This review covers the model HEC-SR1000K, an entry level massage chair manufactured by Sanyo. The SR 1000K massage chair recliner comes with various features that are provided in some of Sanyo’s higher end models. This product review comprises an evaluation of 5 different categories and each category is measured on a scale of one to twenty. Finally, the points earned in each category are added together to arrive at an overall rating for the massage chair. So, here we go:
Warranty Coverage & Customer Service: We like to give priority to warranty offered by the manufacturer of massage chairs as these are sophisticated machines, and having adequate protection by way of warranty is always helpful in making your feel comfortable at the back of your mind. Here are the details of the warranty as offered for SR-1000k recliner. 3 years for roller mechanism, 1 year for labor coverage, another one year for parts as well for home service. It’s rare to get that kind of warranty for an entry level massage chair. Sanyo has a national call centre too for providing improved customer service. We give 19 points to this manufacturer for warranty and customer care services.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Now, that‘s another important consideration for entry level massage chairs. We tried a couple of other machines from the same category but did not find those to be really comfortable and thus defeated the very purpose of having such chair. You find the SR1000K quite comfortable as you sit in there. Its head pillow and smart back pad are adjustable. You can conveniently reach the main power button, positioned on the left side of the chair, while sitting in the chair. For using leg massager, you need to bend down and flip out the foot massage arrangement. We don’t really consider that to be a very ergonomic design for any of the massage recliners. We rate the comfort and ergonomics at 17 for the SR 1000.
Ease of Use: The new generation of massage chairs incorporate very many new features, and at times add to the complexity of the operation of the chair. New users, particularly, are unable to comprehend their functioning. We feel the chair should offer simple operation and remain easy to use.
The advanced remote of the Sanyo SR-1000 comes loaded with many features. It surely takes time getting used to a series of buttons to enable the chair to perform different functions as per your requirements. A very helpful feature is the provision of light level indicators that helps you see the intensities. We give the ease of use a rating of 16.
Key Features: This massage chair includes the Sanyo stiffness detector that uses the same technology as lie detectors, with the difference that the detector in the SR 1000 can detect tightened muscles and other points of stress in the body. As the user holds the side of the remote, the chair goes to detect the areas of stiffness. The chair then targets these areas to provide relief. Another interesting feature is the shape sensor that makes an accurate assessment of the position of the shoulders and makes self-adjustment to provide a relieving massage. The roller width gets reduced automatically as the rollers are used on the neck or shoulders. These are some very sophisticated electronic features that you get with Sanyo chair only. The chair surely qualifies for a rating of 18 for key features.
Massage Therapy: This is certainly the most significant category, after all this is what for you buy a massage chair. The SR 1000K features these manual massage techniques: massage, tapping, combination, stretch 1 and stretch 2. You can have a combination of the stretch 1 and stretch 2 functions for massaging. Further it has 2 automatic programs, relax and recovery. First you select the massage and then choose the part of the body to be massaged. You may choose upper body, neck/shoulder, or waist. The SR1000K also has a calf and foot massager. The leg rest can directly be used be used for the calves. For using the foot massager it needs to be flicked out. With the leg rest you can massage these body parts: calves back of the knees, soles of the feet and the Achilles tendon/heal. The leg rest roller arrangement offers an effective massage to the calves as well the back of the knees. We offer a score of 17 for the massage therapy.
The Sanyo SR 1000K scores a total of 87/100 points on our rating scale. As an entry level machine the SR-1000 has some very exclusive electronic features. It comes with one of the best warranty coverage for chairs in this price range. Its foot massager is designed to be hidden from view, thus adding to the aesthetics of the chair. The chair has pleasant wood accents that impart it welcoming looks. It provides efficient massages. It surely offers a great value for money. You would do well to consider this chair if you are looking for a massage chair recliner falling in the entry level category.
