Table of Contents
Infinity IT 8500 Zero Gravity Inversion Massage Chair
Pros
- User Flexibility (Height/Weight Range) Is On Point!
- 3 Foot Roller Rows Combined With Foot & Calf Airbags Result In An Invigorating Foot Massage
- One Of The Best Stretch Modes You'll Find On A Massage Chair!
Cons
- It's Ridiculously Overpriced For What It Can Do!
- Only Has 4 Auto Massage Modes
What Is The Infinity IT 8500?
Infinity IT 8500 is a mid to high end massage chair capable of delivering a massage at deep tissue intensities.
Infinity are an American company based out of Seabrook, New Hampshire.
Just like most other massage chair brands, Infinity chairs are made in China. Although most assembly does happen in the USA to ensure good quality control. Infinity chairs are known to be famous for the following features:
- Inversion Therapy—A reclined seating position of 190 degrees.
- Fantastic User Flexibility—Infinity have really nailed down user flexibility in terms of height and weight. Their chairs work especially well for large and extra large body frames.
- S-Track & L-Track—The 2 categories that distinguish Infinity chairs.
Now let’s examine the Infinity IT 8500 in greater detail!
6 Infinity IT 8500 Features You Should Know About!
#1 30” S-Track 2D Rollers
30” is simply the roller track span or distance. It’s how far the rollers can track down from the neck.
A 30” track span allows for rollers to track from the neck to the tailbone area of the lower back. On the contrary, a 50” track span allows for rollers to track from the neck all the way to the hamstrings. This is basically in a nutshell the difference between S-Track and L-Track.
That is, L-Track chairs have a longer tracking range than their S-Track counterparts.
A burning question most of my readers always ask is “are L-Track chairs better than S-Track?”
My answer is always the same. L-Track Vs. S-Track is a preference thing. If you prefer having a roller style massage on the glutes and hamstrings, then go for an L-Track. However, if you’re okay with compression and vibrations for the lower body, pick an S-Track. Both S-Track and L-Track rollers contour to the spine’s natural “s” shape.
Generally speaking, L-Track chairs are significantly more expensive than S-Track, so there’s a price aspect to this as well.
Above we talked about the 30” S-Track part of this chair, so let’s divert focus and talk 2D rollers for a moment. What in the heck are 2D rollers and how do they work?
2D means 2 dimensions. 2D rollers move in 2 dimensions. They move from top to bottom and vice versa, and from left to right and vice versa. The image above explains this concept.
#2 Zero Gravity & Inversion Therapy
Let’s start with zero gravity. What is zero gravity and how does it benefit me?
In layman terms, zero gravity is simply a recline position first discovered by NASA. You see NASA were looking for the most optimum seating position for an astronaut. A position where stresses and strains are at a minimum, and a position where the body has optimum breathing and circulation. This is the zero gravity position.
For those of you who love the technical details:
Zero gravity is a position where the legs are elevated with respect to the heart, and a position where the legs form an angle of 128 degrees with the torso.
Sitting in a zero gravity position has several benefits:
- The stress on your spine is greatly reduced.
- Expanded lung capacity so breathing is easier.
- Increased circulation as the heart doesn’t need to work as much.
The Infinity IT 8500 massage chair has 2 stages of zero gravity, or 2 positions of zero gravity. The 2nd stage is a more reclined version of the first.
Now then, what’s inversion therapy?
Inversion therapy or inversion recline is a more reclined position than zero gravity. For the Infinity IT 8500 specifically, this is a recline seating position of 190 degrees. As you can imagine, you’re a little past being fully horizontal or flat. In this position your legs are slightly elevated relative to your head.
Inversion therapy is especially useful when it comes to stretching. Rollers and airbags are best able to stretch the body when it’s in an inverted, 190 degree position. At this position, stretching is most effective.
#3 4 Auto Modes
Auto massage routines are great for 2 reasons:
- They require no preliminary setup i.e. no need to mess around changing manual settings.
- They are easily accessed by the push of a button on the remote control.
The more auto modes a massage chair has, the higher it scores in my evaluation!
This chair has a total of 4 full body massage modes. These are:
- Relax—If you’re not fond of strong intensity, this is probably a mode you’ll find yourself using. A good routine to do just before bedtime!
- Extend—As the name suggests, the goal of this routine is to stretch and extend the body. It makes use of the chair’s 190 degree inversion recline to stretch and massage the body using 4 different techniques.
- Refresh—Medium intensity and best done in the morning time after you wake up.
- Recover—Knock your socks off intensity! If deep tissue is your thing, then this is gonna be your go to mode. Makes use of both the rollers and airbags to provide a strong intensity massage.
Unfortunately 4 auto programs is very few in my mind. If it were a chair that costs $1000-2000, 4 auto modes may be acceptable. But this chair is almost $4.5K!
As far as i’m concerned, this is a definite con!
#4 6 Massage Techniques For Manual Mode
Manual mode is important but nowhere near as important as auto mode. Why? Most of us simply don’t have the time to change settings and techniques.
When you get on that chair, you want a massage and you want it now!
Manual mode is great for people who have the time to experiment. Unfortunately, most people don’t. All that being said, it’s still important because at some point you will wanna explore the chair’s functionality outside the few auto modes. There will come a point in time where you’ll get bored of the same routine, and this is where manual mode comes in handy.
The Infinity IT 8500 massage chair has pretty decent manual control. You can pick from 6 different massage strokes (kneading, rolling, tapping, knocking, shiatsu, and combination) to target either the entire back, or a specific area of the back. Roller speed can also be changed from 6 different settings (slow to fast).
#5 38 Airbags
This chair has a total of 38 airbags placed in specific areas where the rollers are unable to reach. These include the waist, shoulders, calves, arms, sides of the feet, inside the seat, and in the head and neck area. Airbag intensity can be adjusted from 5 different settings, ranging from mild to strong.
The animation below illustrates how the shoulder airbags work.
In this one you can kinda see what a waist massage would look like in action.
And lastly, here’s one where you can see both the foot rollers and airbags.
For each foot unit there are a total of 3 kneading rollers and 8 airbags that work to provide a kneading and compression style massage. There are also airbags located in the sides and back of the calf area.
#6 Seat Swivel
This is not a feature common to most chairs, so it’s worth mentioning. The Infinity IT 8500 massage chair has a seat that swivels. I know it’s hard to imagine what this looks like, but hopefully the animation below gives you some idea!
What’s the big deal with a swiveling seat?
Well it can be very useful when it comes to stretching the lower back. The upper body airbags firmly hold the shoulders in place, while the lower body airbags in the foot ottoman hold the feet in place. As the seat swivels from one side to another, so do your hips. This alternating “twist” motion helps stretch out the lower back, thereby alleviating pain and even improving posture!
Infinity IT 8500 Specifications
- Infinity IT 8500 Specs
- Roller Type: S-Track
- Roller Length: 30 Inches
- Total Airbags: 38
- Upright Dimensions: 45.7″H x 35.4″W x 59″D
- Recline Dimensions: 36.2″H x 35.4″W x 74″D
- Chair Material: Synthetic Leather
- Recommended Height Range: 5’0 – 6’5 ft
- Maximum Recommended Weight: 285 lbs
- Power Usage: 200 Watts
Here’s What I Think About It!
What I Like (Pros)
What I Don’t Like (Cons)
How Does It Compare To Other 2D S-Track Chairs?
Let’s compare the Infinity IT 8500 to 2 somewhat similar 2D S-Track chairs, the Osaki 7200H and the Osaki 4000T.
- Infinity IT 8500
- $$$$$
Price - Yes
Deep Tissue Massage - 4
Auto Modes - 5’0 – 6’5 ft & 285 lbs.
User Height/Weight - Yes
Inversion Therapy - 3
Foot Roller Rows - 38
Airbags - MP3 Speakers Only
Music & Chromotherapy Lights
- Osaki OS 4000T
- $$
Price - No
Deep Tissue Massage - 6
Auto Modes - 5’2 - 6’2 ft & 265 lbs.
User Height/Weight - No
Inversion Therapy - 2
Foot Roller Rows - 38
Airbags - No
Music & Chromotherapy Lights
- Osaki OS 7200H
- $$$
Price - No
Deep Tissue Massage - 6
Auto Modes - 5’2 - 6’4 ft & 265 lbs.
User Height/Weight - No
Inversion Therapy - 0
Foot Roller Rows - 51
Airbags - MP3 Speakers & LED Lights
Music & Chromotherapy Lights
Difference #1—Price
Price is likely gonna be the deciding factor when it comes to picking a massage chair. Everyone is looking for the best deals and the lowest prices! Below is based on current pricing at massage chair deals. Pricing is subject to change (and it will!).
- OS 4000T retails for $2,495.
- OS 7200H retails for $3,495.
- IT 8500 retails for $4,499.
The loser here and by some is the Infinity IT 8500. It’s almost $1K more than the other 2 chairs!
Difference #2—Deep Tissue
Both Osaki 4000T and 7200H cannot perform deep tissue massage intensities. Infinity IT 8500 can. Is this a big deal?
You bet your bottom dollar it is!
Unless you really don’t like deep tissue intensity of course, then it’s probably not so important. However, most people are all about deep tissue. Not only does it feel amazingly good, but there are also several benefits to a deep tissue massage!
As far as massage intensity is concerned, the clear winner here by a mile is the Infinity IT 8500!
Difference #3—Auto Programs
Auto programs are another important thing we all should consider before buying a massage chair. Obviously the more auto modes, the better!
- OS 4000T has 6 auto modes.
- OS 7200H has 6 auto modes.
- IT 8500 has 4 auto modes.
Once again the IT 8500 is the loser with only 4 auto modes. In its defense it does have an absolutely incredible stretch mode, something both Osaki chairs can only dream of doing! But even still, 4 auto routines are just not enough.
Difference #4—User Flexibility
When I say user flexibility, I really mean suggested user height and weight. User flexibility is all about how well a chair is able to fit different body types.
- OS 4000T has a height range of 5’2-6’2 ft., and a maximum recommended weight of 265 lbs.
- OS 7200H has a height range of 5’2-6’4 ft., and a maximum recommended weight of 265 lbs.
- IT 8500 has a height range of 5’0-6’5 ft., and a maximum recommended weight of 285 lbs.
Obviously the better chair is Infinity IT 8500 as far as user flexibility is concerned!
Difference #5—Inversion Therapy
Inversion therapy as mentioned earlier is a chair’s ability to recline to 190 degrees or more. Only one chair from the 3 is able to “invert” its user, guess which one? IT 8500 is correct!
Inversion therapy by itself is useless. You see the beauty of inversion when it’s used to extend and stretch the body. A win for the Infinity IT 8500!
Difference #6—Foot Rollers
Foot rollers are the key to an effective and relaxing foot massage. The more rows of kneading foot rollers, the better! Why? More foot roller rows means more foot coverage for massage. In fact with 3 roller rows you can reach as far the Achilles. This isn’t usually possible with dual rollers.
- OS 4000T has 2 roller rows.
- OS 7200H has no foot rollers.
- IT 8500 has 3 roller rows.
There’s no question in my mind that the one chair capable of delivering the best foot massage is the Infinity IT 8500. The other 2 chairs don’t stand a chance. Winner here is again the IT 8500!
Difference #7—Airbags
Do airbag numbers make a difference? If chair X had 20 more airbags than chair Y, does that make chair X better?
The answer is no, not necessarily!
It’s not about the number of airbags, but rather more about airbag design and coverage. It is possible for chair Y to have the exact same airbag coverage as chair X (which has 20 more airbags). It’s all about placement and design!
Just wanted this to be clear before we look at airbag numbers.
- OS 4000T has 38 airbags in total.
- OS 7200H has 51 airbags in total.
- IT 8500 has 38 airbags in total.
Even with the difference in airbag number, all 3 are great at compression massage!
Difference #8—MP3 Sound System & LED Lights
The last difference and probably the least important (at least in my eyes) has to do with integrated sound systems and LED lights.
- OS 4000T has no MP3 sound system or LED lights.
- OS 7200H has integrated MP3 speakers and LED lighting on the side panels.
- IT 8500 has integrated MP3 speakers.
Music and lighting on a massage chair doesn’t mean much to me. They bear no significance to how effective a massage is. I do understand some people take these things more seriously than I do!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How does one assemble the Infinity IT 8500?
Q2. What are the different colors available?
Q3. What is the material of the chair’s upholstery?
Q4. What kind of warranty is included in the price? Or do you have to spend extra for warranty?
Q5. Can I get a discount?
Q6. Are you an affiliate? Will you receive a commission if I buy?
Q7. What’s the difference between the IT 8500 and the IT 8500 X3 chairs?
- IT 8500 X3 features 3D rollers; IT 8500 has 2D rollers.
- IT 8500 X3 features calf rollers; IT 8500 only has calf airbags.
- IT 8500 X3 is both Bluetooth friendly and can be controlled using a smartphone app; IT 8500 isn’t capable of either.
- IT 8500 X3 is more expensive than IT 8500.
Q8. Should I buy this chair? Is it worth the money?
Final Recommendation: Should You Buy?
The Infinity IT 8500 massage chair has a lot of good things going for it:
- It’s capable of massaging at a deep tissue intensity.
- It has fantastic user flexibility.
- It has an awesome extend and stretch mode. Something very few chairs are capable of!
- It has a well designed foot massage with plenty of rollers and airbags.
The big question you need to ask yourself is:
Am I okay spending $4.5K for it!?
Because in all honesty I would not be okay spending almost $5K for this chair. With this much money I can buy a chair with 3D or 4D rollers, a much larger tracking range, and more auto programs. That being said, if you’re willing to spend $4.5K, you have a plethora of options! I’ve listed some of my favorites below.
- Osaki 4D JP Pro—100% engineered, manufactured, and assembled in Japan. One of the most underrated chairs on the market!
- Titan Pro Executive—If you want “bang for your buck”, this is the chair you should be looking at! 3D rollers, 61 airbags, and memory save are just some of the things that make this one of my all time favorites!
- Osaki Pro Maxim—Significantly cheaper than the Infinity IT 8500 with a much larger roller tracking span (47”) and with 3 times as many auto programs! (12)
I’ve previously reviewed all 3 chairs discussed above. You can check them out on massage chair deals by clicking the links below.
Final Recommendation: You may want to consider other options!
Finally, I hope you enjoyed reading and got some value out of this post. If you did, please consider sharing on the socials!
Infinity IT 8500 images were used with permission from Massage Chair Deals
