Could a gaming chair become your back’s best ally? That is certainly the ambition behind Razer’s new Iskur V2 NewGen. Its defining feature is an integrated, adjustable lumbar support. I used it for a month; here is my verdict.
Gaming chairs are appealing. Manufacturers are keen to showcase their aggressive, sports-car-inspired lines, their supposedly limitless adjustability and their premium materials. Yet beneath that polished surface, they are often uncomfortable and unreliable chairs. With its Iskur V2 NewGen, Razer wants to break that pattern.
To win people over, the three-snake brand is focusing on comfort with built-in lumbar support. Forget a small removable cushion: this chair has a proper lumbar support system. It is accompanied by a breathable seat and understated styling. I had the opportunity to use it for a month, which was timely: I often complain about chairs that try to look “cool” while causing more back pain than anything else. Here is how I found it.
Quick assembly
The first challenge is obvious: putting the gaming chair together. I expected it to take at least an hour with someone helping me, as is usually the case with this type of product. To my surprise, I assembled the Iskur V2 on my own in just 20 minutes. There is no particular difficulty involved; Razer has reduced the number of components and provides clear instructions. That is no minor detail, as the assembly guides for many gaming chairs can be so unclear that you have to work things out as you go.
Once assembled, this is a seriously substantial chair: it weighs almost 30 kg, stands 1.40 m tall and measures 70 cm wide. It is clearly suited to people with plenty of room, but anyone with a narrow desk area would be better off choosing a less bulky model. It supports up to 130 kg, although sitting two people on it is obviously not recommended.
What does the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen offer?
Now for a quick tour of the features. Razer’s chair has several interesting points in its favour, starting with the usual adjustments. A lever on the right beneath the seat allows for 20 cm of height adjustment; the left-hand lever locks the recline; and the armrests can be raised or rotated. All fairly standard stuff.
The Iskur stands apart from rival chairs in several ways. Its backrest reclines to a maximum of 152 degrees, making it ideal for a quick nap at your desk. The seat uses memory foam covered in breathable faux leather. Rather than a detachable cushion, the lumbar support is integrated directly into the chair. Better still, side controls let you alter both its height and depth. All of that sounds promising on paper, but theory is worth little until it meets the ultimate test: actually sitting in it.
My experience with the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen
I am not usually fond of gaming chairs. Despite their flashy looks, they are often uncomfortable. Still, I was genuinely keen to try the Iskur and its integrated lumbar support. My first impression was disastrous: the backrest protruded far too much, digging into my back and forcing an unconvincing posture. It was an unpleasant sensation that completely cancelled out the seat’s positive qualities.
After a few adjustments, I eventually found a suitable position for the lumbar support, although it was not perfect. Over time, however, I learned to appreciate it. This test confronted me with an obvious truth: I sit badly in an office chair, slumped in front of a screen for hours on end.
Initially uncomfortable, the lumbar support is actually an excellent guide for finally adopting a proper sitting position. Admittedly, it rules out any more “chilled” posture, but that is probably for the best. You cannot remove an annoying cushion or simply collapse into the chair; it will not allow it. This is not the equivalent of an ergonomic chair costing more than 1000 euros, but the Iskur V2 NewGen provides good support, and that is all. I would have liked a little more adjustment, such as the ability to retract it completely into the backrest. That is not possible, so you have to get used to it.
The Razer chair’s greatest strength lies in its seat. The brand claims to use breathable faux leather. As a result, this covering limits sweaty thighs, even on hot days. Although we unfortunately did not experience a heatwave to test that specific point, I felt no discomfort in this respect, even after long periods seated. Leather, or faux leather, can be awful when it touches bare skin directly: it sticks and becomes damp. That was not the case during my month of testing.
I also greatly appreciated how easy it is to clean. A mark? One wipe with a sponge and it is gone. Tested and approved. I also liked other “features”, including the reclining backrest and memory-foam headrest. I took a few naps in it, and they were restorative. The chair shows no signs of fragility either. Even someone of my larger build will be well accommodated. No concerns on that front.
After a month of use, I have adopted this Razer Iskur V2 NewGen. It is not flawless, but it still delivers a pleasant place to sit. Thanks to it, I sit more correctly, not only at home but also in my chair at the office. The Iskur is a genuine guide that teaches you to maintain proper posture, even if it is not as effective or as pleasant as a purpose-built ergonomic chair.
Will I miss it? A little, I have to admit. Although my usual chair is far more comfortable day to day, I can feel the absence of the Razer chair’s adjustable lumbar support - though, rest assured, I will now take care not to slump. It is therefore a quality product, showing that Razer has gained the necessary maturity in the gaming-chair market.
The Razer Iskur V2 NewGen is available in four colours - green/black, black, pink and grey - for 699 euros. That is a reasonable price for a chair of this type with ergonomic ambitions. There is also a “light” version without lumbar support, priced at 399 euros.
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699 euros
Verdict
7.5/10
What we like
- Excellent back support
- Comfortable
- Breathable faux leather
- Sturdy
What we like less
- Expensive
- Lumbar support is uncomfortable at first
Buy the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen
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