Thursday, November 13, 2008

Review of the Omega Orion M-2 Massage Chair Recliner

By James Knolan

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: This category is about the consumer being protected and taking less risk in the transaction. The product is covered by the warranty and customer service is how well the company supports its customers. Omega Massage, manufacturer of the M-2, covers it with the following: 1 year on the frame, 6 months on parts, and 6 months labor and 6 months shipping. This is strong warranty coverage at this price range. What about the customer service side? Our experience has been very positive with Omega. They diagnose quickly, and turn things around in minimal times. We rate the Omega 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: A product needs to be intuitive and easy to use for consumers. The remote control is simple. It has full controls for the back, seat and leg rest. The remote also controls the calf massage, seat vibration and seat massage. Select from 3 timed auto programs and 3 back courses. The M-2 has a manual leg rest and backrest adjustments. The manual levers are in places that are easy to access, but it takes a time or two to get used to. The good thing is the hydraulics on the manual leg rest and backrest raise them, so the user only has to lean them back. Our rating for this massage chair recliner is 19 in this category.

Key Features: The key features of the Orion M-2 massage chair are the swaying massage technique and the seat massage. The Hawaiian or Swaying massage uses gentle flowing strokes to ease and elongate the back muscles. The Swaying massage starts to penetrate deeper into the muscles as it works up and down the spine. This is an effective massage to relax tight muscles. The seat massage has both vibration therapy and an eight massage head system. These rotary massage heads target the buttocks and thighs with a very invigorating massage. Add the vibration therapy and watch the aches and pains melt away from your buttocks and thighs. We give the M-2 Orion an 18 for key features.

Massage Therapy: The massage therapy is what a massage chair is all about. How does the M-2 Orion rate? Let us find out. There are both automatic and manual massages to choose from. Select from 3 timed automatic massages of 5, 10 or 15 minutes in duration. There are 3 back course and 3 manual massages for your back. Manual massages performed by the Orion are Kneading, Swaying and Finger Press. The seat with its eight rotary massage heads really delivers thorough massage to the thighs and buttocks. If you do a lot of sitting, this chair relieves those aches and pains. The adjustable leg rest allows great targeting of the legs with the mechanical rollers. Adjust them to exactly where you need relief. We rate the M-2 an 18 for its 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. - 15438

About the Author: