The HAG Capisco was designed by Peter Opsvik in 1984 around the posture of a rider on horseback, and it is still the most genuinely different office chair you can buy. The saddle seat lets you sit facing forwards, sideways, astride or perched high, and switch between those positions without thinking about it.
Who it suits
The Capisco makes most sense if you work over something rather than back from a desk. Dentists, surgeons, dental hygienists, jewellers, musicians and lab technicians tend to take to it immediately, and we have written about why in our guides on the Capisco in healthcare and the Capisco for musicians. It also suits sit stand desk users, because the high gas lift models let you perch at standing height rather than fully standing.
Choosing a model
The 8106 is fully upholstered, the 8010 Puls has a moulded shell, and the 8105 is backless for maximum freedom of movement. Gas lift height matters: standard lifts suit conventional desk heights, and the 265 mm lift is the one to choose for a sit stand desk. A footring is worth adding on any high lift model.
Give it a fortnight
The Capisco takes some getting used to, because it asks you to move rather than settle. Most people find the first few days unusual and then do not want to go back. It carries a 10 year warranty and is available to try in Pyrmont.
