Review of Sanyo HEC-DR7700K Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner

by Steve Esquire

Sanyo entered the massage chair industry just a few short years ago. They have the name, but they lack the retail store distribution. The biggest customer complaint is finding one to try. This is extremely difficult with most distribution channels pretty locked up. Sanyo has pushed more into internet dealers. Shiatsu massage chairs have been on the market for 30 years, so Sanyo is a late entrant. Their HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity Massage Chair is their flagship model. This shiatsu recliner retails for about $5,000.

First off, you are buying a chair for your needs. Second, the company that makes it is like your mother-in-law, it is just part of the package. You pick the chair like your spouse, but then the manufacturer becomes your mother-in-law. Now, of course, manufacturers vary (just because you are big does not make you better, kind of like mother-in-laws). So, Sanyo, your potential mother-in-law, how will she treat you, or how is their customer service? Sanyo has a 24/7 call center for warranty issues located in the US (sometimes a big plus if you speak English). Their service in our experience has been fine, with most issues resolved in a relatively short time.

Warranties that are longer and more comprehensive protects the customer and provides additional value. Whereas, shorter and less coverage gives the customer less confidence in the manufacturer. One would think Sanyo would have one a superior warranty. However, compared to the competition, Sanyo’s warranty is just plain weak. What is Sanyo’s warranty? 3 years on the roller mechanism, 1 year labor, 1 year parts. Sanyo did step up for in-home service for the first year. When your paying a $5,000 price tage, the warranty should be much stronger.

Officially, a zero gravity chair must recline back so your knees are above your heart. The HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity shiatsu massage chair meets this requirement. In the zero gravity position, your weight is evenly distributed across your back. This takes the weight off your spine. This is a comfortable position. One can certainly relax before and after their massage.

Sanyo is famous for their stereo equipment. However, there is no music in any of the Sanyo massage chairs. Interestingly, neither does Panasonic incorporate any music in their massage chairs. There is only one item brought over from another electronics division which is the Stiffness Detection Sensor. So, technology transfer does exist. The stiffness detection sensor is based on lie detection technology. This sensor detects stress points throughout your back. The stiffness detection sensor gauges fatigue by monitoring changes in your perspiration and pulse rate.

The Physical Shape Sensor adjusts the massage rollers to your body shape. The rollers adjust to your body shifts during the course of the massage. It is an interesting feature for the more squeamish among us. Personally, I find I adjust my position to the fixed rollers when I want to hit a particular part of my back.

What if a massage chair could literally “reach out” and touch you? The Sanyo HEC-DR7700K can massage you in 3 dimensions. The exclusive GK rollers come over the top of your neck and shoulders. This innovative shiatsu massage recliner offers the first 3 dimensional massage functions. Your neck and shoulders will feel very relieved. Congratulations in breaking new ground into the 3 dimension robotic massage chair!

Ultimately, it is the massage that makes or breaks the chair. The Sanyo DR7700K has an arsenal of 83 combination manual massage courses, 5 automatic massage courses and 4 full body automatic courses. Choose from Grip, Shiatsu, Kneading, Tapping, Kneading & Tapping and various stretches. If that does not satisfy your needs, wait until your Sanyo shiatsu masseuse shows you her jointed massage head unit. This jointed massage head pushes outward to strongly grip your shoulders from above like a real masseuse. Now, that is what I am talking about. If you can find this chair to try, it is very satisfying. Sanyo’s flagship is a good, strong shiatsu massage chair recliner.

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This entry was posted on Friday, September 5th, 2008 at 6:07 am and is filed under Alternative Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

 

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