In a Nutshell:
The iRest A306 Massage Chair is a low-priced model with industry-standard technology. The S+L track and 3D rollers make it ideal for people with back pain or for hobbyists who want a good deal on a quality ergonomic recliner.
Overall Massage Quality
Therapeutic Value
Customization options
Ease of Use
Overall Rating
4.5/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: People with back pain or for hobbyists who want a good deal on a quality ergonomic recliner.
Go ahead and say it with us: Luxury can be affordable!
In this case, we’re talking about a massage chair under $2000 and the advanced technology it utilizes to provide relaxing, therapeutic benefits.
In our iRest A306 review, we take a look at a low-range model that offers some serious bang for the buck. With 3D rollers, a 53” S+L track, and Zero-G seating, you may not have to visit the chiropractor for a while!
iRest A306 Massage Chair Design Overview
The Chinese brand iRest was founded in 2003, specializing in massage appliance technology. They offer a full-fledged collection of luxury massage chairs at affordable prices, with the latest features that have hobbyists buzzing.
Take the iRest A306 massage chair, which is the star of our review today. It’s a standard recliner boasting a modest set of features, but that doesn’t take away from the quality of the massage. Nor does that mean the technology is outdated- quite the opposite, actually.
The iRest A306 keeps things functional and to the point, with a no-nonsense S+L track, 3D rollers, and Zero-G Seating.
We were even surprised to see Voice Command as a way to control the chair, so there are few shiny extras you get that you normally wouldn’t see for this price.
Even the design is elegant and contemporary, with smooth rounded edges and footwells that don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
The dimensions are average at 70.87 x 29.92 x 33.46 inches, and the chair weighs 200 pounds, so those with limited space should be aware that this is a whopper of a recliner that needs a good bit of space.
Fortunately, iRest made life easier by incorporating Space Saving Technology. You get a slim 2” clearance between the backrest and wall when the A306 is fully reclined.
That’s as good as it gets compared to other models. Generally, the best chairs have a 5” or less wall clearance.
They also added an adjustable footrest that extends an extra 7” for tall users. The A306 can accommodate a max height of 6’2”, which is above average, although we’ve seen chairs that do offer more range than that.
We were excited to see that it can hold a max weight of 300 pounds, which is rare to find. The massage chair market is notorious for catering to an average weight of 260 pounds, so it’s nice to see a brand that’s branching out and embracing diversity.
The A306 comes in black and brown, with colored soft glowing LED lights on the side panels.
Overall, we love the chair’s design, but admittedly some iRest A306 reviews found the padding to be thin on the lower back, causing discomfort from the rollers.
Still, for the low price, you get all of the elegance. The A306 doesn’t look like your local coin-operated mall massage chair!
And the features? We think you’ll like what you see. That’s what we’ll be discussing next.
iRest A306 Massage Chair Features
Now it’s time to look at the wheels and cogs behind that fine faux leather exterior. The iRest A306 offers a technology package that is above average but certainly not state-of-the-art.
What matters is the massage quality, and that starts with the track and roller system. In this regard, the A306 certainly doesn’t disappoint.
S+L Hybrid Massage Track & 3D Roller System
If you’ve got a top-notch track and roller system, then you can count on your massages to feel akin to the touch of human hands.
iRest made sure the A306 achieves the most lifelike massage possible by incorporating a lengthy 53” S+L Hybrid track.
It starts at the base of the neck and follows the natural curve of the spine down to the lumbar region, then extends underneath the seat to massage the thighs and glutes.
Add in the 3D rollers, and you’re in heaven. These advanced rollers not only move vertically but also move away from the track.
The user can adjust the depth, width, and intensity for an incredible deep tissue massage that mimics the movements of a masseuse.
Typically low-range chairs feature older tech, like a fixed frame with rollers that don’t move. Or, they’ll only move vertically and nothing more.
So for the price, you’re getting advanced tech with the A306 that delivers a meticulous deep tissue massage.
Auto Body Scan
It’s not uncommon to see numerous massage chairs with automatic body scanning.
This sensor scan locates the user’s pressure points and aligns the rollers to their body’s unique dimensions before a massage.
The Body Scan is supposed to improve the accuracy of the massage, but of course, technology isn’t always perfect.
It’s not uncommon for the rollers to be off a tad (and this happens with many models), so you may need to adjust them yourself manually.
Zero Gravity Seating
This NASA-inspired concept is a hot commodity on the market, and nowadays, it’s uncommon to see a recliner without it.
Zero-G seating is a reclined angle that elevates the legs above the heart, so the user feels weightless. Pressure is released from the body, improving blood flow and relieving pain in the back.
That makes Zero-G a therapeutic gem for those with chronic back pain.
With all weight taken off the spine, users can fully relax and let the 3D rollers knead deep into the back while it’s firmly pushed against the track.
iRest truly excelled at this feature by offering three Zero-G positions instead of one. It is incredibly rare to see more than one on a low-range chair, or even at all.
This gives users more options to find the best recline angle for their unique needs, boosting the therapeutic value.
Lumbar Heat
Heat is another therapeutic benefit for those with back pain. The A306 has a heating pad situated in the lumbar region, ideal for soothing sore muscles and melting tightness.
Truth be told, it’s not the most optimal setup. There are plenty of chairs on the market that offer heat in the lumbar region and the footwells.
So, unfortunately, those with foot/calf pain might be better off looking at other options if this is important to them, but once again- it’s hard to argue with this low price.
Accessories
Massage chair designers tempt hobbyists by shining the spotlight on a few glamorous accessories to make a recliner stand out.
Truth be told, there are three useful accessories to look out for:
The A306 has all three, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the most popular add-ons that enthusiasts enjoy the most.
However, the standout accessory of this recliner is the Voice Control function, which allows you to activate massage programs simply by speaking.
While it sounds space-age, some reviewers wish the chair didn’t come with it because it is easily triggered by other noises, such as the TV.
Imagine you’re in the middle of a deep tissue massage, fully relaxed, but suddenly you’re jolted back to reality when you hear the A306 say, “I’m here,” just out of the blue. Yep, that can get annoying.
iRest A306 Massage Chair Massage Programs
The iRest A306 comes equipped with basic massage techniques and programs that you’d expect from a chair of this price range.
It offers the typical five techniques that you’ll see across the market: finger pressing, tapping, kneading, Shiatsu, and tapping/ kneading combo.
With the 3D rollers, any of these techniques will feel world-class, but the one massage that sets the A306 apart is the Yoga Stretch.
This combines kneading, tapping, and Shiatsu to gently hold and pull the muscles for a thorough stretch that turns tight muscles into spaghetti.
It’s a therapeutic massage that feels divine, and surprisingly isn’t offered by many recliners.
There are 12 auto programs ready to go, so all you have to do is push a button and start relaxing immediately.
The 12 auto programs are as follows:
While we feel there are more than enough auto programs, the manual options could’ve been better. You get an auto timer of 20 minutes to set your massage and the following adjustment levels:
All in all, we’d say the Yoga Stretch is a nice incentive, and the massage technology is on-point, but the variety is seriously lacking.
Air Massage
Airbags are placed throughout the body, and when inflated, they deliver a compression massage that helps ease the mind and body by enveloping tired, achy muscles in a cloud-like hug.
The A306 has a total of 28 airbags located at the feet, legs, arms, and shoulders, which can be combined with the 3D rollers and heat (for the lower back).
Foot/Calf Massage
The A306 uses a combination of specialized rollers and airbags to deliver a subliminal foot/calf massage.
The rollers move forward and backward against the acupressure points of the feet to melt away the pain caused by standing for long hours.
While this setup is above average, it would’ve been nice to see heat in the footwells. Then the A306 would’ve been a therapeutic must-have for those with chronic foot pain.
iRest A306 Massage Chair Pros vs. Cons
PROS
CONS
The iRest A306 massage chair is a great standard option that gives you the hottest features but limits massage customization.
Still, 12 auto programs are generous for a chair that costs just under $2000, and the advanced track and 3D roller system makes any massage feel like the real deal.
The Yoga Stretch is a huge bonus for the A306, as it’s rare to find affordable recliners with that kind of therapeutic pull.
Don’t get us wrong; it’s not a state-of-the-art chair. We’ve seen plenty of other low-priced models that offer a similar feature-set and even a few extras that the A306 doesn’t have, such as heat in the footwells.
One of the ways the A306 does cement its place as a top chair to consider is the fact that it’s suitable for taller/larger body types weighing up to 300 pounds.
This opens up the art of massage to more people who need the therapeutic benefits of an ergonomic recliner but might have trouble finding a chair to accommodate them.
We recommend the iRest A306 massage chair for…
iRest A306 Massage Chair Warranty
The brand iRest offers a 3-year warranty on the A306 from the date of purchase.
Comparable Products
The iRest A306 may not be your jam, and that’s OK! There is plenty of other reputable low-range recliners on the market that might be more your style.
We share a few of our favorites below.
Recommended For: Anyone looking for a massage chair with L-Track, heat therapy, foot rollers, and more, at an affordable price.
This model is priced around the same as the iRest and has an almost identical feature set. One way it stands out is by reputation- it’s an FDA-registered medical device. You also get dual heating in the lumbar region and footwells.
Recommended For: Users who want advanced massage technology at an affordable price.
If you’re after more variety for a low price, this is a great model to consider. You get the same S+L track and 3D roller technology for a quality massage, 12 auto programs, and six manual modes.
Recommended For: Hobbyists looking for relaxation or for those who suffer from chronic back pain.
If the thought of a random AI voice interrupting your massage is a turn-off, Forever Rest comes through with a similar chair that is designed with a special mechanism for a peaceful operation.
iRest A306 Review Conclusion
The iRest A306 is an affordable option for hobbyists who want to relax at home with access to industry-standard technology. It doesn’t get much better than a 53” S+L Hybrid track. The Yoga Stretch is a rare treat, as well as having three Zero-G positions to choose from.
To conclude this iRest A306 review, we recommend this chair for casual users who aren’t looking for fancy, just a quality massage. It’s also ideal for people who suffer from back pain thanks to the lumbar heat function, air compression massage, and 3D rollers.
References & Resources:
- iRest, Official Brand Website.
- iRest A306 Massage Chair User Manual.
- Can a Massage Chair Hurt Your Back?, Zarifa USA.
- How Often Should You Use a Massage Chair?, Titanchair.com.
- The Invention of Shiatsu Massage Chairs, USM.