We know how important it is to find good information regarding a given product. For this reason we have developed a systematic and comprehensive review process. This process helps take out the bias. Our system consists of a 5 category system to evaluate a massage chair. Each category has equal weight and the value of each category is between 0 to 20 points. All the scores of each category are added up to give an overall rating. Our categories include Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. This systematic approach forces us to a disciplined method of evaluating a massage chair to help guide anyone looking at massage chairs. In this review we evaluate the Omega M-2 Orion Massage Chair which is in the entry level price range of $1,500 and under.
Warranty & Customer Service: How well does the manufacturer protect the customer? This is what we cover with warranty and customer service. The warranty covers the massage chair and customer service is how well the product is supported once purchased. The M-2 Orion has 1 year on the frame, 6 months on parts, and 6 months labor and shipping for 6 months. This is one of the best warranty coverage for an entry level chair. Customer service from Omega is solid. They have quick turnaround and great technical competence. We give the M-2 Orion an 18 in Warranty & Customer.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Comfort and ergonomics helps with relaxation. In a massage chair the body should fit well in the chair. It should be comforting to the body. The Orion has a plush back rest cover and a large rectangular shoulder pillow. The back cover is good. The second pillow is too wide and perhaps too thin. The fit of the chair is otherwise comfortable. The curved armrests are very comfortable and the chair can be adjusted from 115 degrees to 170 degrees. Another plus is the leg rest. It is extendable an extra 4 inches. The paddle mechanism in the calf massager is effective and can be positioned for maximum effect. The manual levers are fairly intuitive in their position. Our rating in this category is 17.
Ease of Use: With so much technology being built into massage chairs today, ease of use is a critical concern. If a device is overly complicated, those features just will not get used. This is just a design challenge. The M-2 is well designed and the remote control is simple and easy to use. The remote allows you to choose either automatic or manual massages. Select a manual massage and focus it on a particular part of the back. The manual adjustment levers for the backrest and leg rest are easy to find and use. There is a convenient remote holder underneath the armrest to store the remote when not needed. We give the Omega Orion a 19 for ease of use.
Key Features: What are the key features of the Orion M-2 massage chair? This chair comes with the very relaxing sway massage which is based on Hawaiian massage. Hawaiian massage is known for its flowing strokes and swaying motion. There is thorough back coverage with the back massage. The Sway massage penetrates deeper and deeper around the back. This massage chair recliner comes with an eight massage head system for the buttocks and thighs. These eight massage heads provide an invigorating massage. An extra seat cushion is provided to moderate the penetration of the seat massage. Coupled with vibration therapy in the seat, the M-2 has a very good seat massage. The Omega M-2 Orion earns an 18 for key features.
Massage Therapy: Just how good is the massage therapy delivered by the massage chair? The M-2 comes with 3 automatic massages. These are timed massages of 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Select from 3 manual massages and select a region of your back with 3 back courses. The M2 has strong manual massages including Kneading, Swaying and Finger Press. The seat massage is very invigorating. It has eight rotary massage heads and a vibration system for the seat. The leg rest has a mechanical kneading system to soothe the legs. With the extendable leg rest, target your thighs, knees or calves. This is a very effective massage chair for its price category. This massage recliner earns an 18 for massage therapy.
Overall, we are very impressed with the Omega M-2 Orion. Let us sum up all the categories. The M-2 scores an impressive 90/100. Some unique features are the Sway Massage and the full seat therapy. These are therapeutic and relieving massages that can penetrate deeply to relieve soreness. The manual controls are good. The hydraulic assist that omega uses to lift the leg rest and chair back work effectively. With Omega, the M-2 has terrific warranty coverage. If you are looking for a great entry level massage chair, the M-2 is one of your best bets. The Orion gives a full body massage that is thorough and invigorating.