In a Nutshell:
One of the most compelling aspects of the Kahuna LM6800 is its price. At under $2000, it’s highly affordable. But affordability isn’t what makes this massage chair one of the most popular and highly-rated. It’s what you get for the price. L-Track, heat therapy, and foot rollers are just a few of the top-of-line features you’ll find on the Kahuna LM6800 that make this massage chair one of the best values for the money.
Overall Massage Quality
Customization options
Ease of Use
Value for the Money
Overall Rating
4.5/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Anyone looking for a massage chair with L-Track, heat therapy, foot rollers, and more, at an affordable price.
At the time of writing this review, the Kahuna LM6800 massage chair is the number one best seller on Amazon for Salon and Spa Chairs. It’s a popular massage chair, no doubt. But why? Does it really live up to the hype? In this Kahuna massage chair LM6800 review, we’re taking an in-depth look at all of the features to find out. Let’s get started!
Features of the Kahuna Massage Chair LM6800
Computer Body Scan
Body scanning is a critical component to ensuring a custom-fit massage. Without it, a massage chair’s movements will base on a “standard” height and shape. And since no real standard exists, the rollers inevitably hit too high or too low on many users. But you don’t have to worry about that on the Kahuna LM6800.
The computer body scan initiates before you begin a massage program. Using the rollers, the chair measures your height and shape before automatically adjusting the massage range to target the correct areas.
L-Track Massage Track
The rollers move along a massage track. There are two main types of tracks: S-Tracks and L-Tracks.
S-Tracks are “S” shaped tracks that curve to match the natural shape of the spine and typically extend from the neck to the tailbone. L-Tracks are linear tracks that extend from the tailbone under the buttocks and thighs. It lengthens the massage range by 20 inches or more and forms an “L” shape.
Both track types have their benefits. S-Tracks keep consistent pressure across the back in curvy areas like the neck and lower back. L-Tracks extend the massage range and go where S-Tracks can’t — under the glutes and thighs.
The Kahuna LM6800 features an L-Track that extends from the neck to the buttock, creating a long, unified massage track. Dual rollers — two sets of two — mimic the feel of two thumbs and two hands and move along the track administering massage.
Air Massage Technology
In addition to roller massage, the Kahuna LM6800 features shoulder-to-toe air massage. Rollers are the standard massage mechanism on massage chairs and should be expected on chairs topping $1000. Air massage, however, isn’t, which makes the fact that the Kahuna LM6800 features full-body air massage so compelling.
That said, airbags are not an uncommon feature. In fact, they’re the go-to component for the majority of massage chair manufacturers who offer any type of air, shoulder, or calf massage.
In general, airbags operate very differently than rollers. While rollers tap, knead, and penetrate, airbags squeeze and release, which is also known as compression. During compression massage, pressure is applied and released, circulating the blood in and out of the area. This aids in the removal of stagnant fluids and the flow of new nutrient and oxygen-rich blood.
Let’s take a closer look at the air massage areas on the Kahuna massage chair LM6800.
Heat Therapy
While many massage chairs feature heat therapy, — typically in the lower back or shoulders — not many feature calf heat. On the Kahuna massage chair LM6800, there is a calf and lower back heat. This is one of the most extensive heating systems for a massage chair under $2000.
Traditionally, heat is used to dilate blood vessels, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. Furthermore, it increases circulation and helps to repair damaged tissues. It also relaxes the muscles, which produces a massage-friendly benefit: relaxed muscles allow the rollers to provide a deeper, more effective massage.
Calf and Foot Massage
Foot rollers have become a popular feature in recent years, and many massage chair companies have been updating their chairs in response to the demand. The Kahuna LM6800 is no exception.
Besides airbags, the calf and foot massager ottoman on the Kahuna LM6800 features dual mechanical foot rollers that provide a powerful massage to the bottoms of the feet stimulating acupuncture points. The keyword here is powerful. The foot massage is not for the faint of heart. But a pair of socks or padding is a quick and easy way to reduce the intensity.
Zero Gravity Recline
Another massage-enhancing feature on the Kahuna LM6800 is Zero Gravity. It positions your body such that its weight is evenly dispersed across the backrest, giving you the sense of weightlessness.
In Zero Gravity, the vertical pressure is removed from the neck, back, spine and lower body, and the legs are elevated above the heart. The spine decompresses, the muscles relax, and circulation in the lower extremities is increased.
Since you’re reclined, and gravity is pushing you against the back of the chair, the Zero Gravity position also helps to enhance the intensity of the message.
There are three stages of Zero Gravity on the Kahuna LM6800 with each stage offering more recline.
Space Saving Technology
Although a large and heavy massage chair — 220 pounds — the Kahuna LM6800 only needs about 6 inches of space behind the chair to fully recline, thanks to its space saving technology. The space saving technology moves the chair forward as it reclines back, reducing the amount of space needed behind the chair. However, the front of the chair still requires space, although much less than massage chairs without space saving technology.
Massage Programs and Techniques on the Kahuna Massage Chair LM6800
Massage Programs
At first glance, it appears the Kahuna LM6800 only has two or four massage programs, but it actually has six. The confusion about the number of programs may be due to how Kahuna differentiates its programs. The six programs are:
Yoga and SV-Chiro are considered signature programs, while Deep Tissue, Stretching, Relax, and Rejuvenate are considered auto massage programs. Let’s take a closer look at the signature programs:
Massage Techniques
If you want to skip the auto massage programs altogether and customize your own, the Kahuna LM6800 has five massage techniques to choose from:
The Kahuna LM6800 massage chairs’ automatic programs were designed based on Shiatsu therapy. “In the Japanese language, Shiatsu means ‘finger pressure.’ Techniques include massages with fingers, thumbs, and palms to assist stretching, joint manipulation, and mobilization,” explains Kahuna.
Now that we’ve covered the massage programs and techniques, let’s take a look at the manual mode customization options on the Kahuna LM6800 Massage chair.
Customization and Manual Mode Options on the Kahuna Massage Chair LM6800
The Kahuna LM6800 has quite a few customization options considering the price. Here’s what’s available:
Customization Options | Function |
---|---|
Air Massage Intensity | You can adjust air massage intensity up to three levels. |
Massage Roller Speed |
You can change the speed of the massage roller heads up to three settings for the tapping, kneading, tapping and kneading (dual), and shiatsu techniques. |
Massage Width Settings |
You can customize the width of the rollers with three settings: narrow, medium, and wide. |
Spot Massage | You can fix your massage on a particular spot. |
Portion Massage |
You can select the part of the body you want your manual massage to focus: back, waist, seat, back and waist, waist and seat, or the whole body. |
Position Adjust |
A set of up and down arrows allow you to adjust the position of the rollers. |
Foot Roller |
You can turn the foot rollers on, off, or add them to any massage program. |
Extendable Ottoman |
The ottoman can extend out an additional 6 inches to accommodate taller users. |
Removable Pads |
There are two removable pads located on the backrest that increase massage intensity when removed. |
Handheld LCD Remote
All of the chair’s functions are controlled with a handheld LCD remote. At the top is a display screen that highlights all of the active functions. Under the screen, in the center of the remote, are “Zero-G” and “Pause” buttons, giving you quick and easy access.
On the right side of the remote is where you’ll find the automatic massage programs: Auto, Yoga, and SV-Chiro. Yoga and SV-Chiro have their own buttons, but the other four massage programs are accessed by pressing the “Auto” button. The programs are in the following sequence: Deep Tissue, Stretching, Relax, Rejuvenate and off. Press repeatedly to cycle through the programs and the display screen will highlight which program — 1, 2, 3, or 4 — is active.
On the left side of the remote is where you’ll find the manual mode options. A “Manual” button gives you access to the massage techniques. A “Speed” button lets you adjust the speed of the massage rollers. And “Portion” and “Spot” buttons let you adjust the location of your massage.
At the bottom of the remote is a circular dial that lets you control the recline of the backrest and footrest and is surrounded by other buttons that control settings like air massage, massage width, foot rollers, and air intensity.
Overall, the remote is very simple and easy to use.
What’s Missing on the Kahuna LM6800 Massage Chair
Even though the Kahuna LM6800 massage chair has a lot of standout features for its price, there’s one you won’t find:
No 3D Massage
On the Kahuna LM6800 massage chair, there are roller massage speed adjustments, but no intensity adjustments. And without intensity adjustments, the massage chair isn’t an exact 3D massage chair.
Whereas 3D massage rollers move in three ways: up and down, side to side, and inward pressure, the rollers on the Kahuna LM6800 move in two ways and don’t have the same inward pressure capabilities. So you’re limited in how much you can customize your massage experience — an important factor if you’re a fan of deep tissue massage.
Kahuna LM6800 vs. Kahuna Spirit: What’s the Difference?
The Kahuna Spirit massage chair was introduced at the end of 2016 and is the most recent addition to the Kahuna lineup. It retails for $6,299, which is a big increase in price compared to the Kahuna LM6800 at a little under $2000. So what’s the difference?
SL-Track
The Kahuna Spirit features an SL-Track, which is a combination S-Track and L-Track. Although, it doesn’t seem much different than what you find on the Kahuna LM6800.
Additional Heat for Arms
Besides having heating pads in the lower back and calves like the Kahuna LM6800, the Spirit has heating pads in the arms — extending its already robust heating system.
Redesigned Arm and Hand Massagers
Since the arms feature heating pads on the Kahuna Spirit, the arm massagers have been redesigned to be more enclosed than the arm massagers on the Kahuna LM6800.
Bluetooth Connectivity to built-in speakers
The Spirit has Bluetooth that allows you to connect any compatible music device — iPhone, iPad, etc. — to its built-in speakers. With the Spirit, you can enjoy your favorite music and your favorite massage at the same time.
Seat Vibration Massage
Inside the seat of the Kahuna Spirit is a high-frequency vibration plate that provides vibration massage to the buttocks and thighs. Vibration massage is believed to stimulate microcirculation, or circulation through the smallest vessels. There are three levels of intensity for the vibration massage, and it can be added to any massage program.
Additional Stretch Program
The Kahuna Spirit features two full-body stretch programs: Yoga Stretching and Active Yoga. Meanwhile, the Kahuna LM6800 has one full-body stretch program: Yoga.
Different Aesthetics
The Kahuna Spirit incorporates more metal-looking materials in its design, while the Kahuna LM6800 uses more leather-like polyurethane upholstery. In general, the Kahuna Spirit has a more sleek and modern design.
WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON
The massage technology in the two chairs appears to be the same. They’re both FDA approved medical devices. They both have the same number and style of massage techniques and a similar number of massage programs. They both have heat therapy, Zero Gravity, L-Tracks, foot rollers and shoulder-to-toe air massage.
Although the Spirit is a new and “upgraded” model, we’re not sure it’s worth the additional $4000.
Additional Considerations for the Kahuna LM6800 Massage Chair
THREE YEAR WARRANTY
While many massage chair manufacturers offer a one-year full warranty for parts and labor, the Kahuna LM6800 has a three-year all parts and labor warranty that includes frames, springs, inclining, reclining, motors, heating, and vibrating mechanisms. The internal metal framework is also covered and will be repaired at no cost if damaged from normal use.
Kahuna LM6800 Massage Chair Specifications and Dimensions
Chair dimensions |
46″L X 31″W X 48″H |
Recommended maximum user weight | 285 lbs |
Recommended user height | 5’0″ to 6’4″ |
Required Recline Clearance | 6” |
Power Consumption | 230W |
Chair weight | 220 lbs |
Kahuna Massage Chair LM6800 Review Final Thoughts
The Kahuna massage chair LM6800 is outfitted with top-of-the-line features like L-Track, heat therapy, full-body stretch programs, foot rollers, and air massage but without the top-of-the-line price tag. So if you’re looking for a massage chair that can do it all without breaking the bank, the Kahuna LM6800 massage chair is a reliable option that lives up to the hype.
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Sources and Official Brand Websites
- Kahuna, Official Brand Website.
- Massage: Get in touch with its many benefits, Mayo Clinic.
- Benefits of Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain, Spine-Health.
- Healing With a Massage Chair, Health Guidance.
- The Benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy, Let’s Get Fit.
- Back Massage Therapy to Relieve Pain and Improve Mobility, Massage Envy.