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I like my Sundance rep and I like her spa.The real hard thing to live with is that none of the jets have any "WOW" factor. They are all strong, they all give a good massage. But you don't sit in any seat and say "Oh my God that feel good". Like I do in the moto massage and the Oscillator on ther bullfrog.
solo, 562 and 362 are the exact same shell, the difference being the 362 comes standard with two 3hp pumps and only three jetpacks Pick out your favorite 3 jetpaks and make an offer, you will love it
I stayed away from that wand for the same reason, didn't think it would hold up. There is no rule about having to sit upright with your back against the seat, you'll find after you own a spa that there are many different angles which you can sit that will direct the jets at your side or front. No rules just right.
Solo, I've recommended wet testing a Caldera to you several times. Their Niagara model has a side volcano jet to the left of one seat, an odd mini lounge that would cause jets to hit your right side while you are massaging your feet, and I've found the captain's seat to be the single most comfortable seat that i've wet tested. This is probably slightly above your current price range, but worth wet testing if you're not sold on your current options.http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tubs/showroom_niagara.html#