22 years ago, I invested in a Herman Miller Mirra office chair for my studio.
It seemed like a lot at the time, but it really was the best thing I could have done for my back. My spine would be a wreck if I hadn’t.
Tens of thousands of studio hours later, the chair is in perfect condition mechanically … but I’ve replaced the armpads twice,
and while my back is fine, the *chair’s* back was showing its age. There was an 8-inch tear in the plastic mesh,
and the connecter for one of the rear supports had broken, forcing me to epoxy it in place.
I decided it was time to reinvest in the future, and replace the damaged parts.
Yesterday, I put on the fourth set of armpads, and replaced the old charcoal shadow-colored back with a spiffy new Citron version.
It took some doing … I had to take a chisel to the epoxy … but the chair feels like it’s new again.
I hadn’t realized just how much the back support had been degraded; the aged plastic had gotten floppy, and the tear left it unbalanced.
But it feels great now! It really is like new, and my back can really tell the difference. I’m hoping I can get another five or so years out of the seat assembly, and then I’ll replace it, too.
Herman Miller can consider me a very satisfied customer! IMHO, it’s far better to pay more up front for something that lasts, than to replace and throw away an inferior product every few years.