In this guide, we share our in-depth review of the Atlas headrest for the Steelcase Leap V2 chair. To be fully transparent, we want to acknowledge that we are naturally biased in favor of our own Leap V2 headrest. That said, we approached this evaluation with fairness and a sincere effort to highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the Atlas headrest. As you will see, we genuinely commend several of its features. We also want to make it clear that we did not misuse or mishandle the product to create a misleading impression.
Whether you are considering this headrest as a standalone purchase or as part of your chair setup, here is what you can expect.
Packaging and Presentation
The box measures approximately 16 by 12 inches, and about four or five inches high. It features a "Made in the USA" label, Atlas branding, and a single piece of tape along the vertical seam. Inside, there is no insulation, but there is a divider between the headrest component and the bracket. The packaging includes a QR code for an installation video and a written guide, along with tools, screws, and a molded plastic bracket. That’s a good start.
Component Overview
The headrest bracket is metal at the top, with molded plastic vertically. The screws are metal. One noteworthy detail is that the top knob is rubber-coated, which makes it comfortable to handle. The lower knob is also rubber.
Installation Process
The first step is to remove the arm assembly and slide the headrest bracket onto the chair. Hook it from the top, then press and angle it in while the back flexes. A latch or clip mechanism at the bottom secures it. Holding the headrest while aligning the screws can be tricky, requiring one hand for balance and the other for the Allen key.
Adjustment Features
The headrest offers three axes of adjustment:
X-axis (forward and backward tilt): Controlled by the top knob. When loosened, the plastic insert on the rail popped out unexpectedly. This occurred without any warning in the guide. It wobbles when loose. Once tightened, the insert seats better, but it is still concerning that it detaches.
Y-axis (height): The lower knob offers smooth up-and-down motion. However, the height cannot be adjusted while seated. Our tester, at five foot ten, had to stand up to adjust it multiple times. The knob is positioned too far back to reach comfortably while seated.
Tilt (angle): This adjustment can be made while seated, which is a positive feature.
Concerns with Friction-Based Adjustments
There is no tension system to fine-tune the Y-axis. It relies 100 percent on friction. Our concern is that over time, the friction may weaken, leading to instability. This is especially relevant for long-term use.
Comfort and Fit
The cushion quality is quite good. We prefer the concave shape used in this design, as it cradles the head better than convex options. However, the range of motion is limited. At the highest setting, the headrest hits the lower part of the head, making it uncomfortable. Taller users, particularly those over six feet, may need more vertical range.
Issues During Use
The X-axis adjustment is nearly impossible to manage while seated. Even the Y-axis adjustment requires the user to stand. The plastic piece on the X-axis popped off again when it was loosened. This could confuse or frustrate customers who are not aware that the piece is removable and essential to function.
Aesthetic Compatibility
The material and design do not match the Steelcase Leap V2 chair. While this may not be a concern for everyone, it is worth noting. The texture, fabric, and frame styling appear to be adapted from a headrest originally made for the Aeron. The Steelcase branding is also partially covered by an Atlas logo plate, which may be a negative point for brand-conscious buyers.
Durability Questions
The headrest is reliant on friction-based mechanics. There is no mechanism to adjust the tension of these joints, which makes us question how it will hold up over time. If over-loosened, the entire structure could come apart. This could happen accidentally during regular use.
Pricing and Value
The headrest costs around 200 dollars. For customers adding this to a refurbished Leap V2 chair, this is a significant add-on. At OfficeLogixShop, we offer complete chairs for around 550 dollars with a headrest that fully matches the chair's fabric and frame.
Final Verdict
The Atlas headrest provides a wide range of X-axis motion and features a quality cushion. The ability to adjust the angle while seated is a definite plus. However, limitations with seated adjustments, concerns about long-term friction wear, and aesthetic mismatches are worth considering.
If X-axis control is your highest priority, this may be a suitable option. Still, for users prioritizing durability, seamless fit, and ease of adjustment, other headrests, including our own, may be more satisfying.
We hope this transparent and fair review helps you make an informed choice. For more reviews and support, visit our video library on YouTube.