When it comes to gaming chairs, it’s easy to think of massive eco-leather models that are often criticized for their lack of ventilation. However, manufacturers also offer lightweight models with mesh for maximum ventilation. One such gaming chair is the Cougar Argo One, and I will discuss its features and usability in this review.

Design and materials

The Cougar Argo One has a more restrained design than you might expect from a gaming chair. The model is available in black only with orange logo and Cougar branding on the headrest, lumbar support cushion, and glossy back panel.

If it weren’t for these bright inserts, you would think it was an ordinary office chair. And I generally like this restrained style, it fits much better into the interior.

The frame of the chair is made of fiber-reinforced plastic (PAFRP), a durable material that can withstand the load well. But the most interesting thing about Cougar Argo One is that the seat and the upper part of the backrest are made of elastomeric mesh. It adapts well to the shape of the body, but does not lose its shape at all.

I spent a little over two weeks with this model, and during this time the mesh did not stretch at all. It looks exactly the same as it did out of the box. This is, of course, a rather short period of time, but I was specifically looking for reviews of the previous Cougar Argo model, which was released more than two years ago, and with long-term use, users do not complain about stretching of the elastomeric mesh.

The lower part of the backrest is made of eco-leather with small perforations to improve airflow. This is necessary, because it is the cushion that the lumbar spine rests against while sitting, and it is part of the lumbar support system. Cougar has an interesting solution to the problem of a mesh backrest, which would not be able to create a hard enough surface to properly support the back. The Argo One has a movable mechanism that supports the lumbar spine and ensures proper seating. When you sit down in the chair, the lumbar support cushion springs to support your lower back so that it remains level when you lie fully on the backrest.

Cougar Argo One does not have an additional neck support cushion, which is traditional for gaming chairs, but rather an adjustable headrest.

The base of the chair is not very massive, the legs are made of the same fiber-reinforced plastic reinforced with an aluminum frame. As in its other high-end chairs, the manufacturer uses a class 4 gas lift system. Its tube is not very thick, especially when compared to other gaming chairs, but it is worth noting that Cougar Argo One is designed for a weight of up to 150 kg. That is, the safety margin of the system is quite large.

The wheels of the chair have a lightly rubberized coating, it is very quiet when moving on hard surfaces such as laminate or tile, but it collects dust quite easily, so you will need to wipe it periodically.

With a seat width of 515 mm and a height adjustable from 1140 to 1255 mm, the Cougar Argo One is not a very large model, which will appeal to those looking for a more compact gaming chair. I was generally comfortable using it with my height of 190 cm, but people with a larger height may find it less comfortable due to the smaller height adjustment range.

Adjusting and using the Cougar Argo One

The chair offers a number of adjustment options to suit the user’s needs. Traditionally, you can change the height of the seat, for this there is a special lever on the right side, and next to it is a knob for adjusting the angle of the backrest.

The Cougar Argo One has an adjustable seat height that can be adjusted by 55 mm. This way, you can find a more comfortable fit for yourself, providing more support for your legs.

The backrest cannot be fully reclined to a horizontal position, but it can be reclined far enough under the user’s weight, so you can take a break in a reclining position if you wish. In the same position, Cougar Argo One allows you to rock.

The headrest can be tilted and height-adjusted, and its ergonomic shape provides additional support for the cervical region.

The armrests in the Cougar Argo One are not very large, but they are made of soft plastic that is pleasant to the touch. They can be adjusted in height, forward or backward, and can be swiveled. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t have the ability to adjust the distance between the armrests, as in the Cougar Armor EVO, so people who are used to a wider fit may find it less comfortable and take some time to get used to.

Overall, the Cougar Argo One will take some time to get used to both the mesh seat and the lumbar support mechanism. But in general, it doesn’t take long, and the user gets high comfort and a proper fit for long hours of work or gaming sessions.