Steelcase Leap V2: Is It Worth It? An Honest Review
We strip these chairs down to the frame. Here's what we actually think.
Most Steelcase Leap V2 reviews are written by people who sat in one for a week. We've refurbished hundreds of them. We see what holds up after 5, 10, even 15 years of daily use. We know which parts wear out, which don't, and where this chair genuinely earns its reputation.
Here's an honest assessment based on what we see on our workshop floor, not a showroom.
What the Leap V2 gets right
The back support is exceptional. The Leap's LiveBack technology is the standout feature. The backrest flexes and follows the natural movement of your spine as you shift position. It's not gimmicky. It works. Most chairs give you static lumbar support and hope for the best. The Leap actively adapts. On top of that, you get adjustable lumbar height and firmness, so you can dial in exactly how much lower back support you want. Very few chairs at any price do both.
It's built for long hours. The Leap was designed for people who sit all day. The seat foam is dense and supportive without being hard. The Natural Glide System slides the seat forward as you recline, keeping you close to your desk and in a good working posture. This sounds like a small detail, but it's one of the reasons people who switch to a Leap from a cheaper chair notice an immediate difference in how they feel at the end of the day.
The adjustability range is genuinely useful. Height, seat depth, back tension, recline range, recline lock, upper back force, lower back firmness, and 4-way adjustable arms (height, width, depth, pivot). Every one of these adjustments serves a real purpose. This isn't feature bloat. The Leap fits a wider range of body types and sitting preferences than almost any other chair on the market.
It lasts. This is what we see more clearly than anyone writing a first-impressions review. The Leap V2's frame, mechanism, and LiveBack system hold up remarkably well over years of heavy use. The core structure of a 10-year-old Leap is typically in excellent condition. That's why they refurbish so well and why they represent such strong value on the used market.
What wears out
No chair is indestructible. Here's what we commonly replace during refurbishment:
Arm pads. The soft polyurethane arm caps wear down with daily use. They compress, crack, or go shiny. This is the most common wear point on any Leap we receive. The good news: replacement arm pads are straightforward and restore the chair to like-new feel.
Gas lift. After years of daily height adjustment, gas lifts can lose their hold. The chair slowly sinks. Again, this is a standard replacement during refurbishment and not unique to the Leap.
Seat foam. High-use chairs (think call centres, trading floors) can develop foam compression after many years. For most office use, the foam holds its shape well. We inspect every seat and replace foam where needed.
Fabric. The standard upholstery is hardwearing, but after a decade of use it can show wear on the seat edges. We can reupholster or replace fabric during refurbishment.
None of these are design flaws. They're normal wear items on a chair that's been used every working day for years. The important thing is that the frame, mechanism, and LiveBack system almost never need replacing. That's what separates a well-engineered chair from a disposable one.
What it doesn't do as well
Breathability. The Leap has an upholstered back and seat. There's no mesh option on the standard model. If you run hot or work in a warm office, you'll notice the difference compared to a mesh chair like the Herman Miller Aeron. It's not a dealbreaker for most people, but it's worth knowing.
Aesthetics are polarising. The Leap looks like a serious office chair. It doesn't have the design-icon status of the Aeron or the sculptural lines of the Herman Miller Embody. Some people love its no-nonsense look. Others find it unremarkable. If how your chair looks matters to you, try it in person at our showroom — get in touch to arrange a visit.
The controls take a minute to learn. There are a lot of adjustments, and they're not all immediately obvious. The two knobs on the left side control recline tension and recline range. The lever under the right side controls seat depth. The lumbar controls are behind the backrest. Once you know what does what, it's intuitive. But expect 10 minutes of setup when you first sit down.
Who is the Leap V2 best for?
Heavy daily use. If you're at your desk for 6+ hours a day, the Leap is one of the best chairs you can buy. The combination of LiveBack, adjustable lumbar firmness, and the Natural Glide System is designed specifically for extended sitting.
People with back problems. The Leap's back support is more adjustable and more responsive than most competitors. If you've struggled with lower back pain from other chairs, this is one of the first alternatives to try.
Offices furnishing multiple workstations. One chair fits a wide range of body types thanks to the adjustment range. That makes it practical for hot-desking or shared spaces where different people use the same chair. If you're furnishing an office, we handle everything from sourcing to delivery and installation.
Anyone who prefers a padded seat to mesh. Not everyone likes mesh. If you want a traditional upholstered feel with premium ergonomics, the Leap is the obvious choice.
Who should consider something else?
If you run hot, a mesh chair like the Aeron will keep you cooler. Read our Steelcase Leap vs Herman Miller Aeron comparison for a full breakdown.
If budget is the primary concern, the Steelcase Think V2 offers solid Steelcase ergonomics at a lower price point, though it trades some adjustability for affordability.
New vs refurbished: the numbers
A new Steelcase Leap V2 in the UK starts at around £1,000 and climbs past £1,300 with premium options. Our refurbished Leap V2 costs a fraction of that.
The Leap is built to last 20+ years. A refurbished chair at 5-10 years old has well over a decade of daily use ahead of it. The frame doesn't wear out. The mechanism doesn't wear out. The parts that do wear (arm pads, gas lift, fabric) are exactly what we replace during refurbishment.
Buying refurbished doesn't mean compromising. It means paying for the engineering without paying for the new-product premium.
What you get from Coggin SOS
Every Steelcase Leap we sell goes through a full refurbishment:
- Complete strip-down and frame inspection
- Gas lift replaced
- Arm pads replaced
- Seat foam assessed and replaced where needed
- Fabric cleaned or reupholstered
- All adjustments tested: recline, tension, lumbar, seat depth, arms
- 12-month warranty included
- Nationwide delivery and installation
We also have a showroom at our Lancashire facility where businesses can visit and try chairs before buying. Get in touch to arrange a visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Steelcase Leap V2 last?
With proper use, 20+ years. The frame and mechanism are rated for continuous daily use. Wear parts like arm pads and gas lifts can be replaced cheaply, extending the chair's life further.
Is the Leap V2 better than the V1?
Yes. The V2 has a taller, more supportive backrest, slimmer profile, improved 4-way armrests (the V1 only had 3-way), and a better seat design. The V1 is still a good chair, but the V2 is a clear step forward.
Steelcase Leap vs Herman Miller Aeron: which is better?
Different strengths. The Leap has better back support adjustability and a padded seat. The Aeron has better breathability and a lighter feel. Both are excellent. Read our full comparison for details.
Can I adjust the Leap for standing desk use?
The standard Leap is designed for seated desk use. Steelcase makes a Leap Stool variant for standing-height desks. Contact us to check availability.
What colours do you stock?
Our refurbished stock depends on what comes through our supply chain. Black is the most common. Contact us with your requirements and we'll let you know what's currently available.
The bottom line
The Steelcase Leap V2 earns its reputation. It's not the best-looking chair. It's not the cheapest. But for all-day sitting comfort and long-term durability, it's one of the best office chairs ever made. We see it from the inside, and the engineering holds up.
Bought refurbished, it's outstanding value.
Browse our current Steelcase stock or call 01995 606414 for availability and pricing.
