Review of the Panasonic EP-30004 Massage Chair Recliner
Panasonic has advanced its massage chair product line with the Real Pro Ultra Series. The Real Pro Ultra series uses a technology platform concept. Low and high end models share the same technologies. This scalable technology permeates the Real Pro Ultra line. We will look at the EP 30004 model which is second in the series.
First, we want to look at the long term protection given to the customer. You want to make sure you get adequate warranty coverage. It is just like an insurance policy. You hope you don’t need it, but if you do, then it is there. The other factor is to make sure you go with a name brand company. You want to make sure the company will be there down the road as well.
What type of warranty coverage is provided with the EP 30004? You get 3 years parts coverage and 1 year labor coverage. Panasonic now provides in-home technician service with the Real Pro Ultra series and covers that for 1 year. They also cover shipping expenses during the first year. We like the 1 year in home technician service which is great coverage. We see the labor of 1 year is fairly short compared to other manufacturers. If possible, try to get an extended warranty to get greater coverage. This is especially important on big ticket items like massage chairs with many moving parts.
So enough warranty, let us move on to bigger and better things like features. The EP30004 comes with many advanced features like the lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. Panasonic has added the Junetsu massage therapy technique. This is a kneading type massage and makes small motions in a circle. It can penetrate in a given area with a radius of about 1 inch. There is also firm pressure to penetrate deeper into the muscle tissue.
If you are into massage, then check out this barrage of massage therapy options. You get 4 automatic programs and 8 manual massage programs. These manual programs can be coupled with certain back courses for a multiplied coverage potential. There are even specific regions like the neck, shoulder, middle back, lower back and full back modes to choose from. From simple beginnings, come a multitude of variety and choice for your massage therapy needs.
You can also create self-programs to target specific regions with particular massage techniques. These are fairly simple to create. For example, you can select the lower back and a deep tissue massage. You then select the time duration and the massage intensity that you desire. You can also save these programs. It will save programs for up to 4 different users. There is also a voice guidance system for those less inclined to read through the user manual to figure these things out.
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.
This is a high end luxury model with some great massage therapy features. The design is a bit industrial and the warranty lacking for a name brand. The air massage covers most of the body. The Junetsu massage therapy is great for working out knots. If you are looking for a chair, then try this one out, but it is not the ultimate massage chair recliner. It is however, fairly close.
