Comparison
Series 1 vs Leap
Steelcase vs Steelcase — full spec comparison
Bottom line
Series 1 is the accessible Steelcase entry with weight-activated boost; Leap is the fuller adjustability platform. Both work chairs are 400 lb rated, but Leap usually costs more new and refurbished.
Comparing 2 chairs across key specs.
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Series 1
Era produced
2016–Present
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$686
Avg refurbished
$350
Avg used
$200
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
50 cm
Seat depth
46 cm
Backrest height
57 cm
Seat material
Full Mesh
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
No
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer + steel
Tilt / lock
Weight-activated synchro with boost / upright lock settings
Arm adjustability
4D standard on many configs; height-only or armless available
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Leap
Era produced
2001–Present (V2 from 2008)
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$1,359
Avg refurbished
$550
Avg used
$320
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
49 cm
Seat depth
48 cm
Backrest height
64 cm
Seat material
Fabric + Foam
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
Yes
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic (~15.5"–20.5" seat height)
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer outer shell + steel mechanism
Tilt / lock
Upper-back force + lower-back firmness; variable backstop / upright lock
Arm adjustability
Height, width, depth, and pivot (4D standard on many specs)
| Spec | SteelcaseSeries 1 | SteelcaseLeap |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Steelcase | Steelcase |
| Model | Series 1 | Leap |
| Era produced | 2016–Present | 2001–Present (V2 from 2008) |
| Discontinued | No | No |
| MSRP (new) | $686 | $1,359 |
| Avg refurbished | $350 | $550 |
| Avg used | $200 | $320 |
| Height range | 152–193 cm | 152–193 cm |
| Weight capacity | 181 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat width | 50 cm | 49 cm |
| Seat depth | 46 cm | 48 cm |
| Backrest height | 57 cm | 64 cm |
| Seat material | Full Mesh | Fabric + Foam |
| Armrests | 4D Articulating | 4D Articulating |
| Forward tilt | No | Yes |
| Lumbar | Height-Adjustable Pad | Height-Adjustable Pad |
| Headrest | Factory | Factory |
| Cylinder | Top-activated pneumatic | Top-activated pneumatic (~15.5"–20.5" seat height) |
| Caster stem | 11mm × 22mm standard | 11mm × 22mm standard |
| Frame | Polymer + steel | Polymer outer shell + steel mechanism |
| Tilt / lock | Weight-activated synchro with boost / upright lock settings | Upper-back force + lower-back firmness; variable backstop / upright lock |
| Arm adjustability | 4D standard on many configs; height-only or armless available | Height, width, depth, and pivot (4D standard on many specs) |
| Buy |
FAQ
- Is Series 1 good enough instead of a Leap?
- For many people, yes—especially if you want weight-activated simplicity at 400 lb. Leap is worth the step up when you want deeper LiveBack dials and a more tunable all-day fit.
- Are Series 1 and Leap both 400 lb chairs?
- Yes for the standard work-chair configs. Series 1 stools are rated lower—check stool vs work chair on the listing.
- Which costs less refurbished?
- Series 1 usually costs less new and refurbished. Leap commands more because of adjustability and brand recognition on the secondary market.