A zero gravity chair works best to meet all of the requirements for a comfortable fully functional binocular chair. From our experience, it has been determined that all other chair styles will have one kind of limitation or another.
There must be fully open steel tubing at the tops of the sides of the chair’s backrest, that has no attached fabric (see pic). This is where a bino-holder mount can be clamped and can slide up and down to match the heights of various users. The head cushion should not be attached to the backrest frame, but instead to the backrest fabric. During use, another cushion can be slid under the chair’s cushion. This will support the nape of your neck, for high elevation viewing.
Specifications: The “W” width in a chair spec often refers to between the outer edges of the armrests. A so-called 30″W chair typically has seat fabric which is about 24″ wide, and is often referred to as oversized. Some retailers may call this a 24″W chair. Those over 6′ tall may prefer a longer chair so that their head is not near the top steel frame. The front of the chair extends well out, and is a great location for a counterweight because of the leverage. The top surface of this counterweight board also acts a comfortable leg rest (see the second pic below). A zero gravity chair should have close to a 170° recline. These chairs often have a tray table and a way to lock the tilt of the backrest, which can come in handy at times. For sturdiness, the net weight of the chair should be at least 20 to 22 lbs.
Non-zero-gravity chairs: Some may wish to rotate their chair by pushing with their feet on the ground instead of using a hand driven wheel. In this case, any standard tube frame chair can be used, as long as your feet stay on the ground comfortably. Again, there should be fully open steel tubing, with no attached fabric, at the tops of the sides of the chair’s backrest. There will be a limitation to the comfortable viewing elevation when using these chairs. This would be a good choice if the intention is for daytime nature viewing only, since not much elevation is normally needed for this. You could leave the chair set up on your porch or by your window.
For any bino-chair which reclines substantially, counterbalancing should be used at the front of the chair. This will help prevent the bino-chair from tipping back, and will assist when returning to an upright position.
One can avoid building the entire rotating azimuth control component by using a swiveling “orbit-beach-chair”. However there would be some instability and viewing elevation limitation. Tipping over is even possible without weight leverage at the front of the chair.
Conclusion: It’s generally much better to use a zero gravity chair. They tilt back very far, as your legs rise comfortably. If you want to view all the way up to zenith, you then just arch your neck a little. The nape of your neck can be supported by a large cushion.
Zero gravity chair models to consider: ( online comparison is suggested, especially true when choices are limited during the off-season; a higher weight rating should translate to a more stable bino-chair, regardless of your body weight )
- Portal model rated 350 lbs, 30″ width between outer edges of armrests, open tops of sides of backrest frame (fully tested and recommended)
- Timber Ridge model rated 350 lbs, 31″ width between outer edges of armrests, open tops of sides of backrest frame (untested)
- Timber Ridge model rated 500 lbs, 33″ width between outer edges of armrests, open tops of sides of backrest frame (untested)
- Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Lounger model rated 400 lbs, ~31″ width between outer edges of armrests, open tops of sides of backrest frame (untested)
- Ever Advanced model rated 350 lbs, 29.5″ width between outer edges of armrests, open tops of sides of backrest frame (untested)
Avoid these zero gravity chair specs:
- lightweight chair under 20 lbs with a weight capacity rating under 350 lbs
- attached fabric on the framing near the tops of the sides of the backrest
- open mesh backrest fabric for the beach, which is less insulated and less padded
- under 72″ extended length
Special request: if you come across other suitable zero gravity chairs, especially chairs that have over 72″ extended length, please add a comment below.
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