The Human Touch Novo XT2 vs. the Kahuna SM-9000
When you’re pitting the Human Touch Novo XT2 and the Kahuna SM-9000 against each other, understanding what sets them apart will be how you make your decision. Which of these massage chairs will give you the experience you want? You’ll find an L-Track in both chairs, but their additional features, as well as the track itself, do have some differences.
Let’s look at the important features the rollers and the track.
3D Massage Rollers
A 3D massage system takes everything a traditional, 2D system offers further and is found in the two chairs we’ll be discussing below. The 3D system works deeper into your shoulders and back, getting into the muscles for a more intense, more productive massage.
These rollers can also protrude further out from the track and reach places that the average chair usually can’t, including the upper neck and between the shoulders.
The rollers can move left and right and up and down, and in and out. This action helps to replicate the action of human hands. With 3D massage chairs, you can adjust the intensity of the massage to as intense or gentle as you like with some limitations based on the chair itself. If more than one person will be using the chair this can be beneficial.
L-Track Massage
First things first, what is a massage track, really? Basically, a massage chair has a long roller track that extends from the head/neck section down to the lower back and, in some chairs, the glutes and hamstrings. This track is similar to a train track because it guides the rollers up and down the back of the chair like train wheels like over the ground.
When you’re getting a massage from a chair, these rollers do most of the work, particularly on your back. The rollers glide along the track and based on its shape they can work in different areas.
Those different areas depend on whether the track is an S or an L.
As developments in massage chairs improved over time, the S-Track saw an extension called an L-Track. The L-Track was showcased years back and showed the ability to travel down the spine as well as beneath the seat to reach the glutes and hamstrings. That chair was an Inada, the first manufacturer to offer an L-Track prototype.
Inada took time to perfect their chair, and so Infinite Therapeutics, or Infinity, introduced its Iyashi model that became the first commercially available massage chair with an L-Track. This can be something to keep in mind when you’re shopping these two chairs since Infinity was the first to offer an L-Track.
S-Track vs. L-Track
When you’re comparing tracks, think of it this way. The L-Track is an extension of the S-Track that addresses your glutes and the top of the hamstrings. It’s still one continuous roller track that mimics the shape of your spine like an S-Track does.
The rollers work the glutes, piriformis, and hamstrings with the same attention and care as the neck, mid-back, and lower back where previously these areas could only be massaged by airbags. When you have tight or sore glutes, or if you have piriformis syndrome or sciatica, an L-Track massage chair can be very beneficial.
Something to keep in mind when you’re looking at chairs that most people don’t realize is that when you’re buying an L-Track chair you’ll still receive the benefits of an S-Track since the L-Track is just an extension on the S-Track.
Now, let’s discuss what each chair offers and give you a better idea of which one will be right for your needs.
The Novo XT2
The Human Touch Novo XT2 massage chair offers a therapeutic massage that adjusts to fit your lifestyle. With a slick, modern look, multiple color choices, and a unibody design, the chair delivers a three-dimensional massage along the entire length of the spine to the thighs.
You can also enjoy your favorite music through the Altec Lansing Premium Sound System or play one of eight calming built-in nature tracks. The space-saving design means that you can put the chair almost anywhere and still fully recline it. The acupressure massage capabilities will be very soothing.
Human Touch Novo XT 2 Massage Chair Features
Sounds of Novo XT2
Human Touch has redesigned the sound system in the Novo XT2. Built-in Surround Sound speakers offer Premium Sound by Altec Lansing, a company that’s developed sound systems since 1920. Sound Soothe is an additional feature allows you to experience eight soothing nature tracks that relax the mind while the chair relaxes the body.
S/L Massage Track
The Novo XT2 has an S/L-Track massage track with a unibody design that covers 60% more area than a typical chair. You’ll have a full massage from neck to thighs. The L-track works seamlessly with the 3D massage rollers to mimic the feeling of a massage from a professional masseuse. As soon as you sit down in the chair, you can choose the height and foot extension settings to ensure the chair’s rollers are hitting the right spot.
Advanced Tile Remote
The LCD remote allows you to see where your massage roller is during your massage. The color display shows the level and intensity chosen as well as the current time. The remote has been designed to make using the chair as easy and uncomplicated as possible. Plus, for tech-friendly people, the Novo XT2 app allows you to control your massage from your phone. All you have to do is connect your device via Bluetooth then choose from a collection of therapeutic relaxation and recovery auto-wellness programs, or focus on a specific area of the body to relieve muscle aches and stress. The app will give you easy access to recline and incline functions, 3D intensity controls, footrest massage controls, and the airbag intensity. You can also press the ZeroG button to enjoy a neutral posture position for a deeper massage.
Auto Wellness Programs
There are 35 programs are available for deep tissue, relaxing, and recovery programs that are great for every day, after work, or following a hard workout routine.
Cloud Touch Acupressure
This acupressure massage chair features strategically placed targeted air cells that apply pressure to important healing points and help your body to stretch muscles.
Defy Gravity
Zero gravity puts you in a neutral posture and puts your weight on the backrest of the chair. All the stress is removed from your joints and spine and the massage is that much more effective.
Dual-Lumbar Heat
Warm air technology heat continuously flows and envelopes your back to help soothe your muscles and relieve aches and pains.
Built-in USB Port
Built-in USB ports allow you to charge your hand-held device while you listen to music, watch videos, or read an eBook.
Flex 3D Massage Technology
This acupressure massage chair features five intensity settings you can use to adjust your massage intensity for a therapeutic, fully enveloping, massage with just the right pressure.
Space-Saving Design
You only need 2” to fully recline the chair. Many chairs require a large amount of space to recline properly, which limits where you can put the chair. The Novo XT2’s space-saving means you can put it almost anywhere.
Extending Foot & Calf Massager
Fitting comfortably in your massage chair is crucial. If your chair doesn’t fit you, many important features may not work for you. The extendable ottoman here helps accommodate taller users, up to 6’9”.
Area Focus & Adjustability
The Novo XT2 can focus on certain areas with Zone and Spot. Zone massage will address a specific area, and you can pick the size of the area with short (3”), medium (6”) or long (9”). Five massage intensity settings can be adjusted with five Cloud Touch acupressure massage intensities and six full-body massage speeds and three foot massage speeds.
Full Body Stretch
The expansive “bend and stretch” functionality provides unprecedented leg and spine relief, increasing blood flow to your spine and restoring your lower back, allowing you to recover with improved efficiency.
Now let’s look at the Kahuna SM-9000.
Kahuna SM-9000
The Kahuna SM-9000 features an impressive design with innovative features like Bluetooth technology that allows you to sync the chair to your phone so that you can incorporate music into your massage. The 3D air system helps to create the best massage possible.
Features
SL-Track Air Float 3D+ Technology
The chair utilizes an SL-Track that combines the best of both an S-Track and an L-Track. The SL-Track is enhanced by Air Float 3D+ air pressure. Air Float is the most advanced air pressure technology that provides less pressure on your spine while still providing an intense relaxation experience.
Space-Saving
Most massage chairs need anywhere from 12 to 36 inches behind the chair to fully recline. This chair has been outfitted with space-saving technology so that it only requires three inches behind the chair to fully recline.
Arm Acupressure
The Kahuna SM-9000 has specially designed arm pads that gently press acupoints throughout your arms and hands for increased relaxation and effectiveness.
Multi-LED Light
Multi-color LED lights on either side of the chair create chromotherapy lighting in a dim room to soothe your mind and enhance your overall experience.
Exchangeable Zipper Covering
Convenient zippers make it easy to exchange the coverings on the legs and feet if you ever need a new one. This will help to keep the chair looking like new.
One-Touch Zero Gravity
Zero gravity improves almost every aspect of your massage. While your legs are raised above your heart, the position will help decompress your joints and spine by removing gravity's influence. This decompression allows the surrounding muscles to relax and provides full-body relaxation.
Body Scanning
The chair uses the latest in body scanning to detect your unique size and shape so that it can cater to your massage to your body. This ensures a personalized experience.
Bluetooth Music Sync
Sync your device to the chair and enjoy your massage while listening to your favorite music through the high-quality built-in system. With the sync program, the massage will match the beat of your music.
Air Massage Technology
The Kahuna SM-9000 has several airbags that create a full body massage experience. There are two powerful air pumps that work simultaneously to maximize your massage. This system uses airbags to create a compression massage in your shoulders, arms, hips, legs, and feet.
Heat Therapy
Six infrared rollers create heat that penetrates deep into muscle tissue, increasing circulation. This improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients, which can even help heal damaged muscle tissue. You’ll really appreciate this after a hard day or even post-work-out.
3D Wrapped Foot Massage
High-quality foot rollers in the soles wrap around each foot. There are three different techniques that work together with air massage technology to ease all your feet’s aches and pains.
Massage Programs
- Renew- an 8-Minute program that provides a full-body, awakening massage. A perfectly balanced mix of relief and stretching in one program. Great for the morning.
- Relief- a 20-minute program that provides a gentle massage used to soothe and relax your muscles.
- Recovery- a 10-minute sports massage that focuses on recovering muscles with Shiatsu kneading and knocking techniques.
- Yoga- a 10-minute massage that concentrates on improving your flexibility and posture, which will help to protect your spine and increase circulation.
- Music Sync- a 10-minute massage that flows with your favorite music.
- Stretching- a 10-minute program designed to eliminate toxins and waste from the body for stress relief and spinal decompression.
- Calming- a soft 10-minute massage that uses rocking and soothing techniques.
Deciding Factors
When choosing between these two chairs, the massage experience you’re searching for and your personal aesthetic will be the two factors that stand out the most. Both of these chairs extend similar massage experiences through their heated SL-Tracks. They have similar supplementary features as well, including Bluetooth, body scanning, and zero gravity.
You’ll likely need to sit in the chairs to see which massage experience you like better. The good news about both these chairs is that they are both great for larger people. The SM-9000 goes for people up to 6’5” and 320 lbs and the Novo XT2 goes up to 6’9” and 300 lbs.
Both chairs also provide a stretch massage program, though the Novo also offers USB charging and spot focus massage, meaning that you can choose a specific area and the rollers will concentrate there. Additionally, the Novo is a bit newer of a chair and the speakers will likely be a bit newer in make as well.
What it all comes down to, as it does with most purchases, is your personal preference. If you have any questions about these massage chairs or any others on our site, you can contact us over the phone or through email at info@massagechairplanet.com. We can also offer you financing options that can make taking home either of these chairs easier. After all, nothing should stand between you and true relaxation.
And remember, if you see a chair somewhere that you like but you want to order from us, we’ll gladly price match it as long as you show us proof of price. We’ll beat the competitor’s price by 10% on top of that match too. We’ll even 110% price match with Costco.