| The Real Pro Ultra series is Panasonic's next advance in their massage chair line. This series incorporates some of its newest technology and functions shared across models. We will take an in-depth view of the EP-30004 Panasonic massage chair. This review evaluates and opinionates on categories such as features, functions and warranty coverage.
One of the first and most important items you need to find out is the warranty coverage. The warranty is your long term protection against problems down the road. Although Panasonic is a household name, it doesn't mean it has the greatest warranty coverage. So beware, that you need to check and find out what the company's warranty coverage is for the massage chair you are looking to get.
So what does Panasonic give you for warranty coverage? With the EP-30004 you get 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor. You do get in home technician service for that first year as well. This is perhaps the most generous part of the warranty. The 1 year labor is just too short. Most manufacturers give you 3 years on the parts. Maybe you can get an extended warranty, but you need to find out.
You are reading this review to learn about the advanced features of the Panasonic EP30004 massage recliner. The Junetsu massage therapy is a deeply penetrating massage type. It makes use of thumb like motions in a circle pattern. While in motion it penetrates into the muscle through to the bone for excellent relief. Additionally, the EP 30004 can stretch you out at both the shoulder and the lower body.
The EP-30004 comes with an arsenal of massage therapies for your enjoyment. There are four pre-programs which are shiatsu, deep, Swedish and stretch. There is also a 5 minute Quick pre-program for which covers a variety of massage techniques and functions. You can use the some massages in manual massage mode for a total 8 possible manual massages. These include ultra knead (Junetsu), shiatsu, kneading, Swedish, stretch, tapping, rolling and grip. There are also 5 ways to target certain regions of your back including: neck, shoulder, middle, lower and full back.
Besides the voice guidance, Panasonic includes the self programming feature. The self programming button will remember the last 5 minutes of massage performed. It then stores it in memory for instant recall. This is particularly effective for regions you want to target for repeated massage therapy. After all, massage therapy is most effective when done on a recurring, frequent basis. You can use the self program for up to four users.
The lower body is covered with an air compression massage system. This system uses strategically place airbags throughout the massage recliner to target the hands, arms, feet, calves, thighs and buttocks. The massage technique is a squeeze, hold and release compression style. This is very soothing and relieving for the extremities of the body. Additionally, there are stretching capabilities for both the legs and the shoulders. These are great to help increase flexibility by elongating the muscles.
We are unimpressed with the look of the design. It tends to be very industrial. However, it is very functional, which hopefully makes up for its lack of savvy design. There is a leg extension which goes an extra five inches. The arms and hands are massaged by lifting up a cover on the armrests. The compression is actually firm. At least the Panasonic design team got rid of the unsightly arm massage apparatus.
Overall rating for us is a B-. We like the Junetsu massage and the air massage for the hands. The arm is weak because of the angle that the arm rest tilts up. The warranty needs a little more beef. The massage therapy is strong and effective. There are advanced features such as voice guidance and memorizing self programs. If you are checking out massage chair recliners in this price range, then use the EP 30004 as the benchmark to beat.
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