HAG Capisco 8106 chair review
The HAG Capisco 8106 chair isn't just quirky and stylish; it could change your whole view of sitting and standing.
Our Verdict
This ergonomic stool is neither cheap nor conventional, but it would suit anyone willing to experiment with sitting and standing. Aesthetically, it's stylish, and functionally, it's hugely flexible. In short, if you like the idea of shifting positions throughout the day to keep yourself alert and protect your posture, this quirky chair could be just the ticket.
For
- Unique designer looks
- Huge flexible
- Well constructed
- Perfect for standing desks
- Easy to assemble
Against
- It's an expensive choice
- Not for "sinking in" to
In this HAG Capisco review, I test out an unusual-looking chair that offers ergonomics to improve posture and back health. If you work at a computer, you probably spend at least a third of your day sitting down, and in the long term, that's not great for your back, neck, shoulders and posture. Investing in a more ergonomic chair can help.
Now at first glance, ergonomic chairs don't always actually look that comfortable or relaxing to sit in, and the HAG Capisco 8106 is a case in point. Its quirky design may look fashion magazine-spread stylish, but is it really that great to use in practice? To find out, I got hold of one and put it to the test. For more ergonomic chair options, see our guide to the best office chair for back pain.
HAG Capisco 8106 chair review: assembly
MY HAG Capisco 8106 chair arrived in a single cardboard box, which was quite heavy. If you need to assemble it upstairs, you'll probably need someone to help you carry it. Inside the box, there were a refreshingly small number of parts, which made my heart sing. This looked like it would be a doddle to put together.
Well, it would be if I had received the printed instructions that would have been sent to a "normal" buyer. Without them, I didn't realise I needed to extract a single bolt and washer that's screwed into the underside of the seat, along with an Alley key. Cue some head scratching and bafflement, but once I find online, all becomes clear.
You get a choice of 35 colours (our review model was mustard-yellow), and the base comes in a choice of black, white, silver and polished aluminium. You can choose between a classic saddle seat (as on my review model) or a rounded one, and you can add an optional headrest.
You also have the choice of a 150mm, 200mm or 250mm gaslift, and you can choose casters suitable for either carpet or a hard floor. Other optional extras include a telescopic cover, a footring or a footrest (silver or black).
HAG Capisco 8106 chair review: should you buy it?
So should you buy the HAG Capisco chair? Well, let's face it, it's not cheap, with prices typically ranging between $960 / £800 and $1,200 / £1,000 depending on configuration. So it's not a decision to be made lightly.
We'll assume, for starters, that you like the look of the design and it will fit into your existing home office setup. For what it's worth, we think it's elegant, stylish and delightfully quirky; as much a work of art as a functional piece of furniture, which goes towards justifying the price. It's certainly a one of a kind item.
That's only half the story, though. The real reason to buy this chair is that it won't ever allow you to sink, let alone slump into it. Instead, it will encourage you to keep changing position, moving from standing to leaning, and getting up and walking about.
It's the polar opposite, then, of the archetypal "comfy chair", which may be as much a turn-off for some as a turn-on to others. But if you're willing to experiment with this new philosophy of desk-working, and can see the potential benefits in terms of productivity and long-term health, then the HAG Capisco chair is a great way to get started.
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