Best Choice Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner Review
Our Verdict
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This Product
Best Choice Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner | |||||
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Awards | Our Favorite Recliner | Best Overall Camping Chair | Best Pack and Carry | Most Comfy Lounger | Best on a Tight Budget |
Price | $100 List $69.99 at Amazon | $80 List $79.99 at Amazon | $76.97 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $100 List $99.95 at REI | $35.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This zero gravity chair prioritizes comfort, quality, and is easy to setup | Although heavy, this robust model will provide years of high-comfort seating for campgrounds, soccer fields, and more | While this ultralight camping chair design doesn't provide all the bells and whistles of a full-sized chair, however, it does supply a comfortable backpacking design that's easy to use | This lightweight design also provides the comfort of a lounger thanks to a larger backrest, wider seat, and removable pillow | Easy to set up and comfortable for taller and larger folks, while helping you save money |
Rating Categories | Best Choice Zero Gr... | ALPS Mountaineering... | Helinox Chair One | REI Co-op Flexlite... | GCI Outdoor Comfort... |
Comfort (40%) | |||||
Portability (25%) | |||||
Quality (20%) | |||||
Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
Specs | Best Choice Zero Gr... | ALPS Mountaineering... | Helinox Chair One | REI Co-op Flexlite... | GCI Outdoor Comfort... |
Weight | 21.0 lbs | 14.1 lbs | 2 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 8.3 lbs |
Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 800 lbs | 320 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
Folded Dimensions (length x width x height) | 27.0" x 8.0" x 38.0" | 39.0" x 8.0" x 8.0" | 14.0" x 5.0" x 4.5" | 20.0" x 7.0" x 6.0" | 45.0" x 7.0" x 5.0" |
Unfolded Dimensions (depth x width x height) | 34.0" x 27.0" x 49.0" | 24.0" x 37.0" x 38.0" | 20.0" x 20.0" x 26.0" | 27.0" x 25.0" x 37.0" | 25.0" x 35.0" x 37.0" |
Seat Height (middle) | 17.0" | 15.0" | 14.0" | 10.5" | 15.0" |
Features | Removable p[astic two-cup holder, adjustable sunshade, removable headrest pillow, adjustable upright or reclining design | 2 cup holders, 2 side pockets, storage pocket behind headrest, adjustable armrests | Breathable (perforated) polyester seat material | Vents, 2 mesh pockets, removable head rest , DWR finish | Beverage holder, small sleeve pocket |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Zero Gravity camping chair features a super comfortable construction that will quickly become the favorite among your family and friends. The chair includes design features such as an adjustable headrest, a footrest, ergonomic body positioning, a sunshade, and a stretchy textile to better absorb the weight of your frame and supply topnotch comfort. The only downside to this sturdy chair is that it is the heaviest chair that we tested so it isn't as portable as other options in this review. If you don't mind the extra weight and have the means to transport a larger chair, the Zero Gravity doesn't disappoint.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
The Zero Gravity is among the most comfortable chairs that we tested. Whether seated with your feet along the adjustable footrest or fully reclined, this chair provides support and comfort for a variety of body types. Best Choice markets an ergonomic zero-gravity position that our testing team can feel. The best part is that once you've been chilling in one position for the better part of an hour, you can simply adjust your seat to another comfortable position to continue the hang without any impact on your body.
The bungee cord and stretchy fabric allow some give in the design which allows it to absorb and distribute the weight of your body. The design also includes an adjustable and removable headrest so that you can find your personal sweetspot. Best Choice also included an adjustable canopy to provide more sun protection during those days where it's difficult to hide from the sun. The Zero Gravity provides several comfortable positions, breathable fabric, a sunshade, and an adjustable headrest to offer all the comfort you could possibly need.
Portability
We'll be honest, the Zero Gravity is not the chair for those seeking a compact and portable camping chair that can be easily transported from one location to another. In fact, it is one of the largest chair designs that we tested, which is likely why is was one of the most comfortable. At 21 pounds, this chair definitely the heaviest chair in the lineup, however, we think it is perfect for those who are traveling in an RV, a pickup truck, or simply want a lovely recliner to enjoy on the back porch.
While the folded dimensions of the Zero Gravity measure 27" x 7.5" x 37.5" are among the larger chairs that we tested, it does easily fold into itself, creating a flat design that can be more easily stored in your garage, camper, or loaded into your pickup truck. It even loads into a compact car without issue. All that being said, we wouldn't recommend this design for those seeking a compact and highly portable option. If you're looking for topnotch comfort and have the room to store a larger chair design, the Zero Gravity should be at the top of your list.
Quality
While the Zero Gravity chair falls somewhere in the middle of the pack with regard to the price tag, we can attest to the high quality design that has withstood the better part of a summer at 9,000 feet above sea level. The steel frame and UV resistant textile mesh has withstood tons of use and abuse as a stable of the Search and Rescue site in Tuolumne Meadows. This coveted design has withstood sparks from the daily campfire, exposed to a mix of sunshine and rain without showing signs of wear nor any rust in the frame.
The chair does feature a 250 pound weight limit which is lower than other chairs that we tested. The design is sturdy, even offering additional grips on the legs of the frame, which allowed several people to pile on, greatly exceeding the weight limit without any damage to the construction. All those positive attributes aside, the removable accessory tray isn't on par with the rest of the design when it comes to quality. While it is constructed from a very thick and durable plastic, it doesn't attach to the frame as well as we would like. We can also imagine some issues down the line with the bungees that attach the fabric to the steel frame, however, it would be very easy to replace the bungees should any of them fail. Thus far, the Zero Gravity has impressed our testing team with a design that offers both comfort and high quality construction.
Ease of Use
The Zero Gravity doesn't require any frustrating setup or assembly. Simply remove from the box, place the chair on the ground, separate the legs, and pull the frame apart before enjoying a relaxing and comfortable hang. Once seated, simply press your feet into the footrest and lean back. Need a little protection from the sun? Simply reach behind the top of the chair and assist the sunshade into place. Best Choice even added a locking mechanism so that you can lock yourself into position by twisting on knob near the middle of the chair into your position of choice.
Perhaps our only frustration with this chair, is that the accessory tray doesn't lock into place for better security of items stored within it's plastic frame. We also had some trouble getting the chair to extend into the seated position, as sometimes it would more easily assemble into the reclining position. Overall, this chair offers a ton of comfort, quality, and is super easy to use, simply place on the ground and unfold, adjust the pillow into your most supportable position and swing the sunshade over top. It doesn't get much easier than that.
Should You Buy the Best Choice Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner?
If you're looking for a sturdy and versatile camping chair design that prioritizes relaxation, comfort, and protection from the sun, the Best Choice Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner is a great consideration for you. Our only complaints about this chair are the lack of portability, the heavyweight construction, and the accessory tray attachment. That being said, the additional weight allows for a high quality and versatile construction that became the coveted chair of our testing team. The Zero Gravity is a great choice for those with pickup trucks, campers, RVs, or those who just want to relax on the back porch.
What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?
The Best Choice Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner is one of the most comfortable camping chairs that we tested. This coveted chair survived a summer of daily use and abuse without showing any signs of wear or tear. However, it is not the most portable nor lightest option that we tested. If you're looking to recline with a little more portability, check out the ALPS Mountaineering Escape. The Escape is not only significantly lighter, it is also more affordable, just don't expect the same comfort level as the Zero Gravity. And if you're curious about another camping chair that maximizes comfort thanks to the functional fabric that successfully distributes your body weight, check out the Yeti Trailhead. Though more expensive, the design is built to last and offers luxury that isn't matched by another design in this review. If you're after a more packable option that actually offers a higher weight limit, check out the REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer that allows you to lounge in comfort without sacrificing portability.