Let’s Talk About Beard Buster Ez Chair
For the hunter, wildlife photographer, or outdoor enthusiast who spends hours sitting on the ground waiting for the perfect shot or sighting, comfort is key. The Beard Buster Ez Chair promises to deliver that comfort with its high-back design and padded seat. But does it live up to the hype? Having spent years in the field, I was eager to put this chair to the test.
I needed a lightweight and portable seating solution for coyote hunting that offered substantial back support. I’ve tried various ground blinds and improvised setups, but nothing seemed to strike the right balance between comfort, portability, and concealment. The Beard Buster chair caught my eye with its promise of sturdy back support and low-profile design.
My initial impression was positive. The chair is lightweight and folds up compactly. The materials feel durable, and the camo pattern is effective. However, the seat padding seemed a bit thin upon first inspection.
Compared to other options like basic stadium seats or folding stools, the Beard Buster Ez Chair stood out due to its dedicated back support. I considered some more elaborate hunting chairs, but their bulk and weight were a deal-breaker. Ultimately, the Beard Buster chair seemed like the best compromise.
I was cautiously optimistic. The potential for enhanced comfort during long sits was exciting. However, the seemingly minimal seat padding raised concerns about how comfortable it would actually be after several hours.
Real-World Testing: Putting Beard Buster Ez Chair to the Test
First Use Experience
I field-tested the Beard Buster Ez Chair during a coyote hunting trip in the high desert. The terrain was rocky and uneven, and the weather was cool and dry. I spent about four hours sitting in the chair, glassing for coyotes.
The chair performed adequately in the dry conditions. The camo pattern blended well with the surrounding vegetation. It allowed me to sit low to the ground, minimizing my profile.
The chair was easy to set up and use. The side straps allowed for quick adjustments to the reclining angle. However, I found myself shifting frequently to alleviate pressure on my tailbone, highlighting the initial concerns about the seat padding.
After the first use, I realized the seat padding needed improvement. The back support was excellent. But the lack of substantial cushioning in the seat made for a less-than-comfortable experience after a few hours.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Beard Buster Ez Chair has held up relatively well. There are no signs of major wear and tear. The aluminum bars providing back support remain sturdy.
The chair has proven to be reasonably durable. The waterproof seat fabric has resisted minor abrasions and dirt. However, I remain concerned about the long-term durability of the stitching.
Maintenance is simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. The chair dries quickly, thanks to the waterproof seat fabric.
Compared to past experiences using improvised seating, the Beard Buster Ez Chair offers significantly better back support and portability. However, the seat comfort falls short of expectations without additional padding. This is a disappointment considering its primary purpose.
Breaking Down the Features of Beard Buster Ez Chair
Specifications
The Beard Buster Ez Chair features an extra-large, waterproof padded seat designed to resist moisture absorption. It includes aluminum bars for extra back support and adjustable side straps to customize the reclining angle. The chair also has a custom molded pillow cushion, shoulder strap and carry handle.
The chair is designed to be an instant ground chair with back support. It can be quickly set up and taken down. Its lightweight and durable construction makes it easy to carry and withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
These specifications are important because they dictate the chair’s portability, comfort, and durability in the field. The waterproof seat ensures dryness in damp conditions. The aluminum bars provide critical back support.
Performance & Functionality
The Beard Buster Ez Chair functions adequately as a portable ground seat with back support. The back support is genuinely effective. It allows for extended periods of sitting without significant back strain.
The chair’s strengths lie in its portability, ease of setup, and effective back support. The primary weakness is the inadequate seat padding, which detracts from overall comfort during prolonged use.
The chair meets expectations regarding portability and back support. However, it falls short in terms of seat comfort without modification. This is a crucial area for improvement.
Design & Ergonomics
The Beard Buster Ez Chair features a simple yet functional design. The camo pattern is effective. The chair is lightweight and easy to carry.
The chair is relatively user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve involved in setting it up and using it. The adjustable side straps allow for quick and easy adjustments to the reclining angle.
The build quality is decent, though not exceptional. The materials seem reasonably durable, but the stitching could be more robust. The chair is lightweight, making it easy to carry for extended periods.
Durability & Maintenance
The chair appears to be reasonably durable. The waterproof seat fabric resists moisture and dirt. However, the long-term durability of the stitching remains a concern.
Maintenance is straightforward. Wiping the chair down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. The chair dries quickly, thanks to the waterproof fabric.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Beard Buster Ez Chair comes with a shoulder strap and carry handle for easy transport. There are limited customization options available directly from the manufacturer. However, users can easily add aftermarket seat cushions or padding to enhance comfort.
The chair is compatible with various aftermarket seat cushions. Many users, including myself, have found that adding a ThermaRest Z-Seat Pad or similar cushion significantly improves comfort. This adds to the overall experience, but also highlights a need to seek third-party additions.
Pros and Cons of Beard Buster Ez Chair
Pros
- Excellent back support for extended sits.
- Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry.
- Effective camo pattern for concealment.
- Easy to set up and adjust.
- Waterproof seat fabric.
Cons
- Seat padding is insufficient for prolonged comfort.
- Stitching could be more robust.
Who Should Buy Beard Buster Ez Chair?
The Beard Buster Ez Chair is perfect for hunters, wildlife photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Anyone who needs a lightweight and portable seating solution with good back support will benefit from this chair. Those who prioritize minimal weight and pack size over ultimate comfort are good candidates.
Those who require maximum comfort for all-day sits should skip this product. These users should consider investing in a more heavily padded or specialized hunting chair. Someone with pre-existing back pain who needs more lumbar support should also explore other options.
A must-have accessory is an aftermarket seat cushion or pad. This significantly improves the comfort level of the chair and makes it suitable for longer periods of use. A small lumbar pillow might also enhance back support for some users.
Conclusion on Beard Buster Ez Chair
The Beard Buster Ez Chair is a mixed bag. It offers excellent back support and portability at a reasonable price. However, the inadequate seat padding detracts from the overall comfort.
At a price of $51.99, the value proposition is decent. The chair provides a functional and portable seating solution. However, the need for additional seat padding to achieve acceptable comfort reduces its overall value.
I would cautiously recommend the Beard Buster Ez Chair. It’s a good option for those who prioritize portability and back support. But be prepared to invest in additional seat padding for enhanced comfort. If you’re looking for a lightweight, packable chair with decent back support and are willing to add your own cushion, the Beard Buster Ez Chair might be the right choice for you. Just don’t expect to sit comfortably for hours without it!
