Secretlab's 2020 series debuted earlier in 2019, and it managed to take what was already the best gaming chair you could get and inch closer to perfection with a series of iterative improvements. The line was still made up of three main sizes, however: the Throne, Omega, and Titan. Now, Secretlab is shaking things up with another member of the line, the Titan XL.
As its name suggests, the Titan XL is an even bigger version of Secretlab's biggest chair. We're talking 25 percent bigger than the standard Titan, so it's no minor size increase. Along with that expanded size, Secretlab has managed to keep the same level of quality seen in the rest of the 2020 series while reinforcing the construction to handle the extra weight with ease.
From $479Bottom line: Secretlab took the crown with its 2020 series, and the Titan XL does the same — just bigger.
For
- Satisfyingly large
- Superb materials and construction
- Extremely comfortable
- Built-in lumbar support
Against
- Needs spacious desk area
- Construction requires some finesse
- Pricey
What you'll like about the Secretlab Titan XL
The Secretlab Titan XL largely echoes everything I liked about the 2020 series refresh that Secretlab's lineup received earlier this year. The upgrade to chrome-plated metal armrest mechanisms, the durable PRIME 2.0 PU leather, and memory foam pillow with a cooling gel layer are all present here. Everything is just, well, bigger.
Ultimately, that's a good thing. The Titan XL exudes quality on every front, just like its sibling chairs. The leather remains soft and supple, and the cold cure foam underneath is suitably firm, but comfortable. The construction is incredibly solid, and there's a premium feel across the entire chair.
The Titan XL exudes quality on every front.
That isn't to say there aren't some differences to point out, however. In moving to a larger size, Secretlab added a heavy-duty tilt mechanism and a wider wheelbase, along with more robust hydraulics. The company says that the Titan XL can hold up to 390 pounds, and these small refinements are meant to support that extra weight.
Also tagging along are a taller backrest and a wider seat. The result is the ability to comfortably sit people who stand up to 6'10" tall. For comparison, the standard Titan is rated to support people up to 6'7" tall and weighs up to 290 pounds.
Compared to the Omega series I reviewed earlier this year, there's also a notable difference in the seat on the Titan XL. The sides don't angle upward as much on the Titan XL, which gives you more horizontal room to spread out. Whereas the Omega sort of nestles you in a snug seat, the Titan XL seat is flatter.
The flatter seat base gives you more space to work with if you need it. It's also good for those of us who sometimes like to sit cross-legged or in other odd positions.
One major thing I love about the Titan XL (and the Titan, by extension) is that the lumbar support is built into the chair. The Omega and Throne chairs ship with a lumbar pillow, which, while nice, isn't nearly as adjustable as an integrated solution. The Titan XL includes a knob on the side that you can rotate to dial in the lumbar support exactly where you need it. It also emits a satisfying clicking noise with each adjustment.
What you'll dislike about the Secretlab Titan XL
While the Titan XL addresses one of my biggest gripes with the Omega — lumbar support — it has some minor areas of concern that are worth taking into account.
The most significant consideration you'll have to make is whether you have enough room at your desk for the Titan XL. The chair's biggest selling point is a double-edged sword. It's quite big, even by gaming chair standards.
Most desk setups should be fine with the Titan XL. However, if you have a shorter desk, or are limited by a confined space, it may present some issues. The good news is that the seat base and arms sit at the same height as the Omega, but the increased width of the seat and wheelbase means the Titan XL is a bit more onerous to move around.
Source: Dan Thorp-Lancaster/Windows Central
There's also the process of putting the chair to consider. I've put three of these together now, so I've got the process down to a reasonable degree. However, it's worth noting that it will require a bit of finesse in getting certain pieces together, and you'd do best with having a second person around to help out.
Finally, there's the price. At $479 or $499, depending on whether you go with the PU leather 2.0 or SoftWeave fabric options, the Titan XL is an investment. However, I'd argue it's an investment worth making if you want an exceptionally comfortable sitting experience and spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen.
Should you buy the Secretlab Titan XL?
The Secretlab 2020 series is already up there with the best gaming chairs you can get. The Titan XL takes that formula and expands it, creating a bigger chair that still oozes quality. If you require a little more space than the average chair, the Titan XL is the best you can get.
The price is likely to be the most significant barrier to entry here. However, a solid, comfortable desk chair is probably one of the most important things you can invest in. If you spend hours in front of a computer, whether for gaming or work, then the price is well worth it.
Moreover, the Titan XL puts a cap on a series of extremely customizable chairs, whether it comes to tilting, lumbar support, height, and armrest adjustments. The spread of sizes also means there's something for everyone. Combined with the premium feel, it's damn near perfect.
The Secretlab Titan XL is available now in both leather and SoftWeave fabric options. Pricing starts at $479 for the Titan XL in PU leather 2.0 or $499 for the SoftWeave fabric option. If you need something a little smaller, the rest of the 2020 series starts $330 for the Throne, $360 for the Omega, and $399 for the standard Titan.
Titanic comfort.
The Titan XL takes everything Secretlab perfected with this year's 2020 series and supersizes it. If you want the best gaming chair, but require a little extra space, the Titan XL is excellent — if pricey.
