Last month Sumo, a Canadian company that sells a modern, funky, high-quality line of bean bags & soft furniture over the Internet at SumoLounge.com, contacted me about whether I'd be interested in doing a review of their one of their products. It seems that the Sumo folks are big blog readers and supporters and their target market is right in line with the demographics of the blogosphere.
According to their president, whose passion and pride in his products is obvious, Sumo's Omni chair is the most comfortable chair in the world. Taking him at his word on the comfort - which is obviously a fairly subjective - I wondered whether the Sumo product line was "kid friendly."
What better challenge to a bean bag chairs durability could there be than a few weeks of pounding by three rambunctious boys? Short of hitching the chair to the bumper of an SUV and going for an off-road drive, I couldn't think of one. I wrote back proposing this torture test, warning Sumo that when the bag exploded, turning my living room into an artificial winter wonderland of bean bag stuffing, they'd probably wish they never made the offer as I would be writing about the results - good, bad, or indifferent.
To my surprise the folks at Sumo welcomed the challenge and express shipped out one of their Omni chairs. I pitied them...
I guess I'm old enough to remember the 70's - though I was but a young child - where it seemed that owning a shag-carpeted conversion van; the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever; bell-bottom jeans; and a bean bag chairs were rights of passage for all baby boomer families. Those 70's-era bean bags were notorious for their gaudy shapes and colors as well as their propensity to leak Styrofoam beans. The Omni didn't look like any bean bag I remember from my youth. Here's what it looks like out of the box...
What exactly were the folks at Sumo smoking when they designed this?
Fortunately the visual disconnect one experiences when first encountering the Omni is short-lived. What you're presented with is an origami-like, piece of furniture that you mold and shape into whatever form you desire. Here are a couple possibilities (underwear models not included):
The possibilities are essentially endless, which is part of the charm of the Sumo.
So was the Omni popular with the kids? Just a little bit...
So how do Sumo's products fare on the durability scale?
Frankly I'm a bit disappointed to report that, despite their best efforts, my three sons could not bruise, scuff, rip, tear, cut, nor otherwise destroy the Omni, though it wasn't for a lack of trying...
I can report that the Omni makes an excellent landing pad when jumping off couches or swinging from chandeliers (OK, the latter is pure speculation) or when you just need a safe place to do a little child tossing. The kids love it!
What I can tell you is that the chairs (modestly priced from $149 to $179) make a versatile and invaluable addition to any family room. Sumo also makes a matching ottoman which looks like a winner as well. Unfortunately for us grey Omni chair clashes with the decor of the new basement (which is nearing completion), but the chair is such a hit with the kids that we've little choice but to order a couple more in a different color - something I suspect was part of Sumo's evil plan all along... Bastards.
The good news for Wizbang readers is that the one slightly used (but thoroughly cleaned) Sumo Omni chair is now available as a gift to one lucky Wizbang reader. Want it?
Friday I will randomly select one lucky commenter to this post who will get the chair in its original packaging sent directly to them. If for some reason the person who wins doesn't want it (or fails to respond) I'll just keep drawing until I get a winner. Just to be clear, if you don't leave a valid e-mail address on your comment you aren't going to win; as I'll have no way to contact you directly...
Update: We've got a winner. The good news for everyone here is that you've still got a chance to get the chair. The winner has to choose - Let's Make A Deal style - between the chair or the mystery pot 'o cash... If they choose the cash they also get to choose who gets the chair...
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Comments (123)
I just wanted to say that I... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Chris | February 22, 2006 8:20 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I just wanted to say that I think that the - oh alright, I'm just commenting to get into the drawing for the chair. After passing the Love Sack store in the mall so many times, I have a hankering for a good beanbag chair, but the pricing can be somewhat prohibitive.
1. Posted by Chris | February 22, 2006 8:20 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:20
2. Posted by Margo Demers | February 22, 2006 8:20 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kevin, I am officially throwing my hat into the ring for the Omni chair.
I submit, for your review, my qualifications pursuant to the use of the chair:
1. I am the mother of two teenagers, one a freshman in college, and one a freshman in high school.
2. I am the wife of a traveling engineer, who, unfortunately, travels three out of four weeks of the month. This leaves me to be mother/father/cook/washer/maid/screaming banshee quite often. The chair would be beneficial to both my husband and I. I could plant my face in the middle of it to muffle screams and/or sobs; my husband could land on a soft place if, in his jet lag, he falls asleep on the way to the bed.
3. I have a 204 pound St. Bernard, a 60 pound heinz-57 shelter mutt, four rescued cats and two fish. I could keep the chair up against the wall, and when I turned it over, it wouldn't have animal hair on it.
4. Lastly, the chair is really cool.
Thank you for your consideration.
2. Posted by Margo Demers | February 22, 2006 8:20 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:20
3. Posted by Civis Proeliator | February 22, 2006 8:21 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
A virtually indestructable bean bag chair? Should be pet tested also. The manx cats our sister was raising way back when had a field day with the '70's era BBCs we owned. Needless to say, once the Styrofoam snowstorm began, the parental units banned said bags from the house.
3. Posted by Civis Proeliator | February 22, 2006 8:21 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:21
4. Posted by Steve L. | February 22, 2006 8:22 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
When I was a kid in the 70's, my mom and dad got me and my sister each a bean bag chair. At the time, I thought I was one of the coolest kids around.
I would love a chot at the Sumo Omni chair.
4. Posted by Steve L. | February 22, 2006 8:22 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:22
5. Posted by JackC | February 22, 2006 8:25 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Way cool! I can put it in the basement with the lava lamp, pinball machine, and jukebox!
5. Posted by JackC | February 22, 2006 8:25 AM |
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Posted on February 22, 2006 08:25
6. Posted by Timmer | February 22, 2006 8:27 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Win or lose I may have to order one of those come pay-day. Beautiful Wife and I finally paid off our matching recliners and now Boyo is starting to watch more TV with us. He needs something.
6. Posted by Timmer | February 22, 2006 8:27 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:27
7. Posted by Chris | February 22, 2006 8:27 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
OK...I'll see your three boys and raise you 12 yr old twin boys, a 1yr old girl, a 65 lb. lab/greyhound mix, and two cats...wanna play?
BTW, I really like the blog, so this isn't just a shameless attempt to get free stuff! ;)
7. Posted by Chris | February 22, 2006 8:27 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:27
8. Posted by wyguy | February 22, 2006 8:34 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Oh yeah, give it to me. Looks cosey and warm and I'm old and cold.
8. Posted by wyguy | February 22, 2006 8:34 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:34
9. Posted by Cindermutha | February 22, 2006 8:34 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I bet my six year old boy twinzillas can trash it. They're always up for a challenge. I wonder how many times I'd have to empty the vacuum cleaner to get it all up. While it still lives, it could be next to their bunk beds in case they knock each other off. Again. They could also recline comfortably while playing Commanding Generals and killing terrorists.
9. Posted by Cindermutha | February 22, 2006 8:34 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:34
10. Posted by John Irving | February 22, 2006 8:37 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Reminds me of the lab-tested website, where the owners of a young Labrador would post the durability and enjoyment values of various pet toys.
10. Posted by John Irving | February 22, 2006 8:37 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:37
11. Posted by Sinner | February 22, 2006 8:40 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'll let my (soon to be) 4 year-old on it.
Child Tossing, eh? hmmmmmmmmmm
sinsblog@softhome.net
11. Posted by Sinner | February 22, 2006 8:40 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:40
12. Posted by Wonder Woman | February 22, 2006 8:53 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ok...so who do I have to beg or threaten to get picked??!!
12. Posted by Wonder Woman | February 22, 2006 8:53 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:53
13. Posted by NateG | February 22, 2006 8:58 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Okay, I confess; I'm just doing this for the chair.
13. Posted by NateG | February 22, 2006 8:58 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:58
14. Posted by Robb Allen (Sharp as a Marble) | February 22, 2006 8:59 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ooooh Oooooh Me Me!!!!
Well, come to think about it, I doubt the Mrs. would like it... Grey wouldn't work with my decor either.
14. Posted by Robb Allen (Sharp as a Marble) | February 22, 2006 8:59 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 08:59
15. Posted by SteveH | February 22, 2006 9:11 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm a Big Fat Guy, let me at it to try and pop this balloon. :)
15. Posted by SteveH | February 22, 2006 9:11 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:11
16. Posted by Hoodlumman | February 22, 2006 9:12 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
This is just like the powerball lotto! Just with less money and much friggin' better odds!!
16. Posted by Hoodlumman | February 22, 2006 9:12 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:12
17. Posted by BRIAN | February 22, 2006 9:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Having just removed an exploded waterbed from my apartment where my 6', 175 lb 13 yr old son and his 4'11", 80 lb 9 yr old brother were wrestling; I would like to throw my hat in the ring for this chair. As a divoriced dad, I wouldn't even complain about the Battleship Gray color!
17. Posted by BRIAN | February 22, 2006 9:26 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:26
18. Posted by Tongancat | February 22, 2006 9:30 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I would LOVE a chair like this...my three boys are so hard on furniture. They are hard on walls, clothes, and parents as well! :p
Please pick me, Kevin!! Believe me when I say, I NEED a chair that is this sturdy...
Tongancat
18. Posted by Tongancat | February 22, 2006 9:30 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:30
19. Posted by Mom of 10 | February 22, 2006 9:38 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
So...did your boys test drive it down the stairs a few times? You can't really know how tough something is unless the kids have used it to slide down the stairs :)
Anyways, it sounds like it would be a huge hit at my house! So please, PLEASE pick me!!
(As my nic suggests, I really do have 10 kids; 5 boys, 5 girls age range from 17 to newborn.)
19. Posted by Mom of 10 | February 22, 2006 9:38 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:38
20. Posted by Manuel Gonzalez | February 22, 2006 9:46 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Jay and Paul are just hacks you are the true talent of WizBang, and by the way that chair would look great in my house, just a thought.
20. Posted by Manuel Gonzalez | February 22, 2006 9:46 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:46
21. Posted by charles | February 22, 2006 9:49 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
well, i would love to have i-so would my 4 yrar old banshee, but in fairness, it sounds like margo DESERVES/NEEDS it...
21. Posted by charles | February 22, 2006 9:49 AM |
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Posted on February 22, 2006 09:49
22. Posted by Scott | February 22, 2006 9:52 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kevin:
You are too lucky. I wish my four-year old had a chance at destroying this thing, as he's destroyed most of the rest of the furniture in the house. I can't keep him off the furniture short of tying him up (I've had duct tape recommended, and I'm starting to consider it...). He climbs up and over pretty much any surface, and jumps back and forth between anything even marginally close enough.
Maybe someday I can afford to get one of these, but not this semester.
22. Posted by Scott | February 22, 2006 9:52 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:52
23. Posted by flydiveski | February 22, 2006 9:53 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Odd, those PJs look familiar. Oh, that's right, that's the only pair that will fit my son anymore. Honey! Josh needs new PJs! To go with his new chair!
23. Posted by flydiveski | February 22, 2006 9:53 AM |
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Posted on February 22, 2006 09:53
24. Posted by Johno | February 22, 2006 9:59 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Doubtless my wife will plotz if I come home with news that I've won a grey beanbag.
But then she will sit upon the thing, and it shall cradle her, and I shall be forgiven.
Right?
24. Posted by Johno | February 22, 2006 9:59 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 09:59
25. Posted by Faith+1 | February 22, 2006 9:59 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Add me to the wish list as well. Fond memories of bean bags and shag carpet...
25. Posted by Faith+1 | February 22, 2006 9:59 AM |
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Posted on February 22, 2006 09:59
26. Posted by Paul Schmidt | February 22, 2006 10:08 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Put me in for the chair, please. If you can include the blond model all the better!
Just want to add, that I very much enjoy reading your blog. Thanks!
26. Posted by Paul Schmidt | February 22, 2006 10:08 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:08
27. Posted by Daniel | February 22, 2006 10:10 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
sweet. i
27. Posted by Daniel | February 22, 2006 10:10 AM |
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Posted on February 22, 2006 10:10
28. Posted by J-HO | February 22, 2006 10:10 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I miss my basement "rec room" (i had one of those weird chairs that hung from the ceiling) so I would love this chair. If I win, can I get it autographed???
28. Posted by J-HO | February 22, 2006 10:10 AM |
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Posted on February 22, 2006 10:10
29. Posted by Gmac | February 22, 2006 10:13 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I still have my original beanbag! It tries to leak styrofoam pellets but the duct tape on two spots keeps it sealed and while the kids still love it I find that it's a bit small for me now. The Sumo chair looks comfy and it's pre-tested to boot.
29. Posted by Gmac | February 22, 2006 10:13 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:13
30. Posted by Boyd | February 22, 2006 10:14 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hell, you don't have to have it delivered, Kevin. I'll drive over and pick it up, fer crissakes!
30. Posted by Boyd | February 22, 2006 10:14 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:14
31. Posted by Mister Tan | February 22, 2006 10:15 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I never win anything, but what the heck =) If I don't win, the review was almost enough to convince me to buy one regardless.
31. Posted by Mister Tan | February 22, 2006 10:15 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:15
32. Posted by JD | February 22, 2006 10:18 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Forget the Omni give me that recliner! Naw, Omni looks good to me...
32. Posted by JD | February 22, 2006 10:18 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:18
33. Posted by Son Of The Godfather | February 22, 2006 10:25 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
If I don't win, I am SO going to blame Diebold.
33. Posted by Son Of The Godfather | February 22, 2006 10:25 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:25
34. Posted by kbiel | February 22, 2006 10:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'll see and raise your twin boys, baby girl and sundry animals with 3yo boy/girl twins, infant girl twins, a sulking 13yo girl and 2 miniature poodles.
34. Posted by kbiel | February 22, 2006 10:26 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:26
35. Posted by Deskmerc | February 22, 2006 10:37 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Yes! Yes! Free chair! YES!
35. Posted by Deskmerc | February 22, 2006 10:37 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:37
36. Posted by S_que | February 22, 2006 10:37 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hey, what college student wouldn't love one? :)
36. Posted by S_que | February 22, 2006 10:37 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:37
37. Posted by Tim Mo | February 22, 2006 10:54 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Well, I could use it. Being that I'm in college and forgot to bring a chair with me. I'm good though. This looks really cool. Thanks for the chance.
37. Posted by Tim Mo | February 22, 2006 10:54 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2006 10:54
38. Posted by Tim McFall | February 22, 2006 10:54 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
OH PLEASE
I am prepared to offer my first born (she's a pain anyway!) for the chair.
Thanks.
38. Posted by Tim McFall | February 22, 2006 10:54 AM |