With the HON Exposure, Iowa-based furniture designers HON have set out to prove that not all office task chairs are created equal.
Indeed, while there are countless options for task chairs out there, many of them are a dime a dozen, designed more for cost-effectiveness and convenience than the things that really matter like quality, comfort, and the kind of good posture support that promotes better health and well-being for today’s office workers.
The HON Exposure is different. While still pitching itself squarely at the budget-conscious chair connoisseur, this one sets itself apart by combining its affordable price tag with the ergonomic adjustments and comfort-enhancing features normally found in higher-priced models.
So far, so good, but how well have HON actually done when it comes to proving that theirs is a task chair beyond compare?
More importantly, do features like a breathable mesh back, adjustable lumbar support and synchro-tilt mechanism make it a worthwhile addition to your workspace?
To find out, we put the chair through its paces here at Office Chair Picks to see how it fairs in terms of quality, comfort, design, and assembly.
Here’s what we discovered.
HON Exposure Pros and Cons
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Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Breathable mesh back to keep you cool throughout the working day
- Adjustable lumbar support improves comfort and supports good posture.
Cons:
- No headrest
- Armrests only adjust in two directions
- Doesn’t offer much in the way of aesthetic appeal.
HON Exposure Review
First Impressions
Let’s be honest, the HON Exposure may never win any top awards for its aesthetic appeal. At first glance, it looks like quite an unremarkable chair, and if you didn’t know what you were looking at, you might find it difficult to tell it apart from other models like the always-popular Steelcase Leap.
Still, what the Exposure lacks in “wow factor” it more than makes up for in terms of sturdiness and stability.
Our first impressions are of a chair that’s built to last, with a thick seat, solid construction, and an ample frame that means that it can provide plenty of support.
Assembly
As impressive as the Exposure is in terms of size, it’s relatively easy to put together. An allen wrench, plus all of the screws are provided along with a few extras in case one goes awry, and when you’ve got those, you’re good to go.
Following the easy-to-understand instructions (complete with helpful diagrams) enabled us to put the whole thing together in around 15 minutes, though there’s no reason why you couldn’t speed that process up a little if you had somebody to give you a helping hand.
Design
Earlier, we made a big deal about the “unremarkable” appearance of the HON Exposure, but that’s not to say that we think this chair is ugly or even unappealing. It’s simply that HON clearly had other things on their mind when they made this one.
Still, the brand didn’t ignore aesthetics altogether.
The chair comes in a variety of finishes including full leather, full mesh with padded, fabric seat, or a mesh backrest/leather seat hybrid.
Personally, we prefer the mesh options as it’s great for keeping cool during long work sessions, but the range of options does mean that you’ll be able to tailor the HON Exposure to fit the interior design of your workspace.
The different materials also have a practical benefit too, especially when it comes to cleaning your chair.
Size and Specifications
We’ve already told you that the HON Exposure is a generously sized chair that offers plenty of support.
That said, the overall manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity is only 250 lbs. While that’s more than likely enough for most users, those on the lookout for a big and tall office chair that can support 300+ lbs may need to look elsewhere.
Other essential dimensions include:
| Overall Chair Width | 26.5” |
| Overall Chair Depth | 26.75″ |
| Overall Chair Height | 42.5” |
| Adjustable Seat Depth: | 17.5” – 19.5” |
| Adjustable Seat to Floor Height: | 17.5” – 22” |
| Adjustable Arm Width: | 16.5” – 18.75” |
| Backrest Height: | 24.25” |
| Backrest Width: | 18.5” |
Comfort
Getting down to what really matters, there are mixed opinions on just how comfortable the HON Exposure really is.
For this review, we looked at the mesh back with the padded, fabric-upholstered seat and found that while it wasn’t the kind of seat you sink into it, it had a firm yet cushioning feel to it, making it the sort of seat that helps to promote active sitting so that you’re not pressing own on the same pressure points all day long.
If you ask us, that’s a good thing. It prevents soreness and stiffness while encouraging a healthy seating position.
On the other hand, we’ve also read at least a handful of customer reviews from HON Exposure users who claim the seat is just too firm for their liking and left them feeling uncomfortable.
Ergonomic Features and Adjustability
Adding to the comfort level are an enticing number of adjustable ergonomic features.
First of all, there’s the backrest, which offers a generous amount, and the all-important synchro-tilt mechanism which helps you find a comfortable position and improve circulation.
The backrest is also fitted with adjustable lumbar support which adapts to the shape of your back to help maintain the natural S-shape of your spine while sitting.
The seat width can also be adjusted to ensure your legs and hips are perfectly aligned. This is another welcome feature that promotes healthy circulation so that you avoid the kind of sluggish, unfocussed feelings that can occur after sitting for hours at a time.
Despite all that, the HON Exposure is far from perfect. An adjustable headrest is conspicuous by its absence here, and while that may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, a headrest is usually a good ergonomic design feature that can make a big difference.
We were also disappointed to find that the chair only offers 2-D armrests which can be adjusted for height and width. Though this can really help find the perfect sitting position, lots of chairs these days offer 3-D or even 4-D armrests, so the Exposure is certainly lacking in that department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the warranty like on the HON Exposure?
The Exposure comes with HON’s standard five-year warranty, though some warranty extensions are available.
Are the casters suitable for hardwood flooring?
Yes. The chair comes with five casters that provide enough maneuverability on hardwood floors without sending you sliding all over the place.
Is the leather used in the leather HON Exposure real leather?
The type of leather used is a SoftThread bonded leather that is softer than genuine leather and easier to clean.
Alternatives to the HON Exposure
Not sure if the HON Exposure is really the chair for you? Here’s a few alternatives you might want to consider.
HON Convergence
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If you like HON’s budget-friendly pricing and high-quality design but aren’t exactly taken with the Exposure, the best-selling HON Convergence is certainly worth a look.
Much like the Exposure, this is an affordable task chair with good ergonomic design and adjustable features.
Plus, as we mentioned in our complete HON Convergence review, it’s a great option for anyone who usually struggles with back pain and other health issues while at work.
AMQ Zilo Task Chair
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If you’re in the market for a mid-market task chair and the HON brand doesn’t appeal to you at all, the AMQ Zilo Task Chair may be more to your liking.
Arguably better-looking than the Exposure, the AMQ Zilo offers 72 different fabric design options so that you can customize your seat to better suit your workspace.
More importantly, it offers a high level of comfort and multiple adjustment features.
On the downside, it is more expensive than most task chairs.
You can read our complete AMQ Zilo Task Chair review here.
WorkPro 1000 Series Task Chair
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The WorkPro 1000 Series has proven to be one of the most popular ergonomic task chairs of the last couple of years.
That’s partly because it’s a sleek, cool, contemporary design, partly because of the exceptionally comfortable seat, and partly because of the mesh backrest which promotes healthy seating posture.
However, like the AMQ Zilo, it’s also more expensive than the HON Exposure.
You can find out more about this chair in our WorkPro 1000 Series review.
HON Exposure: Our Final Verdict
If you’ve read this far, you’ve likely reached the same conclusion about the HON Exposure that we did:
While it’s certainly not a perfect task chair (the uninspired design and lack of headrest may be off-putting for some), it’s still very good indeed, offering substantial support and a level of back of support that you normally only find in higher-market chairs.
It’s this combination of top-brand design and affordable pricing that really sets the Exposure apart, all while offering a level of sturdiness and stability that ensures this is one office chair that’s going to serve you well for years to come.
