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Human Touch are an american health and wellness company based out of long beach California. Here’s 3 fun facts about these guys:
Oh and they have about 65+ patented technologies to their name! All in all these guys seem to have an impressive record.
I’ll be breaking down this chair in great detail for the rest of this post, but if you’re interested in only knowing a quick summary, this is it:
Before we talk about FlexGlide and what it’s all about, it’s important to understand the roller technology employed in the WholeBody 5.1.
The image below illustrates just how 2D rollers function. Whenever you hear 2D, think 2 dimensions: up and down and side to side. 2D roller technology is the most basic you can find in any massage chair today.
Basically, it’s a technology in which the rollers are designed to move freely and with minimum friction. Because there is reduced friction, you don’t get the feeling of being pinched as the rollers traverse your back. Human Touch describes the experience as being similar to a hot oil massage. Essentially, the overall massage experience feels lighter, smoother, and more refreshing.
The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 massage chair comes with 3 auto massage programs: full back, upper back, and lower back. All 3 routines are pre-programmed to last 15 minutes in total.
If you wanna take matters into your own hands, this chair can also be controlled manually. In this case, you can specifically select from one of the 4 techniques mentioned above. In addition to this, you can also alter vertical massage range and position. Let’s look at the 4 techniques in more detail:
Your basic tapotement massage technique. In essence, it’s a rapid pounding against the back and spine.
This is your basic rolling technique. It’s the vertical movement of the rollers along the back and spine.
This is your basic kneading massage technique. It’s this circular movement throughout the back that helps promote circulation and ease tension.
Simply said, this is a combination of kneading and tapping techniques. In other words, it’s a combination of the flex and stretch techniques.
Unlike most massage chairs, the WholeBody 5.1 has one of the most simplest remote controls. Not only is everything well laid out, it’s also foolproof!
Looking at the image above, it’s clear that the top panel are your auto modes, and the bottom panel are your manual modes. Sandwiched in between are your back and leg recline buttons!
What in the heck is this!? Quite the mouthful, but it’s actually pretty simple in theory.
The image below best describes this “figure eight” motion.
With respect to the ottoman, it can be used as either a calf massager or a foot massager at any given time. However, you cannot massage both the feet and calves at the same time.
The last thing you wanna do is buy a massage chair only to find out it sucks your wallet dry every time you get your electricity bill in the mail.
This chair in particular consumes 100 Watts of power. How does that compare to other chairs you ask? Well, it consumes quite a bit less when compared to other S-Track chairs such as the Osaki 1000, and 4000T. Both of these chairs consume 200 W and 250 W respectively.
To be entirely honest, i’m not sure why anyone would care for a swiveling base. I mean it probably helps with placement in a way, but other than that I don’t see how else it would be useful.
More important than the swiveling base is the chair’s ability to recline backward. Specifically, you can adjust both the backrest and footrest recline to suit your needs.
(Note: This is an affiliate link to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
(Note: This is an affiliate link to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
In this section I’ll be doing a side by side comparison of the WholeBody 5.1 to Osaki’s OS 1000. Both chairs have similar price points and both employ similar 2D roller technology.
(Note: This is an affiliate link to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Let’s talk about some of the key differences in more detail.
There’s no way to adjust roller intensity and speed on the WholeBody 5.1. However, this is possible to do in the Osaki OS 1000.
If you’re someone who mostly uses one of the preset auto modes, then no it’s not a big deal. It’s a big deal if you intend to primarily use a chair in manual mode. To give you some perspective, 85 to 90% of the time I operate my massage chair using one of the preset auto routines. If you’re anything like me, this won’t be a deal breaker!
Here’s another important difference worth taking note of. Osaki incorporates a body scan feature to all of its massage chairs. This body scan essentially ensures the rollers are set in the most optimum position based on the individual’s body type. In essence, the resulting massage experience feels more customized from person to person.
The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 massage chair doesn’t have a body scan. A definite shortcoming as far as I’m concerned!
Osaki OS 1000 has a total of 5 auto programs, whereas the WholeBody 5.1 has 3.
Auto routines are important simply because most of us don’t like to mess around with manual settings. Basically you just wanna sit back, push one button, and relax!
Osaki OS 1000 employs an airbag system consisting of 20 airbags mostly located in the leg and foot regions of the chair. On the other-hand, the WholeBody 5.1 employs the CirQlation figure eight technology discussed earlier.
I personally prefer the figure eight technology over airbags, simply because it’s a dynamic massage. In other words, it massages with a motion and rhythm. Airbags simply inflate in a static manner. However, the absence of airbags does have its shortcomings. One being there isn’t anything to hold the body in place for a stretch routine and two there isn’t anything to massage the waist and hips.
Osaki OS 1000 consumes double the power (200 W) than the WholeBody 5.1 (100 W). The search for a budget chair isn’t just about price. Pick a chair with high power consumption, and you can expect a high energy bill!
Clear winner here is the WholeBody 5.1!
If you’re in the market for a massage chair that costs less than $1500, the Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 is a fantastic choice. The patented FlexGlide and CirQlation technology really makes a big difference as far massage experience is concerned. In addition to these, the chair has a fairly low rate of power consumption, thereby making it ideal for anyone on a seriously tight budget!
(Note: This is an affiliate link to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
For those of who you are seriously considering buying the WholeBody 5.1, here are some additional resources you may wanna look into.
Here’s a quick demo of the chair from Human Touch:
Lastly, if you have any more questions about this chair, please drop a comment below and I’ll be sure to get back to you. Otherwise, please show your support by sharing this review post on the socials. Hope you enjoyed reading, and I’ll see you next time!
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