If you've started researching saddle chairs, there's a good chance you've stumbled across the HAG Capisco — and then immediately gotten confused by all the variations. There's the Capisco, the Capisco Puls, the Saddle Seat Stool… and within each of those, a whole alphabet soup of model numbers.
Don't worry. By the end of this post, you'll know exactly which version was made for you.
The Common Thread: What Makes a Capisco a Capisco
Before diving into the differences, it helps to understand what all three chairs share — because it's a lot.
Every Capisco in the lineup was designed by legendary Norwegian industrial designer Peter Opsvik, who wanted to replicate the open, balanced posture of an equestrian on horseback. The result is a saddle-shaped seat that tilts your pelvis forward, opens your hip angle, takes pressure off your lumbar spine, and encourages your body to actually move throughout the day rather than locking you into one static position.
All three chairs also feature:
- HÅG in Balance® tilt — a dynamic, flowing tilt function that moves with you rather than against you
- Wide height range — adjustable from a low seated position all the way up to a standing-desk perch
- Arched aluminum footrests — those iconic curved footplates that let you rest your feet in a variety of comfortable positions
- Sit-in-any-direction flexibility — you can sit forwards, backwards, or sideways on any of them
What separates them is padding, structure, and who they're optimized for.
The HAG Capisco 8106: The Original, Fully Loaded
The Capisco 8106 is the chair that started it all — the flagship, the design icon, the one you've probably seen on every ergonomic blog and standing desk setup photo. Both the saddle seat and the distinctive cross-backed backrest are fully upholstered, making it the most cushioned and comfortable option in the lineup.
What sets it apart
The fuller saddle seat has a more pronounced shape that spreads the thighs into a wider open angle — great for people who need to sit for extended periods and want that classic, deeply ergonomic Capisco feel. The full upholstery means you're not sacrificing any comfort for the chair's active-sitting benefits.
Who it's for
The Capisco 8106 is the right choice if:
- You sit for long stretches — 4, 6, 8+ hours a day
- You want maximum comfort without compromising on active sitting principles
- You work at a height-adjustable standing desk and want a chair that seamlessly transitions between seated and perched positions
- You're investing in your primary, everyday office chair
- You have back pain or posture issues and want serious ergonomic support
In short: The 8106 is the Capisco for people who are done compromising. It's the one ergonomists most frequently recommend for full-time desk workers.
The HAG Capisco Puls (8010 / 8020): Sleeker, Lighter, More Affordable
The Capisco Puls arrived as a modernized, stripped-down take on the original — lighter in weight, lighter in aesthetic, and lighter on the wallet. The backrest and seat frame are molded polyurethane plastic rather than full upholstery, and the saddle itself is slightly slimmer than the original, which lets you sit with your legs a bit closer together.
The Puls comes in two main versions:
- 8010 — partial upholstery (a center cushion strip on the seat only)
- 8020 — full upholstery on the seat pan for extra comfort
Both versions retain all the same adjustment features, tilt function, height range, and footrests as the original. The Puls also comes in bold color options — black, light grey, red, and pink — making it a popular choice for modern, design-forward workspaces.
What sets it apart
The slimmer saddle and lighter construction make the Puls feel more nimble. It's also easier to clean (great for shared workspaces or healthcare environments) and comes in at a lower price point than the 8106. If you'd love a Capisco but the original is slightly out of budget, the Puls 8020 gets you very close to the same experience.
Who it's for
The Capisco Puls is the right choice if:
- You sit for shorter to medium sessions — meetings, touchdown work, a few hours at a time
- You want the Capisco experience at a more accessible price
- Your workspace has a modern, minimal aesthetic and you want the chair to match
- You share a workspace where easy cleaning matters
- You want more color choices to express your style
- The 8106 feels like more chair than you need
In short: The Puls is the Capisco for people who want the active-sitting benefits in a lighter, more contemporary package — or who are entering the saddle seat world for the first time.
The HAG Capisco Saddle Seat Stool 8105: No Back, No Compromise on Movement
The 8105 is the Capisco distilled to its purest form: just the saddle seat, the arched footrests, and the adjustable gas stem. No backrest. No headrest. Nothing between you and the full, unobstructed engagement of your core and postural muscles.
It comes with a taller gas stem as standard (265mm, reaching seat heights of 57–81 cm), which makes it especially well-suited to standing desk heights and elevated work surfaces.
What sets it apart
Without a backrest, the 8105 demands — and rewards — an active, upright posture. The saddle seat positions your knees below your hips and naturally encourages the spine to find its own curve. Users often describe it as the closest thing to "floating" at their desk. The open design also makes it exceptionally versatile: dentists, surgeons, artists, musicians, lab technicians, and makers of all kinds rely on it precisely because there's nothing in the way.
Who it's for
The Capisco 8105 is the right choice if:
- You want maximum postural freedom and don't need or want back support
- You work in a clinical, creative, or hands-on environment — healthcare, dental, art studio, workshop, music production
- You're using a standing desk or elevated work surface and want a perching option
- You already have strong core stability and want a chair that keeps it that way
- You prefer a minimalist aesthetic and find backrests visually bulky
- You want to alternate freely between sitting and standing without a backrest getting in the way
In short: The 8105 is for people who take active sitting seriously and want a tool that maximizes movement and freedom — not one that holds them in place.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Comparison of HAG Capisco Chairs |
| Capisco 8106 | Capisco Puls 8010/8020 | Capisco 8105 Stool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backrest | Yes, fully upholstered | Yes, plastic frame | None |
| Seat padding | Full upholstery | Partial (8010) or full (8020) | Full upholstery |
| Saddle width | Wider | Slightly slimmer | Wider (same as 8106) |
| Best for | Long daily use | Short–medium sessions | Active, hands-on work |
| Height range | Seated to sit-stand | Seated to sit-stand | Seated to sit-stand (taller standard lift) |
| Price range | Higher | More affordable | Mid-range |
| Ideal user | Full-time desk worker | Modern office, shared spaces | Healthcare, creative, makers |
Still Not Sure? Here's the One-Question Shortcut
Do you need back support for long hours of seated work?
- Yes, and comfort is the priority → HAG Capisco 8106
- Yes, but I want something lighter and more affordable → HAG Capisco Puls 8020
- No — I want total freedom of movement → HAG Capisco 8105 Stool
The HAG Capisco family is one of the most thoughtfully designed lines in ergonomic seating. Whether you go for the full luxury of the 8106, the modern versatility of the Puls, or the pure active-sitting freedom of the 8105 stool, you're investing in a chair that genuinely works with your body — not against it.
Have questions about which model is right for your specific setup? Chat with us at Chairly.ai — we're here to help you find your perfect fit.
