The focus of this review is the Panasonic EP 30004 which is part of the Real Pro Ultra series of massage chairs. Unlike most massage recliner reviews, we follow a systematic approach to the review process. We review 5 important areas of the purchase of this product. The 5 areas we use for the review include: Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. The overall rating is given by adding up the points earned in each category for a total possible score of 100 points. Here is our evaluation of the EP30004.
Warranty & Customer Service: The first category is warranty and customer service. The warranty is the protection given to the consumer for the product. The shorter the warranty, the more risk the customer has to take in the transaction. With the EP30004, Panasonic gives a 1 year labor, 3 year. This is the warranty directly from the manufacturer. This is a rather short warranty period for the dollar value of the transaction. In most cases, the consumer can purchase an extended warranty for this massage recliner, but then that drives the total cost of the product. If you require customer service, then you must contact your original retailer. This certainly means that customer service and turn around times are variable and depend on the retailer. Overall Rating for Panasonic warranty and customer service is 15.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Massage chair recliners usually have a dual function. One is obviously to massage, but the other is as a recliner. Therefore, comfort is usually an important consideration, since the chair may not always be used in the massage mode. A recliner should be comfortable to sit on. The Panasonic Real Pro Ultra comes with padded armrests. There is a comfortable, soft upholstered head pillow to support the head. We found the recliner is comfortable to sit in. The leg ottoman is adjustable out an extra 5 inches, which helps to target your legs better. The Real Pro Ultra is well designed from an ergonomic point of view. Overall Rating for Panasonic comfort and ergonomics and customer service is 18.
Ease of Use: There is a virtual explosion in the features of new massage chairs. This is a wonderful trend that has great implications for consumers. The only downside is to keep the remote controls simple and easy to use in the face of increasing functionality. The EP 30004 has a fairly simple and straightforward remote. If you need assistance using the remote, the Real Pro Ultra comes with a voice guidance system to walk you through the proper steps. This is helpful for first time users or for trying something new with the chair. There are one button automatic controls and there are also manual controls. You can also store your favorite programs for up to 4 different users. We give this chair a 19 for ease of use.
Key Features: The important features of the Panasonic EP-30004 are the Junetsu massage and the shoulder/arm stretch. Panasonic has developed the Junetsu style massage in the Real Pro Ultra. The Junetsu is an ultra fine kneading massage. This uses small circular motions that penetrate deeply through the muscles for a soothing massage therapy. Panasonic has developed a novel shoulder stretch in the EP 30004. The arm rest has padded covers that lift up, where the hands and arms can be placed inside. The airbags then activate to which hold the arms. The chair back then reclines slightly to extend the arms and shoulders. This slow, gradual stretch helps to elongate the muscles of the arms and shoulders. This stretch helps to remove tension from the muscles and increase the range of motion. Overall Rating for the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra for features is 19.
Massage Therapy: This massage chair makes use of the nearly 100 acupressure points on your back and neck. Choose from the soothing palm style of Swedish massage, or perhaps deep tissue kneading, or Shiatsu massage. This chair has a variety of techniques for invigorating these energy acupoints. Choose from manual massage courses for the back which focus on a particular area or region. There are two stretch functions included in this recliner. There is one for the lower body and one for the shoulder. For the feet, the foot wells have adjustable and removable plates that incorporate reflexology. The reflexology massages stimulates trigger points on your feet. This helps to increase blood and energy flow throughout the entire body. This chair has many beneficial massage treatments that are very effective. The EP30004 earns a 19 for massage therapy.
The Panasonic EP 30004 rates as a 90/100. We really like the new and innovative features of this recliner. The shoulder stretch is another important advance for massage chair technology. The Junetsu massage technique provides good deep penetration for those hard to get at areas in the back. The remote is simple to use and comes with the voice guidance feature. The manufacturer’s warranty is a bit on the light side and should be beefed up with the purchase of an extended warranty. The only point of concern we have is the industrial look of the chair. We do not understand why Panasonic continues to neglect the design aesthetics of their massage chair line. But overall, this is a very solid chair from an important manufacturer. If you are in the market for a luxury massage chair, then this one should be on your short list of choices.
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