Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2: You’ll surely hear about Steelcase if you’re looking for a high-end chair for your office or home. It is a brand that stands out when it comes to ergonomic office chairs. Offices want to create a comfortable and productive working environment, and their Leap chairs are a popular choice. Their sleek design, adjustable ergonomic features, and superior comfort make them a top choice. In this blog, we’ll be comparing the Steelcase Leap V1 and Leap V2—looking at their features, differences, and more—so you can decide which chair is right for you.
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Overview of Steelcase Leap V1 and Leap V2
Steelcase introduced the Leap V1 in 1999, which quickly became a favorite among office workers. After 7 years, they made a new and improved version called the Leap V2. Needless to say, it was also a huge success.
In comparison to the Steelcase Leap V1, the Steelcase Leap V2 has a better backrest, armrest, lumbar support, and a modern look. Despite its steel base, thicker padding, and cheaper cost, Steelcase Leap V1 is a great chair.
Features | Steelcase Leap V1 | Steelcase Leap V2 |
 |  | |
Backrest | Short & Wide | Narrow & Tall |
Armrest | Thick Padding: 3D Adjustment | Thin Padding: Fully Functional 4D Arms |
Base | Adjustable lip | Flexible seat lip |
Lumbar Support | Not adjustable | Adjustable height and firmness |
Weight | Heavy | Light |
Price |
If you’re having trouble making a decision, we’re here to help you What’s the difference between Steelcase Leap V1 and V2?
In this article, we’ll show you:
- What are the design differences between the V2 and the V1
- The V2 was updated with what new adjustments
- Comparing the specifications of the V1 and V2
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Steelcase V1 vs V2: Base Shape and Design
The V1 design is more flat and rounded, which creates a dated appearance. Compared to the V1 base, the V2 base has more height, sleeker lines, and is quite a bit thinner, creating a modern look for an old chair.
What is the Difference Between Steelcase Leap V1 and V2?
By comparing Steelcase Leap V1 and V2 features, we have determined the differences between them. Are you ready to get all the answers? Let’s get started!
1. Backrest:
Just by looking at the two chairs, you can easily see the differences in their backrests. This chair has adjustable lumbar support, unlike the previous version. By moving two levers up and down, you can adjust them.
Steelcase Leap V1: More of “C” Backward
It has a shorter but wider backrest. A great fit for those with wider shoulders, but not for taller users since it lacks support for the upper back and shoulder blades. As it curves along with your back, it provides optimal comfort when reclining. The V1 has a much plusher and firmer back, while the new chair has more adjustability and flexibility without sacrificing comfort.
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Steelcase Leap V2: More Curved Back
Changing from the Steelcase V1 to the V2 has required some adjustments, but they have been very positive. The V2 version has a more curved back due to its lumbar design, whereas the V1 version is more like a backward “C”.
Conclusion: As a final note, the backs of the two chairs differ somewhat as well. With its taller backrest, the V2 fits more users than the V1. Both are great for posture, lumbar support, and comfort.
2. Armrest:
Steelcase’s fully adjustable armrests are one of its most popular features loved by all users.
Steelcase Leap V1: Fully Adjustable Armrests
The new arms are one of the most noticeable improvements from Steelcase Leap V1. Despite their durability and comfort, the old Steelcase V1 arms were fine. Steelcase focused more on comfort with the Leap V1.
Armrests are firmly held in place by steel construction. In addition, thick padding keeps forearms and elbows well cushioned.
To keep your shoulders relaxed, fully adjustable armrests raise and lower, pivot in and out, and shift forward and back and side to side.
Steelcase Leap V2: New Arm Pads
As opposed to the old ones, the new ones have adjustable arms front and back. On the Steelcase Leap V2, the new arms are much better. Additionally, they are made of a plush squishy-like material that is very comfortable. Steelcase turned to aesthetics for its newer version.
The construction was completely changed from steel to heavy-duty nylon. Although it isn’t as sturdy as the old one, it is much lighter.
The Crandall Office Remanufactured Steelcase V2 Leap comes with fully functional 4D arms and a brand-new set of arm pads.
Conclusion: Although the V1’s armrest has its advantages, the V2 has a more modern design, making it our winner.
3. Seat Panel:
Steelcase Leap V1 and V2 seat panels are very similar. In our opinion, there hasn’t been much change here since both panels have an ergonomic shape for your legs and similar amounts of cushion.
Steelcase Leap V1: Adjustable
The V1 does have an adjustable lip on the seat panel.
Steelcase LeapV2 : Flexible
The V2 has a more flexible lip that does not need to be adjusted. As a whole, it’s not a huge change.
Conclusion: Overall, it’s not a huge change.
4. Base and Material:
There are several differences between the two chairs’ bases:
Steelcase Leap V1: Construction and base materials
Due to its steel base, the V1 has a sturdy and heavy feel. This guarantees that your chair will never break or get easily damaged no matter how many hours you use it. 400 pounds can be carried by this strong construction!
Steelcase Leap V2: Construction and base materials
Meanwhile, the V2’s base is made of heavy-duty nylon. No users have reported any issues with this base and it’s quite light at the base.
Steelcase Leap V1: Base design
Due to its steel construction, you might assume that the Leap V1 has a higher weight capacity. That’s not the case. Even with nylon, Steelcase was able to match the previous version’s weight capacity.
Steelcase Leap V2: Base design
Steelcase Leap V2 bases are more modern than the Steelcase Leap V2. In design, the V2 has a taller, thinner, and more modern base than the V1.
Conclusion: Again, the V2 wins. Lighter materials can carry the same 400lbs weight better than heavier ones!
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New Adjustments In V2 than V1
There are many basic and special adjustments that can be made to cater to your body type, size, comfort level, etc.
In spite of this, V2 has a few more adjustments than V1, since it is the “new and improved” version. let’s see below What’s the difference between Steelcase Leap V1 and V2?
5. Lumbar Support:
Your chair should have good lumbar support if you are working for long hours and don’t want lower backaches.
Regardless of the user’s size and weight, Steelcase Leap V1 & Steelcase Leap V2 both chairs offer great lumbar support.
Steelcase Leap V1: Firmed Support
The Steelcase Leap V1 does not offer adjustable lumbar support while V2 does for it to work. The reason for this is that the lumbar support arch is more solid and does not move much when you apply pressure to it. The lumbar, however, cannot be adjusted in height or firmness.
Steelcase Leap V2: Flexible Support
With the V2, you can now adjust the height of the lumbar support to fit the curve of your back perfectly. No matter how tall or short you are, it won’t matter. In addition, V2 users can adjust the firmness of the lumbar area. Is something hard pushing against your back something you don’t want? The firmness can be loosened. This is because the whole back feels much more supportive, with much more lumbar support. There is quite a bit of spring in the lumbar support.
Conclusion: Leap V2 with more lumbar adjustability wins.
6. Weight:
Office, home and gaming chairs shouldn’t be too heavy. However, some people find it annoying when their office chairs are hard to move.
Steelcase Leap V1: Made of Steel
Since the V1 is made of steel, it is a heavy office chair. However, as we said, it doesn’t make much difference. Unless you’re specifically looking for a light office chair.
Steelcase Leap V2: Heavy-Duty Nylon
It is better to choose V2 if you are looking for a light office chair. You can adjust the armrests and push the chair around easily because it’s made of heavy-duty nylon.
Conclusion: Leap V2 is the winner here.
7. Price and Availability
Obviously, the price plays a major role in choosing a chair. You can’t buy what you can’t afford. The Steelcase Leap V2 is more expensive than the Steelcase Leap V1. Due to its many premium features, this is primarily due to its price. The V1 is still valuable despite this. Due to the fact that it is still an excellent chair.
Steelcase Leap V1
Unfortunately, the Leap V1 is quite expensive. With add-ons, such as new casters, a headrest, an armrest, etc., the price increases even further.
Steelcase Leap V2
Starting at a few dollars more than the V1, the V2 is more expensive. Any add-ons can increase the price.
Conclusion: Leap V1 as it’s more affordable, but given the V2’s great quality and features, its higher price point makes sense, so here the winner is Steelcase Leap V2.
8. Availability
It’s so frustrating when you’re unsure of what office chair to buy. Then you discover it’s hard to find or no longer available. Consequently, you might wonder, “What’s more readily available today?”. Is it the Leap V1 or V2? ”
Steelcase Leap V1
The V1 is still being produced today, even though it’s considered the old version.
The chair can be found in Steelcase’s stores across the country, in office chair shops, and even online.
Steelcase Leap V2
Yes, The Leap V2 is also readily available! You can find it in Steelcase stores as well as other office chair stores. Also available online.
Conclusion: Draw. Both are available in the markets today.
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Is the Leap V2 actually better than the V1?
Almost everyone has doubts that Steelcase’s Leap V2 actually better than the V1. Since I bought the Leap V1 on Amazon two years ago, I have been using it. The V1 is absolutely perfect for me. It taught me why ergonomic chairs are such a great investment.
Recently, I bought a Leap V2 on Amazon. Compared to my V1, this is much newer and more attractive. I wondered, however, if I would ever feel that it’s a better chair than the V1. Compared to the V1, I think the V1 feels plusher, wider, sturdier, and heavier. It feels more robust when you sit on the armrests. It could be that the V2 is more ergonomically correct and offers better lumbar support, but I don’t think the differences are significant.
It’s expected that any new chair will take some time to adjust to, so I’m willing to give the V2 some time. I am just giving you my initial impressions. Nevertheless, I still find the V1 to be the most comfortable right now. The V1 deserves a lot more love, in my opinion.
Features | Steelcase Leap V1 | Steelcase Leap V2 |
| | | |
Backrest | Short & Wide | Narrow & Tall |
Armrest | Thick Padding: 3D Adjustment | Thin Padding: Fully Functional 4D Arms |
Base | Adjustable lip | Flexible seat lip |
Lumbar Support | Not adjustable | Adjustable height and firmness |
Weight | Heavy | Light |
Price |
Final Verdict: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2: Which Is Better?
Considering the “new and improved” version, we can confidently say the V2 is better than the V1. Both chairs offer good features, including 12-year warranties and high levels of comfort. However, if you must choose one of the chairs, the Steelcase Leap V2 is better than the Steelcase Leap V1. It’s lighter, looks great, and has many of the same features as the V1. Steelcase’s Leap V1, on the other hand, is made from stronger steel material and comes in more colors (14), as well as costing less.
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FAQs: Steelcase Leap V1 and Leap V2?
Leap is not for everyone, but it does have a lifespan of 20 years. You can invest in a more expensive office chair that will last a decade or even longer instead of buying a $200 chair that you will have to replace every few years.
This chair has the same great features as the Leap, but has a broader seat and back and is capable of supporting 500 pounds. With Live back technology, the Leap Plus allows the chair back to change shape as you move, supporting your spine as you do.
With a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs, Steelcase Series 1 is a great choice if you are tall or want height adjustment. A premium soft cushion seat molds to the shape of your buttocks and armrests can be lowered according to your arm length. Getting off may be difficult since it is so comfortable.
Yes. The ergonomic features and the build quality make it worth its cost.
Yes. Steelcase chairs are good as their build quality and other features place them above the rest of the chairs.
Steelcase chairs last for over 10 years given their quality.
Changing your posture can help you stay comfortable and more attentive. With Leap’s Natural Glide SystemTM, you can recline comfortably without straining your neck, eyes, or arms. Reclining is controlled by a precise amount of “pushback”.
The chair will last for many years with minimal maintenance. A Leap chair does not often experience the maintenance problems associated with some chairs.
You can adjust the seat depth by seated flat on the floor with the small of your back against the backrest, while your knees are 2-3 inches away from the seat edge.
Unlike other Steelcase chairs like the Gesture, this chair does not have a headrest, which is probably why it does not feel as comfortable. We recommend the Gesture if you love Steelcase but need a headrest.
All Steelcase, Coalesse, and Turnstone brand products (collectively “Steelcase Branded Products”) are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product, except where otherwise stated.
The Series 1 Chair by Steelcase is compatible with this standalone headrest. This is the place to find a replacement headrest for your Series 1 Chair or a headrest you can retrofit to your Series 1 Chair if it is damaged.
If you do want to deep clean soft surfaces, follow these steps:
Mix one part of clear dish detergent with 16 parts of water in a spray bottle.
To dampen soft surfaces, spray them lightly and evenly.
Sit for 1-2 minutes.
You can use a wet/dry vacuum (such as a Shop Vac) to remove all moisture from the surface.
The Leap v2 is also extremely adjustable. There is no chair more adjustable than this one. A synchro-tilt mechanism, multiple locking positions, and two-way adjustable lumbar support are all included. The large lumbar range is another benefit for short people.
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Conclusion
Both of these chairs promote good posture, comfort, and productivity. There will also be fewer body aches, distractions, and other serious conditions. The V2 is a better and improved version of the V1, so even if we were to make an honest comparison and review, we would definitely choose it over the V1.
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Steelcase Leap V1 and V2 are among today’s best ergonomic office chairs for this reason. We hope that this has been helpful to you! That’s all, you will also like to read more review and guide just visit our site.
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