HÅG Capisco Buying Guide: Gas Lifts, Models, and Who It Is Actually For
The HÅG Capisco is the most distinctive office chair on the market. With its saddle seat and cross-shaped backrest, it looks more like a piece of modern sculpture than a task chair. But this unique design solves a very specific problem: how to stay comfortable when you refuse to sit still.
If you are considering a Capisco, you likely already know about its active sitting benefits. The real challenge is choosing the right configuration. Between the classic 8106, the Puls variants, and the three different gas lift heights, getting the wrong setup can ruin the experience.
This guide covers exactly which model to choose, how to select the right gas lift for your desk height, and honest advice on whether the Capisco is the right chair for your working style.
Who Is the Capisco Actually For?
The Capisco is not a traditional ergonomic chair. If you want to lean back into deep lumbar support and sit motionless for eight hours a day, you should look at a Herman Miller Aeron or a HÅG Tion instead.
The Capisco is designed for movement. It is perfect for:
Sit-stand desk users: If you own a standing desk, the Capisco is arguably the best companion chair available. It allows you to "perch" in a semi-standing position, bridging the gap between sitting low and standing fully upright.
Fidgeters and creative workers: The Capisco encourages you to sit forwards, backwards, or sideways. The cross-shaped backrest serves as an armrest when you sit backwards, or side support when you sit laterally.
Clinical and studio environments: Dentists, architects, artists, and laboratory workers favour the Capisco because it allows for extreme mobility and reaching without the chair getting in the way.
Capisco 8106 vs Capisco Puls: What is the Difference?
There are two main families in the Capisco range: the classic Capisco (typically the 8106 model) and the newer Capisco Puls.
The Capisco 8106 is the original 1984 design by Peter Opsvik. It features full upholstery over thick, contoured foam. It is the most comfortable option for longer sitting sessions and offers the premium, tactile feel of high-grade fabric or leather.
The Capisco Puls is a modern, streamlined version. Instead of full upholstery, the Puls uses a moulded polyurethane shell. It is firmer, lighter, and easier to wipe clean, making it ideal for high-traffic or clinical environments. The Puls comes in two variations:
| Model | Seat Construction | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Capisco 8106 | Fully upholstered foam | Primary home office chair, maximum comfort |
| Capisco Puls 8010 | Bare plastic with small centre pad | Short sessions, meeting rooms, easy cleaning |
| Capisco Puls 8020 | Plastic shell with full seat cushion | A middle ground between the 8106 and 8010 |
Choosing the Right Gas Lift Height
This is the most critical decision when buying a Capisco. Because the chair is designed for higher-than-average sitting, standard gas lifts often do not provide enough height for the signature "perch" position.
You must match the gas lift to your desk type, not just your body height:
150mm Gas Lift (Seat height: 41cm to 54cm)
Choose this if you are using a standard, fixed-height desk (around 72cm high). This lift operates like a normal office chair. However, using a 150mm lift means you miss out on the Capisco's unique high-perching capability.
200mm Gas Lift (Seat height: 47cm to 65cm)
This is the most popular choice. It requires a height-adjustable sit-stand desk. It allows you to sit at a standard height, but also extends high enough to support a semi-standing perch. If your desk can raise to at least 90cm, this is the recommended lift.
265mm Gas Lift (Seat height: 56cm to 79cm)
Choose this only if you work at a high drafting table, a laboratory bench, or a standing desk that you rarely lower. The lowest setting on this lift (56cm) is too high for a standard sitting desk, meaning your knees will hit the underside of the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Capisco have armrests?
No, and it does not need them. The cross-shape of the backrest is designed to support your arms. When you sit normally, you can rest your elbows on the "wings." When you sit backwards, the backrest supports your chest while your arms rest on the wings.
Is the saddle seat uncomfortable?
It requires an adjustment period. For the first few days, the saddle shape will engage core and leg muscles you are not used to using while sitting. Most users report that after a week, the posture feels entirely natural and relieves lower back tension.
Can I use it on carpet?
Yes, but you must specify the correct castors. Hard castors are for soft floors (carpet), while soft castors are for hard floors (timber, concrete, tile). Using the wrong castors will either damage your floor or make the chair too slippery.
The Bottom Line
The HÅG Capisco is a brilliant tool for active workers, but it is not a universal solution for everyone. If you have a sit-stand desk and want to break the cycle of static sitting, the Capisco 8106 with a 200mm gas lift is one of the best investments you can make in your workplace health.
If you are unsure which configuration suits your workspace, contact the Chair Dinkum team. We can guide you through the fabric options, gas lift heights, and castor selections to ensure your Capisco arrives perfectly tailored to your needs.
