, it’s the interesting design elements that make the chair stand out. These include the light racing look, which is almost reminiscent of Recaro or the Corsair T3 Rush, but not quite.

There are also two mirrored surfaces on the front and RGB lighting on the edges and at the back. This can be controlled with a small touch controller and its brightness or frequency can be adjusted. The whole thing is not powered by a AC power adapter, but only by a power bank, which can be stored in a cleverly concealed pocket on the side of the chair. Unfortunately, a suitable power bank is not included.

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The only disruptive factor in terms of appearance are the three bright red straps on the back of the chair, which are almost reminiscent of carrying straps for luggage. These can be removed, but unfortunately not with the tool supplied. Too bad.

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Asus ROG Chariot X: Comfort and ergonomics

What is immediately noticeable when you first try out the chair is that it is very comfortable. The backrest and seat are firm enough to provide support and prevent you from sinking in too much. But it also offers enough padding to prevent your legs from hurting after a long time.

Speaking of legs: Those with longer legs can rejoice, as the seat on the Asus ROG Chariot X is slightly longer than on comparable chairs and should therefore be much more comfortable. The chair also offers plenty of legroom in general, including to the sides, which is an advantage when sitting actively. Or if you want to cross your legs.

A neck cushion is also firmly integrated into the chair, which can be adjusted in height in stages. However, it is quite flat and therefore not too helpful if you tend to push your head too far forwards when sitting.

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The same applies to the lumbar cushion supplied. It is also quite flat and loose. It can’t be attached to the chair with a drawstring and therefore is prone to slipping. After a while, I simply left it off, as the backrest alone is comfortable enough.

In general, however, I found the ergonomics of the ROG Chariot X to be less than ideal. After sitting for long periods of time, I sometimes experienced neck pain when using both cushions. Without the lumbar cushion it was better, but then I noticed that although the backrest is very stable and resilient, it is not ideally shaped to promote a better posture.

And yet: This is rather complaining on a high level. Overall, the gaming chair is very well designed and should be a good choice for people of normal build. In my personal test over several weeks, I only discovered slight weaknesses.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Chariot X?

The core version of the Asus ROG Chariot X is available from $750. I consider the price-performance ratio to be very good, as the chair has a high-quality finish and many desirable features such as a neck cushion and a rocking mechanism.

In general, however, I cannot recommend the chair unreservedly, as I had to make some compromises when it came to ergonomics. In terms of design and the other functions, however, there is hardly anything to complain about. Nevertheless, the Chariot X is no revolution.