by Mary Lou |
Last Updated: February 24, 2019 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
The Kahuna LM 6800 has always been one of our most popular chairs here on the site. Thus, we were excited to hear that it has a new iteration — the 6800S.
Executive Summary
The Kahuna LM 6800S has all the excellent features of the original 6800 but with additional bells and whistles thrown in. If you’ve always liked the old version, then you’ll want to check out this upgrade, especially since they have almost the same price tag.
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Company Background
The Kahuna range is manufactured by AJX.LLC.
Founded in 1997, they are one of the leading suppliers of massage chairs to the US market. Their products regularly top best-seller lists and their customer service is highly rated.
Specifications
Dimensions
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- Colors: Black and Brown
- Main Body: 70 x 30 x 33.5 inches
- Net Weight: 199 lbs
- Gross Weight: 220 lbs
User Specs
- Height Range: Up to 6 feet tall (possibly up to 6’2″)
- Max Weight: No info
Warranty
The 6800S comes with a 3 year warranty.
Main Features
Here are the shared features of the 6800 and the 6800S:
- Body scan technology – When this activates, the massage chair scans how your body is built so that it knows exactly where your hand, neck, shoulders, and other body parts are located for a more custom massage. Imagine a small person versus a tall person sitting and the chair adjusting its rollers accordingly.
- Zero gravity technology – Both chairs have 3 zero gravity positions which elevate your feet for better blood circulation and decompressing of the spine.
- Targeted massage programs – The following areas of your body are massaged: neck-waist, waist-lower back, lower back-buttock, neck-buttock, and buttock-mid back.
- Yoga program – It mimics the stretch that a chiropractor might do to you; the chair holds onto your shoulders and pushes out your shoulder blades and neck while tilting and twisting your pelvis gently.
- Space-saving technology – Unlike other massage chairs, you only need 5 to 6 inches from the wall to recline thanks to its special sliding system.
- Full body massage with 38 air bag massagers
- 6 auto programs with 3 levels of speed and intensity
- L-track with 4 rollers
- Heating for both the lumbar area and the legs
- Adjustable footrest
You can find the Owner’s Manual HERE.
Additional Features of the 6800S
These are the features that have been added to the new S version:
Memory Function
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Most massage chair users end up with their favorite customized programs. It’s a big drag when you have to tweak and set the program, duration, and intensity levels before you can even get started on your massage. With the memory function, you just click on a saved custom program and you’re good to go.
Massage Time Adjustment
One of the big drawbacks of some massage chair models is that the duration of a massage session is fixed. It is often fixed at 15 minutes. So if you don’t feel well enough for a longer massage you’re out of luck, and if you want a longer session, your only option is to go for another 15-minute round.
Thus, this new feature of the 6800S is very convenient. You get the standard 15 minute-massage with an option to add 5 minute intervals. As a precaution, the designers of this Kahuna put a 30 minute cap to keep users from overdoing it.
12 Auto Programs
The new model has 4 basic daily programs, 4 elite target programs and 4 stretch programs.
Deep Tissue is for users who like a strong massage, while the Sleep Aid program is a therapy session designed to help you get quality sleep.
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The stretching programs are also exciting. Both Yoga Stretching and SV-Chiro Stretching are very helpful programs for people suffering from chronic back or neck pain. And because these are usually aging users (like me), the icing on the cake is the Senior Mode included in the Elite programs.
More Upgrades
- Acupressure Points On Arm – The arm massage has been improved by adding acupressure points that apply pressure on the body’s crucial meridians.
- Adjustable Pillow – Because people are built differently, some like having a pillow and neck rest for their massage chair, while others don’t. Kahuna fixed the problem by making the pillow adjustable. You can fold or unfold it depending to your preference.
- New Zipper Covering – This chair now comes with removable covers for the leg and foot rests. This makes cleaning and maintenance easier and more convenient.
Pros
An upgraded chair for almost the same price
Looking at the list of the upgraded features on this model, one thing becomes immediately apparent. The manufacturer really listens to feedback from its user base.
The pillow, the extended time, the arm acupressure, and especially the memory function — these are all things that people have been talking about.
Still a quality chair
Kahuna lives up to its brand reputation with the design and performance of this new model. We were very satisfied with it on our initial run, and other people who have purchased this chair have given it full marks for customer satisfaction.
Happy buyers talk about the quality materials used, the solid design and assembly, the smooth performance, the affordable price point, and most of all, the awesome massage experience.
This is a massage chair that will really make you feel good.
Highly recommended for seniors
We love the Inadas but if you’re on a budget, this Kahuna is a good option. It is specifically ideal for older people who are starting to feel aches and pains in the neck, shoulder, and back area.
The features that make this an ideal chair for seniors are:
- The lumbar heating
- Yoga program and other stretch programs
- Elite senior mode
- Body scan; the shoulder airbags will adjust to your shoulder height
- Zero gravity (will relieve your lower back pain)
Cons
Manual still sucks
This is self-explanatory. The good news is the chair is fairly easy to assemble. Plus, the manufacturers also have an installation video.
The upgrades on this model are all very welcome. However, there are still things that can be further enhanced.
- The foot massage rollers can get too intense. The quick fix has been to wear thick socks or to pad the lining with a towel.
- Body scanning can be off especially if you are on the short side, like 5’2″ and shorter.
- Massage in the arch area of the foot would be nice and not just the outside sole.
- The holder for the remote should be better positioned so that you don’t have to reach so far to get to it.
Conclusion
The difference between the original LM6800 and the upgraded LM 6800S is a couple of hundred dollars. If you are set on the Kahuna but are on a really tight budget, then get the original.
However, if you want the new upgrades and don’t mind shelling a bit more, then the LM 6800S is really worth it. The memory function and the more flexible time adjustment makes the slight price difference worth it.
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Author: Mary Lou
In the Before Times, Maru spent vacations traveling and making stops at showrooms to test the latest massage chair models. Nowadays, she’s hunkered down in her small sunlit home dotted with her ever-growing collection of fiddle fig trees, indoor plants, and Himalayan salt lamps. Find her at LinkedIn.