A zero gravity chair works best to meet all of the requirements for a comfortable fully functional binocular chair. From our experience, most other chair styles will have one kind of limitation or another.
It is important to understand the chair recommendations that are outlined here. It can be a little tricky to select an appropriate sturdy chair unless you are prepared.
Zero gravity chairs: These chairs can 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 upper areas of the left and right sides of the backrest frame should ideally have no obstructions with backrest fabric (like in the photo below). This is where a bino-holder mount can be clamped, and can slide up and down to match user height. A standard tube frame chair is recommended, like the one shown here. The front of the chair extends out, and is a great place for a counterweight because of the leverage. Also see the “Detailed Specs” section below.
Non-zero-gravity sun loungers: Ordinary reclining lounger chairs can offer some bino-chair functionality. However the backrest angle may be stuck at one position while viewing. Beach lounger chairs may be so low to the ground that a drive wheel cannot fit.
Lawn chairs: Any standard tube frame lawn chair can be used for limited functionality. One can add a rotating base and then push around with the feet on the ground instead of using a hand driven wheel. There will be a limitation to the comfortable viewing elevation when using these chairs. There should ideally be clear areas with no attached backrest fabric, at the tops of the sides of the chair’s backrest. This would be a good choice if the intention is low elevation viewing or daytime nature viewing.
Orbit beach chairs: One can avoid building the entire rotating azimuth control component by using an orbit beach chair. However there would be significant instability and viewing elevation limitation. Tipping over backwards is even possible without a counterweight at the front of the chair. These chairs are generally very low to the ground.
A chair-front counterweight should be used for any bino-chair which reclines substantially. This will help prevent it from tipping over backwards, and will assist when returning the backrest to an upright position. A padded surface on a counterweight board can also act as a comfortable leg rest (as in this photo).
Detailed zero gravity chair specs to look for: Online comparison of the specs is recommended. In-store choices may be very limited during off-season.
- The “W” width in a zero gravity chair spec often refers to the distance between the outer edges of the armrests. A standard 30″W or 31″W chair typically has seat fabric which is ~24″ wide. The typical sized zero gravity chairs can be called XL, XXL or “oversized”.
- Typical sized chairs have a base frame (where it touches the ground) which is ~27″ wide and ~30″ from front to back. Ideally this base frame has the same width at the front and at the back.
- For sturdiness, the chair should be rated for at least 350 lbs. and the chair’s weight should be at least 20 to 22 lbs. A higher weight rating should translate to more stability, regardless of your body weight.
- To allow mounting a bino-holder, it’s best if the upper sides of the backrest tube frame have no attached backrest fabric. If the head cushion slides up and down on the sides of the backrest tube frame, then there should be room remaining for a bino-holder mount. Incidentally, an additional cushion can be added later, possibly tucked under the chair’s cushion, to support the nape of the neck, for high elevation viewing.
- Often included is a tray table and small levers under the armrests to lock the tilt of the backrest.
- A padded backrest is better than a summer mesh backrest.
- The extended length is typically 72″ and it should be able to recline close to 170°.
Some zero gravity chair models to consider: at Amazon/Costco/Ebay/Cabela’s
- Timber Ridge: 350 lbs rating — 29″W to 31″W between outer edges of armrests — many have open upper areas of the backrest frame — Amazon: B08F56KGTK (~29″W) or B08F56VTLM (31″W) — untested — best if the base frame is the same width at the front as at the back, otherwise contact us regarding a build plan change
- Timber Ridge: 500 lbs rating — 33″W between outer edges of armrests — many models have open upper areas of the backrest frame — Amazon B08FJ998C3 — untested — the build plans may need to be slightly upsized for this bigger chair — best if the base frame is the same width at the front as at the back, otherwise contact us regarding a build plan change
- PHI VILLA XXL: 400 lbs rating — 30”W between outer edges of armrests — since the headrest slides on the backrest frame, slide it above or below the bino-holder mount — padded — Amazon: B08LMT7YDM — untested
- Portal: 350 lbs rating — 30″W between outer edges of armrests — open upper areas of the backrest frame — the padded Amazon B08TQTQGXY is recommended over the mesh back, but may not be in stock — fully tested and recommended
- Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Lounger: 400 lbs rating — ~31″W between outer edges of armrests — open upper areas of the backrest frame — untested — since the base frame is likely wider at the front than at the back, contact us regarding a build plan change
The following may result in some bino-chair limitation:
- chairs under 20 lbs with a weight capacity rating under 350 lbs
- chairs that are smaller and not described as XL, XXL or oversized
- chairs without open tube framing near the tops of the sides of the backrest
- chairs that are much wider than 33″ between outer edges of armrests
- chairs that don’t recline back close to 170°
- chairs under 72″ long when extended
- mesh back summer chairs with open mesh backrest fabric are less insulated and less padded
- chairs that don’t have a tray table
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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