Table of Contents
Kahuna SM 7300 Massage Chair Review
Pros
- Revolutionary 6 Roller System Means Massage Is Twice As Effective Than Other Chairs!
- Designed To Accommodate Users Of Varying Heights/Weights!
- For All That It Offers, Price Is Incredibly Reasonable!
Cons
- Nothing I Can Think Of (And I Spent A Lot Of Time Thinking!)
It’s A High Performing Mid Range Massage Chair!
Last week I presented a detailed review of Kahuna’s LM 6800: an entry level massage chair with a more than reasonable price tag. In today’s review, we will be looking at a more advanced chair from Kahuna, step forth the SM 7300!
In case you didn’t know, Kahuna are an American based massage chair manufacturer.
Where are Kahuna massage chairs manufactured?
After having scoured the net in an attempt to find an answer to this question, I was able to confirm my initial thought. And that is that the Kahuna chairs are made in China. You shouldn’t at all be surprised by this, as most famous massage chair names (Osaki, Titan, APEX) all have their chairs manufactured out of China.
Should you be concerned with massage chairs made in China?
A decade ago i’d have said yes, but in present day 2019 my answer is quite different. Massage chairs made in China have actually gotten exponentially better than what they used to be. However, Japanese chairs are still superior if you ask me. But they’re also a heck of a lot more expensive!
5 Interesting Features To Know About The Kahuna SM 7300 Massage Chair!
#1 It’s Got An “SL” Roller Track!
Because of all the nuances, shopping for a massage chair can become quite confusing. Roller track is one of those nuances you need to pay attention to!
But what is roller track anyways?
Let’s start right from the top so there’s no confusion. Rollers are the most important component to a massage chair. They’re responsible for massaging your neck, shoulders, upper/lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. It’s not at all an exaggeration to say:
A well designed, well functioning set of rollers usually equals a good massage chair, and vice versa!
Roller track then describes how a set of rollers traverses from top to bottom. There are 3 main types of roller tracks:
“Okay, I get it, but why is it important to know all of this?”
It’s important to know this so you understand the distinction between L-Track & SL-Track. There’s a lot of confusion people have where they think both are the same. They are not the same, nor do they feel or function the same!
Apologies for the long rant here, but I really want to drill the idea home. Hopefully it’s clear now. That being said, the SM 7300 does feature an SL-Track roller. If you look at the image below, you’ll notice that “S” contour from neck to lower back, and the overall “L” shape from neck to hamstrings. This is true “SL” Tracking!
#2 It’s Got 6 Rollers Instead Of 4!
Having reviewed 35-40 odd massage chairs, I’ve yet to come across a single one that has more than 4 rollers. Quad rollers, or a set of 4 rollers seems to be the preferred configuration for most manufacturers.
Kahuna, on the other hand decided to challenge the status quo!
Instead of using a 4 roller system, they’ve taken it up a notch and have instead gone with a 6 roller system. But do 2 more rollers really make all that much of a difference?
Think of it like this: the magic of human massage is in a massage therapist’s hands, similarly the magic of chair massage is in a chair’s rollers. If you had 2 therapists massaging you instead of 1, how much more effective do you think massage would be? I speak from experience when I say it will be a heck of a lot more effective!
Same deal with the rollers then! 6 rollers will be much more effective than 4!
It’s these sorts of innovative designs that get me excited! Well done Kahuna!
The 6 rollers in the SM 7300 are 2-dimensional (AKA 2D). 2D rollers are the oldest and most basic of roller technology (4D is the most advanced). The technology may be old, but 2D rollers are still around for a reason. They give a hell of a massage! Ever heard the saying “old is gold”? That very much applies here!
Vertical and horizontal; that’s all you gotta remember about 2D rollers! The rollers move up/down and across the back from one side to the other. The arrows in the image below describe the vertical and horizontal movements.
#3 Incredible User Flexibility!
User flexibility is how well a massage chair is able to accommodate various body types. The best massage chairs are those that can accommodate a wide range of body types.
Because of its 12 inch extendable foot ottoman and wide shoulder area, the Kahuna SM 7300 is able to effectively accommodate individuals with a maximum height of 6’5 ft. and a maximum weight of 320 lbs!
If you’re someone with a larger body type, this is massive, as there’s not many chairs that are designed to fit larger/taller frames.
#4 Comes Preloaded With 9 Auto Programs!
When it comes to auto programs, the more a chair has the better. It’s really as simple as that!
Why do you want more auto programs?
If you’re a no fuss guy like me, then the last thing you wanna do is have to mess around with manual settings every time. And that’s the beauty of automatic routines…..you hop into the chair, grab the remote control, pick a mode, and you’re set!
The 9 auto modes are:
- Yoga Stretching—A full body stretch mode that makes use of both the airbags & rollers. It’s intense!
- Pain Relief—A high intensity massage routine that’s designed to target specific trigger points in the back.
- Fast Recovery—Mid intensity routine that works great after exercise or workout.
- Relaxation—Low intensity mode designed to relax your body. A great routine to run before bedtime!
- Athlete—Designed specifically with the athlete in mind, this mode is particularly great at relieving soreness.
- Golfer Mode—A specially designed mode that focuses solely on the bottom half of the body.
- Office Person—What’s the most relieving massage you can give an office person? Neck and shoulder massage is right!
- Dynamic Sport—A massage routine specifically designed to kick start your day. Low to mid intensity!
- Senior Mode—A gentle, low intensity massage that’s comforting yet highly effective!
The last 4 modes are categorized as “special”. Special, because they are geared towards a specific individual (such as an athlete, golfer etc.) and are in that sense more focused. The first 5 are considered your “traditional” modes.
How do you go about selecting one of the 9 auto modes?
It’s pretty easy! Hit the menu button from the remote. This will bring up a list of menus on the remote display.
As can be seen from the image above, the very first option is AUTO. This is what you want to select. When you do, you’ll get the list of all auto massage modes, including the special ones. Select the one you desire, hit ok, and enjoy!
#5 Space Saving & Zero Gravity
As far as I’m concerned, space saving & zero gravity are 2 features that are a must have! What are these two?
Note: The Zero Gravity function can be activated directly from the remote control by the push of a button.
Kahuna SM 7300 Massage Chair Specifications
- Kahuna SM 7300 Massage Chair Specs
- Roller Type: SL-Track
- Massage Routines: 9
- Total Airbags: 32
- Dimensions (L X W X H): 55.5″ x 30.0″ x 48.5″
- Chair Material: Synthetic Leather
- Recommended Height Range: 5'0 - 6’5 ft.
- Maximum Recommended Weight: 320 lbs
Kahuna SM 7300 Massage Chair Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
“Should I Splash The Cash $$$ And Get The Kahuna SM 7300?”
Well…before we can answer that question it’s best to see how the Kahuna SM 7300 competes against other chairs with similar technology. To give you a good idea of where the SM 7300 stands, we’ll be comparing it against 2 very similar massage chairs:
Since its release about a year ago, the Pro Maxim has gained tremendous popularity. In fact, i’d even go as far as saying that it’s one of the best selling massage chairs since its release. And there’s a reason Osaki continue to sell out on this model….it’s damn good!
If you’re in the market for an SL-Track chair, the Ogawa Active L is a fantastic option. Just like the Kahuna SM 7300, it comes pre-loaded with 9 auto programs, is able to accommodate larger body types, and last but not least….it’s one of most beautifully designed chair I’ve yet to see!- Ogawa Active L
- $$$
Price - SL-Track
Roller Type - 9
Auto Modes - 44
Airbags - 5’0 – 6’4 ft & 300 lbs.
User Height/Weight
- Osaki OS Pro Maxim
- $$$
Price - SL-Track
Roller Type - 12
Auto Modes - 22
Airbags - 5’1 – 6’4 ft & 285 lbs.
User Height/Weight
- Kahuna SM 7300
- $$
Price - SL-Track
Roller Type - 9
Auto Modes - 32
Airbags - 5’0 – 6’5 ft & 320 lbs.
User Height/Weight
What’s the final verdict?
Well well well….moment of truth time! Should you buy Kahuna’s SM 7300 or should you consider something else, and if so, what? It’s so hard to decide, but after giving it much thought…..
Based on current pricing of all 3 chairs, your best bet is to go with the Kahuna SM 7300!
However, I must stress this recommendation is only based on current pricing for all 3 chairs. Which reminds me…..when you’ve narrowed down your search to 3-4 chairs, it’s always a good idea to make note of the pricing on those chairs and monitor how they change over a month or 2. In other words, what I’m trying to say is you should never be in an immediate rush to “pull the trigger!”.
For example, I’ve seen the Pro Maxim on sale several times where the price has been at least $200-300 less than retail. When you buy on an impulse, you pay significantly more than necessary. Waiting pays off!
I Hope This Review Was Useful!
If you enjoyed reading and got some value out of this review, please consider sharing on the social channels. Also, if there’s a specific chair you’d like me to look at next, please drop a comment and let me know. Otherwise, I’ll see you in the next one!
Great information and easy reading, and I have did my homework and I chose Kahuna SM7300S
thank you.
Awesome stuff Doris, hope you’re enjoying the chair! Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.
I receive my Kuhuna Chair Sm7300s.
Great chair,very sheek, comfortable, wide, lots of selections. Feels great. It does all that it states.
White glove.. excellent .. I am loving it…blue tooth my music. nice speakers in head rest.
Lets get to the CONS:
Need back-up light on remote
Received complimentary 10 inch kahuna chair tablet, but cant mount it to the Sm7300s. bummer
The highest settings could be rough if you are thin….
I wish the massage could actual go over-top of my shoulder…Its upmost there, but
Other than that. Kahuna SM 7300s – Take me away…..
Glad you love it Doris! Thanks for dropping a comment. Have a good one!
I’m looking at the Titan Pro Jupiter vs the Kahuna sm7300s. (Willing to consider alternatives in the under 3200 price range. Definitely want glutes massage.
They both accommodate big people, so which would be best for a 6’3” 300 lb truck driver with shortish legs (32” inseam, lot of torso) pretty beefy back and arms. Price is under 3200 US dollars for either. Thoughts about quality of massage, quality of product, warranty, and repairs? This chair will be used pretty much daily.
Thank you!
Thoughts?
Paul, thanks for leaving a comment. Sorry for being so late to respond. First things first, the Titan Pro Jupiter XL is a chair with 3D rollers, whereas the Kahuna SM 7300S is a 2D chair. I don’t think it’s fair to compare the 2. The best way to decide on a massage chair is when you’re comparing apples to apples. Before going any further you must ask yourself “am I looking for a 3D chair or a 2D chair?”. 3D chairs are typically more expensive than 2D.
If you are indeed in the market for a 3D chair, the Pro Jupiter XL is an excellent option, although it might be above your budget. A fantastic chair which I recently reviewed which is well below your budget is the Titan Prime 3D. It’s got 3D rollers and an L-Track, and also comes equipped with calf and foot rollers. You can check out my review on that chair here!
I hope this gives you some direction. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Hi Eve,
For the exact same price would you recommend the Ogawa Active L Plus or the SM7300S? I guess it comes down to back vs air massage and look?
Also is the Titan Pro Exec the best value chair that offers 3D right now? Is 3D that much better than 2D?
Thanks
Hello Hao,
Hope you are well. Thanks for leaving a comment! If price is the same for both, I would go with the Ogawa Active L Plus over the SM7300S. The Active L Plus gives you the ability to save customised massage programs to memory, the SM7300S does not.
Also, I agree with you that aesthetics plays a role. Of course aesthetics is subjective, so what I think looks good might not be something you agree with. I prefer the Active L Plus in terms of looks.
I also agree with you about the back massage. The SM7300S has the 6 rollers (compared to the quad (4) of the Active L Plus) so that does make a big difference. All things considered even though it’s a tough decision, I’d go with the Active L Plus.
Now let me try to answer your next two questions. Is the Titan Pro Exec the best value chair that offers 3D right now? Hard to answer because prices are constantly changing (every day in fact!). There’s new prices and new massage chair models that come out everyday. That being said, my favorite 3D chairs at this time are (in no particular order):
1. Osaki Pro Admiral-Read the review here.
2. Titan Prime 3D-Read the review here.
3. Titan Pro Executive-Read the review here.
4. Titan Pro Jupiter XL-Read the review here.
If you’re looking for an economical option, the Titan Prime 3D is pretty good.
Is 3D that much better than 2D? Well this comes down to preference. The added dimension with 3D offers a more “deeper” massage experience. Keep in mind massage intensity is also subjective! That means what I find “super intense” might not be so for you. Generally speaking however, 3D chairs offer more flexibility in intensity, something that 2D chairs cannot replicate. If this is important to you, go for a 3D chair. Otherwise 2D is just fine! If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch! Cheers, hope you’re well and safe!