Review: Sanyo HEC-SR1000K Massage Chair
Sanyo has developed a full line of massage chairs. The entry level Sanyo massage chair is their model SR 1000K. The SR-1000K has some very unique features. It also comes with some features that Sanyo has in some of its luxury models. We will point out some of the more important features and functions and touch on the warranty of the SR1000K massage chair by Sanyo.
The warranty coverage is similar to an insurance policy. You get insurance so that you are not affected by a catastrophe. You want sufficient warranty coverage to protect you from defects in components or workmanship of the massage chair. The warranty for this massage recliner is from Sanyo. Sanyo gives the following coverage for the SR-1000K recliner: 3 years for the roller mechanism, 1 year labor, 1 year parts and 1 year in home service. The Sanyo warranty is the same for all their models. However, for this price range, the warranty is very good.
There are two automatic programs designed in the SR 1000K massage chair. The first program is called Relax and as the name implies, it provides a softer, soothing massage. The second program is named Recovery and it is more like a warm down type of massage. Both of these auto-programs work with the touch of one button.
On the advanced electronics side of the equation, Sanyo has borrowed some technology used to make its lie detectors. The technology is used in its Stiffness Detector. The Stiffness Detector is used to locate areas of tension build up or muscle stiffness. The chair takes readings from your finger and then targets those areas for relief.
Would you enjoy a good leg stretch now and then? In addition to the manual massage techniques, Sanyo has built two different stretches into the chair. You can select the manual massage technique and then select stretch 1 or stretch 2 and the chair will seamlessly integrate the stretching into the massage program.
The SR1000K also comes with a unique leg rest massager. The leg rest can be used to target the following areas: calves, back of the knees, sole of the foot and the Achilles tendon/heal. The leg rest contains a roller mechanism that massages the calves and the back of the knees. You can flip down the unit and then put your feet on it. This allows you to target the soles of your feet for a nice soothing massage. You can vary the speed of the massage and also the direction of the rollers.
The remote control is corded to the massage chair. It has a nice gradient light structure that shows you the intensity setting of the massage and also the roller with of the roller mechanism. The remote is well laid out and is fairly simple to use for even first time users of the massage chair.
The design is different than most massage chairs on the market. We like the fact that the leg rest does not look like the typical massage chair. It looks more like a recliner. The feet can be massaged and this part can be hidden from view. The only strange part of the design is the remote control holder is mounted on the sign and kind of an eye sore. We do like the wood accents and that the chair is fairly thin. Overall, the SR-1000K provides thorough and effective massage therapy. It comes with a great warranty for this price level. If you are shopping for a massage chair recliner, then the Sanyo SR1000K is one to take a serious look at.
Massage Chair Review for Panasonic EP-30004 Massage Recliner
Panasonic has advanced its massage chair product line with the Real Pro Ultra Series. The Real Pro Ultra series uses a technology platform concept. Low and high end models share the same technologies. This scalable technology permeates the Real Pro Ultra line. We will look at the EP 30004 model which is second in the series.
Panasonic is a household name in electronics, so you do not have to be concerned about having your warranty honored down the road. We like to caution potential massage recliner buyers to also go with a reputable brand. There are many small importers that offer cheap massage loungers with great warranties that are never honored down the road. With that said, Panasonic will be there down the road.
So what does Panasonic give you for warranty coverage? With the EP-30004 you get 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor. You do get in home technician service for that first year as well. This is perhaps the most generous part of the warranty. The 1 year labor is just too short. Most manufacturers give you 3 years on the parts. Maybe you can get an extended warranty, but you need to find out.
You are reading this review to learn about the advanced features of the Panasonic EP30004 massage recliner. The Junetsu massage therapy is a deeply penetrating massage type. It makes use of thumb like motions in a circle pattern. While in motion it penetrates into the muscle through to the bone for excellent relief. Additionally, the EP 30004 can stretch you out at both the shoulder and the lower body.
If you are into massage, then check out this barrage of massage therapy options. You get 4 automatic programs and 8 manual massage programs. These manual programs can be coupled with certain back courses for a multiplied coverage potential. There are even specific regions like the neck, shoulder, middle back, lower back and full back modes to choose from. From simple beginnings, come a multitude of variety and choice for your massage therapy needs.
One interesting feature of Panasonic massage chairs continued in the Real Pro Ultra series is the self-programming. You can memorize certain programs that were just performed by hitting the self program button. This means you can repeat that particular program on demand. This is great as your trouble spots shift in time. This allows you to target areas for recurring treatment. This is available for up to 4 users.
The EP-30004 make use of an air massage and compression system. Air is pumped with an air compressor to airbags. These airbags provide a squeeze, hold and release action. This soothing compression massage covers the calves, feet, hips, shoulders, arms and hands. This air massage system provides adequate coverage to the major muscle groups. There is also a shoulder stretch and a lower body stretch function.
We are unimpressed with the look of the design. It tends to be very industrial. However, it is very functional, which hopefully makes up for its lack of savvy design. There is a leg extension which goes an extra five inches. The arms and hands are massaged by lifting up a cover on the armrests. The compression is actually firm. At least the Panasonic design team got rid of the unsightly arm massage apparatus.
Overall, the Real Pro Ultra series has some excellent features over its prior series the Real Pro Elite. We like the direction that Panasonic is going with their massage chairs. We would like to see better warranty protection and better design aesthetics. However, the massage therapy is very effective and the chair is fairly well designed. This is definitely a shiatsu massage chair that is worth considering at the high end of the market.
Choosing The Right Pedometer
One of the best pedometers on the market today is the HJ 112 from Omron. It manages to combine features, price and usability into a package that will be suitable for just about anyone.
The great thing about this pedometer is that you can carry it in your pocket, purse or bag, and it still works amazingly well. It will keep accurate track of your steps, distance and calories burned.
It’s got a lovely big display that is really easy to read, with buttons that aren’t fiddly, which makes a nice change on something this small. If you do happen to want to fix it to your belt, it comes with a detachable holder and also a strong security strap which you fix around your wrist.
It uses a replaceable lithium battery which should last for about 6 months. Assuming an average of 10,000 steps per day that works out to be quite a lot of walking on one battery!
It was a close call between the HJ 112 and the HJ 720 ITC, but when I compared all the features and price ..etc, the HJ 112 won. Both pedometers can be kept in your pocket, but in the end I decided I didn’t need the software that came with the HJ 720.
If you’re wondering whether this pedometer can be used for jogging, it can. That’s exactly what I use it for. I admit I didn’t buy it with the intention of going jogging, but after a few weeks of consistent walking it’s amazing how much fitter you get.
I have a little circuit that I take, but after a month or two I started jogging for small distances and then walking again, but now I jog for almost the whole time. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have done that without the HJ 112.
If you’re looking for a pedometer that will last you a good few months, and you don’t need any of the bells and whistles such as management software, then the Omron digital pedometer model HJ 112 is exactly the right one for you and I recommend it highly.
Don’t worry if the pedometer is not for you, it’s still a great idea for a gift. It’s very easy to use and has all you need to keep accurate track of your activity.
Also, in addition to it being a bit of a cool gadget gift for someone, it’s also a very practical and useful gift that will actually help them get or stay healthy. I don’t know if there is a better way of showing someone that you really care about them.
Product Review: M-2 Orion Massage Chair Recliner
For a product reviews to be effective, it should cover the salient aspects of the purchase. This helps buyers to better know their options. We created a structured approach using 5 categories. Each category can earn 0 to 20 points. The categories we rate are as follows: Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. We then add up the total to give an overall rating. In this massage chair review we analyze the M-2 Orion Massage Chair from Omega Massage. This entry level lounger is in the price range of $1,500 and under.
Warranty & Customer Service: This category is about the consumer being protected and taking less risk in the transaction. The product is covered by the warranty and customer service is how well the company supports its customers. Omega Massage, manufacturer of the M-2, covers it with the following: 1 year on the frame, 6 months on parts, and 6 months labor and 6 months shipping. This is strong warranty coverage at this price range. What about the customer service side? Our experience has been very positive with Omega. They diagnose quickly, and turn things around in minimal times. We rate the Omega M-2 Orion an 18 in Warranty & Customer.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Comfort and ergonomics helps with relaxation. In a massage chair the body should fit well in the chair. It should be comforting to the body. The Orion has a plush back rest cover and a large rectangular shoulder pillow. The back cover is good. The second pillow is too wide and perhaps too thin. The fit of the chair is otherwise comfortable. The curved armrests are very comfortable and the chair can be adjusted from 115 degrees to 170 degrees. Another plus is the leg rest. It is extendable an extra 4 inches. The paddle mechanism in the calf massager is effective and can be positioned for maximum effect. The manual levers are fairly intuitive in their position. Our rating in this category is 17.
Ease of Use: How easy and intuitive is the use of a given product is another important area. Products need to be designed with the user in mind. The M-2 Orion shiatsu massage has a pretty simple controller. Just push the main power and select the auto massage to enjoy a massage. The M-2 comes with manual controls for the backrest and the footrest. The backrest and footrest are attached to a manual piston. When released, it raises the footrest or raises the chair back. The M-2 does the heavy lifting for you. The remote has 3 automatic programs and 3 manual programs with 3 back courses. The remote also controls the calf massage, seat vibration and seat massage. Omega creates a chair with features of a higher end massage chair while still providing an easy to use recliner. Our rating in this category is 19.
Key Features: What are the key features of the Orion M-2 massage chair? This chair comes with the very relaxing sway massage which is based on Hawaiian massage. Hawaiian massage is known for its flowing strokes and swaying motion. There is thorough back coverage with the back massage. The Sway massage penetrates deeper and deeper around the back. This massage chair recliner comes with an eight massage head system for the buttocks and thighs. These eight massage heads provide an invigorating massage. An extra seat cushion is provided to moderate the penetration of the seat massage. Coupled with vibration therapy in the seat, the M-2 has a very good seat massage. The Omega M-2 Orion earns an 18 for key features.
Massage Therapy: The massage chair needs to provide effective massage therapy functions. The Omega M-2 Orion has 3 automatic timed massages ranging from 5, 10 and 15 minutes. There are 3 manual massages with 3 back courses. The manual massage techniques are Kneading, Swaying and Finger Press and have good strength. Select the speed of the manual massages. They have 3 levels to suit individual needs. The seat massage has 8 rotary massage heads and a seat vibration system. The level of intensity can be adjusted to 3 settings. The paddle system in the calf massage can be positioned on the thighs, knees and calves. It is extendable up to 4 inches. There is a strong combination of effective massage therapies for the whole body. Overall Rating for the Omega M-2 Orion massage recliner for massage therapy is 18.
The Omega M-2 Orion does very well in our evaluation. The total score for the M-2 Orion is a 90/100. We are impressed with the massage therapy for this price range. Omega has concentrated on getting the massage therapy effective and still hit the price point for an entry level massage chair. There is strong warrant protection for the consumer. The feature set of this chair makes for a versatile and invigorating massage lounger. This is the best value in its class. The M-2 Orion delivers an effective full body massage at a great price point.
