Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2: Which is the Better Office Chair?

Steelcase is among the best office chair manufacturers on the market as seen by its V1 and V2 versions of its chairs. Not only are they great ergonomic chairs, they stand the test of time as well. If you’re torn between the Steelcase Leap V1 and V2, we compare them for you below. 

The Steelcase Leap V2 is better than the Steelcase Leap V1 is it has a better backrest, armrest, lumbar support and has a modern look. The Steelcase Leap V1, however, is a great chair given its steel base, thicker padding and cheaper cost compared to the V2. 

Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2
Steelcase Leap V1 (Left) vs V2 (Right)

Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2: Comparison Table

 Steelcase Leap V1Steelcase Leap V2
BackrestShort and wideTall and narrow
SeatThick padding with adjustable lip tiltThin padding with flexible seat lip 
ArmrestThick padding with 3-way adjustment Thin padding with 4-way adjustment
Lumbar supportBetter lower back support, no adjustments Good lower back support with adjustments 
Base MaterialSteelHeavy duty nylon 
PriceAverageHigh
WeightHeavyMedium
AvailabilityAvailableAvailable  

The in choosing between the Steelcase Leap V1 or V2, main differences in detail are as follows:

1. Backrest

The differences in backrests for the two chairs is easily noticeable just by looking at them. The Steelcase Leap V1 has a shorter but widening backrest. This is great for those who are wider at the shoulders but not great for taller users as it lacks support for the upper back and the shoulder blades. 

The Steelcase Leap V2 has a taller but non-flaring backrest. This means it has the same width from the base to the top of it. This shape is much better for taller people both when sitting upright and reclining backwards. It’s also easier to add a Steelcase Leap headrest for more comfort. 

Comparing the two, the tall backrest of the Leap chair V2 offers more comfort and support no matter the size and height of the user. The Steelcase Leap V1 has a thicker cushion on the backrest than the V2. 

Steelcase Leap V1 (Left) vs V2 (Right)

Winner: Steelcase Leap V2

2. Seat Design and Comfort

A general Steelcase Leap review reveals that the firm isn’t afraid of trying out new features aimed at different users.  This is the case with the design of the seat of both the Steelcase Leap V1 and V2. While they basically have the same size and features such as the tilting lip design, the Steelcase Leap V1 has a thicker padding than the Steelcase Leap V2.

The choice between the two chairs is purely subjective since both cushion thicknesses are very comfortable for long sitting hours at your desk. If you just prefer a thinner profile for your chair, the V2 is the one for you. If you like the extra padding, the V1 has your back on that. 

Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2
Steelcase Leap V1 (Left) vs V2 (Right)

Winner: Draw

3. Lumbar Support

Both chairs offer great lumbar support no matter the size and weight of the user. This is because they have the same LiveBack technology which allows the back to change shape in line with the contours of the back. However, if you like reclining backwards in your chair, you get better lower back support from the Steelcase Leap V1 than V2. This is primarily due to the more solid lumbar support arch which doesn’t move much with pressure. However, V1 of the chair doesn’t offer adjustable lumbar support while the V2 does. This aspect wins it for the V2. 

Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2
Steelcase Leap V1 (Left) vs V2 (Right)

Winner: Steelcase Leap V2

4. Armrests

The aspects to focus on for the armrests and their differences include the following:

  • Armrest adjustments 

On the Steelcase Leap V1, you get armrests with a 3-way level of adjustment. This means that you can adjust their width, height and slide them backwards and forwards. This, for most people, is enough to provide the needed comfort. 

The Steelcase Leap V2 uses a 4-way level of adjustment adding depth to the height, width and sliding motions in the V1. 

  • Armrest construction 

On the Steelcase Leap V1, the vertical pole linking the top part of the armrest to the seat is made of steel. This makes them sturdy and durable. On the Steelcase Leap V2, the same pole is made of hardened plastic. Although it performs just as well, it obviously won’t outlast the steel on the Leap chair V1. 

Another aspect to note is that the armrest on the Steelcase Leap V1 has a bit of rattle as the pole has some space on the outside to play about. The issue isn’t there with the Steelcase Leap V2. 

  • Armrest padding and design 

While the armrests on both chairs have an oval shape, they’re bigger and thicker on the Steelcase Leap V1 than on the V2. They both look great and are comfortable.

Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2
Steelcase Leap V1 (Left) vs V2 (Right)

Winner: Steelcase Leap V2 

5. Base 

The bases of the two chairs differ in the following aspects:

  • Base material and construction 

The Steelcase Leap V1 has a base made of stainless steel. The advantage with this is that you’re sure that your chair won’t ever break or get easily damaged no matter how many hours you use it. 

On the other hand, the Steelcase Leap V2 has a heavy duty nylon plastic base. It’s quite light at the base and durable and no users have reported any issues with this base. 

  • Base design

When it comes to the design of the bases, the Steelcase Leap V2 has a more modern base. The V1 had a flatter and more rounded look while the V2 has a taller, thinner and more modern base in design. 

Winner: Draw

Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2
Steelcase Leap V1 (Left) vs V2 (Right)

6. Size, weight and capacity 

The Steelcase Leap V1 is slightly larger than the Leap V2. While the V1 measures 24.8 by 27 by 43.5 inches (L x W x H), the V2 measures 25 by 25 by 25 inches. This means that the Steelcase Leap V2 can fit in smaller spaces much easily. If, however, you want a bigger chair for your size, the slightly larger V1 can fit you better. 

In terms of weight, the Steelcase Leap V1 weighs 48 lbs while the Steelcase Leap V2 weighs 50 lbs. They thus weigh about the same and even have a similar weight capacity at 300 lbs. 

Winner: Draw

7. Price and availability 

When it comes to the price of the two chairs, the Steelcase Leap V2 costs more than the V1. This is primarily due to the many premium features it comes with. It doesn’t mean the V1 is any less valuable. Since it’s still a great chair. 

The higher price point for the V2 is warranted given its great quality and the features you get. 

Winner: Steelcase Leap V2

8. History

The first Steelcase Leap, the V1, was made by Steelcase in 1999. It revolutionized the office chair market given its many ergonomic features in a small and simple design. It’s still one of the best office chairs in terms of design and ergonomics at the moment. 

The Steelcase Leap V2 was made in 2006 to follow in the footsteps of the first version and introduce more ergonomic and design features. It too gained a lot of users to date. 

Verdict: Steelcase Leap V1 or V2?

There are lots of good aspects between the two chairs such as the 12-year warranties and high levels of comfort. If, however, you’re to pick one of the chairs, the Steelcase Leap V2 is better than the Steelcase Leap V1. It’s lighter, looks great and includes lots of modern versions of the features found in the V1. The Steelcase Leap V1, however, comes in stronger steel material for the base and comes in more colors (14), and costs less. 

Check out our in-depth Steelcase Leap V2 review.

FAQs

  • Is the Steelcase Leap worth it?

Yes. The ergonomic features and the build quality make it worth its cost. 

  • Are Steelcase chairs good?

Yes. Steelcase chairs are good as their build quality and other features place them above the rest of the chairs. 

  • How long do Steelcase chairs last?

Steelcase chairs last for over 10 years given their quality. 

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