After my cat destroyed my gaming chair, I opted for one we could both enjoy.

After my mischievous ginger cat wrecked my old desk chair, I realized it was time for an upgrade—something spacious enough for him to curl up on my lap while I worked. Enter the Boulies Master Rex, which has earned both my approval and his. While it may not fit the classic gaming chair mold, it seamlessly integrates into any gaming setup. It’s particularly great for those marathon gaming sessions when you need a little extra support for your back and knees.

Choosing a new chair can feel overwhelming. They’re a significant investment for your gaming or work environment, and with so many choices available, it’s easy to get lost and overspend.

The Boulies Master Rex is an updated version of the Boulies Master Series we checked out last year, priced at $479.99/£409.99, which is still more affordable than many other options out there. Plus, Boulies often offers discounts, making it even more budget-friendly. However, the Rex model does come with a higher price tag due to its added integrated footrest. So, is it worth the extra cash?

When I first saw the size of the box, I was a bit intimidated, thinking the assembly process would be a challenge, especially since I had never built a chair like this before.

As a novice, I found the assembly surprisingly straightforward, and it didn’t give me too much trouble in the end. I ended up following a video tutorial from Boulies on their YouTube channel, which I highly recommend for anyone new to chair assembly. Being a visual learner, watching someone else put it together eased my anxiety. The video does show the use of power tools for efficiency, but I managed with just the tools included in the box, which were an M6 and M8 Allen key.

The footrest comes as a separate component and easily attaches to the chair’s base, secured with two rubber rings, making it removable if you decide it’s not for you. Everything fit together quite well, though I did struggle a bit with the screws on the base and arms, which had to go through multiple layers of Water Repellent Fabric. I often found the screws misaligned or difficult to thread due to the fabric layers, but with some patience, it all came together nicely.

I imagine that someone with prior experience building chairs would finish the assembly much faster than I did. However, as a beginner, I found the instructions clear and easy to follow, only getting a bit confused at the end when I mistakenly attached the right side cover to the left side.

The design of the Boulies Master Rex closely resembles the original Boulies Master Series, but with the addition of a stylish footrest. This trend is becoming common in the gaming chair market, as brands like Boulies and others aim to compete with ergonomic designs while providing options for relaxation during desk gaming.

Boulies has its unique approach. Similar to the AutoFull G7, the Master Rex features an extendable footrest that folds out from the chair’s base, but it’s not a direct match to Secretlab’s ergonomic recliner add-on. You can’t purchase a footrest separately to add to an existing Boulies Master Series chair, which might frustrate loyal customers who now have to buy a whole new chair for that feature.

The wide seat base is perfect for those of us who like to sit cross-legged while working. I don’t feel cramped when I sit this way, but at 5’2″, taller individuals might find it a bit less accommodating if they prefer unconventional seating positions.

The chair comes in options like Ultraflex PU or Water Repellent Fabric. I chose the Water Repellent Fabric in Como, as my cat has a knack for ruining PU chairs. The fabric is soft and cozy, and after a month of use, it hasn’t shown any signs of wear.

Overall, the chair boasts a sleek and stylish design, making it suitable for both gaming and professional environments. It shares the same features as the original model, so for a detailed look at the integrated lumbar support, recline features, armrests, and more, you can refer to the previous review.

The integrated lumbar support is a fantastic feature, especially since I often find removable cushions from other chairs (like my old DXRacer) to be cheap-looking and ineffective. The built-in lumbar support, similar to what you’d find on the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition or the Fractal Refine, keeps the design clean and sophisticated without cluttering it with unnecessary pillows. The Boulies Master chairs do include a head cushion, which stays in place well when I choose to use it.

The lumbar support offers plenty of adjustment options, accommodating most users’ needs. As someone with joint issues, I often need to tweak my support settings, and the handy knobs on the sides of the backrest make this easy. You can adjust it to your preference, and the height options are varied.

The armrests are adjustable with a paddle design on the sides, plus a chrome button on the inside that allows you to angle them as needed. While I appreciate the locking mechanism for the armrests, I found that it didn’t always hold them in place when angled. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. However, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me, as I usually keep them in the default parallel position.

My only complaint about the chair is the new footrest. While it’s a nice addition, it feels a bit flimsy. It’s a manual footrest, meaning you have to reach under the chair to pull it out and flip the cushion. Because of this, it tends to wobble a bit. It also only adjusts on one axis, so if you prefer to have your legs straight out, you’re in luck. Personally, I don’t, so I find myself avoiding the footrest most of the time.

If you’re in the market for a stylish and comfortable desk chair, I can’t recommend the Boulies Master Rex enough. It’s perfect for long hours of sitting, and the adjustable lumbar support is a standout feature for me.

The armrest buttons and slightly wobbly footrest aren’t major issues, and I didn’t encounter any glaring problems with the chair. It’s a well-rounded option and the most comfortable gaming/office chair I’ve ever owned.

If the footrest isn’t a priority for you, I’d suggest considering the slightly cheaper Boulies Master Series chair. As I mentioned, I rarely use the footrest, but I know many friends who would appreciate having one.

I tested the Boulies Master Rex for just over a month before writing this review. I assembled it myself in about 40 minutes and found it easy to lift and build without help. I spent long hours in the chair during remote work and gaming sessions in the evenings.