Friday, January 23, 2009

Product Review: Omega M-5000 DLX Shiatsu Massage Chair

By James Knolan

This is a review of one of the top massage chairs produced by Omega Massage. The M-5000DLX is going to be evaluated based on its ease of use, warranty coverage, ergonomics, key features and the effectiveness of its massage therapy. Our reviews are systematic and a chair can earn up to 20 points in each category. The sum of the categories then determines its overall rating. Let us take a look at how the M5000 DLX rates.

Warranty Coverage & Customer Service: We know this is the least exciting subject of our review, but in the long run, one of the more important. Massage chairs are becoming more complex with both computers and more sophisticated movements. Although quality levels are always increasing, things can sometimes just go wrong. What is the warranty coverage for the DLX? Omega provides you with five years of coverage for structure, three years for parts and labor and ninety days of in home field service. This certainly is one of the best warranties in its class. On the service side, Omega is technically competent and issues are resolved quickly. Overall, we give the DLX a 19 for its warranty coverage and customer service.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Massage chairs need to induce relaxation. The chair must be comfortable and use of the features must ergonomic. The M5000 has ox hide leather that is very comfortable and durable. You get a head pillow and a shoulder pillow which are both adjustable. The back pad is plush and you get an extra removable pad to soften the massage. The remote is held in a cradle which is mounted on the side of the chair. The headphones can be put on the remote stand for easy access and convenient storage. This is a well designed chair and we give it an 18 in this category.

Ease of Use: One excellent trend with massage chairs is the number of new functions that are being integrated. The flip side of this is how easy or complicated is the chair to use? The M5000DLX comes with many advanced features such as an MP3 music player. The remote control allows for control of all the functions of the massage chair. The remote has automatic programs with large buttons. You can open the panel in the middle of the controller for the manual controls. These controls allow you to select the type of massage and the area to be massaged. These are well laid out and simple to understand and use. The M 5000 earns an 18.

Key Features: Here are the two key features of the DLX. The lower body air massage system and the 3 automatic massage programs for the back. The lower body air massage utilizes airbags to massage the buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. The seat massage provides an invigorating massage of the buttocks. The foot wells of the leg rest contain reflexology nodules that gently press up into the feet to stimulate full body relaxation. We mention the 3 automatic massage programs because the actual program sequence of these massages are outstanding. The automatic massages include: neck and shoulders, full back and lower back. What is impressive is the use of many massage techniques beyond the standard kneading and tapping. There are a variety of techniques by use of fast and slow motions that are very comprehensive and very relieving. The DLX gets an 18 for key features

Massage Therapy: The M-5000 comes with an arsenal of massage treatment to soothe and relax the most demanding massage enthusiasts. There are five automatic pre-programs. This includes specialized programs for the neck and shoulders, the full back and the lower back. There are 4 manual massage techniques that include kneading, tapping, kneading/tapping combination and a finger press. You can also choose from four back courses. The back courses cover specific regions you can target. The roller width is adjustable to 3 settings and the massage intensity is adjustable to 3 levels. The lower body air massage covers your buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. The massage therapy is strong and effective. The extra pad is given for a reason-to soften the massage. This is one of the most effective massage chairs on the market. Overall, we give it an 18.

The Omega M-5000 DLX is a striking massage chair and we believe it was the first to incorporate wood armrests for a nice designer touch. The warranty coverage is the best of its kind in this price range. The foot reflexology massage is excellent relief for those who enjoy a good foot massage. The automatic massage programs are penetrating, comprehensive and thorough. If you have back, shoulder or neck issues, this massage chair provide excellent relief. Throw in the MP3 music player and you have a relaxation machine that will provide you years of relieving massage therapy. The M5000DLX is an outstanding massage chair recliner and rates overall a 91/100.

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