Review Of The HÅG Capisco Puls Chair

Puls At Height Adjustable Desk

If you’re familiar with HÅG’s original Capisco chair then you’ll know it has something of a space age look to it even though it was originally launched as long ago as 1984. Despite its odd looks users swear by it for its comfort and support.

With the introduction of the Puls those same legendary principles of comfortable support are still very much in evidence.

Capisco designer Peter Opsvik has given the original look a makeover by changing out the traditional foam and upholstery based back and seat. In its place is a beautifully molded polyurethane seat pad and back rest.

Nonetheless the actual workings of the chair are pretty much unchanged. After all why change it if it works so well?

So, who is likely to benefit from using a Capisco Puls chair?

Who is it for?
Like the original Capisco the Puls is a great chair for working at higher work surfaces. Its adjustment range is far more flexible than an ordinary office chair .

It’s easy to go from a sitting position to a semi standing posture with a quick press of the height adjuster paddle. This makes it perfect for height adjustable desk use.

Many adjustable height desk users find working in a half standing posture or perching position comfortable for long periods and the Puls makes this way of working easy to do.

What else makes the Puls such a good choice for sit stand users?

What makes it different?
As we’ve already seen its range of height adjustability is a major benefit for adjustable height desk workers. Another of its key advantages is in the uniquely molded saddle seat.

Puls Chair In Green In Use

When you sit in the Puls the saddle places your legs at a wider position as well as anchoring your feet squarely on the floor. Even working at higher levels you feel very stable as your feet form a triangular support with the chair creating the apex.

It also helps you to sit with your body in a much more open angle. This is so much healthier than the fixed 90° you tend to get with a lot of office chairs.

Both the Puls and original Capisco don’t have conventional arm supports. However molded into the back is a different kind of arm support.

This lets you rest your elbows when you feel like reclining and taking a brief break from work. You can even sit on the chair backwards and rest the tops of your arms over the back’s arm projections when you feel like a change of posture.

Let’s take a look at the technical aspects of the Puls.

Technical details
As standard the Puls comes with a polyurethane seat and back. The seat has a foam infill to give additional support to your bottom.

It is possible to swap the standard seat with an upholstered version. If you like a more padded seat then this may be better for you.

There are various different gas lift options available for both the Capisco and Capisco Puls. Adjustable height desk users will find the 265mm pneumatic lift is the one to go for as it adjusts between 21.50 and 31.875 inches.

Puls With StetUp Attachment Fitted

The chair can be fitted with a footring, this can get in the way when moving between sitting and standing and so is best avoided.

Unlike the original Capisco there isn’t a headrest option, however for sit stand use this doesn’t really matter.

There is the optional StepUp which is designed to offer a foot step when working at higher levels. It provides a movable step surface which attaches by an arm to the chair’s upright at the base.

It has 2 casters at the front and so can be easily moved in and out of position using your foot.

It also serves as a great place to rest your foot on while you work.

Checklist of standard features on the Capisco Puls

• Seat depth adjustment for optimal leg comfort
• Seat height adjustment
• Fully floating seat angle to encourage movement (recommended)
• 3 lockable seat angles (not recommended)
• Tilt tension adjuster for user weight balancing
• 5 star base in black or light blue nylon or black or silver aluminum all with molded footrests

Overall opinion
The Puls is a great addition to the Capisco range. It costs around 16% less than the original model due to savings on materials. Not only that the changes to the seat and back materials make it more eco friendly with 24% made from recycled materials as well as 95% of the components being recyclable.
Although the chair looks a bit odd it does make a great seat for working at a adjustable height desk.

Those who haven’t used a saddle type seat before may well find it feels a bit odd initially. So do expect to take time to adjust to its alternative sitting style. Once you’ve been through the learning curve you will find its flexibility and comfort great for working both sitting and half standing.