Poly and Bark Karlen Office Chair in Mesh, Black

Assembly is quick, but make sure you slide the back part into the base. It's not that easy to tell from the instructions, but it's grooved so that the edges can slide into the grooves. Then bolt it in. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes max, and really probably closer to 5 minutes to put everything together.This is not a Herman Miller chair. You're not getting a five figure chair, or even a refurbished $500 (you can get Aerons for that much if you look around pretty easily). You are definitely getting great value, I'd say this is easily in the $150-300 range, yet you're able to get it in the lower end of that.The all mesh design has pros and cons. The cons are mentioned in other reviews, the edges are definitely against plastic, so you'll notice that if you lean on them. If you are centered you really won't come into contact with the edges though. I've always worn pants so I don't know how it is with shorts. The material feels fine with pants on.You can't adjust the lumbar and the chair leans back a bit. I only lean back to watch some shows and movies, but most of the time I lean forward to type or read.I'd have to compare this to the Amazon mid-back mesh chairs. But I suspect this one is very durable and I won't be getting a new chair for some years. I tried out a cheap racing chair before this, but I realized I didn't like high back and I just prefer these mid-back office style chairs. Mesh material is nice and as long as it's durable it probably beats PU leather, which wears out pretty quickly and tends to look bad. I'll try and update this review in a year and then 2 years. At this price point, if it last more than that, and especially if it's in the same shape, it's really great value. Typically I just buy an inexpensive Amazon mid back leather chair every 2 or so years, and really those are fine chairs. This has the flip up arms, mesh, and really it does look fantastic. Just keep expectations in line for the price point and I think it's a solid buy.

This chair was to be the one combination everything I wanted but couldn't find locally - all mesh for maximum breathability, mid back, flip up arms so that I could push it all the way under my desk, adjustable height, adjustable arm height, lockable recliner, adjustable reclining tension, and more than 4 wheels for better rolling, etc. Unfortunately, while it did meet the above requirements, it wasn't comfortable after the first 20 minutes or so. The mesh material isn't smooth, but textured, and leaves the backs of my legs imprinted and itchy when wearing shorts. Since there is no cushion, of course, the shape of the seat must be elevated around the edges. The problem then becomes that, as your body settles into the mesh, your hips come into contact with the bar which is not so bad at first, then just kind of annoyingly uncomfortable so you try shifting your sitting position, then it hurts. Additionally, I'm average height, and while I can push my feet flat to the floor with ease, my heels do not touch the ground when sitting comfortablly. Overall, I dont entirely dislike the chair. It looks nice, I built it in less than 20 minutes without the need for additional tools, and the quality seems worthy of the under-$200 price range. It's probably great for certain people or uses, but for my personal comfort needs, it is less than than ideal for working 8-12hrs per day.

I ordered this chair because of the mesh features on both the back and seat. I agree with most reviewers that the seat and back support components appear to be heavy-duty and that the assembly was relatively easy with minimal tool requirements (one rubber mallet to put in the casters and a single hex key to screw in the back, seat and lever). However, the chair lift mechanism (part #3 and part #7) was soon revealed to be faulty. After assembling it, at first I was successful in pushing the chair down. However, when I re-engaged the lever lock again, and then pulled it out to readjust the chair to a higher position, this time the lever pulled all the way out. I pushed it back in, tilted the chair to take a closer look, and a spring with a ball attachment on one end fell out! After that the lever no longer connected to the pneumatic lift, and the chair is now permanently stuck in a single position. Return will be difficult as it will involve me getting a crow bar to pry off casters, and getting a very big wrench to pull out the faulty cylinder from the rest of the seat just to put it back in the box. So... think twice before you purchase. It may be better to spend the money and get the Aeron rather than this look-a-like.

I don't really write reviews, but I rely so much on them when purchasing, its only fair. I had this chair delivered March 6 2018 and gave it chance to be broken in. Aug 2018, this is not a comfortable chair at all. I use a cushion to help with comfort. It helps me annoy my family with the loud squeaking (when reclining) lol. Also seem to lose the tension for reclining (keep having to tighten more). It is nice looking and VERY easy to assemble, but I wouldn't purchase again.

We brought this chair more than a year ago and in the first few months we have already problems with its lifting mechanism and today it simply give up. DO NOT buy this product because you cant even buy parts form Poly and Bark. Its just a waste of money and resources.

Loving the chair, just wish the back was adjustable...want to be able to tilt it back...not in a constant locked position, otherwise I am loving it.

I just received this chair today. It only took 20 minutes to put together, looks great, and so far is totally comfortable. I scoured Amazon to find a relatively inexpensive chair that has flip arms that also adjust height because I love to rest my arms as I type. I was worried about purchasing this chair since there were no reviews yet, but after looking at very positive reviews of other chairs made by this manufacturer, I took a leap and it paid off. If you are looking for a decent office chair that is not super pricey, this may well be the one.

Resulto ser una excelente silla, muy cómoda, fácil de armar y un tanto silenciosa (aunque le voy a cambiar las ruedas por unas de uso rudo).La recomiendo ampliamente.