Which Massage Chair Suits You? The i7 PLUS or the Maestro?
When choosing between two massage chairs of the same price, such as the Luraco i7 PLUS and the Osaki OS-PRO Maestro that both come in at $8,999, deciding which chair provides the features you need will be crucial. Both these chairs offer very in-depth massages, foot rollers, heat therapy, and zero gravity, but is there one chair that will serve your needs better? Are you looking for something with a longer track or perhaps medically-endorsed technology? Or maybe you want the most intense, deepest massage possible?
To help you choose which of these chairs might be better for you, let’s take a look at their core features- 3D and 4D massage and their tracks. The Maestro offers an L-Track and the i7 PLUS offers an S-Track.
First off, let’s take a look at the 3D vs. 4D rollers.
3D Massage Rollers
A 3D massage system is a step up from the initial 2D roller system. It’s found in the Luraco chair we’ll be discussing below. The reason for the draw toward 3D rollers is that they can work deeper into the muscles of your shoulders and back for a more intense, more effective massage. 3D rollers are essentially an upgrade to the 2D.
Because these rollers can also protrude further out from the track, they can attend to areas that the average chair can’t, such as the upper neck and between the shoulder blades.
The rollers can move up and down, left and right, and in and out. This helps them to simulate the massage human hands can offer. With 3D massage chairs, you can also 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 is going to be sitting in the chair it’s a useful feature.
4D Massage Rollers
For the greatest penetration and precision, 4D rollers present users with a deep tissue massage that no other rollers can replicate. These 4D rollers can turn and hit different angles that others can’t.
The 4D massage chair frequently causes the most confusion for consumers. What possible change could there have been from a 3D chair? Is there really much of a difference? When it comes to adjustable intensity, the answer is yes. In a 4D massage, the rollers can do what a 3D roller can in addition to being able to speed up or slow down automatically to concentrate on tense muscles.
The goal was to make the rollers even more responsive so that it feels like an actual person responding to the needs of your muscles. Many of these chairs merge this feature with an L-Track which means they can attend to your hamstrings, glutes, and go all the way up to your neck.
The 4D chair can do some things a 3D chair can’t, but they are also quite similar. Most agree that the determining factor is how often you’ll use the chair and what you can afford.
If you have the budget for a 4D chair and will use it regularly to tend to sore muscles and after workouts, they can be worth the investment. However, if your budget is smaller, you’ll still get an excellent massage from a 3D chair.
Now, what are the differences between the S-Track and L-Track?
S-Tracks
In modern massage chairs, you either have an S-Track or an L-Track. The less expensive option is the S-Track, and it was named for the shape of the human spine as it resembles the letter S. S-Track rollers glide up and down your back and won’t lose contact with your back since they follow the curvature of your spine.
An S-Track curves in to address your neck and lower back and curves the opposite direction to hit the middle of your back and tailbone without utilizing too much pressure. This feature allows for the most comfortable, most productive massage.
Spines aren’t straight lines, so your massage track shouldn’t be either.
L-Track
As developments in massage chairs proceed onward, the S-Track saw an extension in the form of the L-Track. The L-Track was showcased years back and revealed its ability to travel down the spine to under the seat, massage down to the glutes and hamstrings. That chair was an Inada, the first manufacturer to present an L-Track prototype.
Inada took time to perfect their chair, however, and because of this Infinity introduced its Iyashi model, which became the first commercially available L-Track massage chair.
More and more models have come out since then, and many have started to provide the extended L-Track to serve more of the user’s sore muscles and trouble spots.
S-Track vs. L-Track
When you’re analyzing each track, think of it this way. The L-Track is an extension of the S-Track that addresses the seat and top of the hamstrings. It’s still one continuous roller track in that upper shape of an S.
The L-Track rollers work the glutes, piriformis, and hamstrings just as powerfully as the neck, mid-back, and lower back. In the past when there was no L-Track, these areas could only be reached by airbags.
If you suffer from tight or sore glutes, or if you have sciatica or piriformis syndrome, an L-Track can be an astonishing feature for you.
An L-Track massage chair still delivers the benefits of an S-Track chair. After all, the L-Track is just an extension of the S-Track.
Now, let’s discuss what each chair offers so that you’ll know which one will best suit your needs.
Osaki OS-Pro Maestro
The Osaki Maestro massage chair is an enhanced 4D, SL-track massage chair designed to massage wider, deeper, and more rhythmically than any conventional massage roller. The 4D massage allows rollers to adjust speed and rhythm to create an incredible massage. The Osaki OS-Pro Maestro allows for eight different levels of adjustment which allow the user to customize the massage to suit their personal needs. The Osaki Maestro gives you total control of your relaxation experience.
Features
SL Massage Track Technology
The Maestro combines both S and L track technology, by presenting you with an L-Track, to give you the best of both massage styles. As you know now, the S-Track portion follows your spine and the L-Track reaches 50% more of your body down to your glutes and hamstrings.
Heated Massage Rollers
The Maestro has a remarkably advanced back heating system. The rollers of the massage recliner heat up and simulate a hot stone massage. This allows for a far greater surface heating area. The hot stone-style massage warms the muscles of your neck down to your hamstrings for an incredibly relaxing experience.
Body Scan Technology
The Maestro scans your body to create a map of your shape to use during your massage. Key areas of your neck, shoulders, and back will get consistent pressure based on your size and shape, creating a better massage.
4D Massage
Enhanced 4D offers eight 4D adjustments- five strength adjustments, five intensity adjustments, and five speed adjustments for a deeply personalized massage experience. The 4D massage also allows reaches acupressure points with extremely accurate precision and depth.
Zero Gravity
Zero gravity, introduced by NASA decades ago, is the perfect position for your massage for a couple of reasons, reclining back like this takes the stress of gravity off of your spine and joints so they can decompress and the surrounding muscles can relax naturally. Another benefit is that the majority of your body weight is focused on the backrest. This improves the deep tissue massage you’ll receive from the back rollers without the massage chair having to work any harder.
Air Compression Massage
This massage chair has several airbags throughout the chair to offer a full body massage experience. The Maestro has a total of 32 airbags at the shoulders, arms, waist, pelvis, calves, and feet. This compression massage assists in improving blood circulation throughout the body to alleviate pain and tension.
Calf, Bridge, Knee, & Heel Massage
Spinning reflexology massagers in the calf area and bottom of the footrest provide a soothing, kneading massage that stimulates acupressure points in your feet. When incorporating the airbags, a sensational massage will occur. Along with the foot rollers, the airbags inflate to the appropriate amount of pressure and initiate a calf kneading massage. The kneading motion increases the blood flow to the legs, helping them to reach a higher level of relaxation. On the upper section of the leg rest, the air massagers rotate in a circular motion to add a new dimension to the calf massage. Plus, additional components have been added to stretch and massage the bridge and heel of the foot. You won’t find that in many other chairs.
Space-Saving Technology
As the chair reclines back, the base slides forward so that when not in use, your massage chair takes up as little space in your home as possible. The Maestro only needs 5" to fully recline. This fantastic technology makes finding a home for your new massage chair a lot easier.
Bluetooth HD Speakers
Pair your device to the massage chair and enjoy your favorite music through the high-quality, built-in Bluetooth speakers. An Amphitheater sound system reduces surrounding noise, enhancing your listening experience, and making your massage more personal and enjoyable.
Recline & Leg Extension
The Maestro features a full recline and leg extension for a more comfortable experience. The ottoman scans your legs to ensure the optimal length for your height. Just apply pressure with your feet and the leg scanner will know that it’s reached the right position. The remote allows you to auto adjust the leg component during your massage as well.
Remote Control
The LCD remote control is extremely user-friendly. There are four simple buttons on the bottom to adjust recline, incline, auto, and home. The touch screen navigation will get you to the programs Neck/Shoulder, Lower Back, Auto, Manual, Advance, or Air Massage. The timer can be set in 5-minute adjustments beginning at 5 minutes and going up to 30 minutes.
iPhone & Android App
You can reach all the full features of the remote when you download the mobile app. The Maestro app is compatible with iPhone or Android phones and tablets and can be acquired from the Google Play or Apple app store.
Quick Control
On the side of the inner armrest, you can access Power, Play/Pause, Auto, Zero Gravity, and 4D adjustment so that you can enjoy your massage and not disrupt the experience having to pull out the remote. You can also charge your device using the USB outlet.
Programs
The Maestro has eight automatic programs and four manual settings. The demo program is used to help demonstrate the basic massages the chair has to offer. Relax uses a softer massage to create a loosened and stress-free state. The Swing program massages the user while rocking in a back and forth movement. The Stretch program utilizes locking of the legs, hips, arms, shoulders via the airbags and then reclining/declining to stretch the calves, hamstrings, shoulders, and waist. Scraping uses a scraping style massage moving from the inside to the outside of the body. This helps to direct the blood flow for a better massage. Shiatsu performs a more pinpointed massage along the back to focus on certain pressure points to help relieve stress. Lady is designed to help increase the blood flow and relaxation of the average Female. Gentleman is designed to help increase the blood flow and relaxation of the average Male. The Manual modes consist of kneading, tapping, shiatsu, and rolling.
Now, let’s take a look at the Luraco i7 PLUS.
Luraco i7 PLUS
The Luraco iRobotics i7 PLUS massage chair offers a medical-grade massage experience that was researched, designed, and built in the US. Add the optional health monitors and you can see exactly how your massage will affect you in real-time. The i7 PLUS has been upgraded with added features that make your massage experience even better. This robotic massage chair is easily one of our best-sellers thanks to the full host of customizations available.
Features
Made in the USA
Luraco massage chairs are the first and only medical massage chair brand that sells chairs that are researched, developed, and built in America. This is the 7th generation massage chair that features cutting edge technology including the ability to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure, something you won’t find anywhere else.
Full Body Heat Therapy
The i7 PLUS is one of the few we carry that features a full body heat therapy system. There are several heating elements in the footrest, seat, and throughout the back that apply gentle heat to your back to loosen them up more easily. This is a great complement to any massage program, especially if you are carrying a lot of tension.
Zero Gravity
Zero gravity is an essential addition to any massage chair, particularly one of this caliber. The i7 PLUS is a zero gravity massage chair that provides the benefits of this position at the push of a button. As you recline, your legs raise above your heart to minimize gravity's influence on your spine and joints, which allows them to decompress and relaxes the surrounding muscles. Plus, the majority of your body weight is focused on the backrest, improving the intensity of your massage significantly.
Advanced Operating System (OS)
The i7 PLUS massage chair features an advanced operating system that manages every aspect of your massage and accomplishing a host of more advanced features, such as the health monitoring systems that you can add to the chair.
Optional Health Monitoring Features
The Health monitoring system is an optional feature, but if include it in your purchase of the Luraco i7 PLUS massage chair, you add the ability to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to make sure you are getting the most out of your massage and are improving your life in more healthful ways.
3D Massage Technology
The Luraco i7 PLUS is outfitted with 3D technology that allows the roller heads to protrude from the track to better massage areas where the spine curves away from the chair, including the neck and the lower back. The i7 PLUS’s 3D rollers feature a robotic arm system that aids them in providing an incredible lower back and neck massage.
Double Foot Massage Rollers
In each footrest are two rows of high-quality foot massage rollers. These rollers apply a reflexology massage to the soles of your feet and the air cells improve the massage and ensure that the rollers can really work into your feet. This feature is perfect for those who are on their feet all day.
Stretch Program
Stretching programs are a wonderful addition to any modern massage chair. Stretching allows the chair to access muscles within the body that the massage roller can’t reach for a full body massage experience. Stretching can also help the chair to work out any knots.
Three Layered Adjustable Footrest
By far one of the best features of the i7 PLUS is the adjustable ottoman. With this extension, this chair can cater to users from 4’7” all the way up to 6'7". This is by far the widest range of any massage chair we carry.
Genuine Leather on Touch Surfaces
Everywhere you touch, the massage chair is upholstered in genuine leather for a soft, comfortable experience that synthetic can’t provide. Touch surfaces include the head, arms, shoulders, and feet.
UL Listed Massage Chair
If you’re looking for a massage chair for your places of business, like a salon, medical office, or health care facility, UL approval is required by the U.S. Government. The i7 PLUS complies with UL 1647 standard and those set by the FDA and CE.
High-Quality Bluetooth Speaker
An OEM speaker was designed specifically for the i7 PLUS. Incorporating sound into your massage creates a mentally relaxing experience on top of being physically relaxing. Pair your smart device to your chair and listen to music, audiobooks, or your favorite podcast.
Advanced Air Cell Massage
The i7 PLUS features one of the most comprehensive compression massages. The system utilizes 80 air cells placed throughout the chair to massage the hands, arms, shoulders, back, hips, seat, legs, calves, and feet. You can control what massage you get from the remote.
Shoulder & Neck Air Cell Massage
Air cells in the neck and shoulder, upholstered with genuine leather, apply a compression massage to help relax your muscles and press you into the backrest to improve your back massage.
Forearm & Palm Massage
Airbags by the forearm and hand, also in genuine leather, use compression to help relieve tension and promote circulation.
Hip Twist & Swivel Massage
The air cells at the hip inflate independently to provide a twist motion to stretch your core and loosen up your lower back.
Leg & Feet Air Massage
Air cells in the legs and feet squeeze your muscles to relieve tension and promote circulation. Additionally, these airbags comfortably grab your legs to keep you in place during the stretch motions so that you receive a deeper massage.
Upgraded Comprehensive Remote
The remote, designed much like a smartphone, includes several different menus that offer the highest number of options to customize your massage experience giving you a fully customizable massage experience. There are nine automatic programs, such as the Pause option that allows you to leave the chair and pick up right where you left off.
Adjustable Intensity Locations
The i7 PLUS allows you to adjust the intensity in the neck, back, arms, feet, lower back, and calves. The Kneading and Tapping programs have also been given new variable speed controls with three different rhythms.
Multi-Language Voice Response System
The i7 PLUS menu can be programmed for English, Spanish, French, or Vietnamese.
Deciding Factors
These two chairs are quite similar and offer corresponding features such as zero gravity, deep tissue massage, airbag massage, foot massage, heat, and Bluetooth with high-quality speakers.
However, there are some key differences in their construction. The Maestro provides a 4D L-Track where the i7 PLUS offers a 3D S-Track. When you’re choosing a massage chair, those different systems will be a big deciding factor. As you know now, the 4D massage can provide rollers that can adjust speed and an L-Track can attend to your glutes and hamstrings.
If these are important features to you, then the Maestro will be the chair for you. If you’re more interested in the genuine leather and medically-endorsed features, than the i7 PLUS is for you. These are both wonderful chairs that can provide deep tissue massages, but the rollers on the Maestro will attend to your glutes whereas in the i7 the airbags will do this.
The heating in the chairs is also different. In the Maestro the rollers are heated. In the i7 PLUS, there are several heating elements throughout the chair. Both of these can affect your whole body but the heating in the i7 can feel a bit more intense since there are many elements that remain in contact with each area where the heated rollers will move.
Lastly, the Maestro offers space-saving technology, which means that you don’t have to worry about how much room the chair will take up when it reclines. The i7 PLUS does not provide this.
Between those two chairs, those are the main differences. Let your desires be the guide and go with the chair that calls to you most. If you want an L-Track with 4D rollers, get the Maestro. If you want a more medically-minded chair, with potential upgrades for health monitoring, get the i7 PLUS.
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 the best-sellers much more doable. After all, nothing should stand between you and ultimate relaxation.