The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is a folding camp chair that rocks on flat ground. It suits campers, spectators and backyard sitters who want a rocking seat that packs flat. GCI lists patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology, a 250 lb capacity and a folded width of 5.5 in GCI Outdoor.
Freestyle Rocker at a glance
250lb
Weight capacity
12.1lb
Chair weight
5.5in wide
Folds flat to
19.3in
Seat height
GCI Outdoor lists these specs on its Freestyle Rocker page, SKU 370530-GCIO001 GCI Outdoor.
Weight capacity
250 lb (113.4 kg)
Chair weight
12.1 lb (5.5 kg)
Folds flat to
5.5 in wide
Seat height
19.3 in
Open size
24.4 in wide, 25 in deep, 34.8 in high
Folded size
5.5 x 25 x 34.8 in
Backrest height
18.5 in
Rocking
Patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology
Folding
Patented Eazy-Fold Technology, folds flat
Back panel
Breathable mesh
Armrests
Padded
Carrying
Built-in carry handle
Drink holder
Built-in beverage holder
Warranty
3 years
How much does the Freestyle Rocker weigh?
GCI lists the chair at 12.1 lb, which is 5.5 kg GCI Outdoor. That is the weight you carry by the built-in handle. The wider Freestyle Rocker XL is listed at 12.8 lb GCI Outdoor.
What is the weight limit on the Freestyle Rocker?
GCI lists a weight capacity of 250 lb, which is 113.4 kg GCI Outdoor. The XL version carries up to 400 lb. That is 150 lb more, about 60% more, by our maths GCI Outdoor.
How big is the Freestyle Rocker folded?
GCI lists the folded chair at 5.5 in wide, 25 in deep and 34.8 in high GCI Outdoor. It folds flat rather than into a bundle. Open, it measures 24.4 in wide and 25 in deep.
Freestyle Rocker, XL or with Side Table?
GCI sells three chairs in this family. The standard Freestyle Rocker is the narrowest when folded at 5.5 in, the XL adds width and capacity, and the Side Table version adds a folding tray GCI OutdoorGCI Outdoor.
→You want a 400 lb capacity: pick the Freestyle Rocker XL GCI Outdoor.
→You want the smallest folded width: pick the Stowaway Rocker, listed at 3.5 in GCI Outdoor.
→You want a taller, angled backrest: pick the Comfort Pro Rocker GCI Outdoor.
Good to know before you buy
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GCI says its chairs are not made with weatherproof materials. Sunlight and rain can degrade the fabric, and continued exposure voids the warranty. Treat the chair as gear and keep it indoors between trips GCI Outdoor.
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Some parts of GCI chairs contain steel, which can rust. A chair stored outside after use is the case GCI names. Let a wet chair dry fully before you fold it and store it inside GCI Outdoor.
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Beach use needs a rinse. GCI asks you to wash the chair down with fresh water and dry it before storing. Keep a water bottle or a hose in mind for the trip home GCI Outdoor.
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This model lists a carry handle, and no bag or shoulder strap. The handle is built in for grab-and-go transport. GCI sells a Carry Strap/Handle accessory that fits most of its chairs if you want a shoulder strap GCI OutdoorGCI Outdoor.
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The feature list names a beverage holder, and a phone pocket is not listed. The XL, Kickback and Comfort Pro rockers do list a phone pocket. Pick one of those if you want a pocket for your phone GCI OutdoorGCI Outdoor.
Before you start
GCI says continued exposure to the elements voids the warranty, so store the chair indoors GCI Outdoor.
How the Freestyle Rocker compares
Freestyle Rocker vs Stowaway Rocker
Both chairs use GCI's Spring-Action Rocking Technology, and the Stowaway is the one built around pack size. GCI lists the Stowaway at 3.5 in folded against 5.5 in here, with a 300 lb capacity and a side caddy GCI Outdoor.
The Freestyle Rocker is 1.8 lb lighter, about 13% less, by our maths.
Freestyle Rocker vs Comfort Pro Rocker
The Comfort Pro Rocker is the taller, more reclined seat in the GCI rocker range. GCI lists it with a tall, angled backrest, a 38.8 in open height and a shoulder carry strap GCI Outdoor.
The flat fold is the difference that shows in a car boot. The Freestyle Rocker folds to a 5.5 in slab, while the Comfort Pro folds to a 44.1 in bundle.
Freestyle Rocker vs Kickback Rocker
The Kickback Rocker is GCI's mid-size rocker, and it sits lower. GCI lists it at 31.7 in high open, against 34.8 in here, and at 10.6 lb GCI Outdoor.
The Kickback Rocker is 1.5 lb lighter, about 12% less, by our maths.
Does the Freestyle Rocker rock on grass and sand?
Yes. GCI says the patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology gives a smooth and steady motion on flat, hard or soft surfaces GCI Outdoor. Its page names grass, sand and pavement as the surfaces it rocks on.
The springs sit where the frame meets the lower foot, so the chair rocks without rails. GCI calls this chair the original rocker that revolutionized outdoor seating. Flat ground is the condition GCI states, so pick a level spot.
Is the Freestyle Rocker waterproof?
No. GCI says its chairs are not made with weatherproof materials, and that sunlight and rain can degrade the fabric GCI Outdoor. The chair is built for use outdoors and for storage indoors.
If the chair does get wet, GCI asks you to let it dry fully before you fold it and store it. Steel parts can rust when a chair is left outside after use.
What is the Freestyle Rocker made of?
GCI says its products use aluminum and steel, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene and polyester fabrics GCI Outdoor. The back panel on this chair is a breathable mesh.
GCI also explains the trade-off between the two frame metals. Steel is more durable and more affordable, and aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant. GCI powder coats its tubing, which it describes as a charged powder baked on at high temperature for a durable finish.
Mesh back, armrests and the drink holder
The mesh back panel is there for airflow. GCI says it promotes continuous airflow, and helps prevent overheating by letting heat and moisture escape while you are seated GCI Outdoor.
The padded armrests add support when you stand up or sit down, and GCI describes them as firm enough for leverage. The built-in cup holder fits most standard cans, bottles or insulated tumblers.
How to set up and use it
Lift the chair out by the built-in carry handle.
Pick a flat spot on grass, sand or pavement.
Open the chair in one motion with the Eazy-Fold system, which locks it in place.
Check that both feet sit level on the ground before you sit down.
Keep the load under the 250 lb capacity that GCI lists.
Drop a can, bottle or insulated tumbler into the beverage holder.
Close the chair with the same single motion GCI Outdoor.
Let the chair dry fully if it is wet, then store it indoors GCI Outdoor.
Care and quick fixes from the manual
How to clean it
Brush off loose sand and dirt.
Mix a mild solution of soap and water.
Wipe the seat fabric, the mesh panel and the frame.
After a beach trip, wash the chair down with fresh water GCI Outdoor.
Dry the chair before you store it.
If your rocker squeaks or clicks
GCI publishes a troubleshooting guide for rocker noise with three methods GCI Outdoor.
For clicking sounds, tighten the bolts on the rocking mechanism.
For squeaking sounds, spray a small amount of silicone lubricant on both sides of the frame, where the frame meets the lower foot.
If the noise stays, spray silicone lubricant around the top of the shock.
Tip
GCI says you can usually find silicone lubricant spray at hardware or home improvement stores GCI Outdoor.
How to store it between trips
Dry the fabric and the frame fully.
Fold the chair flat with the Eazy-Fold system.
Store it indoors, because GCI treats its chairs as gear for indoor storage GCI Outdoor.
Keep steel parts out of the rain, because they can rust.
If a part fails inside 3 years
Keep the chair until GCI tells you otherwise.
Find your proof of purchase, or a PO number with a photo of the product tag.
Photograph the defect, and take one photo of the whole chair.
Submit the warranty claim form on GCI's site GCI Outdoor.
Allow up to 4 weeks for GCI to process the claim.
Freestyle Rocker FAQ
Does the Freestyle Rocker have a warranty?
Yes, 3 years from the date of purchase GCI Outdoor. It covers manufacturing and material defects on chairs bought new from an authorized GCI retailer, for the original purchaser. GCI excludes normal wear and tear, broken handles, straps and cup holders, fading, rust, and moisture damage.
Can you buy replacement parts for the Freestyle Rocker?
GCI's own store lists a Carry Strap/Handle accessory, which includes a shoulder strap and a clip-on handle, and which GCI says fits most of its chairs GCI Outdoor. A replacement seat fabric for this chair is not listed by GCI. For a defect inside 3 years, use the warranty claim route above.
What colors does the Freestyle Rocker come in?
GCI lists Pink Shockwave, Blue/Green Shockwave, Cinnamon, Black, Indigo, Ivory, Pink/Purple, Green/Yellow and Pink Sundress GCI Outdoor. Stock by color changes. The specs are the same across the colors on that page.
Is there a Freestyle Rocker with a higher capacity?
Yes. The Freestyle Rocker Elite is listed at 300 lb, and the Freestyle Rocker XL at 400 lb GCI OutdoorGCI Outdoor. The Elite also adds an Infinity Comfort Edge seat.
How much is the Freestyle Rocker?
See today's price with the link above.
The verdict
4/4 PASS
No. 049 · GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
Easy rocking comfort at any campsite.
The Freestyle Rocker suits anyone who wants to rock on grass, sand or pavement and then carry the chair away flat. GCI pairs its patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology with a 250 lb capacity, a 12.1 lb chair weight and a folded width of 5.5 in. The mesh back, the padded armrests and the built-in drink holder are what set it apart from a plain folding chair, and GCI backs it for 3 years.
4/4 PASS
