My Honest Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2 Test

Last Updated on January 7, 2026 by Cassie Moorhead

Confused about Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2 for your office upgrade? The V2 updates arms and back for modern fit while V1 builds tank durable. I used V1 long heavy and V2 extended. V1 steel held tough years. V2 4D arms flexed tasks. Current market deals vary – check latest offers refurbished. My sits show trade-offs. One lasts classic, the other adjusts fresh.

Steelcase Leap V1 Review

The Steelcase Leap V1 is a classic ergonomic office chair from 1999 with strong build. It offers solid support and durability. I used it long in offices. Steel parts held tough. Cushion felt thick.

In daily work, back conformed steady. For posture, lumbar fit good. Arms sturdy no play. It is tough for heavy use. In short, it is a reliable chair for lasting strength.

What I Like

• Steel arms base. Durability felt tank-like.
• Thick cushion back. Support held deep comfy.
• Adjustable seat edge. Depth fit extra nice.

What Could Be Better

• Arms 3D only. Less range modern tasks.
• Parts discontinued. Repairs hard find.
• Heavy ship. Move felt effort.

Steelcase Leap V1 Overview

Feature	Details
Back Design	Flexible with thick cushion
Seat Cushion	Foam with adjustable edge
Lumbar Support	Adjustable
Armrests	3D adjustable steel
Tilt Mechanism	LiveBack sync
Base and Casters	Steel base
Height Adjustment	Standard gas lift
Warranty	Limited on used
Other Features	Upper back force adjust

Recommendation

Choose the Steelcase Leap V1 if you want durable steel build for heavy daily. It fits tough offices great refurbished.

For modern arms or parts, look V2. Current market deals vary – check latest offers. I recommend it for tank strength. It feels built forever.

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Steelcase Leap V2 Review

The Steelcase Leap V2 is an updated ergonomic office chair with better adjustments. It offers modern comfort and support. I tested it long in work. Back taller malleable. Arms 4D fit tasks.

In office days, recline adapted smooth. For posture, lumbar pronounced nice. Parts replace easy. It is versatile for current use. In short, it is a valuable chair for flexible daily.

What I Like

• 4D arms range. Positions switched quick.
• Taller back flex. Support conformed better.
• Replaceable pads. Renew felt simple.

What Could Be Better

• Cushion thinner. Long sits pressured some.
• Plastic arms base. Play felt light.
• No seat edge adjust. Depth missed flex.

Steelcase Leap V2 Overview

Feature	Details
Back Design	LiveBack taller thinner cushion
Seat Cushion	Foam depth slide
Lumbar Support	Adjustable
Armrests	4D adjustable plastic
Tilt Mechanism	LiveBack sync
Base and Casters	Plastic/aluminum options
Height Adjustment	Standard gas lift
Warranty	12 years new
Other Features	Upper back force adjust

Recommendation

Pick the Steelcase Leap V2 if you want modern 4D arms and replace parts for daily. It fits current offices great.

For heavier build or edge flex, test V1 refurbished. Current market deals vary – check latest offers. I recommend it for adjustable comfort. It feels updated reliable.

To Buy This Product, Click Here.

Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2 Details Comparison

I’ve used both Steelcase Leap V1 long and V2 extended. The V1 for tank durability, the V2 for modern adjust. They are iconic ergonomic chairs with evolved builds. Here’s my comparison.

Armrests: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

The V1 has steel 3D arms. The V2 has plastic 4D arms.

V2 adjusts wider range. V1 sturdy no play. In my tasks, V2 fit devices better. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 8.5/10 and the V2 9/10.

Feature	Steelcase Leap V1	Steelcase Leap V2
Arm Type	Steel 3D	Plastic 4D
Durability	Tank	Good replace

Back Support: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

The V1 has thick cushion. The V2 taller thinner.

V2 conforms taller malleable. V1 thick deep support. My posture liked V2 flex. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 8.5/10 and the V2 9/10.

Feature	Steelcase Leap V1	Steelcase Leap V2
Back Cushion	Thick	Taller thin
Lumbar Feel	Deep	Pronounced

Seat Comfort: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

The V1 has edge adjust thick. The V2 depth slide thinner.

V1 flex edge deep. V2 no edge firm. My long sits preferred V1 cushion. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 9/10 and the V2 8/10.

Feature	Steelcase Leap V1	Steelcase Leap V2
Seat Features	Edge adjust thick	Depth slide thin
Long-Term	Deep no ache	Firm pressure

Tilt and Recline: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

Both have LiveBack sync. Similar smooth motion.

V1 sturdy feel. V2 modern range. My leans felt both natural. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 8.5/10 and the V2 8.5/10.

Feature	Steelcase Leap V1	Steelcase Leap V2
Tilt Type	LiveBack	LiveBack
Motion	Solid	Smooth

Build and Parts: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

The V1 steel heavy. The V2 lighter plastic.

V1 tank durable. V2 replace easy. My use liked V1 strength. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 9.5/10 and the V2 8.5/10.

Feature	Steelcase Leap V1	Steelcase Leap V2
Materials	Steel base arms	Plastic lighter
Parts	Hard find	Replaceable

Performance: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

The V1 excels heavy durability. The V2 offers modern adjust.

V1 held tough years. V2 fit tasks flexible. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 9/10 and the V2 8.5/10.

Ease of Use: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

Both intuitive controls. V2 4D quicker.

V1 sturdy simple. V2 range modern. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 8/10 and the V2 9/10.

Value for Money: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

Current market deals vary – check latest offers.

V1 refurbished durable cheap. V2 new parts worth. V1 suits budget tough. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 9/10 and the V2 8.5/10.

Overall: Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

The V1 wins tank build. The V2 shines modern flex.

I used both long. V2 daily adjust now. I rate the Steelcase Leap V1 8.8/10 and the V2 8.7/10. Choose V1 refurbished durable, V2 for 4D comfort.

FAQs for Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2

Which has stronger build?

The Steelcase Leap V1 has stronger build with steel arms base. It lasts tank-like heavy use. The V2 lighter plastic. V1 suits durable needs more.

Which arms adjust better?

The Steelcase Leap V2 arms adjust better 4D range. Positions fit tasks quick. The V1 3D steel sturdy. V2 suits modern use.

Which back conforms comfier?

The Steelcase Leap V2 back conforms comfier taller thinner. Support flexes malleable. The V1 thick deep. V2 adapts posture smooth.

Which seat fits taller?

The Steelcase Leap V1 seat fits taller better thick edge adjust. Depth flexes extra. The V2 thinner no edge. V1 suits height more.

Which offers parts easy?

The Steelcase Leap V2 offers parts easy replace pads. Renew felt simple. The V1 discontinued hard. V2 suits long-term fix.

Conclusion

Deciding Steelcase Leap V1 vs V2 fits your daily needs. The V1 impressed tank steel durability over years heavy. I felt unbreakable. The V2 won modern 4D arms and taller back in extended use but lighter play. After testing both, I’d pick V1 refurbished tough and V2 for adjustable comfort. Current market deals vary – check latest offers to choose yours.