A relative newcomer to the massage chair industry is Sanyo. The first challenge for a relative newcomer is where to find them. This is extremely difficult, since Sanyo lacks distribution in brick and mortar stores. Most customers have a hard time trying to find a place to try them. They are starting to find their way to internet dealers, but most customers have a hard time trying to find a place to try them. Shiatsu massage chairs have been on the market for 30 years. Sanyo entered the 30 year old massage chiar market only 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 is retails for about $5,000. Sanyo is begining to find internet dealers, but do not have any significant retail accounts.
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.
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.
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.
The HEC-DR7700K has a built in Stiffness Detection Sensor. The stiffness detection sensor is based on lie detection technology and detects stress points throughout your back. The Stiffness Detection Sensor gauges fatigue by monitoring changes in your perspiration and pulse rate. The massage is adjusted to pinpoint higher areas of stress.
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!
The massage makes or breaks any shiatsu massage chair. The Sanyo DR7700K has a variety of massage therapies. 5 automatic massage courses, 4 full body automatic courses and a total combination of 83 combination manual massage courses. Manual massage techniques include Grip, Shiatsu, Kneading, Tapping, Kneading & Tapping and various stretches. Need anything more? How about some 3 dimensional massage with Sanyo’s jointed massage head unit. This mechanism pushes outward and strongly grips your shoulders from above. This is solid technology in Sanyo’s flagship shiatsu massage chair recliner.