For many people, sitting for long periods of time is part of everyday life, whether in the office or at home. Both poor posture at the desk and an unsuitable office chair can quickly lead to back pain and tension. The ProtoArc EC200 is designed to remedy this. This is an ergonomic office chair which, according to the manufacturer, combines a high level of seating comfort and sophisticated ergonomics with an attractive price-performance ratio. Special features include the two-way adjustable lumbar support and the multi-dimensional headrest. Both functions are designed to ensure that the office chair can be ideally adapted to different body sizes and sitting habits.
In the following test, we take a closer look at the ProtoArc EC200 and check to what extent it is also suitable for prolonged sitting in the home office.
Technical data
| Model | EC200 |
| Color selection | Black, gray, blue |
| materials | plastic |
| Maximum weight | 127 kg |
| Shape | S-shape |
| Height adjustment: Total | 108 – 116 cm |
| Height adjustment: neck support | 7 cm adjustable up and down |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 50.8 × 50.8 × 118.75 cm |
| Weight | 16.5 kg |
| Price | € 159.99 * |
Scope of delivery
- Slim cardboard box
- All main components individually wrapped
- Easy to understand instructions
Compared to conventional office chairs, the ProtoArc EC200 is packed in a very slim cardboard box. After unpacking, the EC200 must first be assembled. The individual components include five wheels, a star base with five side pieces, a gas cylinder and the adjustment mechanism. Of course, the headrest, the two armrests and the seat cushion together with the backrest are also included. Finally, the scope of delivery is rounded off by a comprehensive set with easy-to-understand assembly material and detailed operating instructions.
Assembly
- … takes about 15-30 minutes
- Assembly in six clear steps
- Optional video instructions for assembly available
The ProtoArc EC200 was easy to assemble in the test – not least because the manufacturer also provides clear video instructions in addition to the operating instructions. This makes assembly much easier to understand, even for non-experts. On average, you should allow 15 to 30 minutes for assembly, while the assembly instructions consist of six steps.
The first step is to assemble the star base with the side pieces, followed by attaching the five wheels. The two armrests are then attached to the seat cushion, while the next step is to fix the seat adjustment mechanism to the seat cushion with four screws. The backrest is then pushed onto the side of the seat cushion and secured with three more screws. Last but not least, the upper part of the chair simply needs to be inserted into the base on the foot end and the headrest secured with two more screws – and the office chair is ready for use.
Appearance & workmanship
- Simple, professional design without accents
- Breathable mesh with stable seating comfort
- Solid workmanship despite minor plastic imperfections
Visually, the ProtoArc EC200 is quite businesslike and functional, without any particular design accents. The design language, on the other hand, is clear and contemporary, with lines based on the classic office or home office environment. In short, anyone looking for a simple but professional-looking office chair will have a good experience with the appearance of the ProtoArc EC200.
The use of breathable mesh on the backrest and headrest is an advantage, as it focuses on comfort while improving air circulation. Especially in summer or on hot days, everyone sweats quickly – breathable mesh is definitely more comfortable. The seat cushion, on the other hand, is made of highly elastic foam, which provides more stable support. On the other hand, it is noticeable that the armrests are only 3D-adjustable. This means that they can only be adjusted in height, whereas more expensive models can usually be adjusted to the side or even swiveled.
In terms of workmanship, the ProtoArc EC200 makes a solid impression, even if it is not always at a premium level. While the mesh surfaces are neatly stretched and give a robust impression, the seat cushion is also extremely dimensionally stable. However, there is potential for optimization in the plastic components, especially in the transitions between the backrest and headrest, where scratches can sometimes be seen. On the other hand, the solid star base and the wheels, which make it particularly easy to move the chair back and forth, are impressive. In this respect, the workmanship seems appropriate considering the price, but the small abrasions in the plastic somewhat detract from the overall picture.
Seating comfort
- Wide, adjustable seat with firm support
- Height and tilt of the chair can be adjusted in several stages
- Highly adjustable lumbar support
Now let’s take a closer look at the core element of an ergonomic office chair: seating comfort. Here it becomes clear what the manufacturer ProtoArc has focused on. The EC200 creates a stable sitting experience without the seat appearing too narrow. With a width of 54 cm, the seat is even suitable for wider people. If you prefer, you can also move the seat forwards and backwards within a range of 5 cm. In general, the “Popometer” provides good support, although its upholstery is much thicker and firmer than the backrest and therefore less elastic. In terms of adjustability, the EC200 can be both height-adjusted and tilted using a lever on the side. The angle lock has four levels in the range from 90° to 130°.
Back problems often originate from the lower back because this area is often not adequately supported. This is why the ProtoArc EC200 offers an individually adjustable lumbar support at the back of the backrest. The adjustment allows the lumbar support to be moved up and down by 6 cm and forwards and backwards by 2 cm using the rotary control. In this way, the resistance is adjusted accordingly, which leads to better relief for the spine. The entire mechanism worked perfectly in the test – we really like this design.
Ergonomics
- Suitable for people between 163 and 191 cm and 41 to 127 kg
- Headrest can be adjusted extensively and flexibly
- Chair helps to promote a healthy posture
Another key feature of the ProtoArc EC200 is its ergonomics. According to the manufacturer, the office chair is suitable for people between 163 and 191 cm tall and weighing between 41 and 127 kg. In addition to the adjustable lumbar support and the adjustable seat, the armrests can also be moved up and down by up to 7 cm. The headrest, whose angle, height and depth can be adjusted independently of each other, should also be emphasized. Depending on requirements, the headrest can be pulled forward to support a more upright sitting position or moved back a few centimeters if you prefer to lean deeper into the chair. Even the angle of the headrest can be flexibly adjusted – simply by pulling, without the need for an additional lock.
In practice, the ProtoArc EC200 actively promotes a healthy sitting posture and helps to relieve central pressure points. During our test phase in the home office, the chair repeatedly encouraged us to correct an incorrect or cramped sitting position and sit up straighter again. This is exactly the function an ergonomic office chair should fulfill – regardless of the price segment. All in all, we can therefore say that the ergonomic features of the ProtoArc EC200 were very appealing.
Conclusion
All in all, despite its low price, the ProtoArc EC200 scores with a number of features that are usually only found in the higher price range. These include, for example, the adjustable lumbar support and the variable headrest. This list is supplemented by the adjustable seat depth, thanks to which the ProtoArc EC200 should also be well suited to different body sizes and sitting habits.
Instead, we see drawbacks in the material appearance and the comparatively simple design, although the latter is of course always a question of personal taste. Visually, the EC200 remains deliberately discreet and relies on a few plastic elements that appear more functional than elegant. It would also be practical if ProtoArc had at least incorporated 4D armrests instead of 3D armrests. In view of the price, however, these points are not particularly significant – after all, we are talking about the 100 to 200 euro price range here.
In summary, the ProtoArc EC200 offers a coherent all-round package with a clear focus on ergonomics and an attractive price-performance ratio. This makes it ideal for all those who sit for many hours a day and value comfort rather than ostentatious design.
- Many adjustable elements
- Effective lumbar support
- Breathable backrest
- Good seat stability
- Only 3D armrests
- Plastic-heavy feel
- Rather functional design
ProtoArc EC200
Optics
Processing
Seating comfort
Equipment
Price-performance ratio
89/100
The ProtoArc EC200 scored well in the test with its well thought-out, ergonomic features, which actively contribute to a healthy and upright sitting posture. Despite its fair price, it offers many adjustment options and is therefore particularly suitable for long days in the home office.
