XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair Review: The Ultimate Backyard Upgrade Tested

There’s a ritual many of us who cherish the sun know all too well. It involves finding the perfect spot, laying out a towel, and attempting to achieve that elusive, even tan. But soon, the discomfort creeps in. Lying on your back is fine, but flipping over to tan your back becomes a battle of contortions. Your neck aches from being turned to the side, your arms get trapped awkwardly underneath you, and trying to read a book or scroll through your phone is a near-impossible feat. For years, I simply accepted this as the price of admission for a day spent soaking up the vitamin D. We’ve tried propping our heads on bunched-up towels and using pillows that inevitably get sandy or damp. The result is always the same: a stiff neck and a less-than-relaxing experience. This simple frustration is precisely the problem the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair aims to solve, promising a revolutionary approach to outdoor comfort that could fundamentally change how we lounge by the pool, on the lawn, or at the beach.

What to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Reclining Chair

An outdoor reclining chair is more than just a piece of patio furniture; it’s a key solution for unlocking true relaxation in your personal outdoor space. It’s about creating a sanctuary where you can decompress, read, nap, or simply enjoy the fresh air in complete comfort. The main benefits are ergonomic support that far surpasses a simple towel on the ground, versatility for different activities, and the durability to withstand the elements. These chairs transform a patch of grass or a poolside deck into a personal oasis, making leisure time more restorative and enjoyable. Without a proper lounge chair, you’re often left with uncomfortable, makeshift solutions that can lead to aches, pains, and a truncated relaxation session.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common struggle of finding a comfortable and versatile outdoor seating solution. This includes avid sunbathers, backyard readers, poolside loungers, and even campers looking for a portable comfort upgrade. It’s for anyone who values ergonomic support and wants a dedicated piece of furniture for relaxation. However, it might not be suitable for those with extremely limited storage space, as even folding chairs have a footprint. It’s also not ideal for someone who exclusively needs upright seating for dining. For those individuals, a set of traditional patio chairs or a more compact, upright beach chair might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended space carefully. Consider both the fully extended dimensions for lounging and the folded dimensions for storage. A chair that’s perfect for a sprawling lawn might overwhelm a small balcony. Ensure there’s enough clearance to recline fully without hitting a wall, railing, or other furniture.
• Capacity & Performance: Pay close attention to the weight capacity. A robust frame, like the alloy steel found in many modern designs, ensures stability and longevity. Performance also includes the reclining mechanism; look for chairs with multiple, easy-to-adjust positions to suit various activities from sitting upright to lying completely flat.
• Materials & Durability: The frame material is critical. Steel offers excellent strength and a high weight capacity, but ensure it’s powder-coated or treated to resist rust. The fabric should be weather-resistant, breathable, and easy to clean. Materials like Textilene or specially treated polyester blends are excellent choices as they resist fading, mildew, and water damage. We’ve seen firsthand how a chair with a solid frame and high-quality fabric can outlast cheaper alternatives by years.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great outdoor chair should be hassle-free. Look for models that require no assembly and feature an intuitive folding mechanism. Portability is another key factor; consider the item’s weight and whether it includes a handle or carrying strap. For long-term care, choose materials that can be easily wiped down with soap and water.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can select an outdoor recliner that will serve as your go-to relaxation spot for many seasons to come.

While the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair

The moment the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair arrived, its biggest advantage was immediately apparent: no assembly required. Pulling it straight from the box, the chair unfolds in a single, fluid motion. We were instantly impressed by the sturdiness of the alloy steel frame; it felt substantial and secure, dispelling any initial fears of wobbliness. The vibrant green fabric was taut and had a quality feel, appearing both durable and breathable. Weighing in at just 12 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight for its size and perceived strength, making the “portable” claim ring true from the get-go. We did notice a couple of very minor cosmetic issues, which some user reviews also mentioned. There was a tiny chip in the paint on one leg and a few loose threads along a seam—nothing that would impact performance or was worth the hassle of a return, but worth noting for those expecting absolute perfection. These minor blemishes aside, the initial impression was of a well-designed, robust, and thoughtfully engineered piece of outdoor gear ready for immediate use. You can see the full design and color options online.

Performance Under the Sun: A Deep Dive into the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair

A lounge chair can look great out of the box, but its true value is only revealed after hours spent under the sun. We put the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair through its paces over several long, sunny afternoons by the pool and on the lawn. We tested every feature, from its multiple recline angles to its signature face hole, to determine if it truly lives up to its promise of ultimate outdoor relaxation.

The Game-Changing Comfort: A Deep Dive into the 3-in-1 Design

Let’s be clear: the face-down lounging feature is the star of the show, and it is nothing short of revolutionary for sunbathers. This is the feature that elevates the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair from a simple lounger to an essential piece of summer equipment. To use it, you simply lie on your stomach, open the padded flap, and rest your face in the cushioned hole. The experience is immediately transformative. Gone is the requisite neck-cranking and shoulder strain. We were able to lie comfortably for over an hour, reading a book placed on the ground below and easily scrolling on a phone. The design includes two arm slots that let your arms rest in a natural, forward position rather than being pinned uncomfortably at your sides. One user perfectly captured this sentiment, stating they “love the fact that you can… turn it into a stomach lounger with a place for your head to rest comfortably.!” We wholeheartedly agree. The included face pillow is soft and can be used to close the hole when you’re on your back, or removed entirely. Beyond this signature feature, the chair’s versatility is exceptional. The five backrest positions range from nearly upright—perfect for sipping a drink and chatting—to completely flat for a traditional sunbathing experience. The two-position footrest adds another layer of customization, allowing you to find that perfect ergonomic sweet spot. The comfort level here is a feature that truly sets it apart from standard beach chairs.

Built to Last? A Critical Look at Durability and Materials

Comfort is paramount, but it means little if the chair doesn’t hold up. The foundation of the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair is its reinforced alloy steel frame. This is what enables its most impressive technical specification: a massive 440-pound weight capacity. In our testing, the chair felt incredibly stable and secure in every position. There was no creaking, flexing, or wobbling, even when shifting weight or getting on and off the chair. This robust construction provides immense peace of mind and suggests a long lifespan for the core structure. As one user noted, “It’s sturdy and does the job well.” This aligns perfectly with our findings; the frame is the chair’s strongest asset. However, as we and other users have pointed out, the finish isn’t flawless. The minor paint chips we observed upon unboxing suggest the coating could be more resilient. Likewise, while the fabric feels tough and held up perfectly during our testing, reports of frayed seams indicate some variability in manufacturing quality. Our expert assessment is that the chair is structurally sound for the long haul, but the cosmetic finish might show wear and tear more quickly. The fabric itself is excellent—it’s breathable, preventing that sticky feeling on hot days, and water beads up and rolls off, making it quick to dry after a dip in the pool.

The Unsung Hero: Portability and Everyday Convenience

A great outdoor chair needs to be convenient for real-world use, and this is another area where the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair shines. Despite its robust steel frame and generous dimensions (nearly 75 inches long when flat), it weighs a manageable 12 pounds. This light weight, combined with its simple, tool-free folding mechanism, makes it genuinely portable. We easily folded it down in seconds and carried it from the patio to the far side of the lawn without any struggle. The folded profile is relatively slim, allowing it to be stored easily in a garage, shed, or car trunk. This portability makes it a viable option not just for your backyard, but for beach trips, park picnics, or camping. It’s this blend of strength and portability that makes it so versatile. Adding to its convenience is the integrated side pouch. It’s a simple feature, but one we came to appreciate immensely. It’s perfectly sized to hold a phone, a book or e-reader, sunscreen, and sunglasses, keeping your essentials off the damp ground and within easy reach. It’s these thoughtful details that demonstrate a design process focused on the user’s actual experience, making the chair not just comfortable, but practical for day-to-day use. For anyone looking for a full-featured lounger that isn’t a permanent fixture, its portability is a massive selling point, and you can check the latest price and availability to see if it fits your budget.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair is overwhelmingly positive, with the core features receiving high praise. Many users echo our enthusiasm, with comments like “Love it!” and “I absolutely love this chair!!” The standout feature is consistently the face hole design, which people describe as a game-changer for comfort while tanning their back. One happy customer noted, “It’s extremely comfortable to lay out on… for long periods of time.” The sturdiness of the frame and the ease of folding are also frequently mentioned as major positives.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced and realistic picture of the product. Several users reported minor quality control issues upon arrival. One person mentioned they were “disappointed it came slightly damaged. Paint over metal is chipped in a couple spots.” Another noted that while the chair was “nice and big and comfy… the quality is just OK. Lots of frayed seams and there was a few stains.” This feedback confirms our own initial observations: the chair is structurally sound and functionally brilliant, but the fit and finish can be inconsistent.

How the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair Compares to the Alternatives

While the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair excels as a traditional lounger, the market offers different styles, most notably Zero Gravity chairs. These alternatives prioritize a feeling of weightlessness and may appeal to a different type of user.

1. Hanperal Oval Zero Gravity Lounge Chair with Tray

The Hanperal chair focuses on the “zero gravity” experience, reclining to a position that elevates your feet to the same level as your heart, reducing pressure on your spine. Unlike the XMT’s distinct, lockable positions, the Hanperal offers a smooth, continuous recline. Its main advantage is the included side tray with a cup holder and phone slot, adding a layer of convenience the XMT lacks with its simple fabric pouch. However, it does not lay completely flat and lacks any feature for comfortable stomach lounging. This chair is a better choice for someone who prioritizes the weightless, zero-gravity sensation for back-and-neck relief over the versatile tanning options of the XMT.

2. Flamaker Zero Gravity Outdoor Folding Lounge Chair

The Flamaker is another strong contender in the zero gravity category, offering a similar reclining function to the Hanperal. It’s built with a high-quality Textilene fabric known for its UV resistance and breathability, and it includes a removable, adjustable headrest pillow. Its design is clean and functional, focused purely on the core zero gravity experience. A key difference is its locking mechanism, which allows you to secure it at any angle along its recline path. A user might prefer the Flamaker over the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair if their primary goal is finding a single, ergonomically optimal reclining position for napping or relieving back pressure, rather than needing multiple positions for various activities like reading, sunbathing, and face-down lounging.

3. MAISON ARTS Zero Gravity Lawn Chairs Set of 2 Padded

The MAISON ARTS offering stands out for two main reasons: it comes as a set of two, and it features padded seating. This immediately makes it a high-value proposition for couples or families looking to furnish a patio. The padding provides a plusher, more cushioned feel than the taut fabric of the XMT and the other zero gravity chairs. Like the Hanperal, it includes a detachable side tray for drinks and snacks. The trade-off is that it shares the same limitations as other zero gravity chairs—it doesn’t lay flat and is not designed for tanning on your stomach. This set is the ideal choice for someone prioritizing value and plush comfort for two people, and who prefers the zero-gravity recline over the traditional lounger format.

Our Final Verdict on the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair is a resounding success for its target audience. It directly and brilliantly solves the age-old problem of how to be comfortable while lying face-down in the sun. The combination of the padded face hole, arm slots, multiple recline positions, and a rock-solid frame creates a lounging experience that is exceptionally versatile and supremely comfortable. While it’s true that some minor cosmetic imperfections in the finish and stitching can occur, these do not detract from the chair’s outstanding structural integrity and core functionality. Its impressive 440-pound capacity and easy portability are the icing on the cake.

If you are an avid sunbather, a backyard reader, or anyone who has ever suffered from a stiff neck after an afternoon outside, this chair is for you. It’s not just a chair; it’s a carefully considered solution that genuinely enhances your leisure time. For those seeking the ultimate in tanning and lounging comfort, we give it our strong recommendation. If you’re ready to upgrade your relaxation ritual, you can find the best price and order your XMT 3-in-1 Tanning Chair today.