DX Racer Martian Pro gaming chair review: For pro gamers and discerning users
The out-of-this-world gaming chair?
The Martian is the world's first gaming chair with electric adjustability. The Pro model we tested also features seat ventilation, seat heating, and a massage function. Too much, or just right? We tested the new gaming chair from DX Racer.Marc Zander (translated by Marc Zander) Published 🇩🇪
Test conclusion on the Martian Pro gaming chair
This is truly a gaming chair for every occasion. Cold winter? Turn on the seat heating. Hot summer? Activate the seat ventilation. Tension? Use the massage function. Want to relax while lying down? Simply adjust the backrest electrically. We could go on and on, because the Martian Pro really offers a lot of features for a lot of money and is very well made. With its quickly adjustable backrest, it is ideal as a gaming chair, office chair, or TV chair. The electrically adjustable lumbar support provides more comfort when sitting than a lumbar cushion, which tends to slip out of place. The only thing I have to criticize: The chair was a little bit too big for my height, but I can overlook that.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Martian Pro is currently available directly from DX Racer in the US online store for $899. You can also purchase the Martian chair without heating, cooling or massage function for $699. An extendable footrest is available as an accessory for the Martian and Martian Pro in the DX Racer store for $89.
Table of Contents
- Test conclusion on the Martian Pro gaming chair
- Specifications of the DX Racer Martian Pro
- Assembling the DX Racer Martian Pro
- Features & Materials: A gaming chair with massage function
- The Martian Pro in practical gaming chair testing
- The DX Racer Martian Pro compared to the Noblechairs Epic
- My experience with the DX Racer Martian Pro gaming chair
Specifications of the DX Racer Martian Pro
| Lumbar support: Integrated, 4D, electrically adjustable |
| Headrest: magnetically attachable pillow |
| Tilt angle: 90°–135° |
| Armrests: 4D, manually adjustable |
| Power source: 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery, removable and rechargeable directly on the chair |
| Cover: EPU synthetic leather |
| Frame: Automotive-grade steel frame |
| Colors: Black, black with red accents, white |
| Accessories: Extendable footrest (sold separately for $89) |
| Recommended height: Size L up to 185 cm, size XL up to 195 cm |
| Recommended weight: Size L up to 125 kg, size XL up to 135 kg |
| Gas spring: Class 4 |
| Features: 3-way adjustable seat heating and seat ventilation, 8-point massage function |
Assembling the DX Racer Martian Pro
Right after unpacking, you'll find yourself holding the huge assembly instructions, which briefly but thoroughly outline all the steps to be taken. I comfortably assembled the gaming chair in about 45 minutes together with my 12-year-old son. So you can really say that assembly is child's play. If you set the chair down on a chair in between steps, you should be able to assemble it comfortably on your own. We had to check all the items delivered twice because we couldn't find any screws, we realized that all the screws are pre-screwed in the chair, so any missing screws would be noticed during the quality check when the chair is packed at the factory. There should be no surprises during assembly similar to “Damn, where's the M8 screw?”. The power connections are marked with numbers, which makes them easy to plug in.
Features & Materials: A gaming chair with massage function
The DX Racer Martian Pro aims to be the jack-of-all-trades among gaming chairs. It really has everything that's available on the market: seat heating and ventilation (each with three settings), an 8-point array massage function, countless manual adjustment options, such as 4D armrests, seat height, and backrest lock, and, as an innovation, electric seat adjustment, as found in Mercedes or Volvo cars. There is a button on the left-hand side which, when pressed in the respective direction, moves the backrest up or down. The backrest itself can be adjusted from 90 to 135 degrees, i.e. to a reclining position in which you can lie comfortably. However, for complete comfort, a footrest is needed, which you will have to organize yourself. Alternatively, you can order the optional pull-out footrest for $89 from DX Racer. The sturdy frame and the weight of the legs and chair ensure that you don't tip over backwards, even if it feels like you might at first.
The headrest is attached with a magnet and stays in place surprisingly well. There is no second cushion for the lumbar spine, but this is not necessary as the chair has two electrically adjustable air cushions in four directions to stabilize the lumbar spine. To power all the electrical features, a 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery is integrated under the seat. According to the manufacturer, this should last up to 360 hours, but I only had to recharge it after several massages, hot and cold uses, and adjustments to the backrest after just under a week. To do this, simply plug the charging cable into the connection in the backrest for several hours or remove the battery from the bottom.
The Martian Pro in practical gaming chair testing
For the test, I swapped my previous gaming chair, a Noblechairs Epic, for the Martian Pro for two weeks and used it for my everyday work. Due to the summer temperatures, I only tested the seat heating on a trial basis: the seat warmed up after just a few seconds and could be adjusted to three levels up to very warm. The seat ventilation was more suitable for the season. Also with three settings, I actually got very cool legs at the third setting despite a room temperature of 28 degrees, so I turned it down to setting 2. But it's nice to know that it can be cooled down if necessary. The buttons are located on the right-hand side of the seat shell. With my average slim build, they are still clearly visible and are not covered. This meant I could also see what I had set using the 1-2-3 red or blue dots, which was a very nice and concise solution.
The electrically adjustable 4D lumbar cushions and magnetic headrest are also great, with the latter staying perfectly in place during use. The backrest shell is comfortable and invites you to linger, but the seat and I didn't really hit it off. I sat normally at the back of the gaming chair and felt the chair at the border between my thighs and lower legs at all times, actually a little squashed, but that could probably be solved by going one size smaller, i.e., L. The armrests were also a little wobbly at times, but this didn't really matter when sitting down. On the other hand, they can be adjusted in four dimensions, locking into place at short intervals as they move up and down, so everyone should be able to find their favorite height.
What I really loved was the back massage function. Even though it doesn't reach my shoulders, ending below the shoulder blades, it's comfortable and, at almost exactly ten minutes, not too short. My wife, who was also allowed to use the chair in her home office, was equally enthusiastic about it. Of course, you can't compare the massage to one given by a masseur, but anyone who has ever used one of the massage chairs in a shopping mall can imagine what to expect.
The DX Racer Martian Pro compared to the Noblechairs Epic
Why this comparison? Quite simply: I have been using the Epic from Noblechairs for many years and it is available to me here. In principle, the two can only be compared in terms of seating comfort, as the Noblechairs does not offer any of the electric functions of the Martian Pro.
What I like better about the Noblechairs Epic: It may be that I'm used to it, but I prefer the seat of the Noblechairs gaming chair because it's not as deep (Epic seat approx. 48 x 48 cm, Martian Pro approx. 52 x 54 cm (W x D). With the Martian Pro in the XL version provided to me, my 1.88-meter height means I bump against the front edge of the seat. The backs of my knees sit very close to the seat, with no room to move, making it feel uncomfortable. I don't have as much space on the left and right with the Epic as I do with the Martian Pro, which I personally find more comfortable. In addition, I personally don't like faux leather. While my Epic, made of genuine leather, offers a certain coolness, faux leather usually gets too warm for me when sitting. But in the case of the Martian Pro, that was fine, and I can activate the seat ventilation if necessary.
What I like better about the Martian Pro: The magnetic headrest isn't just a nice gimmick, it's a whole new experience. While the lumbar cushion and headrest on the Noblechairs Epic are attached in the traditional way with elastic straps and tend to slip out of place, the headrest on the Martian Pro stays firmly in place and doesn't slip. The air cushions inside the Martian Pro that support the lumbar vertebrae are also wonderful, with their versatile adjustability. Not to mention the massage function, which I really enjoyed using and missed when sitting on the Epic. Personally, I don't necessarily need ventilation or heating in the seat (exception: the cooling function described above due to the faux leather getting warm). The electric adjustability of the backrest is great, but to be honest, I set my chair once and then usually leave it in that position. However, since the Martian Pro is electrically adjustable, I did find myself adjusting it every now and then. Especially if you use the chair for watching TV, working, and playing computer games, you'll quickly grow fond of this feature.
My experience with the DX Racer Martian Pro gaming chair
Let's make it short: The Martian Pro is a very good gaming chair that is also suitable for working and as a TV chair. With its electric adjustment options, massage function, seat heating, and seat cooling, it offers the right seating comfort for every situation. The magnetic headrest is super secure, and the 4D lumbar support can be adjusted to suit your own physique. Admittedly, the gaming chair is relatively heavy, and you might think twice about carrying it back and forth between your TV room and home office. But overall, it offers a lot of comfort and implements its features well. So if you have the necessary cash and are not too small in stature, you can't go wrong with this gaming chair. If you can do without the seat heating, seat ventilation, and massage function, the Martian (without Pro) is a cheaper alternative. As with any chair, the same applies here: if possible, try it out before buying.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
Add as a preferred