Is The HoMedics Shiatsu Massage Chair Any Good?

All 3 main models of HoMedics massage chairs claim to deliver a shiatsu massage, but in all honesty, it depends on your expectation levels as to whether you'll be satisfied with the massage. Of the three, it's the Scandinavian and ottoman that I rate and would even consider buying.

The company is well known as a supplier of wellness products to promote relaxation and to improve health. It established a name for itself in its manufacture of back and body massagers. Following on from this success, the company expanded into the ever popular robotic massage chair market. Its chairs fall in the price range of between around $250 and $800, so by comparison to other companies, they are cheap and affordable by many.

First up is the HoMedics AntiGravity massage recliner chair. The company prattles on about NASA astronauts and so forth in its advertising, but what is basically meant by the term 'antigravity', is that when fully reclined your feet are slightly above your head. This position has been shown to help improve circulation and most find it a quite relaxing position to be in. There are four models to choose from, the AG-2101, AG-3000, AG-3001 and AG-3000. The AG-2101 is the cheapest. It comes with ten motors and produces a vibrating massage. There are 8 programs to select from - none of which I found to be very inspiring - and 3 speeds. I don't rate the massage but I like that the chair comes with heat in the lower lumbar region. I also its overall styling; sleek and contemporary.

The other three models are more expensive, even more stylish and also come with shiatsu massage on the back. Again, I found the massage to be rather disappointing. This was only because I've had an excellent shiatsu massage from a Sanyo massage chair, which was many times better, but the price of the Sanyo is also many times the price of the HoMedics AntiGravity.

The HoMedics eLounger looks more like a massage chair you'd expect. It retails for between around $500 and $800 depending on which model you choose. It's more sophisticated in technology than the AntiGravity model. You get modes of kneading, tapping, kneading and tapping and rolling. There are 3 programmed sessions - Full, Upper and Lower Back - that are approximately 15 minutes in length. This mdel is in direct competition with the iJoy massage chair range, and quite frankly I think it's better. Its styling is better than the iJoy as is its upholstery, control panel and - although a subjective comment - I prefer the administered massage.

So, would I buy it? No; instead, I might consider the last of the 3 HoMedics shiatsu massage chairs; the Scandinavian and ottoman. It retails for around $550 and looks very stylish with its black faux leather upholstery and wood arms and legs. It has the following modes; kneading, rolling, tapping and kneading and tapping combined. As well as a full program massage, you can select a partial one (focusing on a 4" range area of your body) or spot (focusing on just one spot for kneading or kneading and tapping). There are 3 intensities of low, medium and high and 3 speeds.

Finally, it has 3 zones of heat for lower back, seat and calves. Again, the claimed 'shiatsu' massage does leave a lot to be desired but you're never going to get a decent one at this price. Having said that, I find it to be relaxing and quite invigorating.

You're not going to get the best shiatsu massage from a HoMedics chair, but they are good value for money and will appeal to those looking for a simple and understated model.

Follow the links for the HoMedics massage chair or another shiatsu massage chair like the Inada, Human Touch and iJoy massage chair.