It’s a real tidal wave. For several years, sit-stand desks have established themselves in our work environments. Presented as the solution to limit the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, they promise better comfort and a reduction in the feeling of fatigue. But at WorldOfSoftware, we wanted to go beyond marketing promises.
To verify the qualities of these desks, we tested the E7 Flow sit-stand desk from the Flexispot brand for almost a month. To complete our installation, we received an ergonomic chair (the C7 Air Pro). It will have the right to its own section at the bottom of this article.
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Why are sit-stand desks interesting?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, it is good to recall the basics. Sitting for hours is strongly discouraged. The best thing is to alternate between a sitting and standing position. These movements help reduce the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and fatigue. In the long term, this alternation helps reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes.
But be careful: standing is not magic. It is the alternation between these two positions that matters. The more regular the change, the more visible its beneficial effects are. For this test, I tried alternating positions every 30-40 minutes (my Pomodoro app would have been a big help).
During a work cycle of several hours, I spent 30 to 45 minutes sitting, before getting up for 10 to 15 minutes, then sitting down again… and so on.
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E7 Flow: a very high-end office
To experience working on a sit-stand desk, I wanted to test one of the most popular models at the moment: the E7 Flow from Flexispot. A true reference in the sector, the brand has already attracted more than 10 million customers around the world.
From the reception of the office, the tone is set. The E7 Flow arrives in three packages, two for the desk frame and one for the tabletop. The whole thing is particularly heavy. In total (including the top), the desk weighs 67 kilograms. The structure is made of metal, for unfailing solidity. It inspires confidence.
On its website, Flexispot claims that the desk can support up to 180 kilograms. Even the heaviest setups won’t be able to upset him. This solidity brings foolproof stability to the office. Even at its maximum height (130.7 cm), the desk doesn’t move an inch.
A very well thought out finish
Beyond its physical capabilities, the E7 Flow is distinguished by several elements. Small details for some, but which make all the difference on a daily basis. For lovers of cable managementthe desk is sold with a huge magnetic cable cover. No thread protruding.
Even the power cable, which runs down the desk leg, is hidden by a beautiful metal conduit. Everything is designed to ensure that the integration of the office is as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Add to that a small USB-C port on the control panel, perfect for charging your smartphone.
As for the control panel, the user can memorize up to 4 positions using it. You can navigate between 65 centimeters, the minimum height, and 130 centimeters for the tallest among us.
This versatility is a real strength of the E7 Flow, as is its discretion. The office is very quiet. Flexispot ensures that both motors in operation emit less than 50 dB. All this for just a few seconds, enough time to raise or lower the desk to the desired height.
Super-powerful engines
This is undoubtedly the biggest strong point of this E7 Flow: its power. We said above that the desktop is heavy, solid, but that doesn’t stop it from being incredibly fast. The E7 Flow has two motors (one per leg) to raise or lower the board at impressive speeds.
To give you an idea, the E7 Flow reaches a speed of 50 mm/s. For comparison, desks with a single motor (very common on Amazon in particular) do not exceed 25 mm/s.
Concretely, you can change position in less than 10 seconds. A cheap desk will take 20 to 30 seconds. The kind of small friction in the user experience that changes our view of a product.
In my personal case, I switch between 80 centimeters (sitting position) and 100 centimeters (standing position). Switching from one to the other only takes 4 seconds. The movement is fluid, without the slightest jerk.
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Some black spots
Although the E7 Flow does not lack qualities, the device is not perfect. As I wrote above, it is very heavy. In my case, I have a 140 centimeter version (for 80 depth). The whole thing weighs 67 kilograms. When receiving the packages, I was thrilled to have an elevator in my building.
Another “downside” of the E7 Flow is its control panel. To move from one position to another, the desk has small tactile buttons. Although the customization of positions is a real plus (with 4 saveable positions), it is the appearance of this panel that disappoints: the whole thing is cheap and really denotes the side premium from the office. Real physical buttons would have been a nice addition in my eyes.
A mechanical solution would also have avoided accidental triggering. Tactile, the buttons of the E7 Flow are very sensitive. I regularly triggered the raising or lowering of the desk, without meaning to.
For the rest, I will add that for the Price of the E7 Flow, I would have liked an accessory like a headphone holder to be included in the desk elements.
Last point I wanted to come back to here is the editing. It’s not extremely difficult, but between the weight of the pieces and their number, I advise you to get help to assemble your desk. Yes, it’s possible to do it alone, but it’s much easier with two people. Allow yourself an hour or two for complete assembly (cable storage included).
Chair: C7 Air Pro
Now that we’ve had a look at the E7 Flow, let’s look at the other product in this test: the C7 Air Pro ergonomic chair. On paper, it has many accessories (footrest, headrest, lumbar support). Much more complete than its competitors, it is capable of really differentiating itself from classic chairs, which are much more affordable.
The first important point for me here is the footrest. It’s simple, there wasn’t a day during this month of testing where I didn’t use it. A little difficult to unfold, it offers a real feeling of “liberation”. I would have liked to be able to “lock” a position, like with the headrest or lumbar support, but that’s not possible here. Bringing your legs towards you, the footrest comes with it.
In addition to supporting your legs, the C7 Air Pro chair has, more commonly, a headrest. Fully adjustable, it adapts to all body shapes. Rounded, it perfectly matches the shape of your neck.
Add to that the armrests, adjustable 360° (height, depth and position), and you have finally convinced me.
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Lumbar support, you won’t be able to do without
Finally, the highlight of the show, the C7 Air Pro has a lumbar support system. This was a great first for me who had never tested this technology before. The least we can say is that the body needs time to adapt.
Sitting on this C7 Air Pro for the first time, I clearly didn’t like the feeling. I felt my back compressed against the seat. After a few days of pushing myself, I found the right position (and the right setting). Since then I simply can’t live without it.
I tried to work a whole day again with my old chair, without this lumbar support. I didn’t last until midday and quickly returned to the C7 Air Pro.
Value for money
Obviously, this quality in Flexispot devices gives it a certain price. The E7 Flow desk that I have been talking to you about since the start of this test costs €389.99 (without the tray). For those who have a little less budget to devote to their office, there is also the E7 version, at €299.99. Even more accessible, the E1 Pro is sold at a price of €229.99 by Flexispot.
To be completely complete, Flexispot offers corner desks, again adjustable in height. This is not necessarily a much more expensive solution. For example, the E5L is sold for €429.99 by Flexispot.
In terms of chairs, the C7 Air Pro highlighted here is sold at a price of €469.99. You can get it for 30 euros less without the footrest, but that seems to me to be an unnecessary saving as this option will delight you in use.
Here again you can find more affordable chairs, for tighter budgets. I am thinking in particular of the BS3 or the BS4, respectively sold for €149.99 and €169.99.
All these products are regularly reduced, by searching a little you can get great discounts, up to -50% on certain models.
Should you Buy a sit-stand desk?
After a month of testing, it’s hard to deny the interest of sit-stand desks. Used correctly, they really help break the sedentary lifestyle and improve daily comfort. But be careful: their effectiveness relies above all on your ability to alternate positions, and not to remain standing continuously.
With its E7 Flow, Flexispot offers a high-end solution, efficient and pleasant to use, despite some minor flaws. A significant investment, but relevant if you spend several hours a day in front of a screen. More than just a gadget, it’s a real change in your daily life.
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Should you buy an ergonomic chair?
It’s the ideal investment, by far. Before even thinking about a sit-stand desk, I advise you to invest in a good ergonomic chair. It provides real support for the lower back. The adaptation may take a few days, but once adopted, you won’t be able to do without it.
Here again, the price can be a barrier. The C7 Air Pro ergonomic chair from Flexispot is quite expensive. It is possible to equip yourself for much less, but be careful not to lose (too much) quality. If you can afford it, the C7 Air Pro is the perfect chair for long sessions at your desk.
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Better two opinions than one. Do not hesitate to read the test by my colleague Romain Vitt for Presse-citron.net, available here.
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