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by pacey 3746 days ago
I've read up and down on that issue because I have problems with my lower back and after reading many many reviews I decided against the Aeron.

The problem I've read of is the hard "lip" on the front of seating area which according to some reviewers tends to cut blood flow from the legs for longer sitting periods.

The Embody should be fine in that regard (from what I've read, but I haven't tried it - neither have I tried the Aeron).

I ultimately decided for the "Steelcase Leap" and from my experience this was the best investment I have ever done in furniture.

Before the Leap I was unable (and unwilling) to go sit at my computer after leaving the office - now if I get backpains while at work I cannot wait to get home and into my chair. This may not be the case for everybody but for me it reliefs my backpain.

If you're going to invest in good chairs, give the Leap a spin.

4 comments

I used to use a Leap at my previous job, and have an Embody at home. I tried the Aeron at a store prior to purchasing, didn't see what the fuss was about.

Overall I like the Leap and Embody a lot. From what I can remember about using it, the Leap v1 had a few more adjustment points than the Leap v2. Both v1 & v2 were comfortable, had all the adjustments I needed to get proper ergonomics. I ultimately picked the Embody for home because while the Steelcase was good, I didn't want to spend 8 hours in the work chair and come home to sit in the exact same chair.

The Embody is definitely more of a flexible chair, you feel it move when you move in it. This has the side effect of feeling like you'll tip over if someone stands behind you and puts weight on your chair back (e.g. shoulder surfing and resting on your chair back). I don't like the arm adjustments as much as the Steelcase v1 Leap, there's no angling -- it just gets closer to you as you raise them up higher. Overall the Embody is very comfortable, and with working from home I use it 8-10 hours a day now. It holds up great.

What a coincidence, I also have an Embody at home + use the Steelcase Leap at work. I can confirm that both are outstanding (and better than the Aeron).
I had an issue with the hard lip - it would make my butt go numb after about half a day. I switched to an Embody, and after spending the time to get it dialed in, I can sit in it all day with no complaints.

As long as I remember to not kick my feet up on top of my tower computer.... That kills my knees in the long run, but is really nice in the short run.

I've experienced the "lip" issue on the Aeron - the transition between the mesh and the hard frame was very uncomfortable for me.

I'd also recommend the Leap. It was the first purchase I made when I started working from home - worth every penny. I have a V1, I haven't tried a V2.

Thank you, they seem really good.