INTRODUCTION

   Gaming chairs may currently enjoy high popularity levels especially among gamers but both because of their rather large dimensions and designs/colors they are obviously not ideal for use in most workplaces (and when it comes to size the same goes for a large number of office chairs in general). Also, the somewhat recent appearance of the standing-up-at-work movement has both companies and individuals alike looking for more "flexible" alternatives to the standard office chair design which can be far more compatible with the new and also "flexible" height-adjustable desks. In the past year or so some of you reached out to us to ask if we had any personal experience with such office chairs and since we really didn't we decided to do exactly that and not long after we started looking around for such models we came across the Capisco Puls (8020) by HAG which we've been using for almost a full month now.

   Active sitting forms the backbone of HAG. All our chairs have our unique HAG in Balance® technology. This enables your whole body to be in continuous movement the entire time you are seated. Naturally, without you having to think about it. Helping you stay energized, healthy and productive. We make high-quality chairs that are designed to last. The way they look, feel and affect you is uppermost in our minds. All inner parts and outer details are rigorously thought through. Bringing you the best in Scandinavian design. We involve you, the user, throughout our design process. Via extensive research, studies and user testing, we consider your needs and preferences, and apply them. This helps us create chairs that are easy to use, and adapt to whichever way you work, in whatever setting. Now, and for the future. We are pioneers in sustainability. We have a well-documented track record for reduced energy consumption, minimalized waste, and strive to make products from recycled materials, which in turn can be recycled. We also avoid using harmful chemicals, safeguarding your health and lessening our impact on the environment.

   The story behind the Capisco Puls actually started just over 3 decades ago when Peter Opsvik (Norwegian industrial designer) and HAG joined hands to design and manufacture a brand new type of office chair with one single goal, to replicate the posture of people while riding on a horse (which is why it was also referred to as a saddle seat). The final product from that collaboration was the original Capisco which thanks to its innovative design was probably the very first office chair of its kind to support a wide range of sitting positions (and quickly switching between sitting, standing and perching). The Capisco Puls (winner of the 2011 Red Dot Design Award) retains in large degree the same features as the original Capisco but with a more streamlined approach (not nearly as padded as the original Capisco) and a body made largely out of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials (39%). The Capisco Puls is also GREENGUARD certified which means that it meets strict chemical emissions limits and on top of that it's also 99% recyclable. Of course, the Capisco Puls also scores very high in the ergonomics department since its height, seat depth, backrest height and tilt are all adjustable via three long levers located beneath the seat. Before we continue with our review of the Capisco Puls it's worth pointing out that HAG covers the entire line with a very generous 10-year limited warranty (normal use of up to 9 hours daily).

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The Capisco Puls arrived inside a large brown box with the company name printed all over it.

Although the box did arrive in good condition (at least its exterior did) as you can see interior packaging was far from great (still only the 5-star base had a couple of scratches on it).

The 5-star aluminum base was the first piece we got out of the box followed by the saddle seat.

After that we took out the backrest with the gaslift and the instructions manual.

ASSEMBLY

This time over we decided to start by checking out the seat which is not only a lot more compact compared to those used in gaming chairs but it also features more levers.

The two left levers control the seat depth and height function whereas the right lever controls tilt.

Unlike the original Capisco model the Capisco Puls has a plastic backrest with a plastic height adjustment mechanism.

Still its base is made out of steel (or it could be aluminum) so it’s actually very sturdy.

Mounting the backrest to the seat is actually extremely easy, just remove this long screw, put the steel piece in and secure it with that said screw.

Since the 5-star aluminum base comes with its wheels pre-attached you only need to place the gaslift on it.

The base features grooved foot plates and for improved feet support HAG also makes an aluminum foot ring available as extra (unfortunately we didn't get that with our sample so check our conclusion page for more).

We would had liked to see larger wheels since the 50mm used with the Capisco Puls are way too small.

FINISHED LOOKS

At first glance I can't say that the Capisco Puls is an impressive office chair but its quality seems to be much better than most office chairs around the same size.

From its lower point the backrest measures roughly 470mm in height and it is height adjustable from 510mm all the way up to 620mm.

The saddle seat features a fabric cover with a sufficient amount of padding (pretty good for its size). In terms of size it measures roughly 420mm in length and 465mm in width.

One of the strong selling points of the Capisco Puls is the ability to change the position of the seat (depth) as seen above (this allows the user to use many different positions).

Yet another strong selling point of the Capisco Puls is its adjustable height which in our sample takes the seat from 585mm all the way up to 850mm.

SCORE

   Many of you recommended (including some manufacturers) that we place a chart pointing to the pros and cons of each chair we test. Now of course since there's really no way for us to "benchmark" chairs we decided to rate them based on their size, comfort and quality after using each for at least one full week. Size and comfort usually go hand to hand (the larger the chair the more comfortable it usually is - that however also depends on the amount of padding and the cover) while in terms of quality having tested dozens of models over the past years, we think we have a good idea about that as well. Of course, these scores are based on our personal opinions (including the samples we get – isolated/early sample issues are always possible) so do take them with a grain of salt.

CONCLUSION

   HAG currently has three chairs in the Capisco line, the original Capisco (although somewhat revamped), the Capisco Puls and the Capisco Ultrasound which is also the top of the line model. All models are available in several different color combinations (the Capisco Puls is also available both with a partial – 8010 model - and a full seat cushion – 8020 model) and can be ordered with the optional aluminum FootRing seen above (an optional headrest is also available for the Capisco model). With that out of the way after almost 2 full weeks of testing the Capisco Puls we have to admit that this is a far more comfortable model than we had thought when we first assembled it. True it doesn’t have a tall backrest and the one it does have is made out of plastic so it’s not really soft (this is where the Capisco model excels) but thanks to its adjustable height and the adjustable seat position you can spend many hours on it without issue (especially if you pair it with a height adjustable desk). We also liked the fact that you can use the chair both facing forward and backwards and although that’s something we’ve all done with regular chairs at some point it’s not something one can do with an office chair. The rather generous 10-year limited warranty is just the cherry on the pie although we have no idea as to the how HAG can prove how many hours per day people have been using the chair (they do state that chairs used up to 9 hours per day are covered).

   Ergonomic chairs are almost always somewhat expensive and also being “Green” doesn’t really help things (that applies to the entire Capisco line) so currently the Capisco Puls 8020 by HAG retails for USD599 inside the USA (Fully.com) and for 520Euros inside the EU (Fully.eu). Of course, this is a rather niche office chair model so its target audience is not casual consumers but still we do feel that its pricing is slightly over the top. That being said the Capisco Puls 8020 is very comfortable (once you get used to it), allows for many different positions, quality of materials and construction are both quite good (not to mention that it’s 99% recyclable) and is covered by a 10-year limited warranty so it certainly deserves our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- GREENGUARD Certified
- Contains 39% Recycled Materials & Is 99% Recyclable
- Adjustability (Backrest & Seat Height / Seat Depth / Tilt)
- Very Comfortable (Can Also Be Used Facing Forward And Backwards)
- 10 Year Limited Warranty
- Available Color Combinations
- Optional Parts (FootRing / StepUp)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Plastic Backrest (No Padding Or Cover)
- Mediocre Packaging