When upgrading your desk setup, choosing the right monitor arm is often the difference between a workspace that works for you and one that constantly frustrates you. Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) makes two of the most respected monitor arms in the world: the Flo and the Ollin. Both are exceptional, but they are built for entirely different purposes.
The short answer is simple. If you use a standard monitor between 2kg and 7kg, the CBS Flo is the proven, reliable choice. If you have a very light monitor, a heavy screen up to 9kg, or want to mount a laptop, the CBS Ollin is the better option because its technical cord mechanism can handle weights starting from 0kg.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how these two premium monitor arms compare, the technical differences that matter, and which one you should choose for your specific desk setup.
Why Your Monitor Arm Choice Matters
A good monitor arm does more than just hold your screen off the desk. It allows you to position your monitor at the exact correct ergonomic height, depth, and angle for your posture. When you change tasks, shift in your chair, or move from sitting to standing, your screen should move with you effortlessly.
Both the Flo and the Ollin excel at this dynamic movement. Unlike cheap gas-strut arms that bounce or sag, CBS arms stay exactly where you leave them. The difference lies in the engineering inside the arm and the specific weight ranges they support.
CBS Flo: The Proven Standard
The CBS Flo is arguably the most successful ergonomic monitor arm ever designed. It uses a patented dual-rate spring technology that provides incredibly smooth, fingertip adjustment.
Key Specifications of the CBS Flo
- Weight Range: 2kg to 7kg
- Horizontal Reach: 584mm
- Vertical Adjustment: 483mm
- Tilt: 40 degrees upward, 40 degrees downward
- Screen Rotation: 180 degrees (easy landscape to portrait switching)
The Flo is the workhorse of commercial offices worldwide. If you have a standard 24-inch or 27-inch monitor, it will likely fall perfectly into the Flo's 2kg to 7kg sweet spot. The movement is fluid, the design is minimal, and the integrated three-point cable management keeps your desk completely clear of wire clutter.
However, the Flo has a minimum weight requirement of 2kg. If you try to mount a lightweight tablet or a very light modern screen, the spring tension will push the arm up to its highest position and it will not stay down.
CBS Ollin: The Next Generation
The CBS Ollin represents a completely different approach to monitor support. Instead of a traditional metal spring, the Ollin uses a technical cord mechanism. This engineering breakthrough solves the main limitation of traditional spring arms: the minimum weight requirement.
Key Specifications of the CBS Ollin
- Weight Range: 0kg to 9kg
- Horizontal Reach: 674mm
- Vertical Adjustment: 367mm
- Tilt: 80 degrees rearward, 10 degrees forward
- Screen Rotation: 180 degrees to 360 degrees capability
Because the Ollin can support weights from 0kg, it is future-proof. As technology gets lighter, the Ollin will still work perfectly. It is the ideal choice if you want to mount a lightweight laptop, a tablet, or a very light monitor. It also has a higher maximum weight capacity of 9kg, making it suitable for slightly heavier ultrawide screens that exceed the Flo's 7kg limit.
The Ollin also features a wider horizontal reach (674mm compared to the Flo's 584mm) and an impressive 80-degree rearward tilt, which is specifically designed for touch screens so you can angle the screen almost flat like a drafting table.
Flo vs Ollin: Direct Comparison
To make the choice easier, here is how the two arms compare on the specifications that matter most for your daily work.
| Feature | CBS Flo | CBS Ollin |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Range | 2kg to 7kg | 0kg to 9kg |
| Mechanism | Dual-rate spring | Technical cord |
| Horizontal Reach | 584mm | 674mm |
| Vertical Range | 483mm | 367mm |
| Best For | Standard monitors, standard desks | Laptops, touch screens, heavier monitors |
Dual Monitor Setups
If you use two screens, both systems offer excellent dual-arm solutions, but they approach it differently.
The CBS Flo Dual provides two independent arms mounting from a single desk clamp. This gives you maximum flexibility to position each screen exactly where you want it, at different heights or depths. It is perfect if you use two different sized monitors or want one in portrait and one in landscape.
The CBS Ollin Dual Mount Bar uses a single heavy-duty Ollin arm with a crossbar that holds two screens. This ensures your monitors are always perfectly aligned with each other. When you move the arm, both screens move together. This is the cleaner, more structured option if you use two identical monitors side by side.
How to Choose the Right Arm for Your Setup
Before you buy, check the weight of your monitor without its factory stand. This is the most critical factor.
Choose the CBS Flo if:
- Your monitor weighs between 2kg and 7kg.
- You want the most proven, reliable spring mechanism on the market.
- You need maximum vertical height adjustment.
- You are buying for a standard corporate office rollout.
Choose the CBS Ollin if:
- You want to mount a laptop or a very light screen (under 2kg).
- Your monitor is on the heavier side (7kg to 9kg).
- You use a touch screen and need the deep rearward tilt.
- You have a deep desk and need the extra horizontal reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to drill a hole in my desk?
No. Both the Flo and the Ollin come with top-mount or split clamps that attach securely to the back edge of your desk without any drilling. They fit standard desk thicknesses from 12mm to 25mm.
Will these arms fit my monitor?
Both arms use standard VESA 75mm and 100mm mounting plates, which fit 99% of modern computer monitors. If you have an Apple display, you may need a specific VESA adapter from Apple.
Can I mount a laptop on these arms?
Yes, but you must use the Ollin. Because laptops are very light, the Flo's spring mechanism will push the laptop up. The Ollin's 0kg starting weight makes it perfect for laptop mounting when paired with the CBS Laptop Mount.
What is the warranty on CBS monitor arms?
Both the Flo and the Ollin come with a comprehensive 12-year commercial warranty, reflecting their exceptional build quality and durability.
Ready to upgrade your workspace? Explore our full range of premium monitor arms online, or contact the Chair Dinkum team for practical advice on the best solution for your specific screens and desk setup.
