Razer Iskur V2 NewGen review: can this gaming chair support your back?

Could a gaming chair actually support your back? That is certainly the aim behind the new Razer Iskur V2 NewGen. Its defining feature is an integrated, adjustable lumbar support. I used it for a month; here is what I found.

Gaming chairs are appealing. Manufacturers are careful to highlight their aggressive, sports-car-inspired lines, their supposedly limitless adjustability and their premium materials. Yet beneath that polished exterior, they often prove uncomfortable and unreliable. Razer intends to break that pattern with its Iskur V2 NewGen.

To win people over, the three-snake brand is focusing on comfort through integrated lumbar support. Gone is the small removable cushion: here, there is genuine lower-back support. It is paired with a breathable seat and a restrained design. I was able to use it for a month, which was timely: I regularly complain about chairs that try to look “cool” while causing more back pain than anything else. Here is my experience.

Quick assembly

The first challenge is obvious: building the gaming chair. I expected to spend at least an hour on it with someone else helping, 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 kept the number of components down and provides clear instructions. That is no minor point, as many gaming chairs require plenty of trial and error because their assembly guides are so unclear.

Once assembled, it is an undeniably 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 would be better off choosing a less bulky chair. It supports up to 130 kg, although sitting on it with two people is naturally not recommended.

What does the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen offer?

Now for a quick overview of the chair. Razer’s model has several notable features, alongside the standard adjustments. A lever beneath the right-hand side of the seat provides 20 cm of height adjustment, while the left-hand lever locks the recline. The armrests can be adjusted in height and even swivelled. All fairly conventional.

The Iskur stands apart from its rivals in several respects. Its backrest reclines up to 152 degrees, making it ideal for a quick nap at your desk. The seat uses memory foam covered in breathable faux leather. Rather than taking the form of a detachable cushion, the lumbar support is built in. Better still, side-mounted controls allow it to be adjusted both vertically and in depth. That all sounds promising on paper, but theory means little when put to the ultimate test: actually sitting on it.

My experience with the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen

I do not usually like gaming chairs. Despite their flashy styling, they are often synonymous with discomfort. Still, I was genuinely keen to try the Iskur and its built-in lumbar support. My first impression was dreadful: the backrest protrudes a great deal, digging into your back and forcing you into an unconvincing position. It is an unpleasant feeling that completely undermines the seat’s qualities.

After making a few adjustments, I eventually found a suitable, if not perfect, lumbar-support position. However, I gradually came to appreciate it. This test confronted me with an obvious truth: I have poor posture when sitting at a desk, slouching in front of a screen for hours on end.

Although uncomfortable at first, the lumbar support is actually the perfect guide for finally sitting properly. Admittedly, it prevents any more “chilled” position, but that is for the best. You cannot remove a cushion that gets in the way or simply slump down: it will not let you. It is not on the level of an ergonomic chair costing more than 1000 euros, but the Iskur V2 NewGen delivers good support, and little else. I would have liked it to offer slightly more adjustment, perhaps allowing it to retract fully into the backrest. That is not possible, so you need 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 thigh sweat, even on very hot days. Unfortunately, we did not experience a heatwave to test that specific point, but I felt no discomfort in this regard, even after spending long hours sitting down. Leather, or faux leather, is awful when it is in direct contact with skin: it sticks and becomes damp… That was not the case during my month of testing.

I also really appreciate how easy it is to clean. A mark? One wipe with a sponge and it is gone. Tested and approved. I also like other “features”, including the reclining backrest and the memory-foam headrest. I took a few naps in it, and they were restorative. The chair shows no signs of fragility, either. Even a larger person like me will find it suitable. There are no concerns on that front.

After a month of use, I have adopted this Razer Iskur V2 NewGen. While it is not perfect, it still provides a pleasant seat. It has improved my posture, not only at home but also in my chair at the editorial office. The Iskur is a genuine guide that teaches you to adopt correct posture, even if it is neither as effective nor as pleasant as a purpose-designed 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 Razer’s adjustable lumbar support (though rest assured, I will now make an effort not to slump). It is therefore a quality product, showing that Razer has reached the necessary maturity in the gaming-chair market.

The Razer Iskur V2 NewGen comes in four colours (green/black, black, pink and grey) for 699 euros. That is a reasonable price for a chair of this type that aims to be ergonomic. Note that a “light” version, without lumbar support, is also available for 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