I have this one at work. Most comfortable chair I’ve ever had. Not the best for larger individuals as it doesn’t breath that well so it gets hot. I spend a large portion of my 10 hour work days in it.
Serta 44942 Executive Office Chair with Smart Layers Technology | Leather and Mesh Ergonomic with Contoured Lumbar and ComfortCoils | Black & White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_Y829TAW0W7GNM6DP7TXF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm not sure I even been comfortable recommending it now. The first one as like a rock for 5 years, but with the second I leaned on one of the arm rests wrong and damaged where it connects to the seat. Tried getting a replacement from true innovation but they ghosted me. Very disappointing.
Hey, sorry I never updated. I didn't like it! I dunno there is something weird about Serta's newer chairs where the seats are contoured in a way that make them feel smaller even though they claim to be bigger.
I ended up getting the same Serta chair I already had again. And that has been a little bit of a disappointment too. Maybe they have started using worse materials or QA has gone down, or maybe I was just really rough on it, but I guess I leaned on one of the arm rests too hard and it broke a little. It doesn't affect the chair overall much, but now the right arm rest wiggles a little.
I mean it's still my favorite chair in this price range so I am sticking with it, but I guess my next option is trying to find a CXO Nightingale and trying that for a ton more money.
Btw, this is the chair I'm currently using:
Best thing I've been able to find, little over your budget though:
Serta 44942 Executive Office Chair with Smart Layers Technology | Leather and Mesh Ergonomic with Contoured Lumbar and ComfortCoils | Black & White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5NKAY68Q3F9F935RPYSP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I don't want to say that I love this chair, but I do like it, and I tried so many and I couldn't find one I liked better.
Serta 44942 Executive Office Chair with Smart Layers Technology | Leather and Mesh Ergonomic with Contoured Lumbar and ComfortCoils | Black & White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_1T6N7764QAEVRF9CS450?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's actually fairly firm but I think your wife might still like this Serta chair that I have:
Serta 44942 Executive Office Chair with Smart Layers Technology | Leather and Mesh Ergonomic with Contoured Lumbar and ComfortCoils | Black & White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_Y756EM09Q17P99T84YWH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm 6ft 280 and I use this chair:
Serta 44942 Executive Office Chair with Smart Layers Technology | Leather and Mesh Ergonomic with Contoured Lumbar and ComfortCoils | Black & White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/
I do not recommend a leap. I tried one and the cushioning was totally insufficient for a larger person. I bottomed out immediately.
If you have the budget, I keep hearing good things about the nightingale cxo 6200hd. That would probably be the chair I would try next if I could afford it.
I use this and it has good lumbar support. I've had this about 16 months now and the arms and seat still feel new.
I have this one (even though I'm over the recommended weight):
Serta 44942 Executive Office Chair with Smart Layers Technology | Leather and Mesh Ergonomic with Contoured Lumbar and ComfortCoils | Black & White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_X6BWSXMWER8RDNBYP9DJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Had it for 5 years and couldn't find one I liked better so I ordered a second.
I also actually just ordered this Serta chair but haven't received it yet so can't comment on it but I'm hoping it'll be even better:
https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/0836787/Serta-Smart-Layers-Hensley-Big-And/
It was 250 on cyber Monday
I don't own this chair, but someone else here recommended it and I've had my eye on it because I really like Serta chairs and regret not knowing about this one. Also it's in a very good sale right now.
If you like Amazon, I have this one:
Serta 44942 Executive Office Chair with Smart Layers Technology | Leather and Mesh Ergonomic with Contoured Lumbar and ComfortCoils | Black & White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KHVEX3FPHDKH5WDQKQWQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this, had it for 5 years, couldn't find anything I liked better, and bought it again. I'm over the suggested 250lb limit (around 275) and it still lasted me 5 years.
I don't think you'll like it, but I've gone with this Serta exactitude chair twice: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T07KDL0/
Doesn't have a headrest and the lumbar support is ok but not amazing. The seat cushion is just so good though.
I'm about your size and I've tried the leap V2, I would say don't waste your time.
The best I've personally found while trying but to spend a million dollars is this Serta chair:
I got a Serta Executive Office Chair ($250) 9 months ago and I am happy with it.