Choosing between the Titan TP-8500 & the TI-8700
When comparing massage chairs, especially entry-level chairs, some features can make your decision for you. When you look at the Titan TP-8500 and TI-8700, the style of massage they provide and the bonus features included differ greatly. Which of these $2,995 massage chairs will provide the massage you want? Which is the right one for you? Well, there is a lot to consider. One of these massage chairs provides an L-Track where one is an S-track. One of these chairs is also space-saving. What makes those features what they are?
Let’s take a look, and start with the most important feature- the massage track.
S-Tracks
In modern massage chairs, you’ll find either an S-Track or an L-Track. The less expensive option is the S-Track, and it was named because it resembles the shape of the human spine, which itself resembles an S. This track’s rollers glide up and down your back and won’t lose contact with you because they follow the curvature of your spine.
An S-Track curves in to hit your neck and lower back and curves out to hit your middle back and tailbone without using too much pressure. This feature allows for the most comfortable, most fruitful massage.
Spines aren’t straight, so your massage track shouldn’t be either.
L-Track
As developments in massage chairs continue, the S-Track was extended into the L-Track. The L-Track was first seen years back and people could see its ability to travel down the spine under the seat to the glutes and hamstrings. That chair was an Inada, the first manufacturer to showcase an L-Track prototype.
Inada took time to perfect their chair, however, and because of this Infinity introduced its Iyashi model, 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 for greater massage coverage.
S-Track vs. L-Track
When you’re examining 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 can 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 could be a very important feature to you.
And remember, 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 take a look at space-saving since that’s another important feature found in the TP-8500.
What Does Space Saving Mean?
Most massage chairs, particularly those with many features and leg massage ottomans, require a great deal of space in your home. And that’s before you lay back in them.
When you’re reclining in a massage chair, which is every time you use it, you want to be able to do so without making the area impassable. Plus, depending on your home, you may also have an area where reclining a massage chair to its full length is impossible because of how much space that takes up.
That’s where space-saving comes into play.
Who is a Space-Saving Chair Made for?
Space-saving technology was created to shrink the amount of space necessary to fully recline the massage chair. There are various models available at MassageChairPlanet.Com that can recline fully in just a few inches, one of which is the TP-8500.
This is perfect when you have a smaller room or you simply don’t want your chair to take up so much space when in use. Some massage chairs only require a few inches to recline while some will still need around 12 inches to do so. When you have limited space, this feature is huge. No pun intended.
Now, let’s take a look at what these specific chairs offer.
Titan TP-8500
The Titan TP-8500 massage chair offers some unique innovations that makes its massage next-level impressive, including a new style of massage track that offers industry-leading comfort, support, and capability. Let’s take a look at its features more in-depth.
Features
S/L-Track Combination Massage
The TP-8500 includes a massage track that combines the best of the S-track and the L-track. Along your back, the track keeps the S-track shape for uniform pressure from your shoulders down to your tailbone. Then, the L-track portion continues past your tailbone to your upper thigh, so you get the extended surface area as well. As you know, this L-Track system is the S-Track extended.
Space-Saving Technology
The Titan TP-8500 massage chair requires less than 4 inches of space behind the chair to fully recline thanks to the space-saving technology.
Zero Gravity
Zero gravity is an excellent addition to any massage experience. When you recline into this position your legs raise above your heart relieving you from the pressure of gravity. This causes your joints and spine to decompress, relaxes the surrounding muscles, and maximizes the effects of your massage.
Foot Massage Rollers
The TP-8500 offers reflexology foot massage rollers that apply a kneading style massage to the soles of your feet. They target acupoints in your feet for a deep tissue foot massage. It’s complemented by the airbags that keep you in the proper position and press you down onto the rollers for an even deeper massage.
Heat Therapy
In the lumbar area, the TP-8500 offers two heating elements that apply gentle heat therapy to your lower back to soothe away the pain and loosen up tension.
Airbag Massage System
The TP-8500 features 36 next-generation airbags strategically placed to provide a compression massage to your limbs and complement your back and foot massages. The airbag system creates a full-body experience and has the added benefit of promoting circulation.
Body Scanning Technology
Body scanning technology allows the chair to provide a personalized massage experience. The massage rollers glide up your back to map your back including the height of your shoulders and where you are in the chair to fit your unique size and shape.
Quick Controls & USB Charger
New to the Titan TP-8500 is the quick control feature. This little panel located under the right armrest provides easy access to simple controls that allow you to change the recline of the backrest or ottoman independently. You can also use the USB charging port to charge your mobile device while you enjoy your massage routine.
Six Massage Techniques
The TP-8500 offers six massage techniques that include Kneading, Shiatsu, Flap, Kneading & Flap, Knocking, and Tapping. Each provide relief in their own way. You’ll also find five automatic programs including Ache/Relieve, Comfort, Relax, Upper Body, and Lower Body.
Manual Massage Adjustments
Easily change your massage from the remote, including speed, intensity, the width of the rollers, and five levels of airbag massage intensity. You have complete control over your experience to ensure that every massage suits your preferences.
Now let’s look at the TI-8700.
Titan TI-8700
The TI-8700 massage chair brings a whole new design to the base model of the Titan massage chair. This is a great entry-level option that offers several higher-end features including zero gravity and foot massage rollers. Take a look at the features below and see exactly what this chair offers.
Features
New Sleek Design
The TI-8700 features a new more industrial-style design that puts the focus on its new highlighted features, including an improved airbag system and new dual reflexology foot rollers. This chair is also available in three colors and carries a myriad of features designed to bring relief to your whole body.
Two-Stage Zero Gravity
Zero gravity has been included to improve almost every aspect of your experience. As you know, this feature allows for impressive decompression and also affects the surrounding muscles to create a sense of weightless and enhanced relaxation.
Improved Reflexology Foot Massage Rollers
In the footrest are dual spinning reflexology rollers designed to target the acupoints in your feet. This stimulation offers wonderful benefits that can improve your overall well-being.
Lumbar Heat Therapy
Two large heating pads apply gentle heat therapy to your lower back and lumbar area.
Hip & Seat Vibration
The TI-8700 includes vibration plates in the seat and hip that provide a vibration massage to your hips and lower back to loosen up tense muscles that cause back pain.
Full Airbag Compression Massage System
Placed throughout the chair are durable airbags that work together to create a full body massage experience. These airbags are in the shoulders, arms, hips, and legs. They also work with the backrest to push you back into the rollers and improve your upper and lower back massage.
Outer Shoulder Massage
Airbags in the outer shoulder massage inflate to provide a squeezing massage to your shoulders and can compliment the upper back massage by pressing you back into the backrest.
Arm Airbag Massage
The armrest is lined by airbags that offer a compression massage that will help improve circulation and release tension in your arm muscles.
Foot & Calf Massage
Airbags throughout the ottoman to offer a compression massage to your legs and feet. The foot rollers work into your feet even more when the airbags inflate and press you down on the spinning rollers, allowing for a deeper massage.
Easy to Use LED Remote Control
The remote is very intuitive and simple to use, making it so much easier to choose a program and get started with your massage right away.
Six Different Massage Types
The chair offers six different massage types including Kneading, Tapping, Clapping, Rolling, and Swedish.
Five Pre-Set Programs
There are five automatic programs to choose from including Morning Wakeup, Sporting Recovery, Full Body Relax, Neck/Shoulder Therapy, and Lower Body Therapy. With the remote, you can make manual adjustments including speed, strength, intensity, or turn off the foot massage rollers and heat.
Leg Scan Extension
To suit taller users, the zero-gravity position reclines while the ottoman extends so that it can fit longer legs. Once it’s at a comfortable length, just press your toes against the footrest and it will stop.
Deciding Factors
When choosing between these two chairs, the type of massage experience you want will determine which chair is right for you. Do you want a massage track that can reach your glutes and hamstrings or are you more comfortable with a massage that just reaches your lower back? This is important because the 8500 offers an L-Track where the 8700 offers an S-Track.
Additionally, do you need a chair that frees up space in your home? Because then you’ll need the TP-8500 that provides space-saving technology. Both the chairs offer zero gravity and a good stretch massage, but the TI-8700 provides two-stage zero gravity. Both chairs offer heat in the lumbar area, airbag massage, and can suit taller users with the TI-8700 maxing out at 6’2’ and the TP-8500 maxing out at 6’4”.
A last difference is the TI-8700 offers a vibrating seat plate that can help with lower back pain and sciatica.
What it all comes down to, as it does with most purchases, is your personal preference in a massage Do you want an L-Track or are you comfortable with an S-Track. Do you want a vibrating seat or is it more important to save space? Which experience are you looking for?
Most customers have begun to lean toward the L-Track for a more full-body experience, and if both chairs are the same price, then why not go for it?
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.