New Home Theater groups from Berkline (after attending the Market in High Point, NC)

[RSH]

Folks,

Last week I have spent a day at the Market in High Point, NC in the Berkline show room.

First, all the domestic groups have been renamed and have the 45 starting numbers. For example the 090 is 45090 now, and the 187 is 45187 now. Prices went up staring today across all Berkline style groups due too higher parts/cover costs oil price increase and week dollar.

Now new groups for this year:

Domestic groups:

45022


This group has a new feature that Berkline introduced this time – powered lumbar support. It really works. I was quite impressed with it. This chairs comes with power recline and power lumbar support (no manual recline option). Both the power reline and power lumbar support controls are on the remote control with the wand. While the chair itself was not my favorite, it was quite comfortable and provided nice head support being 43” high back recliner. You can add lighted cup holders and ambient base lighting to this group - an option. I did not like the fact that it was not a chase design, though.


45023


On one hand I was not impressed with the looks of this one. I am not crazy about the stitching design they did, but on the other hand, it was the first chair where they did contrasting welt and it looked quite nice in fabric. It is based on the 45090s (have similar dimensions) and was very comfortable. The back cushion again provided nice support. I liked this one.


45025


This chair had similar to 45002 and 45014 group features. It comes fully powered with power headrest. You can add lighted cup holders and ambient base lighting to this group - an option. Again they made a tall back – 44.5”, so it would be best for taller (6’4” and taller) folks, but the footprint is smaller – again similar to the 45090 recliners. I am a big fan of the powered headrest, so I loved this one as well. Too bad they made it too tall…


Groups made overseas:

12000



This was my favorite this time - extremely nice looking with perfect stitching and curved European design. It sits pretty well and has nice head support in the reclining position. Again it is based on the 45090, so the dimensions are very similar


12001


This one while was comfortable did not do much for me. It was “Just ok” and “I was not jumping up and down” . It is not a chaise, so it did not pass in my list.


A few more things:

The 45023 and 45025 groups have new pieces – glider and rocker. If you choose your chairs to have one of these features, it cannot be motorized, though.

Some of the old groups and all new ones have armless loveseats again (were previously discontinued). The armless loveseats have two independent recliners and cost less than two separate pieces.