The Variable Balans and the Thatsit Balans are the two most-compared chairs in the Varier ergonomic kneeling chair line. Variable is the 1979 original — Peter Opsvik’s no-backrest entry seat, the chair the kneeling category was built around. Thatsit is the same active-sitting principle in a taller frame with a full adjustable backrest. Same Norwegian production, same designer attribution, two different shapes for the same workday.
This page sits inside the broader comparison hub. If you have already decided you want a Varier, this is usually the first decision: backrest or no backrest, original frame or taller frame.
At a glance
| Axis | Variable Balans | Thatsit Balans |
|---|---|---|
| Backrest | None | Adjustable, full-back |
| Frame height | Original 1979 geometry | Taller frame; suits users to ~6’4″ |
| Adjustability | None — gravity rocker | Backrest height, depth, seat height |
| Designer | Peter Opsvik (1979) | Peter Opsvik (Balans family) |
| Price band | ~$479–$550 | ~$900–$1,250 |
| Best for | Entry kneeler, original geometry | Tall users, backrest fans |
The functional difference
The Variable does the active-sitting principle in its purest form: forward-tilted seat, shin pads, gravity-driven rocker, no backrest to lean on. Your spine stays free and finds its alignment through micro-correction. The Thatsit takes the same principle and adds a backrest — useful for users who want a “rest” position during a long workday or who want a partial concession to the conventional chair format. The Thatsit’s frame is also taller, which is the deciding factor for users above roughly 6’1″.
Side by side
Posture mode. Variable: kneeling, forward-tilted, no support behind you. Thatsit: kneeling with optional backrest contact when you want to lean. Both keep the hip angle open.
User height. Variable suits roughly 5’2″ to 6’1″. Thatsit extends comfortably to about 6’4″ with the backrest adjusted up. The tall users guide covers this in detail.
Workday rotation. Variable users tend to alternate kneeling, perching, and short standing breaks. Thatsit users add a “leaning back” mode to that rotation — a recovery position without leaving the chair.
Cost and commitment. Variable is the lower-cost entry. Thatsit is the larger investment for users who want the more complete version of the format.
Which is right for you?
Choose the Variable if you are average height or shorter, want the original 1979 design, and want the purest version of the active-sitting principle. Choose the Thatsit if you are tall, want an adjustable backrest, or want one chair that handles both active-sitting hours and rest hours without changing chairs. The best for tall users guide settles a lot of the height-driven decisions; the Variable vs Variable Plus page is the alternative if you want a backrest without the taller frame.
What buyers report
Buyers who land on the Variable typically value the original geometry and accept the no-backrest discipline as part of what the design is for. Buyers who land on the Thatsit are usually 6’1″+, want a backrest, or are buying with the “do it once and properly” mindset. Either chair is the original Peter Opsvik design language; they are not different categories of chair.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Thatsit a “better” chair than the Variable?
Different chair, same lineage. The Thatsit costs more because the backrest, taller frame, and adjustment hardware add to the build. Better for tall users; not “better” in absolute terms.
Can I add a backrest to a Variable later?
No. The Variable is a fixed, no-backrest chair. The Variable Plus is the same platform with a factory-fitted backrest if you want that geometry without the taller Thatsit frame.
Which is more comfortable for the first month?
The Thatsit, for most users — having the option to lean back during the adaptation period eases the build-up. By month two, both feel similar.
I am 5’10”. Which one?
Either fits. The Variable will feel like the original design; the Thatsit will give you the optional backrest and a slightly more generous frame. Pick by your preference on backrest, not height.
How does the open-box programme work?
Open-box Variable Balans, Variable Plus, and Thatsit are available through the Varier open-box channel, with separate inventory from new production. Same chair, refurbished, lower price.
