by Mary Lou |
Last Updated: January 10, 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.
Executive Summary
Massage chairs continue to gain popularity among people seeking a self-care option for use at home. This is hardly surprising, given our increasingly busy lifestyles. We all need to find time for ourselves—relaxing in a massage chair is a perfect way to do this.
The Real Relax Favor-03 is a budget-friendly option with extremely appealing features for an entry-level chair. It might not have all the bells and whistles of some chairs, but it also doesn’t have the high price tag.
This model delivers a good all-over body massage that will feel amazing after your long commute—or whenever the mood strikes. The zero gravity function is one you would expect to find in high-end chairs; it definitely enhances your massage experience. Add to that air massage, heating pads and preset massage options, and this could be the chair for you.
- Dual-core S track neck back robots hands rollers up and down, generate a more effective massage to neck stress and back pain, than 8 points...
- One button zero gravity, feel ultimate relaxation when the chair is fully reclined.
- Full body airbags compression on shoulders, arms, foot and hips, relive whole body pain and tense.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Company Background
Unlike massage chair royalty like Inada or Human Touch, Real Relax is very new to this niche. They launched their first model — the Favor 01 — in January of 2015. Since then, they have developed 5 different models under their brand.
Specifications
- Colors: Black, Brown
- Air Massage: 50 airbags in arms, back, seat and legs
- Recline Angle: 66.9 inches
- Voltage: AC 120V 60Hz
- Power: 20-230 Watts
Dimensions
- Recline Dimensions: 29.9-inch width x 31-inch height x 68-inch depth.
- Upright Dimensions: 29.9-inch width x 49-inch height x 53-inch depth.
- Seat Cushion Dimension: 21.6-inch width X 16.9-inch depth.
- Back Cushion Dimension: 33.4 inches deep.
- Foot Rest Dimension: 11.8-inch height x 5.12-inch width x 10.6-inch depth.
- Weight: 172 pounds
User Specs
- Max Height: 6 feet
- Max Weight: 440.9 pounds on paper but less in reality
Warranty
The three-year warranty covers maintenance, materials and repairs due to defects in the first year. In the second and third years, it covers free shipping on replacement parts, but not the cost of the parts or maintenance.
Main Features
Different Massage Intensities and Options
There are four preset massage options which are operated from the wired remote control. You can choose from strong, relaxing, mild and sleep modes. Depending on how strong a massage you want, you can choose accordingly.
If you don’t want to use the preset options, you can also control the massage functions manually. You can set it to massage individual areas which might be needing some special attention, like the neck and shoulders.
Fixed Roller Shiatsu Massage
There are eight fixed rollers in the rear of the chair to massage your back. They move in circles in the same spot to relieve tension and stress in your muscles.
There are more rollers located at the calves and feet. These are truly a welcome addition after you’ve spent a long day walking or standing. With the help of the rollers, this chair can manipulate the stresses and strains away.
Air Massage
The chair has a total of 50 airbags located throughout. There are four positioned at the shoulders, eight that wrap around your arms, and 24 to massage your legs. Additional airbags are located at the hips.
Why airbags? Unlike car airbags, they aren’t there to protect you in the case of a crash. The ones in this chair gently inflate and deflate to massage your whole body. This mimics the techniques a therapist would use, firmly compressing and releasing your muscles to relieve tension.
Zero Gravity
Three zero-gravity settings help distribute your weight evenly in the chair, giving you a feeling of being weightless. You can settle back and “float,” while the chair gives you a relaxing massage. The zero-gravity options include initial, comfort or deep gravity positions.
In these positions, your legs are elevated just above the level of your heart, mimicking the position astronauts are in before take off. The benefits of being in a zero-gravity position include improved circulation and less stress on the spine.
When you settle back in this position, most of your weight will be resting against the back of the chair. This means the effect of the fixed rollers will be intensified and you will get a deeper massage.
Built-In Heater
There are heating pads built directly into the chair at the waist area. The heat therapy can help improve your metabolism and circulation.
This can be particularly beneficial for anyone who has pain in the lower back. A popular feature found in many massage chairs, this helps enhance the massage experience and relieve stress in this area.
Hip Vibrator Massage
As well as heat and airbags, this chair has vibration at the hip area. These combine to gently massage your butt and hips, releasing tension and helping you relax.
Armrest Linkage System
This feature is unique to the Relax line of massage chairs. When you recline or return the chair to its upright position, the arms move in sync. They keep pace with the rest of the chair, holding your arms in place.
You can even continue with your relaxing arm massage without interruption while you’re adjusting the chair position.
Timer Function
Only got 15 minutes to spare but want a relaxing massage? No worries. The chair includes a timer function which can be set for 15, 20, 25 or 30 minutes. Just set the timer, lay back and let the chair go to work.
If you have somewhere important to be, just be careful you don’t get so relaxed that you fall asleep!
Extendable Footrests
The chair can accommodate people up to 6-foot tall, with its extendable footrest. This is a great feature if you or someone in your household is a bit taller than average.
Portability
This chair is easy to move around. It has two rollers situated at the rear of the chair which allow you to reposition it without too much effort.
Remote Control
The chair has an easy to use remote control, including a pocket on the chair for storage. You can use the preset options which are programmed in, or switch to manual mode and customize your massage.
The remote has a VFD screen which is clear and easy to read. Simply choose whether you want to massage your full body or just target certain areas. Turn the heat function on or off, set the timer and the level of zero gravity you want.
See the company-released video below. If you hate the song “From A Distance”, just mute the video. 😉
Pros
Affordability
For less than a thousand dollars, this chair is definitely a budget option. It has some features that you would expect to find on a much more expensive massage chair, at a fraction of the cost.
Good Air Massage
This feature, for the price of the chair, is exceptionally welcome. It might take some getting used to as it can be quite strong, but it’s definitely worth it. If you’re new to this feature, plan to start on a gentle mode and build up to the strong one.
As I mentioned, there are 50 airbags located throughout the chair to relax all your muscles. The ones in the leg area are particularly good.
While this chair does not have moving rollers, if you’re looking for a good air massage, then the chair delivers.
Zero Gravity
For the low price tag, we’re surprised this chair even has zero gravity technology, and THREE settings at that.
The three different levels let you relax back as much as you like and intensify the massage. While this massage might seem limited to some because the rollers are fixed, this is definitely a stand out feature.
Easy Assembly
The chair is delivered in two packages direct to your door. That is as far as it goes though, you’ll probably need to move it inside yourself.
Once unboxed, many find the chair easy to assemble, so you’ll be ready to get massaging in no time. If you need additional guidance, the manufacturer’s instructional video can give you the extra help you might need.
Heat and Vibration for Lower Back and Hips
The built-in heater helps promote circulation and improve your body’s metabolism. If you suffer from lower back pain, then you will definitely benefit from this feature.
Quiet Operation
There is nothing worse when you settle back for a nice relaxing massage than having whirring and crunching noises. That isn’t a problem with this chair. In fact, it’s so quiet that lots of users report falling asleep while using it.
Cons
Fixed Massage
Unlike many other chairs, this one has the massage roller heads mounted on a fixed frame. There is no track allowing them to move to cover all your back.
People come in all shapes and sizes. Consequently, you might find that you aren’t getting the full benefit of a massage exactly where you need it.
You might find yourself squirming around in the seat to make sure the massage heads are hitting the spot you want. Unfortunately, these cannot be adjusted for position, only for the intensity of the massage.
If you have the budget and want a highly customized massage, go for a chair that has body scan technology like the Osaki OS-7200H, the Luraco Legend, or the Kahuna LM-6800.
Can’t Adjust Massage Once Reclined
Imagine that you’ve settled in for your massage and then place the chair in the zero gravity position. Only then do you realize that the massage is just a little too strong for you. Adjusting the level isn’t as easy as we’d like.
In this chair, you need to return to an upright position, adjust the settings and start over. It would be great to be able to do this from the recline position, but this chair doesn’t give you the option.
Leg Massage Can Be Too Strong
The general consensus on the leg massage on the Favor 03 is that it is too strong. If you lean towards deep tissue massage and enjoy the intensity, then this shouldn’t be an issue.
However, if you prefer your massages gentle and soft, then you may find the leg massage too intense. Some even describe that it is to the point of being painful as the airbags compress quite tightly.
Too Short or Too Tall?
This chair might not suit if you are under 5 feet 4 inches or over 6 feet tall. Because the massage rollers are in a fixed position they may not hit the correct spots.
For those of you that are on the short side, your feet may not reach the rollers to benefit from this feature. Also, the neck massage rollers might not be in the right place.
And if you’re taller? While the footrest extends, it may be that you need to apply constant pressure to keep this in place. You might also find that the neck rollers align with you shoulder blades and dig in.
Another challenge some users report is if they are on the larger side then they don’t fit in the chair properly. This is an important issue to be aware of. Even though the manufacturer states it’s suitable for those weighing up to 400 lbs, this doesn’t always appear to be the case.
Customer Service
While many have found the follow-up service to be reasonably good, this company does not have a long history and therefore no proven track record. For this reason, even though this chair is good value, we would advise you to proceed with caution.
Replacement parts, if needed, are imported from China and can take some time to arrive.
No Memory Function
If you find the perfect manual setting for your massage, unfortunately, you have to reset it every time. The remote does not have a memory function that can save your preferred settings.
If the preset functions aren’t suitable for you, this can end up being quite frustrating. It would be great to be able to store your settings, push a button and go.
It’s Not a Recliner
Other than when the chair is being used for massage, this chair doesn’t recline. So don’t expect it to replace your Lazy-boy when not in use.
Conclusion
If you’re on a tight budget and want a basic massage chair, the Real Relax Favor-03 might be just what you are looking for. The air massage and zero gravity are features you won’t normally find in a chair in this price range.
You don’t need a degree in engineering to put the chair together and the remote is simple and easy to use.
Just be aware this is a relative newcomer to the market, so the longevity and durability of the product still remain to be tested.
At the time of writing, some have had the chair for over a year and report that it still works well. Likewise, many buyers are happy with their purchase and the follow-up customer service they have experienced.
- Dual-core S track neck back robots hands rollers up and down, generate a more effective massage to neck stress and back pain, than 8 points...
- One button zero gravity, feel ultimate relaxation when the chair is fully reclined.
- Full body airbags compression on shoulders, arms, foot and hips, relive whole body pain and tense.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
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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.