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.
Steelcase
Series 1
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Series 1
Era produced
2016–Present
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$686
Avg refurbished
$350
Avg used
$200
Height range
5'0"–6'4"
Weight capacity
400 lbs
Seat width
19.5"
Seat depth
18"
Backrest height
22.5"
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
Steelcase
Leap
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
5'0"–6'4"
Weight capacity
400 lbs
Seat width
19.25"
Seat depth
18.75"
Backrest height
25"
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 | 5'0"–6'4" | 5'0"–6'4" |
| Weight capacity | 400 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Seat width | 19.5" | 19.25" |
| Seat depth | 18" | 18.75" |
| Backrest height | 22.5" | 25" |
| 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 |