LiberNovo’s LiberNovo Omni is almost the perfect ergonomic chair for working, gaming, and more. I say almost because there are two caveats.
Let’s dispense with the first one right away. Not surprisingly, you have to assemble the Omni (which, by the way, comes in a honkin’ big, heavy box). LiberNova includes how-to-assemble instructions on a piece of cartoon about half the size of a car door. I like the size of the instruction sheet, which is easier to view and follow than a paper pamphlet that has to be unfolded or thumbed-through.
That said, I still found the instructions hard to follow. And even after pulling up the YouTube video on assembling the Omni, putting the chair together was a chore.
However, after assembling the Omni, I found it delightful to use with one exception (more on that in a moment). One of the best features is its spine-mimicking support system that adjusts in real time to almost every posture.
According to the folks at LiberNova, the chair’s LiberNovo Cooling Cushion “uses high-thermal-conductive materials that continuously absorb body heat and provide a natural, physical cooling effect.” Whatever the technology, it was consistently comfortable. Of course, while working on Apple World Today, I take frequent breaks to stand and stretch, which you should do, as well.
However, if you are sitting for long periods, the Omni makes this as pleasant as possible. Its intelligent SyncroLink Mechanism System adapts in real time, providing motorized assistance to maintain proper posture and support. Engineered with 16 precision joints and eight adaptive panels, the Bionic FlexFit Backrest follows the natural curve of your spine.
If you do start to get stiff, you can use the chair’s integrated OmniStretch technology. This provides a fully reclined, battery-operated five-minute lumbar stretch that’s surprisingly powerful and relaxing.
Pressing the OmniStretch button starts five minutes of gradual reciprocating motions down the backrest with an electric-powered bar to stretch and relax the lumbar spine. The OmniStretch and lumbar support adjustments are powered and controlled with three buttons under the left armrest.
There are many other admirable features: an elastic hydrophilic sponge backrest material, a removable headrest that tracks your neck movements, four recline positions (deep focus, solo work, soft recline, and spine flow), and adjustable chair arms.
The neck support can be adjusted vertically up to 3.15 inches, forward or backward up to 2.83 inches, or rotated up to 32 degrees.
The seat height adjustment works via a pneumatic cylinder. The recline tension adjustment is accomplished via knob rotation. A lever under the right side of the seat lets you adjust the recline position to one of the aforementioned four settings, ranging from a standard upright position of 105 degrees, all the way to 160 degrees.
But let’s back up to those adjustable chair arms, which lead to my biggest design complaint. The armrests adjust vertically up to 3.15 inches, slide forward or backward up to 3.94 inches, and rotate internally up to 40 degrees, or externally up to 10 degrees. The armrests can be pushed out up to 18.5 inches or in up to 12.6 inches. However, I can never get them to stay where I need them, which can get annoying. They’re constantly slipping around.
The Omni comes in hues of Space Grey, Midnight Black, and the new Moss Green. My review unit was in the new color, which my wife doesn’t like (though I think it’s fine). If I were purchasing the chair, I’d go with Midnight Black to make my wife happy because I’m a smart guy.
The new upgraded LiberNovo Omni and new color design, adds premium blended fabric that combines linen, short-pile velvet, and wool to create a soft, refined, and skin-friendly touch. The folks at LiberNova say the suede-like surface “offers wool-like warmth,” and I agree.
The LiberNovo Omni supports height and weight ranges from 5’2″ – 6’3″ and up to 300 pounds. It has a seat depth of 45 cm or 48 cm.
The StepSync footrest
LiberNovo also sells the $89 StepSync footrest, which eases tired legs and ankles. Some folks say it doesn’t have the premium design of the Omni chair, but I disagree. The height-specific calf-support accessory is extremely comfortable.
The StepSync is comprised of a micro-textured elastic fabric and aerospace-grade resilient base. It has two height options (2.76′′ & 4.72′′) to suit users from 5’0″ to 6’1” and a 10° ergonomic tilt. It’s nice, but $89 seems a bit pricey.
Availability
Note that if you’re looking to buy the ergonomic chair, it’ll cost you. The new LiberNovo Omni in Moss Green is on sale for US: $803. The upgraded Midnight Black/ Space Grey models will cost you $929.
Only your bank account can tell you if you can afford the LiberNova Omni. If you can overlook those wriggly armrests, you won’t find a more comfortable chair. And the price tag, though high, offers features that rival more expensive chairs.
Apple World Today rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★
