Now let’s compare these two HON chairs. Right off the bat, these two are very similar-looking mesh chairs.
Exposure is the cheaper of the two. But let’s see if the more expensive model can provide a better seating experience for most.
The Hon Ignition 2.0 looks like an upgraded Exposure
Even if these two HON chairs look the same, you can tell which is which.
The Exposure looks more plastic. Though we cannot deny that the Ignition also has a lot of plastic parts, it looks posher than the Exposure.
The Ignition also has a more streamlined look. The backrest has a sleeker profile and looks similar to a Steelcase chair.
While the Exposure has a thicker plastic frame on its backrest. And this can dig into your shoulders when you’re reclining the chair.
The backrest of the Ignition is also more rounded, thus giving it a shorter appearance. Hence, a lot of people will find the more expensive Hon chair more comfortable at the same time, more appealing.
And it does feel like an upgrade
Aside from the overall looks and aesthetics, Ignition 2.0 definitely is an upgraded version of Exposure.
It offers a more pleasant seating experience
Let’s start with the mesh material. One of the reasons why Ignition 2.0 is catching the eye is because of a different type of mesh material. It feels very different from the one that the brand used in the cheaper unit.
When you sit on the Exposure, you can tell that this will provide a very firm seat. And even if you do favor firm support, we really do not recommend using it for more than 5 hours. The seat doesn’t get any softer after a few uses either. So if you’ve been sitting on the Exposure for 5 hours or more, your butt can go numb,
It does have a cushion for the seat. The padding, though about 2 or 3 inches, is really stiff and doesn’t have any give. We’re even seeing this model more beneficial as a task chair since the firm seat will nudge you back to sit in a more upright position.
The backrest is made of a rigid type of mesh. It is not catchy but it is very firm too. So it will not give you that added support whenever your body moves or whenever the chair reclines. The Exposure is a very stiff and rigid chair overall.
The Ignition 2.0 uses what the brand calls an Ilira-Stretch Mesh. The backrest is mesh and the seat, like the Exposure, has cushioned padding.
It does feel softer and is quite flexible. Also, it does not deform easily. So this is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable mesh chair that does not feel too rigid.
The padded seat feels decently nice too. It seems to have the same thickness as that of the Exposure, but it feels more comfortable, and softer. So you will be able to sit on this model longer than you would in the Exposure.
Both have adjustable seat depth, but the Exposure has a deeper seat
For most users, the seat depth of the Exposure just feels too deep.
It’s a treat to have a chair of this price range with an adjustable seat depth. But few will be able to find it comfortable. Even in the lowest setting, the char still feels too deep. So this is for the tall folks.
Thus if you stand less than 5’11”, you’ll find your legs bumping against the front of the seat cushion. Well, unless you’re using a footrest, then you can still find the chair acceptable even if you stand 5’6 or 5’7”. But that’s an additional cost and you’re better off buying another unit that can go low enough for your height.
The Hon Ignition 2.0, on the other hand, can go low enough for those who are slightly petite to those with average height. The max height is 21”. So it will not go high enough for taller users. The seat depth is also adjustable, you can easily glide the cushioned seat front and back to achieve your desired setting. We find this model suitable for folks who stand 5’5-5’11”.
Ignition 2.0 has more heft to it, it also has more ergonomic features
Another reason why we are leaning towards the more expensive unit is that it is the sturdier choice. The arms of the Ignition and the Exposure are similar, they are both 2-way arms. But the Ignition has more sturdy arms, less wobbly.
The overall feel of the unit, despite having more plastic materials still feels it has substantial heft. You can tell right out of the box that it isn’t flimsy and the load capacity is somewhat close to the advertised 250-300 lbs.
The wheels and the casters are also super smooth. And we can honestly say that this part of the chair can be somehow compared to the more expensive units. So you’d be rolling smoothly along the floors even if you’re sitting on a chair that costs less than 400 dollars.
The Exposure, on the other hand, does feel somewhat lighter and shakier.
Like the Exposure, it has a Synchro-tilt function, adjustable seat depth, tilt, and tension lock. But in addition, you can enjoy more options to fine-tune your chair to your comfort and needs. So the Ignition has more value for all the ergonomic features that you’re getting
The Ignition also has an upper back force. This is a pretty unique feature, one that you’ll rarely see in an ergonomic office chair that costs less than 500 dollars. You can dictate and adjust the force you need your back to exert so that you can recline the chair. So you don’t have to exert too much effort all the time. So even on your lazy days, this stall feels like a treat.
It also has an automatic adjust back. This is also unique to Ignition 2.0. The chair can adjust to six different vertical positions. So you can also use this for tasks work or whenever you need to work in a more upright position. It can also be great for typing jobs.
But in terms of ergonomic features, Exposure isn’t left behind
Even if the Ignition has more ergonomic features, the Exposure also has some surprises up its sleeves. And for its price, it’s rare for an office mesh chair to have the adjustable features that it has.
One, it has a Synchro-tilt function, which is most people’s de facto choice in choosing an office chair. Two, it has a tilt tension and a tilt lock. It did feel sufficiently substantial, though the Ignition has more heft to it.
And this can be a three, but this really isn’t our favorite feature, the adjustable lumbar. You can change the height of the lumbar support. But for us, you can barely feel it, it is not pronounced enough to have a desirable effect on the user.
Also, the max seat height of the Exposure is 25”, so this can be an option for tall dudes who are okay with a very firm seat.
Ignition 2.0 is a better choice, but there are also caveats
So we have come to the final round, and the Ignition 2.0 will offer a more comfortable seating experience. The upgraded version is worth it, so to speak. But of course, it does not come without caveats.
The chair also has the same adjustable lumbar support. But like that of the Exposure, we really did not feel if this is really there. It is not pronounced enough to have a desirable effect. It almost felt like it was not there.
Also, this particular model is not made for tall and big guys. It does not go high enough like the Exposure. But the good news is, this model also comes in a big and tall model. But of course, that is for an added price. But if you want the features of Ignition 2.0 but find it too short, the big and tall version is the best alternative.
The Ignition also has a lifetime warranty compared to the 5-year warranty of the Exposure. But of course, both units are from the same brand, so they will have the same customer service. And it’s not one of the best.
It’s even one of the worst in the industry. So you have to live with this whichever you choose from the two.
The Ignition 2.0 may have a flimsy lumbar support most can still find it comfortable
One of the caveats of the Ignition may seem like a major concern, but many will still find the chair amenable to needs. It has many adjustable features that you can fiddle through to find your preferred setting. Unless you need a more pronounced lumbar support, then this chair is not for you.
The Exposure, on the other hand, is a highly adjustable mesh chair for its price. Though it’s not heavy duty it’s not flimsy either. It can also go higher for tall dudes up to 6’3”. But it is very, very firm. So that is the most important thing to consider if you have your eyes on the cheaper unit.
