Massage chairs are all the same?

[MelBo]

are all massage chairs created equal???

 

[Gamer12]

No. The Stronglite chair (the metal version) is the least worst on the market today. All of the other ones suck

IMNSHO!

 

[superlisa96]

Actually, my Earthlite Avila II is quite a good chair. Most of my business is corporate/convention chair massage and my chair gets a lot of wear and tear. It is easy to set up/breakdown, easy to adjust and comes with a bag on heavy duty wheels....like a suitcase on wheels complete with handle. Customer service (at least for me) is excellent. Plus you can replace individual pads rather than just the sternum and face rest.

 

[Your Next Ex Wife]

I've worked with many chairs, and so far I most prefer the Oakworks Portal Pro.

 

[Edwina Monsoon]

Quick answer. In general, the "cheap" chairs (like tables) aren't worth the $. My favorites are DolphinII and Oakworks. Many comments on them (and others) in this section.

 

[hello]

I'm a Stronglite gal.

 

[harrry]

Quick answer. In general, the "cheap" chairs (like tables) aren't worth the $. My favorites are DolphinII and Oakworks. Many comments on them (and others) in this section.

That's interesting. My first chair was a "cheap" chair that I bought off of ebay for $300. I used it regularly (8-10 hours per month or more) for 6 years. The padding held up really well; the chair was very comfortable even at 6 years old. The only problem I had with it was the face cradle cushion stitching was coming loose.

I sold the chair a few months ago for $200.

Not bad for a "cheap" chair IMO.

 

[Matt P]

Actually, my Earthlite Avila II is quite a good chair. Most of my business is corporate/convention chair massage and my chair gets a lot of wear and tear. It is easy to set up/breakdown, easy to adjust and comes with a bag on heavy duty wheels....like a suitcase on wheels complete with handle. Customer service (at least for me) is excellent. Plus you can replace individual pads rather than just the sternum and face rest.

How long have you had this chair? The 1st generation Avila had a problem with the sternum pad slipping when too much pressure was applied to the client's back - did they fix this in the Avila II?

Thanks!

 

[Herbie]

Oakworks for me! It's not only sturdy, it's extremely comfortable. Many of my clients had received chair massages from other therapists (on different chairs) & said mine was the most comfortable.

Here's a link to a thread that has a poll about massage chairs, and also has a list of threads with the pros & cons of each brand:

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13731

 

[Pompal 09.]

How long have you had this chair? The 1st generation Avila had a problem with the sternum pad slipping when too much pressure was applied to the client's back - did they fix this in the Avila II?

Thanks!

I have to chime in for the Avila II. Ocassionally I have a problem with slippage, but its usually due to me not tightening properly. Once I readjust I don't have any more issues.

I've had my chair for 3 years now, and I LOVE it.

I do a lot of corporate events with other therapists who use different chairs. I don't know what they are, but they are not very adjustable, and look uncomfortable. Mine is easily portable and easily adjustable, fitting a wide range of body types.

I've had ranges of people from 300 lb+ on my chair and 4 year old, with the same degree of comfort. IMO there are not many chairs out there that adjust down to a child's size, or could accomodate such a wide range. (Mommy got a massage, the child wanted one too... it was soo cute, but another story LOL)

In fact there was once a gentleman who was waiting for a chair massage on the larger side. He couldn't fit in the chair of my co-worker. He looked dejected that he could fit due to his size. Although it was the end of the night and the end of my shift I told him to wait. I did a quick adjustment of my chair and had no problems with the session. He was very grateful.

So no, not all chairs are created equally. The only other chair I would consider is the Oakworks.

 

[boo you whore =D]

I have used a Stronglite for three years and find it very adjustable for different body types. It is supposed to be good for up to 600lbs. I have had someone over 400lbs in it and the tallest person was 6' 9".

The vinyl cover is so soft that many people are convinced it is leather.

The wheels are a bit noisy on hard floors. One of these days I am going to see if I can get rollerblade type wheels for it, which should be smoother and quieter. I like the fact that I can carry it or wheel it.

 

[lolaloveschachi]

Kauai Massage Earth Comfort Massage Chairs

Actually, my Earthlite Avila II is quite a good chair. Most of my business is corporate/convention chair massage and my chair gets a lot of wear and tear. It is easy to set up/breakdown, easy to adjust and comes with a bag on heavy duty wheels....like a suitcase on wheels complete with handle. Customer service (at least for me) is excellent. Plus you can replace individual pads rather than just the sternum and face rest.

hey thanks for the reply....I use earth comfort it is a newer style very comfortable and cozy.....my clients like the chair.........being that we have a massage hut and it is in a shopping mall chairs works best for our style....the chair allows deeper penetration to the shoulder area as well..... Since Kauai is so small of an Island massage chairs are perfect I use a good table when ever I do my Kauai out-call massage sessions..... thanks all

 

[chuck]

Has anyone had experience on the dolphin II portable massage chair? I am a massage student, 6' plus and thought this might be easier on my back as well as good for the clients? :roll:
Thanks
Skeeter [/img]

 

[sofeinurbizness]

One of these days I am going to see if I can get rollerblade type wheels for it, which should be smoother and quieter.

Yes! Why is it that chair companies aren't using the rollerblade wheels?!?

Maybe we should write a petition to Stronglite to make the change....

 

[Roger Dodger]

Has anyone had experience on the dolphin II portable massage chair? I am a massage student, 6' plus and thought this might be easier on my back as well as good for the clients? :roll:
Thanks
Skeeter

Here's a whole thread on the Pisces Pro Dolphin II:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3861

(I am the person who posted in that thread as NC_kneader.)

 

[Jay John]

As far as whether they are all equal I would say no. There is a great deal of difference in how they are built regarding to their stabilization which affects how prone they are to tipping over when a client gets on/off of them. Also the quality of the padding.

I've used several different massage chairs. I have an Avila II and find it highly adjustable in terms of the size/weight of the client, stable with comfortable padding. Of the others I've worked on I like the Oakworks Portal Pro just as well.