A newcomer to the massage chair industry is Sanyo. The first challenge for a newcomer is where to find them. This is extremely difficult, as Sanyo lacks physical store distribution. They are starting to hit internet dealers, but most customers have a hard time finding a place to try them out. Shiatsu massage chairs have been on the market for 30 years. Sanyo entered the 30-year-old massage chair market just a few years ago. The flagship model of the Sanyo line is the HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity massage chair. The HEC-DR7700K Zero Gravity Massage Chair retails for around $5,000.
First of all, you are buying a chair for your needs. Second, the company that makes it is like your mother-in-law, it’s just part of the package. You choose the chair as your spouse, but then the manufacturer becomes your mother-in-law. Now, of course, manufacturers vary (just because you’re big doesn’t make you any better, like a mother-in-law of sorts). So Sanyo, your potential mother-in-law, how will she treat you or how is her customer service? Sanyo has a 24/7 call center for warranty issues located in the US (sometimes it’s a big plus if you speak English). Their service in our experience has been good, with most issues resolved in a relatively short time.
Longer, more comprehensive warranties protect the customer and provide additional value. While shorter and less coverage gives the customer less confidence in the manufacturer. You’d think Sanyo would have a superior warranty. However, compared to the competition, Sanyo’s warranty is simply weak. What is Sanyo’s warranty? 3 years roller mechanism, 1 year labor, 1 year parts. Sanyo stepped up for home service in the first year. When you pay a price of $5,000, the guarantee should be much stronger.
Officially, a zero-gravity chair should recline so that 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 on your back. This takes the weight off your spine. This is a comfortable position. Certainly one can relax before and after your massage.
The HEC-DR7700K has a built-in stiffness detection sensor based on lie detection technology. The stiffness detection sensor can locate stress points in the back. By monitoring changes in perspiration and pulse, you can identify areas that need attention and focus massage on those areas.
Sanyo has a fitness sensor that adjusts the massage rollers to your body movements. As you move in the chair, so do the massage rollers to their new position. Sanyo has these smart rollers that adapt as you move your body during the course of the massage.
Sanyo has a unique GK roller technology. GK rollers have the ability to “reach” the massage chair. Extension is a great function for the neck and shoulders. Sanyo has added an extra thumb as part of the roller system. It’s great to see three-dimensional massage functions being incorporated to massage the neck and shoulders. These rollers extend to give an extra dimension of massage sensation. Kudos to Sanyo for breaking into the 3-dimensional robotic massage chair!
Ultimately, it’s the massage that makes or breaks the meat. The Sanyo DR7700K has an array of 83 combined manual massage courses, 5 automatic massage courses, and 4 automatic full body courses. Choose between Grip, Shiatsu, Kneading, Tapping, Kneading & Tapping and various stretches. If that doesn’t suit your needs, wait until your Sanyo shiatsu masseuse shows you his articulated massage head unit. This articulated massage head pushes out to strongly support your shoulders from above like a real masseur. Now, that’s what I’m talking about. If you can find this chair to try, it is very satisfactory. Sanyo’s flagship is a good strong shiatsu massage recliner.