There’s an art to sunbathing, a delicate balance between achieving that perfect golden glow and avoiding the sheer discomfort that often comes with it. I can’t count the number of times I’ve found myself at the beach or by the pool, wrestling with a standard lounge chair. Lying on my back is fine, but the moment I flip over to tan my back, the battle begins. Where does my head go? Turned to the side, my neck screams in protest after ten minutes. Face down into a bunched-up towel? Hello, claustrophobia and a face full of sand or damp terrycloth. Trying to read a book is a logistical nightmare. This simple act of relaxation turns into a frustrating exercise in contortion, ultimately cutting my sun time short. The dream of an even, all-over tan often feels just out of reach, sacrificed for the sake of avoiding a week-long neck cramp. This is the universal problem for dedicated sun-worshippers, a puzzle that standard outdoor furniture simply fails to solve.
What to Consider Before Buying a Lounge Chair
A lounge chair is more than just a piece of outdoor furniture; it’s a key solution for unlocking true relaxation and comfort in your personal outdoor spaces or on the go. Whether you’re soaking up the sun by the pool, enjoying a good book on the patio, or taking a moment of peace on a camping trip, the right lounge chair transforms the experience from mundane to blissful. Its main benefits lie in providing ergonomic support, adjustability for various activities like reading, napping, or sunbathing, and the durability to withstand the elements. It’s your personal ticket to a comfortable outdoor escape, turning any sunny spot into a private retreat.
The ideal customer for a portable, feature-rich lounge chair like the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair is someone who prioritizes versatility and specialized comfort, particularly for tanning. This includes beachgoers, avid campers, apartment dwellers with balconies, or anyone who needs a chair that’s easy to store and transport. However, it might not be the best fit for those seeking a permanent, heavyweight fixture for a patio. If your primary need is stationary, elegant outdoor seating, you might consider alternatives like a wicker chaise lounge set, which offers a different kind of durability and aesthetic but sacrifices portability. For those who value ultimate reclining comfort over prone positioning, a zero-gravity chair might be a more suitable choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Always check the fully extended dimensions (76″ L x 23.5″ W for this model) to ensure it fits your body comfortably, especially if you’re tall. Equally important are the folded dimensions (23.5″ x 32″ x 7″). This will determine if it fits in your car trunk or storage closet, a critical factor for a portable chair.
- Capacity & Performance: Look beyond the maximum weight recommendation (330 lbs, which is quite robust). Consider the performance of its features. How many reclining positions does it offer? Does the locking mechanism feel secure? For a tanning chair, how functional are specialized features like face holes and pillows?
- Materials & Durability: The frame material (a mix of steel and aluminum here) dictates the balance between strength and weight. The seat fabric is paramount; Oxford cloth is lightweight and quick-drying but, as we’ll discuss, can have longevity issues compared to heavier Textilene mesh or padded cushions found on less portable models.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A key benefit of this chair is that it requires no assembly. Consider how easy it is to fold, unfold, and carry. For maintenance, a quick-drying fabric is a plus, as it resists mildew, but you should also think about long-term care and how the material will hold up to sun exposure and repeated use.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a lounge chair that not only meets your immediate needs for comfort but also serves as a reliable companion for many seasons of relaxation to come.
While the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair is an excellent choice for its specific purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Comprehensive Review of the Best Outdoor Lounge Chairs for Every Budget and Style
First Impressions: Unboxing the Tanning Game-Changer
The Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair arrived in a surprisingly compact box, a good first sign for a product that champions portability. True to its “No Assembly” promise, it was ready to go straight out of the packaging. Unfolding it was intuitive; the legs clicked securely into place, and the chair felt surprisingly solid given its mere 13-pound weight. The blue-striped Oxford fabric was taut and bright, giving off a classic, cheerful beach vibe. My immediate impression was one of thoughtful design. The built-in carry strap wasn’t a flimsy afterthought but a sturdy, integrated handle that made carrying the folded chair feel balanced and effortless.
The star of the show, the face hole, was immediately apparent. It’s generously sized and padded, with a clever flap and accompanying pillow system that allows you to cover it completely when lying on your back. The removable pillow felt plush, and the five-level adjustable backrest operated with a simple lift-and-lock mechanism. Compared to heavier, more cumbersome patio loungers, the Goplus felt like a nimble and purpose-built tool designed specifically for the serious sunbather. It’s clear from the first touch that every feature is geared towards solving the core problems of traditional lounging. To see its full feature set and user reviews is to understand its unique appeal in a crowded market.
Key Benefits
- Revolutionary face hole design for unparalleled comfort while lying prone
- Extremely lightweight (13 lbs) and highly portable with a built-in carry strap
- No assembly required, ready for use straight out of the box
- Versatile 5-position adjustable backrest for sitting, reclining, or lying flat
Potential Drawbacks
- Significant user reports of the Oxford fabric tearing after short-term use
- Backrest adjustment mechanism can be finicky and may disengage unexpectedly
Deep Dive: Performance Under the Sun
A chair can look good out of the box, but its true value is revealed under the heat of the sun, through hours of use, and after being lugged back and forth from the beach. We put the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair through its paces to see if its innovative design translates into a genuinely superior lounging experience, or if its promises fall flat under real-world pressure.
The Comfort Revolution: Prone Lounging Redefined
Let’s be clear: the face hole is not a gimmick. It is the single most transformative feature of this chair and the primary reason to consider it. During our testing, the ability to lie face down without contorting my neck was a revelation. The padded opening provides just enough support around the face, allowing for easy breathing and eliminating the pressure points that cause neck strain. For the first time, I could comfortably read a book or scroll on my phone while tanning my back. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, with one stating, “I went from severe discomfort when laying on my stomach in a normal chair to none in this one.”
Goplus didn’t stop there. They cleverly included armholes, allowing you to slide your arms through for a more natural resting position. This small detail prevents the awkward “what do I do with my hands?” dilemma. When it’s time to flip over, the system is just as smart. The two padded cushions that flank the hole can be pushed inward to create a solid surface, and the removable foam-filled pillow provides excellent head and neck support for supine relaxation. The five backrest positions add to this versatility, easily accommodating everything from upright sitting to a completely flat layout. This multi-faceted approach to comfort is a feature that really sets it apart from standard beach chairs.
Portability and Convenience: The Grab-and-Go Lounger
Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair is a featherweight in the world of chaise lounges. This is where its steel and aluminum alloy frame shines, providing a sturdy base without the bulk. We found carrying it from the car to our spot on the grass was effortless, thanks to the integrated dual carry straps. It’s a far cry from dragging a heavy, awkward plastic lounger across the sand. One user summed it up perfectly: “It is very durable, easy to carry, and does not take up much space. I take it with me when I go to the beach.”
The folding mechanism is straightforward and quick. It collapses into a flat, manageable rectangle measuring about 32 by 23.5 inches, easily fitting into the trunk of a small sedan with room to spare. This compact form factor also makes it ideal for storage in a garage, shed, or apartment closet during the off-season. The “no assembly” claim is 100% accurate, removing any potential frustration upon arrival. This focus on ease of use and transportability makes it an exceptionally practical choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor relaxation in various locations, not just their own backyard.
The Durability Dilemma: A Question of Longevity
Here, our review must take a critical turn. While the comfort and portability are top-notch, the long-term durability of the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair is a significant area of concern, a fact corroborated by a troubling number of user accounts. The chair’s fabric is a quick-drying Oxford cloth, which feels adequate upon first use. However, our analysis of user feedback reveals a consistent pattern of the material failing, often catastrophically.
Users report the fabric ripping and splitting open after just a few months of seasonal use. One person, who weighs 165 lbs (well under the 330 lb limit), noted it “completely ripped and split open” after less than five months. Another stated, “Didn’t make it through two summers after being stored inside for 10 of the 18 months I had it.” The problem seems to be the fabric’s inability to withstand sustained tension and UV exposure. Photos from disappointed customers show large tears, often originating near seams or high-stress areas like the armholes. This is the chair’s Achilles’ heel. The lightweight design that makes it so portable seems to come at the cost of robust, long-lasting materials. While we didn’t experience a tear during our initial testing period, the volume of consistent feedback is impossible to ignore and must be a primary consideration for any potential buyer weighing the benefits against the potential short lifespan.
Functionality Flaws: The Wobbly Backrest
Beyond the fabric, another functional quirk emerged during both our testing and in user reports: the backrest adjustment mechanism. The chair uses a simple notched bar system where a support arm locks into one of five slots to set the angle. While simple, it’s not foolproof. We found that if you don’t sit down carefully, or if you shift your weight abruptly, the support bar can slip out of its notch, causing the backrest to collapse flat. This can be startling and frustrating.
This exact issue was highlighted by multiple users. One described it as an insane flaw: “…every time you sit down on it, the top of the chair unhooks from the bars, and slams you in the back. You have to readjust the back of the chair and get on really delicately.” Another noted that sitting down becomes a “two person process” to ensure the back stays in place. While we found that ensuring the bar was deeply seated in the notch mitigated the issue, it required conscious effort. This instability detracts from the otherwise relaxing experience and is a design flaw that could be improved with a more secure locking system.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from a wide range of users reveals a starkly divided opinion on the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair. The praise is almost universally directed at its core concept. One happy customer exclaimed, “I love the face hold feature and the adjustable head part of this chair! you’ve got the option of laying face down or face up, numerous different adjustments! Perfect chair for sunbathing.” Another user, who is 5’8″, confirmed its ample size and durability from their initial experience, saying, “super durable and easy to fold and carry to beach with me!” These reviews highlight the initial “wow” factor and the genuine problem-solving nature of the chair’s design.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses almost exclusively on its poor longevity. The recurring theme is material failure. “Product does not last,” one user bluntly stated, showing a picture of two holes after only five months of total use. Another lamented, “Loved this chair… However after not even having it for 5 months, it completely ripped and split open. Very disappointed.” This feedback paints a picture of a product that delivers an excellent experience for a short period before failing. It suggests that while the frame is solid, the fabric is the weak link, making the chair a potentially short-term investment. Prospective buyers should definitely weigh these user experiences carefully before making a purchase.
How Does the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair Compare to the Alternatives?
The Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair occupies a unique niche, but it’s not without competition. How it stacks up depends entirely on your priorities: specialized tanning features, permanent patio comfort, or general-purpose reclining.
1. GUNJI 3-Piece Outdoor Lounge Chair Set
This GUNJI set is in a completely different category. It’s designed for someone setting up a semi-permanent relaxation station on a patio or by a pool. Comprising two wicker lounge chairs and a matching table, it prioritizes aesthetics and stationary comfort over portability. The wicker construction offers a more premium, durable look than the Goplus’s Oxford fabric. However, these chairs lack the specialized face hole, are much heavier, and are not designed to be folded up and taken to the beach. If you want a complete patio set and don’t need portability or prone-tanning features, the GUNJI set is a far more suitable choice for creating a dedicated outdoor living space.
2. Sweetcrispy Zero Gravity Chairs Set of 2
The Sweetcrispy Zero Gravity Chairs are all about supreme reclining comfort. Their main selling point is the “zero gravity” position, which elevates the legs to reduce pressure on the spine, offering a feeling of weightlessness. They are foldable and portable, but their primary function is for relaxed, back-supported seating, not for sunbathing and certainly not for lying on one’s stomach. They come with handy features like cup holder trays and adjustable pillows. Someone who wants the ultimate comfortable sitting and reclining experience for their backyard, campsite, or deck would prefer the Sweetcrispy chairs. They are a direct alternative for general relaxation, but not for tanning.
3. KingCamp Tanning Chair with Face Hole
The KingCamp Tanning Chair is the most direct competitor to the Goplus model. It shares the core features: it’s a folding, portable lounge chair with a face hole designed for comfortable sunbathing. The KingCamp also boasts a 5-position adjustable back and a similar design philosophy. The key differentiator will likely come down to nuances in build quality, fabric durability, and specific design choices like the size of the face hole or the feel of the pillow. For a buyer committed to a face-down tanning chair, the choice between the Goplus and the KingCamp would involve a close comparison of recent user reviews regarding longevity and stability to see which one currently holds an edge in quality control.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair?
After extensive analysis and consideration of real-world user feedback, our verdict on the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair is a conditional recommendation. On one hand, it is an brilliantly designed product that perfectly solves a real, frustrating problem for sunbathers. Its face hole and arm slots provide a level of comfort for prone lounging that is simply unmatched by traditional chairs. It’s also wonderfully lightweight, portable, and requires zero setup. For its core purpose—comfortable tanning—it excels.
On the other hand, the significant and repeated concerns about the fabric’s durability cannot be overstated. The pattern of the material ripping after just one or two seasons is a major red flag that indicates a potential trade-off of longevity for its lightweight design. If you are a frequent user who demands multi-year durability, you may be left disappointed. However, if you are a seasonal user who cherishes the unique comfort it offers and are willing to accept a potentially shorter lifespan for that revolutionary tanning experience, then this chair is absolutely worth considering. It delivers on its promise of comfort, but its longevity remains a gamble.
If you believe the unparalleled tanning comfort is worth the risk and want to transform your sunbathing sessions, you can check the latest price and availability for the Goplus Folding Sunbathing Chair here.