Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Massage Chair Review of Sanyo DR7700K Shiatsu Massage 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.

When looking for a shiatsu massage chair, you are buying a chair for your needs. However, the company that makes is just part of the package. Manufacturers vary and how they support the product also varies. Bigger is not always better. Customer service is critical if you need service. How is Sanyo's customer service? Good news is Sanyo has a US call center open 24/7 for warranty issues. Our experience is about average service but relatively short times to resolve issue, which is important.

Benchmark a manufacturer's warranty to gage their confidence in the product. Shorter and less coverage equate to less confidence by the manufacturer. Whereas, warranties that are longer and more comprehensive protects the customer and provides additional value. Quite Frankly, Sanyo's warranty is mediocre at best. Sanyo should have one of the strongest warranties. Especially a new entrant, however, compared to the competition, Sanyo's warranty is much weaker. Sanyo's warranty is 3 years on the roller mechanism, 1 year labor, 1 year parts. One bright note, Sanyo now offers in-home service for the first year. Much improved over bringing your 200lb chair down to their service center. For the $5,000 price tage, the warranty should be much stronger.

The HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity shiatsu massage chair reclines back so your knees are above your heart. In the zero gravity position the pressure from your body is removed from your spine and evenly distributed across your entire back. The HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity shiatsu massage chair meets this requirement. This is a relaxing position which can be used before and after your 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.

Sanyo's has an exclusive GK Roller Technology. The GK rollers have the capability to "reach out" of the massage chair. The reaching out is a great function for the neck and shoulders. Sanyo has added an extra thumb as part of the roller system. It is great to see 3 dimensional massage functions be incorporated to massage your neck and shoulders. These rollers extend out to give an extra dimension of massage sensation. Congratulations Sanyo on breaking 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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