Whether you own your business or help run the office, you spend at least part of your day behind a desk. I’ve gone through quite a few in the decade+ I’ve been at Pro Tool Reviews, and I’ll help you decide if the OdinLake L1 (Ergo Upgrade 518) can make your desk work more comfortable.
OdinLake L1 (Ergo Upgrade 518) Office Chair at a Glance
- Height Adjustable Backrest: Raises and lowers 2.7 inches to provide the right upper back and lumbar support
- Dynamic Lumbar Support: Adjusts higher or lower with the backrest and maintains proper position as you tilt forward or back
- 3D Adjustable Arm Rests: Easily adjust the arm rests up and down, forward and back, or pivot the side-to-side angle
- 135° Recline Angle: Recline back up to a 135° angle and lock in the best angle, or leave it unlocked to rock
- 2D Adjustable Headrest: Raise or lower the headrest and tilt it forward or back to dial in the right amount of supprt
- Depth Adjustable Seat: Shift the seat forward or back to adjust the depth of lumbar support and your preferred posture
- WireControl: Easily make adjustments to your position without reaching underneath the chair.
- FlexBreath Mesh: Offers support, a cushioned feel, and outstanding breathability that won’t lose its form like foam
- Height Range: 5 ft, 3 in to 6 ft, 2 in
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Dimensions: 29.0 in long x 28.7 in wide x 46.1 – 54.3 in tall
- Seat Height: 19.7 – 21.3 in
- Armrest Height: 24.8 – 31.8 in
- Recline Range: 90° – 135°
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Quality Standards: BIFMA and SGS
Using the OdinLake L1 (Ergo Upgrade 518) Office Chair
A Quick Note About Assembly
First of all, kudos to the team that put the instruction manual together. With it as an easy-to-follow guide, this was one of the easiest chair assemblies I’ve experienced.
WireControl Adjustments
One of the things that sets this chair apart from others I’ve used is the controls. The seat height, seat forward/back position, and recline are all on what OdinLake calls WireControl adjustments. Instead of reaching under the seat to pull a lever or twist a knob, the levers are off to the side of the seat where they’re much easier to reach. They’re also clearly marked so you can see which motion you’re engaging. It’s a legitimately better system than most office chairs on the market have.
Additional Adjustment Notes
The adjustments for the back and neck supports are easy as well. They’re on a ratcheting-style system whereby you simply lift to the next position, and when you get to the top, it releases back to the lowest position. There are no knobs or levers to worry about.
The backrest and lumbar support are directly tied to one another. As you raise or lower the backrest, the lumbar support goes with it. Likewise, as you tilt back, the lumber support travels the same angle.
That said, the lumbar support can tilt in if you press into it to accommodate different spine shapes. Unfortunately, there’s no tensioner for it, so you’ll have to do your best with the recline angle and seat position to get the best comfort. If you need more lumbar control, OdinLake’s O2 model has that capability.
To Mesh or Not to Mesh?
If you haven’t used a mesh office chair before, it’s a different experience, but not in a bad way. When you sit down, the mesh has some give, similar to a foam cushion on a traditional office chair. The big difference is that it won’t lose its shape and compress over time the way foam does.
The mesh seat and back also allow for a tremendous amount of airflow. Since I live in central Florida and tend to sweat more than the average Joe, it’s a welcome feature.
It can be a detriment for some people, though. If you tend to feel cold most of the time, the high airflow that helps me is likely going to make you feel cooler than a traditional chair.
OdinLake L1 (Ergo Upgrade 518) Office Chair Price
The retail price of this chair is $349, but keep your eyes open for deals. Since this model came on my radar, there have been some good sales to drop the price.
Odinlake backs the build with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
The OdinLake L1 (Ergo Upgrade 518) Office Chair is a solid entry-level option for those who want to explore ergonomic office chairs. The design is comfortable, the innovative controls are easy and quick to adjust, and the mesh construction offers the kind of airflow I’m looking for.
However, it’s only the beginning of OdinLake’s lineup. If you’re looking for even higher durability, footrest options, greater adjustability, or perhaps a more elegant style, take a look at what else they have to offer.
