Secretlab’s New Gaming Chair Will Change Your Life—Here’s Why

Regardless if you’re eyeing a chair for your office or gaming station, or have spent extended hours on YouTube and Twitch, chances are high that you’ve encountered or noticed Secretlab.

The Secretlab TITAN Evo, a gaming chair widely recognized, adored, and praised throughout history, has been continually enhanced by Secretlab with innovative additions, upgrades, and variations over the years. Now, a new version takes center stage; the Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition, refining everything fantastic about its 2022 release using Secretlab’s exclusive “next-generation” materials.

Extensive work spanning tens of thousands of hours has led to the creation of a chair by Secretlab that offers unmatched comfort, support, and durability – their finest seat yet. Keep in mind that concerns regarding the TITAN Evo (2022) might persist with this product as well, despite its high quality. Despite the steep price tag, it represents the pinnacle of luxury for bucket-style chairs; however, it’s important to remember that the premium you pay is reflected in the superior quality you receive.

TITAN Evo NanoGen: Pricing and specifications

The TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition retails from $799, a $250 upcharge.
It’s Secretlab’s flagship chair, and does come with all the upgrades.

It’s well-recognized that Secretlab products aren’t typically considered budget-friendly, with the standard TITAN Evo (2022) setting you back at least $549. There are lighter versions available now, but it’s the full-sized models that have earned their reputation. As for the Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition, its price begins at $799 on Secretlab’s website, which is a $250 increase compared to the chair with the same fundamental components.

The Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition isn’t just offering you the latest NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette fabric and NanoFoam Composite cushioning; it also comes with extras such as a Memory Foam head pillow and magnetically attached armrest tops, which are typically additional purchases. However, it’s important to note that this edition is very much like the non-NanoGen version, so the premium price may seem a bit high considering the similarities.

The Special Edition of Secretlab TITAN Evo, known as the NanoGen Edition, comes in both black and white color options. However, it lacks some of the variations and exclusive editions that are available for the regular TITAN Evo. Yet, it still offers compatibility with all Secretlab SKINS.

In the box, I discovered my very own Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition chair, neatly divided into 11 parts, along with a Memory Foam Head Pillow. To put it together, there’s a handy collection of tools and screws included. The NanoGen Edition comes with Secretlab’s standard 3-year warranty, but you can extend that to 5 years for free by following the simple steps outlined at Secretlab.co!

TITAN Evo NanoGen: The good

The NanoGen Edition has everything great about the regular TITAN Evo.
The new “NanoGen” materials actually do make a difference, though.
Luxuries like upgraded armrests are also included in the price.

If you’re already acquainted with the Secretlab TITAN Evo (2022), or if you want to catch up by reading our review, then you’re well-equipped to understand the NanoGen Edition. Essentially, this chair shares the same fundamentals as the popular standard version and is available in two sizes: Regular and XL. At present, the XL model can be preordered for $849 directly from Secretlab.

This model maintains the identical bucket-seat design, size, and all its adjustability features. The packaging and assembly process are unchanged too. Although the construction requires more plastic disassembly than I’m comfortable with, the instructions were straightforward, and I encountered minimal problems assembling the NanoGen Edition independently. The build quality is not only consistent with my expectations for Secretlab but potentially superior in the case of the NanoGen Edition.

This is all thanks to the innovative materials, NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette and NanoFoam Composite, which Secretlab meticulously researched, developed, and tested over thousands of hours. For a detailed breakdown, check out my announcement on the Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition. In this review, I’ll keep it brief.

In essence, Secretlab aimed at achieving the seemingly unattainable – a chair that offers both plush softness and solid firmness, providing comfort alongside durability. This may sound paradoxical, but Secretlab appears to have found a solution for this conundrum.

After trying out various Secretlab chairs and their competitors, I must say that the NanoGen Edition stands out as one of the most comfortable. The leatherette feels soft and stays cool to the touch, and after multiple weeks of use, it remains pristine without any noticeable stains or marks (with a single exception mentioned later). Secretlab boasts that its NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette is 14 times more durable than regular pleatherette, simpler to clean, and also offers greater resistance against the discoloration caused by UV rays.

As an onlooker, I haven’t had the chance to verify those latter assertions myself, but so far, it hasn’t raised any red flags for me. The innovative NanoFoam Composite, a marvel that meticulously layers various foam types, is undeniably superior to the conventional TITAN Evo in my observation. It’s an exceptional mix of comfort and support, molding flawlessly to my form without losing its structure. This balance it maintains is truly remarkable.

In other areas, we revisit the shared attributes. The NanoGen Edition retains the 4-directional L-ADAPT lumbar support system found in the standard TITAN Evo, allowing for adjustments of the lumbar support in various directions including up, down, out, and in. Although it may not be the best lumbar support you’ll encounter in a chair, its functionality is commendable, and the flexibility significantly enhances the user experience. Additionally, you will notice the same adjustability options for height, tilt, and recline, with familiar controls to manage these features.

The overall quality of the NanoGen Edition appears slightly superior, with Secretlab offering some additional high-end features. Included in the package is a coordinating Memory Foam Head Pillow from Secretlab (silver for the white NanoGen Edition), which magnetically attaches to the headrest. I find this pillow quite comfortable, and the magnets enable me to customize it according to my preferences.

Secretlab’s 4D Adjustable Metal Armrests were particularly appealing to me on their chairs, but the NanoGen Edition has leveled up to the Heavy Duty Edition, providing more flexibility in adjusting the armrests. These armrests are also compatible with Secretlab’s CloudSwap technology, allowing for quick and easy replacement or upgrade of the armrest cushions. Included with your purchase is a set of PlushCell Memory Foam Armrest Covers that match the chair pillow in color, texture, and comfort. It’s all top-notch quality.

Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Pro

In addition to the TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition, I received Secretlab’s Lumbar Pillow Pro for testing as well. However, due to time constraints, I could only use it for a short period. Unfortunately, it was discovered later that the Lumbar Pillow Pro can leave permanent stains on white leatherette, and my chair indeed got stained. Secretlab has sent me a replacement backrest and is currently addressing the issue of stain removal with the Lumbar Pillow Pro, hence this section remains in progress.

After giving the Lumbar Pillow Pro an adequate trial, I’d like to share my first impressions with you. This pillow employs Secretlab’s PlushCell foam, which offers a high level of comfort. It’s designed to align perfectly with the lumbar support on the TITAN Evo and further enhance that support. While I’m not entirely convinced it’s an essential accessory, it can provide a delightful soft-support experience if that’s your preference.

As a tech enthusiast who’s recently invested in the Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Pro, I must admit my delight with its design and comfort. However, there’s one aspect that could use some improvement – the lack of any attachment mechanism. This results in the pillow occasionally toppling over whenever I stand up, which can be quite bothersome after a while.

Ideally, Secretlab would have incorporated magnets into the Lumbar Pillow Pro and the NanoGen Edition’s back, similar to what they did with the headrest pillow. This small addition would ensure the cushion stays put, enhancing user experience significantly. Given that the Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Pro retails for $79 in either black or silver from Secretlab, even a minor frustration like this can accumulate over time.

TITAN Evo NanoGen: The bad

The NanoGen Edition is functionally identical to the regular TITAN Evo.
A $250 upcharge for a handful of upgrades may be a tough pill to swallow.
I do wish Secretlab had updated the tilt and tension adjustment, too.

The Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition retains all the excellent aspects of the standard TITAN Evo, but it also carries over any minor drawbacks. To be honest, there aren’t many to mention, but one issue that stands out is the adjustability of the tilt and tension. It can feel finicky, unreliable, and somewhat limiting. There’s a knob on the right side that enables you to adjust the tilt angle of your chair, but locating the optimal position can be quite frustrating.

As a researcher, I’m finding it challenging to express the complexity of the problem at hand, but it appears that the single-level mechanism in question lacks intuitive operation and seems to encounter some reliability concerns if online testimonies on Reddit are to be trusted. The locking mechanism for the tilt seems difficult to manipulate, offering limited or no adjustment capabilities, and there’s an enigmatic challenge in relocking it into a preferred position.

There seems to be a workaround for resetting the tilt by reclining the backrest, pushing back while unlocking the tilt, and then leaning forward. However, even this method feels unreliable and inconsistent at best.

Beyond the point, it should be noted that while the NanoGen Edition offers some significant upgrades, its main drawback lies in its high cost. Compared to the TITAN Evo, which isn’t exactly cheap but typical for the market, the NanoGen Edition significantly increases the price. It is certainly more luxurious and comfortable than its non-NanoGen counterpart, but whether the extra $200-$250 price tag is justified is a question worth considering.

TITAN Evo NanoGen: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

✅You’re looking to upgrade your aging Secretlab chair

If your long-standing Secretlab TITAN chair appears to be aging, the NanoGen Edition might be the “state-of-the-art” update you’ve been anticipating. The latest materials and all the advancements Secretlab incorporated into the 2022 generation make this an ideal upgrade.

✅You want the best in terms of overall quality and comfort

With the NanoGen Edition, although it may cost more, you’re assured of superior quality. It offers extended durability without the risk of damage or wear, and right out of the box, it delivers comfort and support that are hard to beat among bucket-seat style gaming and office chairs.

You should not buy this if …

❌You’d rather save some money and opt for the regular TITAN Evo

The standard Secretlab TITAN Evo model is still on sale, and it’s actually the wiser investment for most consumers. Compared to its original price, you save more than $200 while enjoying 90% of the comfort, durability, and nearly all of its features. It’s no wonder that this chair remains one of the top-selling premium models in history.

It’s accurate to say that Secretlab has significantly enhanced the durability, comfort, and support of popular gaming and office chairs by introducing innovative materials like NanoGen and NanoFoam. These advancements have undoubtedly made a noticeable impact. However, it would be an exaggeration to claim that they have fundamentally revolutionized chairs forever or turned traditional material sciences upside down.

The Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition is the top-tier chair produced by Secretlab, placing it among the elite chairs available for purchase. Setting marketing jargon aside, the “NanoGen” enhancement seems genuinely noteworthy; however, whether this upgrade warrants an extra $200-$250 depends on your commitment to your back health. For many, the standard Secretlab TITAN Evo (2022) remains a viable option, offering a wide array of designs and continuing to be the most appealing choice overall. For those who desire the ultimate in comfort, the NanoGen Edition is now available.

The Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Edition can be purchased in either black or white versions, starting from $799 at Secretlab, and there’s an XL version coming soon for those requiring additional space.

2025-02-02 17:10