Comparison Signal Q-154 vs AMF Mustang MB

The highest weight that the chair is guaranteed to withstand with regular use — in other words, the maximum weight of a seated person, allowing you to constantly use the product in normal mode without fear of unexpected breakdown. Note that many models are able to endure short-term excess weight without problems, however, anyway, it is not worth overloading the structure (and even more so doing it all the time): off-design loads will significantly increase its wear, and breakdown can occur at the most unexpected moment.

Chair back height; for models with a variable back height (see "Adjustments"), as a rule, the maximum value is indicated.

The back height is measured from the seat to the top edge. In essence, this is the height of support available to the back. In some situations, you can not pay much attention to this indicator - for example, if the chair is intended for visitors and the role of the back in it is purely symbolic. However, if you have to sit in a chair often and for a long time, this point should also be taken into account. Ideally, it's best to try a few chairs "live" and find out which backrest height is most comfortable for you. If this is not possible, it is worth deciding which area on the body the back should reach (to the shoulder blades, to the base of the neck, etc.) and measure at what height from the seat this area is in a sitting position. And if you need specific support for the back of the head, you should choose among models equipped with head restraints (see above).

Dimensions of the seat installed in the chair in width and depth (from the back to the front edge). For models with variable depth (see "Adjustments"), the maximum value is taken into account when the seat is pushed forward to the stop.

Most modern chairs are designed for the average adult, so paying attention to size is primarily for people of a large, or, conversely, miniature physique. In width, the average is considered to be 45 – 55 cm, the narrowest models are up to 40 cm wide, in the widest it can exceed 60 cm. Similarly, a depth of less than 40 cm is considered small, up to 60 cm — medium, more than 60 cm — large.

Seat height from the floor. The optimal height for a person of average height is considered to be 40 – 50 cm, however, this moment is largely subjective, and the comfort of the chair for a particular user depends heavily on his preferences and physique. Thus, many models have the ability to change the height in a certain range (see "Adjustments"). To choose, it is best to determine “live” at what height you are comfortable sitting, and find a model with the appropriate characteristics.

The presence of a headrest in the design of the chair.

The role of the headrest can be played as a stand, made separately from the backrest, and the upper part of the backrest — if it has a pronounced characteristic shape or a pillow is supplied in the kit, which can be installed at the request of the user. The simplest high backs that do not have a characteristic upper part are not considered head restraints.

Anyway, this feature provides additional comfort — especially when reclining back. On the other hand, if you have to sit mostly straight in the chair and the back plays a symbolic role, perhaps the best choice would be a model without a headrest(especially since such chairs are cheaper).

The height of the armrests installed in the chair relative to the seat. In models that have the ability to adjust the armrests in height (see "Adjustments"), the range of such adjustment is usually indicated.

The overall comfort of using the chair depends on the height of the armrests, but this parameter is largely subjective: even people of the same height can differ in physique and personal preferences. So if comfort is of fundamental importance to you, it is best to check live what armrest height is optimal and choose a chair with the appropriate specifications.

The material from which the chair seat is made directly. Note that individual models can be produced in several versions, differing in the material of the seat.

— Textile. The fabric can have many varieties, and specific characteristics depend on the price category of the chair. And this material is found in all categories — from low-cost models to rather expensive products. The common properties of all types of fabric are low cost, durability, as well as undemanding maintenance.

— Skin. The main distinguishing features of genuine leather are the rich appearance and the corresponding cost. Thus, this material is considered "image" and is used not only for comfort, but also to emphasize the status of the owner. Accordingly, most chairs with leather seats are designed for executives (see "Appointment") and are in the premium class. On the practical side, the leather is durable, quite pleasant to the touch, but poorly breathable (which can create discomfort in hot weather).

— Leatherette. A variety of artificial materials that mimics the natural leather described above. The quality and properties of a particular leatherette, usually, directly depend on its cost (and the price category of the chair in general), but even the most expensive options are usually cheaper than leather — despite the fact that outwardly and even in sensations they can be almost indistinguishable from i...t. In addition, this material is not so demanding to care for. Thanks to this , leatherette seats are quite common. Their main disadvantages are the tendency to scuffs and, in general, a shorter service life than leather ones (but again, a lot depends on the price).

— Plastic. Plastic seats are typical of the most inexpensive chairs designed for visitors — or for staff who do not have to sit in one place for a long time. This material is characterized by low cost combined with strength, reliability and an abundance of colours. At the same time, it has one key drawback, which actually nullifies all the described advantages — hardness; Simply put, sitting on plastic is uncomfortable. Because of this, even among the models mentioned, all-plastic seats are very rare.

— Wood. The word "wood" in the case of seating for office chairs usually refers to plywood. This material is in many ways similar to the plastic described above, but it also has some differences: on the one hand, it has an aesthetic appearance with original patterns and is considered more pleasant to the touch, on the other hand, it costs more and provides relatively few design options. However, such a disadvantage as hardness is also characteristic of this material, which is why it is also used only in isolated cases.

— Net. Seats in the form of a rigid frame, in which a fabric or synthetic mesh is stretched. The main advantages of such designs are light weight and good breathability. The design of the nets allows them to be used even in executive chairs. Of the noticeable shortcomings of mesh seats, one can only single out a slightly lower reliability and greater complexity of repair than those of largely similar fabric seats (see above).

The main material used for the back of the chair. Note that some models are available in several design options that differ in materials; for such models, all available options are given.

- Fabric. Relatively inexpensive and at the same time quite practical material. It has good strength, unpretentious care, while it can be performed in a variety of colours and designs; in addition, it provides good ventilation, which can be useful in the heat.

— Skin. Genuine leather is expensive and well emphasizes the status of the owner (especially since the leather products themselves look solid and rich). Accordingly, the main area of use of this option is executive chairs (see "Appointment"). On the practical side, the skin is durable, quite pleasant to the touch, but it does not breathe well (which can create discomfort in hot weather) and requires some care, otherwise it may lose its “presentation”.

- Leatherette. There are many varieties of leatherette, which differ markedly in price and properties, and the most advanced of them are used even in premium executive chairs. Leatherette backs are not as demanding to care as genuine leather, but are less durable and more susceptible to wear and abrasion.

- Grid. The backs are in the form of a rigid frame, in which a fabric or synthetic mesh is stretched. Th...e main advantages of such designs are light weight and good breathability. The design of the nets allows them to be used even in executive chairs. Of the noticeable shortcomings, one can single out perhaps a slightly lower reliability and greater complexity of repair than in a fabric similar in many respects (see above).

— Plastic. Pure plastic backs are most often used in chairs with seats made of the same material (see above). They are durable and inexpensive, but due to their rigidity they are rather inconvenient, as a result of which they have not gained distribution even among models for visitors.

- Wood. Wooden backs are in many ways similar to the plastic ones described above, except that they cost a little more and can have an original appearance due to the texture patterns of the tree. They are also rarely used because of the rigidity and the inconvenience associated with it.

The material from which the base of the chair is made (see "Base construction").

— Plastic. Plastic is notable for its low cost, combined with ease of processing — it can be easily given even a rather complex shape. This material is considered less durable than metal, but modern plastics are able to provide sufficient strength even for chairs designed for high loads (see "Maximum user weight"). However this is true only for bases of the "cross" type; for the legs and skids, the plastic is still not strong enough. However, it is found in models of all price categories.

— Metal. The main advantage of the metal is its high strength, due to which it can be used for all types of bases. At the same time, it is somewhat more expensive than plastic, and therefore, among armchairs with a cross, it is found mainly in models of the middle and higher levels.

— Tree. Wood can be attributed to design materials: it is used not so much for practical reasons as to provide the chair with a stylish and aesthetic appearance. At the same time, it is considered more reliable than plastic (although not as reliable as metal), so it can even be used for skids. However chairs with wooden bases are quite expensive.