Boulies Master Rex vs DXRacer Craft: I spent hours testing these equally comfy gaming chairs, but there's only one I can truly kick back in

Gaming chairs have undergone various transformations in the roughly two decades they’ve existed. Recently, we’ve seen a trend towards wider, more relaxed seat bases and backrests, shedding the side bolsters of old to add space and provide a more luxurious experience.

The Boulies Master Rex and the DXRacer Craft are two examples that fit this new mold set by many of the best gaming chairs. I’ve tested both of them, and although they’re quite similar in many ways – including their price – there’s one that I keep coming back to.

Boulies Master Rex vs DXRacer Craft: specs

Boulies Master Rex vs DXRacer Craft: price and availability

The Craft costs $499 / £368 / AU$759.99 while the Master Rex costs $479.99 / £409.99 (about AU$762). Both are available now in PU leatherette and fabric upholstery, and each has various colorways and designs to choose from.

As you can see, which one is better value partly depends on what region you’re in. It also depends on how much you value leg rests, and whether you’re willing to pay more for that feature (in the UK, at least).

I would venture that the Craft has better build quality, and the magnetic head pillow is much better than the Master Rex’s strapped alternative. Both of these aspects potentially justify its slightly higher US price tag, even though it lacks a leg rest. It’s even easier to recommend in the UK given the sizable price difference, so it might represent better value for those residents.

Of course, gaming chair prices are liable to change at a moment’s notice, sometimes dramatically, so it’s best to keep your eyes peeled. Really, it comes down to which you value more: a great head pillow or a leg rest.

Boulies Master Rex vs DXRacer Craft: design and aesthetics

Both chairs have an understated appearance for a gaming accessory, which is something I welcome. They would equally be at home in a professional setting as they would in your bedroom.

The fit and finish of both chairs is also impressive. The grey fabric upholstery on the Master Rex model I reviewed was stitched quite well and felt premium to the touch. However, the patch of black fabric in the center of the backrest seemed a little pointless, adding little in terms of aesthetics or functionality.

The Craft I reviewed was finished in a black PU leatherette, which, if anything, was even more premium. It also felt very durable, although it was perhaps a little too thick to be as breathable as the most comfortable gaming chairs.

One aspect of the Craft that somewhat disappoints is the arms. They aren’t as stable as other examples, prone to wobbling more than I would’ve liked. Thankfully, this would only cause a problem if you make very vigorous movements, but it's worth pointing out as an area where the Craft somewhat lapses in build quality.

The same charge could be leveled at the leg rest on the Master Rex. This wobbles even more, and although it’s strong enough to support the weight of your legs, it can feel as if you’re straining its struts, as they bend down somewhat.

Boulies Master Rex vs DXRacer Craft: Comfort and adjustability

Both chairs offer similar adjustments. They each have plush seats, although the Craft’s is firmer, which may well be a drawback for many users – although ergonomic experts might disagree.

Both also feature integrated lumbar support, but only the Master Rex’s is height adjustable. Despite this advantage, it didn’t go quite low enough for my liking, failing to hit the portion of my lower back that needed the most support.

What’s more, the dials for adjusting the lumbar on the Master Rex are frustrating to use, requiring far too many turns to make even small tweaks to its height and prominence.

4D arms are equipped on both models, which allow for versatile adjustments. However, I found those on the Craft didn’t move as far inwards as I would’ve liked. Their padding isn’t very forgiving either: those on the Master Rex are softer, but not by much.

However, the Craft has a much better recline function. It’s smooth and easy to operate with its lever, and opens to a maximum angle of 135 degrees. The Master Rex beats this with 165 degrees, but the lever mechanism is one of the chair’s weakest aspects: it’s clunky, notchy, and can be difficult to lock into place, which is far from ideal.

Another area where the Craft excels is head support. You might not give much precedence to gaming chair pillows, but the Craft’s is exemplary. It's very plush yet firm, which results in great support and comfort for your head and neck.

It also features side bolsters, which help provide security, as well as support when tilting your head. What’s more, it attaches magnetically, allowing for better adjustability and stability. Meanwhile, the pillow on the Master Rex is a much more spartan affair, lacking not just the side support of the Craft’s but also the plushness.

The ace up the sleeve for the Master Rex, though, is the integrated leg rest. This slides out from underneath the chair, and although it doesn’t extend quite as far as I would’ve liked, it still provides a means to put your feet up – literally.

Boulies Master Rex vs DXRacer Craft: Assembly

When it comes to assembly, the Craft is the clear winner. It comes with clear instructions, a very useful double-ended tool for the various bolts and screws, and the arms are already attached for added convenience. It’s also relatively light for a gaming chair.

Best of all, though, is the slot for the backrest bracket. This makes one of the most awkward parts of putting together any gaming chair a cinch, as you don’t need to support the full weight of the backrest when attaching the bolts – a major relief to be sure.

All this isn’t to say that the Boulies Master Rex is difficult to build, but there are a few aspects that make it harder than the Craft. Firstly, it lacks the aforementioned backrest bracket (although most gaming chairs do), and the arms weren't preinstalled (again, this is common).

The worst aspect, however, is installing the tilt mechanism on the seat base. Spacers are required between the two parts, and while placing the heavy mechanism on top of them, it's all too easy to knock them out of alignment. You’ll then need to squeeze your fingers in between the opening to get them back in place, which, needless to say, can be quite frustrating.

Boulies Master Rex vs DXRacer Craft: verdict

At the time of review, I said that I found the leg rest of the Master Rex underwhelming. I still hold that view, but I’ve come to realize that even so, it’s still a feature worth having, as there’s nothing better than reclining the backrest, popping out the leg rest, and kicking back after a hard day at work – or a particularly intense gaming session.

What’s more, I also value the height-adjustable lumbar support: despite it not lowering to the exact spot I would’ve liked, it still beats the Craft’s lack of height adjustment.

Ultimately, both chairs are very evenly matched across most areas, so which one is best will largely come down to personal preference. I can completely understand why some would prefer the Craft, especially given the excellent head support it provides. But for me, the Master Rex just about pips it.

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