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From: tosca@ihnp4.UUCP (lyn cole)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: British Design "Back" Chair
Message-ID: <691@ihnp4.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 17-Dec-84 17:54:13 EST
Article-I.D.: ihnp4.691
Posted: Mon Dec 17 17:54:13 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 18-Dec-84 02:34:22 EST
References: <1934@pegasus.UUCP> <14100003@convexs.UUCP> <565@cbosgd.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 33

I have a "back chair" bought for $49.95 (+$5.95 postage) from a
catalog i received out of the blue from a company called Tapestry,
in Hanover, PA (toll-free order number 800-621-5800).  

It has a flat bottom and is made with a laminated hardwood frame and
some sort of polyester fabric-covered cushions for knees and seat.  It
appears and feels structurally sound, now that i've assembled it, though
its finish is poor.  That is, the wood is rough, the varnish thin, the
cushion material cheap and slippery, and the cushion back a cheap, rough,
unfinished plywood.  However, it is sturdy and feels comfortable and
has some room for moving around and adjusting sitting position.  It
seems ideal for working at a terminal.

Though the curved bottom of the Balans chair is nice for rocking, it
certainly isn't necessary and probably isn't worth the extra price.
Whether the "cheap imitations" are ultimately as comfortable as the
Balans would have to be answered by someone who has had several hours
of sitting experience on both (i've tried the Balans, but not for long
enough to be able to tell, except that its fabric seemed more comfortable
and less slippery).  The Balans also has a separate cushion for each
knee, while the one i have has one for both.  I find that i fidget far
less on this chair than i do on others, probably because it's more
comfortable (or perhaps because i can't?).  In any case, it's usually
back discomfort that causes the slouching and fidgeting, a problem
that is greatly alleviated by this chair.

A friend and his wife bought a special version of the Balans for her
when she was pregnant: it has arms and a back to act like a recliner
when it is tipped back and like a regular Balans when it is tipped
forward.  Sounds interesting, but it's expensive.

	lyn cole (ihnp4!tosca)
	AT&T Bell Laboratories, Naperville, IL