In a Nutshell:
High-end features like calf rollers, L-Track, and deep tissue, combined with a robust set of customization options and an affordable price point make the Apex Ultra Massage Chair an exceptional model for the money.
Overall Massage Quality
Customization options
Ease of Use
Value for the Money
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Anyone looking for an affordable massage chair with high-end features like calf rollers, L-Track, and deep tissue massage.
Unfortunately, this product has been DISCONTINUED. For a similar product, check out the Apex Pro Lotus
If you’re looking for a massage chair that’s affordable and feature-rich, the Apex Ultra should be high on your list. Equipped with the same features found on massage chairs twice its price — L-Track, calf rollers, foot rollers, deep tissue capabilities — the Apex Ultra stands out among the many mid-level models on the market. In this Apex Ultra massage chair review, we’re taking an in-depth look at all of the features that make this model such a good value.
Features of the Apex Pro Ultra Massage Chair
Extended L-Track
A massage track is a mechanism that moves the rollers along the body. In general, there are two types: L-Tracks and S-Tracks.
So what exactly is an L-Track? An L-Track is an extended massage track that allows the rollers to move into the seat of the chair to provide treatment to the buttocks and thighs. Whereas an S-Track system typically ends at the tailbone; an L-Track adds up to an additional 20 inches of coverage.
To compensate for not having L-Tracks, many massage chair companies use air massage to provide treatment to the lower body — and it’s a great solution. But if your massage therapy needs call for a deep, robust massage of the lower back, buttocks, and thighs, an L-Track might be the best option.
On the Apex Ultra massage chair, a whopping 51” L-Track means you can enjoy the treatment from the top of the neck to your thighs.
Auto Body Scan
Before you begin a massage on the Apex Ultra massage chair, the body scan function activates. This feature uses the massage head rollers to map the unique curvature of your back while gathering data about your height and shape. The chair then uses this information to auto-adjust the roller heads to provide you with custom-fit massage.
Three-Stage Zero Gravity
If there is Zero Gravity offered on a massage chair, it’s typically a one or two-stage feature. On the Apex Pro Ultra, it’s a three-stage feature.
Inspired by NASA technology, Zero Gravity is a therapeutic position that reduces vertical pressure on the spine by dispersing the body’s weight across the backrest. With the body’s weight supported entirely by the chair and the feet positioned slightly above the heart, Zero Gravity produces an almost “weightless” experience. It helps the muscles in the neck and back to decompress, aids in circulation, and also increases massage intensity.
On the Apex Ultra, each stage of Zero Gravity offers a different level of recline, with the third stage being the most reclined.
Dual Hip Rollers
Dual hip rollers on the Apex AP-Pro Ultra massage chair deliver kneading massage to your hips and thighs, while airbags inflate to push and hold your body in the correct position for treatment.
Calf and Foot Rollers
On the Apex Ultra, rollers deliver a vigorous massage to the back of the calves — a feature not often found on massage chairs under $5000. As it massages your calves, two rows of spinning reflexology rollers treat the acupoints — the areas targeted with therapies like acupuncture — on the bottom of your feet.
While foot rollers have become a popular addition to many massage chairs, calf rollers make the Apex Ultra standout. Together, they provide a strong, top-of-the-line massage that will leave your sore and tired feet feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Heat Therapy
Equipped with two heating pads in the lower back, the Apex AP-Pro Ultra massage chair delivers radiant warmth to relax the muscles, increasing both the intensity and the benefits of the massage.
Next Generation Air Technology
Featuring Apex’s next generation of air technology, the AP-Pro Ultra massage chair comes equipped with 30 redesigned and reengineered airbags.
In an attempt to decrease the number of components and power consumption required, Apex has redesigned and reengineered their airbags, reducing the overall number while increasing their surface area. The result? Fewer airbags, fewer components, less stress on the chair, less noise, and less power required — all without sacrificing the quality of massage.
In total, the Apex AP-Pro Ultra massage chair has 30 airbags, providing a full-body air massage.
Let’s take a closer look at the air massage areas on the Apex Ultra massage chair.
Shoulder Air Massage. Adjustable airbags next to the shoulders on the Apex Ultra inflate and deflate to compress, squeeze and stretch the upper body. Choose from three location settings to get the perfect fit.
Arm and Hand Air Massage. On the Apex Pro Ultra, the arm and hand air massagers deliver compression massage to the tops and bottoms of the forearms and hands. The air massagers inflate independently of each other, so you always have a hand free in case you need to use the remote or shut down the chair.
Calf and Foot Air Massage. Airbags in the ottoman inflate and deflate to deliver compression massage to the calves and feet. The airbags also help to hold the feet close to the rollers, allowing for a deeper massage.
Lumbar and Hip Air Massage. Airbags inflate to sway and rotate the lower back and pelvis, providing a gentle stretch to the area.
Handheld LCD Remote
The Apex AP-Pro Ultra massage chair features an easy-to-use handheld LCD remote. Furthermore, the bright screen displays all of the active functions of the chair, making it easy to see your current programs and settings.
Below the screen, in the center of the remote, is where you can select from preset programs, manual mode options, massage adjustments like speed and location, and heat therapy, among others. To quickly stop a massage, a pause button in the center of the remote instantly halts all active programs.
Further down the remote, a circular button lets you make precise adjustments to the recline of the chair. Around the circular button, you can select to customize air massage intensity and location, roller width and activate the foot rollers.
Built-In Speakers with MP3 Port
Next, to the seat of the Apex Pro Ultra massage chair, an MP3 port lets you plug in your iPhone or other MP3-compatible devices. Once plugged in, select your favorite massage music from your device, adjust the volume, and enjoy the crisp sounds delivered via the built-in speakers next to your ears on either side of the chair.
Massage Styles and Presets on the Apex Pro Ultra Massage Chair
Massage Styles
The Apex Ap-Pro Ultra massage chair features five massage styles, including:
Massage Preset Programs
The Apex Ap-Pro Ultra massage chair features four preset massage programs, including:
There are two additional programs offered on the Apex Ultra massage chair that aren’t grouped with the auto presets: Stress Care and 3D Reflex. Stress Care is a stretching program, and 3D Reflex is a foot roller program.
It’s important to note that when a program ends on the Apex Ultra, the chair will automatically move back into the upright position. This may or may not be a point of concern, but if you want the option to stay in a relaxed, reclined position after your massage, it’s something to think about.
Manual Mode Options on the Apex AP-Pro Ultra Massage Chair
The Apex AP-Pro Ultra offers a well-rounded variety of manual mode options to help you customize your massage experience to fit your specific treatment needs. Let’s take a closer look at the manual mode options.
Other Considerations
Chair Size
The Apex AP-Pro Ultra massage chair is on the more compact side. Not to say that it doesn’t comfortably fit most users, because it does. But its design could make some feel cramped. On the other hand, because of its size, the Apex Ultra can easily fit in most homes without taking up too much space.
POWERFUL MASSAGE
This chair offers a vigorous, deep massage, especially to the neck and feet. If a massage feels too strong, you can always wear socks or add additional padding where you need it.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ultra Massage Chair
PROS
CONS
Apex AP-Pro Ultra Massage Chair Specifications
| Chair dimensions (upright) | 55″L X 30″W X 34″H |
| Chair dimensions (reclined) | 70″L X 30″W X 63″H |
| Chair weight | 230 lbs |
| User height range | 5’2″ to 6’4″ |
| Recommended maximum user weight | 265 lbs |
| Power Consumption | 230W |
| Colors | Black, Brown, Grey, Orange |
Final Thoughts on Apex Ultra Massage Chair Review
With a wealth of high-end features, a great selection of manual mode options, and an affordable price point, the Apex Ultra offers everything you need to enjoy a high-quality, custom massage at home. Furthermore, if a deep tissue massage and an L-Track are on your list of must-haves, you simply can’t go wrong with the Apex Ultra. We hope our Apex Ultra massage chair review helped you see why it’s such a great buy and whether or not it’s the right model for you.
References and Resources:
- Five Immediate Health Benefits of Using a Massage Chair, US Medical Supplies.
- Kneadful Things: The Benefits of Massage, The Whole U.
- Getting the Right Massage for Low Back Pain, Spine-Health.
- Get in touch with the many benefits of massage, Illinois State University News.
- How Can Massage Help My Health and Wellbeing?, Taking Charge.