The Hag Capisco and the Varier Thatsit Balans have been designed by famous Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik. In the 1970s, many experts attempted to establish the optimum sitting position. Opsvik's contribution has been to create products that inspire variation between many different postures, but all in the same chair. He attempted to overcome stereotypical sitting habits with unconventional seating solutions. Designed in 1984, the popularity of the HÅG Capisco has grown steadily. The chair is now one of Europe's most popular chairs.
Launched in 1991 as a spinoff of the already famous 1979 Variable Balans, the Thatsit Balans soon also became a bestseller. Let's unveil why these unconventional chairs are so highly rated.
Overall design
The main noticeable difference between both chairs is the base. The Thatsit is a kneeling chair with wood runners, and the Capisco features a more conventional caster swivel base with a gas lift that can move sideways depending on your caster choice (standard or break when loaded). The Thatsit works for a standard height desk.
The Capisco comes in three versions: Standard, for a standard desk, Sit-to-stand, which enables you to sit at a standard desk and up to an almost standing position, and Stool, which enables you to sit at a standing desk. The seat pan is available in a saddle shape or standard round.
Healthy ergonomics
Adjustability
The Thatsit is the most adjustable kneeling chair on the market as it features two backrest adjustments, depth, height, and shin rest adjustments. The chair, however, doesn't adjust in seat height but was built to fit standard desks (27-30 inch).
The Capisco features tilt tension and lock, adjustments of the backrest height, seat height, seat pan angle and depth. As we are not all built the same and not sitting the same way, all those adjustments enable better comfort.
Sustainability
Both HÅG Capisco and Varier Thatsit have been forerunners in eco-design. The number of components and materials used in the chairs have been reduced to a minimum and sustainably sourced. The chairs are designed for easy disassembly so that the various materials can be separated from each other to facilitate recycling. Scandinavian Business Seating quality and environmental management systems are certified by DNV-GL according to ISO 9001 and ISO Both chairs are crafted following the highest sustainability standards.
Both durable, the Thatsit is covered by a 5-year warranty on the upholstery and 7year on the woods. The Capisco has 5-year on the piston and upholstery and a lifetime warranty on other parts.
Final thoughts
Capisco and Thatsit, both are bestsellers and iconic designs that enable you to sit actively and in better posture. Having used both chairs for quite some time, I must acknowledge that my posture and energy level significantly improved when using those chairs versus more traditional task chairs. I enjoyed the Thatsit for its naturally induced better posture and the rocking motion. Its assembly is a bit more complex than one of the Capisco.
I like the Capisco for its ability to be used as a standard seat or sit-to-stand when lifting my desk. The saddle shape of the Capisco may not fit everyone.
You can't go wrong with one or the other.
Your choice may be influenced by design or how high you like to sit. Let us know if you have any questions; we are happy to help!