Solo Ryzer by Progressive Desk: My Honest Review
Hey everyone, Romel here! Today, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Solo Ryzer by Progressive Desk—a key part of my workspace that I use for software development, content creation, gaming, and building keyboards. Although my sim racing setup is separate, this desk even plays a role in that.
Before diving into the review, here’s a quick disclosure: I got this desk for free by winning an Instagram contest hosted by Progressive Desk during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Regardless of how I obtained it, you’ll always get my honest opinions.
Desk Overview
The Solo Riser comes in three sizes:
48x30 inches starting at $747 CAD
60x30 inches for $847 CAD
72x30 inches for $1,015 CAD
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I chose the 72x30 version because I wanted the largest possible workspace. Progressive Desk, based in Vancouver, shipped my order incredibly fast, arriving in just a couple of days—something to consider if you’re local and need a desk quickly.
The desk arrives in two boxes: one for the legs and another for the tabletop. Setup instructions were clear, and there’s even a video tutorial available. However, I did encounter a minor issue where one of the plastic leg covers wasn’t seated properly. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but at this price point, I expected everything to be flawless out of the box.
Setup and Installation
From unboxing to completion, it took me about 30-40 minutes to set up, including capturing footage for the review video. I recommend getting help for the heavy lifting, especially when attaching the legs to the tabletop.
The desk is equipped with dual motors, one for each leg, and features collision detection. This allows it to stop if it senses an obstacle while moving. The desk can handle up to 270 pounds of weight—I tested it with my own 160 pounds, and it worked smoothly.
Its height ranges from 24.4 inches to 50 inches, and I typically use it at 26.7 inches while sitting and 43.7 inches for standing. The lowest height works well for sim racing, where I need my monitor as close to my wheel as possible.
Noise and Stability
The motors are not the quietest, but they’re not loud either. While raising or lowering the desk, I don’t notice any jerky movements—it’s smooth and feels stable throughout.
One of the standout features is its 15-year warranty. Progressive Desk covers any potential issues with the tabletop, legs, or other components, which is reassuring given the investment. By the time the warranty expires, my daughter will be in university!
Tabletop Durability
The desk comes in a variety of colors, and I went with the warm white to match my space. The tabletop is about an inch thick and made from MDF. Initially, I had concerns about whether it could support my monitor arms, especially since previous desks from IKEA couldn’t handle the weight. However, after two months of use, it has held up perfectly. I’m using an Ergotron arm for my 30-inch ultrawide monitor, and two Amazon arms for my 27-inch monitors, and the desk supports them all without issue.
The Grommet Problem
One thing I dislike about the desk is the grommet hole—the large rectangular cutout used for cable management. I would have preferred the option to customize the size or even skip the grommet entirely. For now, I cover it with my GoXLR and Stream Deck, but it’s still a bit of an eyesore.
Wobble While Standing
While sitting, the desk is rock solid. However, when standing, there is a noticeable wobble, likely due to my monitor arms. Thankfully, it doesn’t wobble enough to disrupt my typing, but it’s something to be aware of if you plan to use monitor arms.
Accessories
I opted for the black remote, a headphone hanger, and a couple of their cable management trays. Initially, I was unsure about the trays, but they’ve worked out great for my “out of sight, out of mind” cable management strategy. My power bar fits perfectly inside, and while some plugs do pop out, it’s a minor issue. I love how tidy everything looks—no visible cables dangling!
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m really happy with this desk. If I were buying it today, I wouldn’t hesitate. It meets all my needs—sturdy legs, a durable tabletop, and no major wobble while sitting. If you’re in Canada, I highly recommend checking out Red Flag Deals for potential group buys, which can save you around 25%.
Other standing desk options like Autonomous and Fully exist, but if you're in Canada, you'll want to consider potential duties and shipping costs. By the time those are factored in, you’ll be paying a similar price to what Progressive Desk offers. Another option worth considering is Effy Desk, which my brother-in-law uses and loves.
If you have any questions about this desk or my setup, feel free to find me on discord or any of my socials and I'll be happy to help answer any questions!