The Alera Elusion is a well-known and popular mesh office chair. Plus, it’s widely used and extremely versatile piece office furniture.
When it comes to utilitarian office chairs that get the job done, the Alera Elusion should come to mind.
The chair has unmatched functionality for the price, and it comes in two different models: the Mid-Back and High-Back versions.
In this review, we will cover every aspect of these chairs, including what we like and dislike.
Additionally, you’ll find out more about important ergonomics and specs for each model.
Alera Elusion Series Mid-Back (Mesh)
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Here is the Mid back Alera Elusion chair and all of its glory.
The mid-back version of the Elusion office chair sports several stand out features including: robust adjustable settings, sleek mid-back ergonomic design, and a plush padded seat cushion.
The mid-back version is typically the more popular Elusion model because it costs less and offers big-time features.
If you look at all of the other mid-back mesh office chairs out there, you’ll realize that most of them don’t hold a candle to the Alera Elusion Series mesh Mid-Back Multifunction Chair.
The only other formidable chair in this category would likely be the Modway Articulate.
We know, the Elusion mid-back isn’t the PERFECT chair, but when it comes to the price range and category it falls into, it’s easily a top 2 contender; if not the absolute winner.
Alexa Elusion Series Mesh High-Back Multifunction Chair, Black
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The Elusion High Back series has near identical features to its mid-back little sister.
The biggest difference between this model is, well you probably guessed it: the high back design.
Now, let’s preface what we are about to say with the Alera Elusion High-Back office chair is an excellent high back office chair. However, when compared to the Mid-Back model, we like the mid-back model better.
The reason is because we simply like other high-back office chairs better compared to this Alera Elusion model.
We’d recommend the High-Back Elusion any day of the week, however we do like the Argomax EM-EC002 a little better, and they’re both in a similar price range.
Notable Features
Multifunction Adjustable Capabilities
Both the Elusion Mid-Back and the High-Back mesh multifunction chairs boast a robust adjustable setting profile.
As you can see in the picture, there’s an adjustable knob or lever for just about every height and width setting on these chairs.
Simply put, this is one of the most, if not the most adjustable office chair in this price range.
First off, the Elusion Chair comes with the standard height and tilt adjustable functions. To take it a step further, the armrests are dual adjustable too.
That essentially means that the armrests can be moved up and down and also have a horizontal movement functionality.
Next, there’s a tilt tension lock so you can adjust the strength of the tilt lock. You can either lock the back into a fixed position, have it loose and easily reclining and everything in between.
Plus, you can adjust the depth of the seat too, which is a really nice add-on.
Last but not least, this extremely versatile office chair comes with a seat glide mechanism.
The seat glide mechanism allows the entire seat to glide on a “back and forth” access from the front to back.
The reason this feature is so nice is that the seat portion can be adjusted to fit many different body types. While the back stays put, you can move the seat portion back and forth for optimal ergonomics.
Light, Breathable and Durable Mesh Material
Both the Mid Back and the High Back models come fitted with a durable and hyper breathable mesh material.
Mesh material office chairs hold somewhat of a stigma of being “lower end”, however that is far from the truth with these chairs.
Are you the type of person who runs hot? I sure am.
Although leather looks nicer and is typically softer, mesh provides a cooler sitting experience.
Imagine sitting on a leather office chair for 5 hours straight, then standing up only to find your back drenched and yourself sticking to the chair.
Does this sound like you?
If so, you need a mesh chair.
Mesh, particularly on the Alera series multifunction chair, is breathable and provides ample airflow to all those places you need it the most.
We find it easy to sit in either one of these models for an elongated period of time, much do in part to the quality of the material.
Ergonomic Design
Mid-Back Multifunction Chair, Black
Mid back office chairs are good for a number of different purposes and have several quality ergonomic features to take note of.
For starters, the mid-back version comes with all of the aforementioned adjustable functionality that makes it easy to form a custom fit regardless of body size.
Additionally, this chair has a built-in lumbar support that contours to the natural curvature of the spine. This will help promote a healthy posture and will support solid 1-3 hour continuous sitting sessions.
One of the fallbacks of the ergonomic design of the Mid-Back model is that it lacks the ability to attach a headrest. Well, you could attach a headrest but it would sit at an awkward position for most people.
High-Back Multifunction Chair
Although the High-Back series has a lot of similarities in ergonomics as the Mid-Back, there are some important differences to note.
First, the obvious: the high back design gives more upper body support at the top of your spine and your entire neck.
That coupled with the built-in lumbar makes for a sitting experience more suitable for longer hours.
If you plan on spending 2-3+ hours at a time sitting and want a mesh high back chair, the Alera Elusion High-Back Series Chair is a nice option.
Even though this chair doesn’t come with a built-in headrest, there’s always the option of purchasing an aftermarket one.
If you absolutely need a headrest mod, we suggest this one that’s compatible with the Elusion model.
Waterfall Seat Edge
What is a waterfall seat edge, you ask? It might be the answer to your after-lunch slump or midday sleepies.
If a cup of coffee isn’t quite cutting it when it comes to staying energized after lunch, you should consider an office chair that has a waterfall seat edge design.
Both Alera Elusion Series come standard with this feature.
Essentially, a waterfall seat edge promotes better circulation which in turn can lead to more energy. When you sit for long periods of time, blood tends to build up in your lower half; especially when sitting in an improperly designed office chair.
As a result, prolonged periods of sitting can cause tiredness and fatigue.
Aside from standing up every now and then, a waterfall seat edge may be one of the best ways to combat poor circulation from extended periods of sitting.
Plus, the waterfall seat edge feels more natural and in our opinion, the chairs that have this feature tend to be more comfortable.
Specs and Dimensions
Specs and dimensions are like waiting in line to take a ride at an amusement park. It’s not that enjoyable to take part in, however it’s totally necessary in order to get to the end result.
If you take one thing away from this review, please conduct the proper measurements before purchasing an office chair… or any other piece of furniture for that matter.
The Alera Elusion Series Desk Chair isn’t that big of an office seat, however better safe than sorry. All it takes is 5 minutes and a measuring tape.
Mid-Back Specs:
Seat Depth: 21 Inches (max)
Width: 24 – 25 5/8 inches
Seat Height: 20 1/8 – 22 7/8 inches
Chair Weight: 56.2 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
High-Back Spec
Seat Depth: 21 Inches (max)
Width: 24 – 25 5/8 inches
Seat Height: 23 5/8 – 24 Inches
Chair Weight: 56.2 lbs
Alera Elusion High-Back Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Assembly
Rather than trying to make a sad attempt at writing out how to assemble the Alera Elusion Series Computer Chair, we figured it’d be best to show you this video overview of the assembly.
Assembly overall is fairly easy, and shouldn’t take up that much time.
But, just in case, the following video has it all. We found it to be much easier to follow then some cryptic assembly instructions.
Overall Thoughts
When it comes to the lower-middle price tier for an office chair, both the mid-back and high back Alera Series Computer chairs are excellent options.
The two chairs are strikingly similar when it comes to features, the big difference is the back height. What truly makes these chair stand out is their multifunction capabilities.
Just about everything can be adjusted on this Alera model, making the Elusion one of the most flexible chairs in this category.
Overall, it’s a solid choice and we’d recommend either Elusion Series any day of the week. That being said, there are a few fallbacks when it comes to the Elusion. We’ll cover those in a high-level pro/con wrap up right about… now.
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Pro’s
- Multifunction adjustability in both the high back and mid back model
- Breathable, naturally cooling mesh material that ensures a comfortable sitting experience
- Integrated ergonomic design coupled with a plush seat cushion on both models
- The mid back office model is a great value for the price point
Con’s
- Both chairs lack a headrest; however you can buy an add-on headrest for the high back model
- The weight capacity is 250 lbs and may not be inclusive to all body types
- Mid-Back model may not be ideal for 3+ consecutive hour sitting sessions
We hope this review helps you along your process of purchasing your new office chair. Thank you for reading! And as always…
Happy sitting!
