HAG Capisco Review

i am debating whether or not to purchase one of these chairs. i am a 46 year old man who is about 5′10″ tall and 155 lbs. my sister-in-law has a capisco chair and loves it. i am wondering though if it would be uncomfortable for men. can any guys out there tell me what their experience has been? many thanks, andy

Hello Andy.

I am a 31 year old male who has used a Hag Capisco for approximately 8 years. I can say without hesitation that the chair has been great for me. For anyone though (either a man or woman) I’d think the Capisco is really a PERSONAL choice. I think it is as suitable for men as it would be for women. A man did design the chair after all

I think your best option would be to try out your sister’s chair and see if it works for you. Darren

yeah, i agree that would be the best option, but my sister in law lives more than 1,000 miles away LOL. i live in idaho, so there’s no place nearby where i can test one out. i’m just hesitant to spend $800 on a chair that i’m not sure will work for me. all of the internet retailers have a restocking fee if you don’t like the chair. any ideas?

andy

Ergo Depot does not have a restocking fee. I bought my Capisco chair there because it was the only place I could find that would let me try the chair for 30 days and return it if I didn’t like it. As I understand it, the customer is only responsible for the shipping charges if they decide to return it. I figured it was worth the risk of having to pay $30 or $40 if i didn’t like it. Luckily, the return shipping charges never ended up being an issue as I REALLY love the chair.

Good luck, Chuck.

thanks for the info. i decided to bite the bullet and i ordered the chair this morning. it is supposed to arrive in a couple of weeks. i’ll post back here to let everyone know how its working out for me. andy

the chair arrived on monday. i’ve been using the chair for four days now and i’m not sure this is going to work out for me. i find that i can’t sit for very long periods of time without having to get up flip the chair around and sit in it backwards. at the end of the day my back has been a little sore too. is this normal?

Andy- I experienced the same thing when I first got my Capisco chair too. The break-in period lasted about 3 weeks for me until I got used to it. I was actually about to return the chair after the second week, but I toughed it out based on all the positive reviews i had read about it. In hindsight, I suspect that my muscles just needed to get accustomed to actually moving while I was working.

I actually feel much better at the end of the day than i used to with my old Steelcase chair. I’m not 100% sure that this is related to the chair, but my posture seems to be much better too. I’d suggest you hang in there for a bit longer. Darren

a few of my employees have this chair and they all love it. people think it is really weird at first. i used one until i started hiring employees and then i just passed it down. needless to say, i have bought 6 capiscos since then… not to mention the schnazzy ho9 i purchased for my office:-)

btw – i used to work for an installation company and i was part of a crew that built office systems. this is where i first started seeing hag chairs and i always had it in my head that these would be what i used if i ever had my own office… i started a small planning firm when i FINALLY finished school and things have fallen into place where i can actually supply my office and employees with these chairs. also, i don’t believe in using capital letters when i post in blogs:-)

okay, it’s been 4 1/2 weeks now and i think i might be IN LOVE with the chair now. the pain (more like discomfort) i experienced the first week has completely gone away. and now that i look back on it, having to get up every few minutes was probably a great thing to help me get used to this different way of “sitting” in a chair. now that i’m more used to this sitting style, i do notice that i feel better during the day and at night. thanks for everyone’s comments and “hand holding”. i guess i’m one of the capisco fans now.

Is it true that there is a different version marketed in the U.S. with a deeper and larger seat than the European version? If so, is there anyway to get the Euro version? Thanks.

Hello CAR.

The versions sold in the U.S. and Europe are exactly the same.

Moderator

The chair is produced with both the standard saddle seat (lookes like an X seen from above), and the more normal looking full seat. This is nothing to do with region of sales. You should be able to buy either or anywhere.

I am debating about whether or not to get the headrest on the Capisco. I’ve totally decided the
Capisco is the right chair for me, but I’m torn as to whether users actually use/need the headrest. Any thoughts from the community would be appreciated.

If you get the headrest you can’t sit in the chair backwards.

A question: Is there any place to order specific parts of the chair for repair? Also, is it possible to order different fabrics (i.e., not a new seat or back, but just the fabric for the seat or back)?

Josh – I was torn as well when I was originally making my decisions for the chair options. I was told that the headrest could be ordered later if I wanted it, but that the price would be about $30 higher because it’s considered a “part” if it doesn’t ship with the chair. I decided not to order the headrest, because I didn’t expect to lean back in the seat very often.

I’m glad I didn’t get the headrest in retrospect because my suspicion was right – I wouldn’t want to use it very often and it would probably get in the way more than it was useful.

Just my two cents.

Chuck

Ergo Depot sells HAG parts. I bought casters and a new seat pad for my HAG Balans chair from them.

I live in Sf and just started working from home mostly. I plan to do this for a while but even if I dont, I want a good chair to sit in.

With that said, I am researching and found this site. Having used Aeron chairs at work and now using a friend’s while I am dog sitting, it has be a welcome change from the pain I have had.

Willing to take the leap into this chair without sitting on it, what color choice does everyone recommend? Is the basic fabric durable? I am considering black. I dont want to spend this much on a chair and have the fabric soiled/worn in a few years.

John

Hi, I am a Capisco owner in the UK. I have been using my Capisco 8106 with black comfort fabric for many years, and have noticed some ’shiny’ patches appearing in the areas that receive the most wear and tear. Does anybody have any idea whether the fabric covers can be removed and cleaned, and if so whether this can be done on a standard wash cycle or whether it requires professional care?

Any help will be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

In the vast majority of cases, the shiny spots appearing on the Comfort fabric are areas where the microfiber has been filled up with dirt.

Comfort can be machine washed at up to 60˚C. Wash on a gentle program at 40˚C if it has flame-retardant backing.

Most types of spots can be removed with lukewarm water, possible with an added neutral detergent.

Always use a clean white cotton cloth. Do not soak the entire seat or back, but rather focus on the areas with the dirt buildup. And finally, use only small quantities of cleaning agent at a time.

Warning: Benzene, acetone etc. can dissolve foam on soaking.

If the spot does not disappear using water and a neutral detergent, follow the instructions in our guide to spots.

does anybody knows when the Capisco retro version came out in the market?. I love the colours?

The retro version was released in early 2008. I bought my first one in March of ‘08 (then bought another one last month). It is my understanding that the retro upholstery was a limited-time promotion and the fabric has been discontinued. I believe the only retailer that still sells the retro version is ErgoDepot.

You are right about the colors. They are very unique and playful. The chair looks even better in person than the pictures I’ve seen on the web.

Hello,

I’ve been using this wonderful chair for one year and a half. Do you know how to change the gas lift ?.
I have a 200 mm gas lift but a 265 mm suits me best. I have to change it. How can I remove this ?. Thank you.

I changed my lift last year. All you need is a rubber mallet to dislodge the lift from the base and then out of the bottom of the seat. It took about 5 minutes.

Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!

Thank you HAG Technical Team for the advice on washing the Comfort fabric. This did the trick for me! My 11-year old Capisco looks brand new again. Woohoo!!!

Wow, I didn’t realize there were so many Capisco fans out there. I’ve always thought of this chair as more of a novelty than anything else.

I used to use a HAG Signet back in the early 90’s (employer provided) and really, really miss that chair. I sit in a Steelcase Leap chair now at my job and really don’t like it. I have looked around on the web but can’t seem to find anyone who sells the Signet chair. Does anyone know where I can buy a Signet chair?

In case anyone’s in the NYC area and is thinking of buying a headrest, I have one for sale there. I don’t want to spam so I won’t link to it, but if you go to the NYC craigslist and search for Capisco you’ll find it.

I’m selling it because I like to sit in the chair backwards.

To Willy above-

The Signet chair was discontinued a few years ago. The HAG H09 series replaced it.

does anyone know of where I can get the Capisco chair in NYC other than A.I.Friedman? Also, on the Hag website they have a picture of the Capisco 8106 with a gorgeous teal-colored fabric, and I wanted to know the name and number of the fabric. I am guessing perhaps that fabric is only sold on the Capisco 8106 chairs in Europe, not the U.S. The fabric name might be “Fame”, but I am not certain.

Allie,

Izzy Design is HAG’s U.S. partner. Izzy Design imports all of the component parts for the HAG seating line and assembles and upholsters the chairs for HAG in Indiana. One of the benefits of HAG’s partnership with Izzy is that U.S. consumers are now able to take delivery of a custom-made HAG chair in 1 – 3 weeks. Prior to 2003, HAG chairs were only assembled in Norway and the lead times were about 12+ weeks for U.S. conusmers. The chairs assembled at Izzy’s Indiana facility are of the same high quality as those chairs assembled in Norway and carry the same 10-year to life HAG warranty.

Regarding the upholsteries, what you see on Hag.no are the standard fabrics in Europe, and what you see available from Izzy Design are the standard fabrics in the U.S. Sometimes this can cause confusion as one set of images is used for all HAG marketing. The Hag.no upholsteries can be ordered in the States but the lead time will be extended as the chair will be manufactured and upholstered in Norway. The dealer you select will be able to provide you with all of the information you need.

Moderator

I just realised that there are two versions of the Capsico seat (forgetting about the headrest altogether) – the saddle type and the flat type. Has anyone got any comments on the two styles and comfort? Is there any difference ergonomically?

Davo

I returned this chair after 2 months because I like to relax in my office chair, and sit back sometimes. Relaxing isn’t really a strength of this chair. Got the HAG Futu instead, which is just perfect for me.

I’m having trouble finding anyone who sells the Capisco chair in Ontario/Quebec. I contacted one company and didn’t get a response. I would love to try one out to see if it’s for me.

Also, does anyone know how the Capisco compares to other saddle-type chairs on the market, such as Bambach, Salli, Humanscale? I read an article about the Bambach which insisted that the Capisco doesn’t put the spine in proper alignment, but this was an assertion, with no proof offered.

Thank you for any insight you can offer!

We have 98 Hag Capisco chairs in our coworking space in London, UK: http://www.lebu.co.uk.

Our members rave about these chairs, and we have had more than a few who’s back pain has gone for good. They keep you alert and awake, and let you change positions as much as you want.

Do follow the user guide to ensure you have adjusted the chair correctly for yourself, and pay attention to the seat depth/rake and the backrest height. Also allow a few days to get used to this chair.

Enjoy!

Peter,
What a beautiful space you have! I love the fabric that’s on the Capisco chairs there. Can you tell me what it is?

Thanks,
Calie

I have an earlier version of the HAG capisco chair. The back support looks a little different. The top half looks the same, but if you imagine the back support as a cross, my model doesn’t have the lower part of the cross extending downwards. In any case, I am trying to figure out where I can get new upholstery for my chair. I love the chair, but the fabric is worn out. I just want to update it. I can’t find anything online. Not even a company website…. or number to call.

Unfortunately, the Capisco model you are referring to was discontinued some time ago and replacement upholstery is no longer available. Your best bet might be to find a local upholstery shop that could recover your chair.

Hi all. Arlig, I bought a Capisco chair off eBay at the beginning of the year and it had this older back on it. I did a little research before I place a bid. I talked to someone at Izzy Design and they referred me to a dealer because they don’t normally work with end users… or something like that. They ended up telling me that this version was remodeled or discontinued quite a while ago and the best bet was to bring it to a local upholsterer. This is indeed what I did and it came out quite nice. I think it cost me about $75 + the material I picked out.

I came across this blog because I have finally convinced my boss to buy me one for work so I can enjoy my older model at home now

I am trying to buy a capisco in Skopje (Macedonia) or in the sorrounding countries, ideally Thesaloniki (Greece), Belgrade (Serbia) or Sofia (Bulgaria). Could someone give me an address and email or telephone number? Thanks!
Cathy

Cathy,

Your best bet will be to contact HAG directly. Below I have included their web address.

http://www.hag.no

Love this chair – I used to have a full black Capisco, but it got stolen from my office whilst I was working elsewhere for a couple of months…
Now I’m about to buy a new one. So I can either go for the same one – full black is classy – or I’m quite tempted by the new scheme “Two colors”. Black is “Xtreme” fabric, whilst Two colors is “Comfort”. What’s the difference between those two, just the fabric? Is the foam the same?

Two questions: are the stoppers on wooden floors useful for better stability or not necessary?
Is the footrest necessary/useful when using the chair at its max gas-lift height 226 mm or not?
Anyone with Capisco experience to comment on these two?
And thanks, got a dealer in Budapest … and friend to bring the chair over to MK. Cheers

Pierre-

The foam is the same no matter which fabric you choose. I would ask your dealer for fabric samples so you can better decide which upholstery works best for you. There is much to be said for seeing, touching and feeling the fabrics in person. Looking at fabrics on a computer screen vs. seeing them live is really night vs. day.

Rich

I ended up ordering the chair from Ergodepot in the U.S. The people there were very helpful about the differences between the various saddle-type chairs and other questions that I had. I had it shipped to family in the U.S. and picked it up there.

LOVE this chair! It is truly amazing. Extremely comfortable for one like me who likes to move around a lot. I got the step-up attachment and I am enjoying the added flexibility this allows. Love the “gripper” feet on the legs. I am a relatively short but not true petite woman (5′ 4″ or so) and until now had never found a chair that was the least bit comfortable for me. I hated the feeling of sinking in and slumping over. I feel more alert and awake in this chair and can already see the difference in productivity.

Thanks!

I finally went for the 2 Colours, it’s a special model made on order. It’s fantastic, I wonder how I even survived without such a great chair for so long…
The important advice I can give is to make the table higher – I went for an extra 4″ on mine.

Hello, I am a journalist based in Rome and write about design and architecture for Metropolis and Wall Street Journal, etc. I have been using my Hag chair for about five years now at my desk and its blue upholstery has become spotty. I tried to remove it to take it to the dry cleaners, but was completely unsuccessful, in fact I put a hole in the neck rest fabric in the process. I did not get any instructions with the chair for removing or cleaning. Can you help me figure out how to clean it? Thanks! Best, Cathryn Drake

Cathryn,

This issue was talked about last April. I am assuming that you have the Comfort upholstery, which is the family of fabrics that is prone to spotting. Below is an excerpt of the HAG Technical Team’s suggestion for the spots:

In the vast majority of cases, the shiny spots appearing on the Comfort fabric are areas where the microfiber has been filled up with dirt. Comfort can be machine washed at up to 60˚C. Wash on a gentle program at 40˚C if it has flame-retardant backing.

Warning: Benzene, acetone etc. can dissolve foam on soaking.

Two and a half years ago i bought a Capriso beacuse i had backproblems.
7 months ago i started to get pelvis problems with groin pains.
after consulting several orthopedics, neurologists, scans, x ray’s etc the diagnose whas an inflamation of nerves and
muscles in that region, several treatments didn’t solve the problem it got even worse, until….the orthopedic came
home for a treatment and saw me sitting on the capriso.
he took the chair away and forbid the use of it.

Raoul –
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s too bad that the Capisco chair didn’t work out for you. If there were one chair that was perfect for everybody, then I guess we’d all be sitting in it.

I can tell you that the Capisco is the ONLY chair on the market that has allowed me to sit for long periods of time with my sciatica condition. I tried over 30 different chairs before I learned about the HAG Capisco. By that point, I was convinced I’d never be able to sit in an office chair for longer than 5-10 minutes at a time.

So – this chair has literally changed my life. I hope you can find a chair that does the same for you.

Darren

Hi all

I have terrible si joint problems that cause severe sciatica and pain in my groin. At present I find it impossible to sit and work for more than 15 minutes in a chair – and I’ve tried many. I’m interested in trying the Capisco, but I have a couple of reservations:

1. It has no arm rests as such – so when I’m working (I’m a writer so at my computer all day) I worry my arms will tire. My physio worries about this too.

2. Although the lumbar support seems good, is there enough around the sacral area?

3. Is it a bit hard to sit on! I really don’t get on with very hard chairs for long periods.

Any advice welcome!
Ellen

Ellen, it’s very difficult to advise for someone else, as each person’s body is so different, and without knowing about that and about other features of your work environment it’s tough to predict.

I can, however, tell you about my own experience as it relates to your three points.

1. Lack of arm rests – not a problem for me. Quite the reverse, in fact. I am also a writer, at my computer all day. However, keep in mind that I am on the short side with relatively short arms even for my height – and I had never found a chair with arm rests that fit me, including all the fancy adjustable ones. I am much more relaxed without them on the Capisco. My elbows are close to my sides and arms at a good angle to my keyboard tray. No fatigue at all. The chair seems to put me into proper alignment so my core is doing most of the work when I sit. Everything else is relaxed.

2. I’m not sure exactly what you mean here (not sure I understand your lumbar/sacral distinction). I can only say that my lower back area feels very much supported – and to some degree self-supported – in this chair. Again, this had been a problem for me in all previous chairs. When I say “self-supported” I refer to the fact that the core is doing some of the work so there is far less need for external support. However, if I lean back (as I often do, using the footrests) that support is there exactly where I need it.

3. It does feel much firmer than most chairs, so this might be a problem for you. For me, the firmness disappears – it acts as support. If you like the feeling of “sinking in” then this feature of the chair would bother you. You do not sink in; you perch.

What makes the chair so comfortable is the freedom of movement. I am always changing position in this chair but not because I am uncomfortable. I change position because I can do so without causing ergonomic havoc. This boosts circulation and keeps me alert.

I got sciatica in a normal (supposedly ergonomic) desk chair. With the Capisco, it has disappeared.

Having said all that, there are times when I feel a bit of stress in the groin area – not while sitting, but immediately after getting up. It’s not pain. It’s just a weird sensation, sort of like what happens when you change from skates to your boots again – or, more accurately, it’s like the feeling you might have after an hour of horseback riding. You are using muscles you may not be used to using, to sit in this chair, and so at times you will feel that. Within a minute or less I have adjusted.

Hope this helps you with your decision and hope you find a chair that works for you.

Hello,

Are any of you avid fans very petite? I’m 5′3″ woman of 105 pounds. Does your lumbar region feel supported while you’re sitting upright or only when you lean back?

A single chair that could be used at a low desk AND higher drawing table in multiple positions seems to good to be true! I like to sit, stand and perch. I like to use two tables of different heights for different functions (hand sketching versus CAD). I’ve been sitting on a hard plastic bar stool for too long (just because it looks good… damn designers’ curse). I dislike conventional office/drafting chairs with their sucked lozenge look and feel but…I would love to relieve my aching back!

Your input would be greatly appreciated!