Review of the Panasonic EP30004 Massage Chair
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.
The Panasonic warranty coverage is the following for the EP 30004 massage chair recliner: 3 years parts, 1 year labor, 1 year shipping on parts and 1 year in home technician specialist service. The 1 year in home service is generous, but they jip you on the 1 year labor. We would expect more from a name such as Panasonic. There are situations where you can get additional warranty coverage, so find out if you are interested in this model.
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 Real Pro Ultra Series is known for its variety of massage therapies. The EP 30004 is no exception with 4 automatic massage therapy programs and 8 manual massage therapy programs. The 8 manual include junetsu, shiatsu, kneading, Swedish, stretch, tapping, rolling and grip. You can also select from 5 manual back courses. These cover different regions of your back for excellent coverage and relief.
One interesting feature of Panasonic massage chairs continued in the Real Pro Ultra series is the self-programming. You can memorize certain programs that were just performed by hitting the self program button. This means you can repeat that particular program on demand. This is great as your trouble spots shift in time. This allows you to target areas for recurring treatment. This is available for up to 4 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 will say that the style of the chair is very sterile and industrial. This unfortunately is a Panasonic trait. Function over form one might say. Anyway, it is certainly functional. The EP 30004 has the arm massage concealed underneath a lift up arm rest pad. Open it up and slide in your arm for some invigoration. At least they got this right. Other than that, one ergonomic feature is an extendable leg rest up to four critical extra inches for us Americans.
Overall rating for us is an A-. 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.
