Review about the Panasonic EP-30004 Massage Chair

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: Ergonomics was a hot topic about 10 years ago when everyone started jumping on the bandwagon. However, surprisingly many manufacturers do not pay close attention to this area. The EP-30004 does follow ergonomics very well. It has a detachable head pillow that can easily be adjusted for each user. The armrests come with sufficient padding to support the arms in comfort. The chair back and the seat support the body well and are form fitting. The leg rest can be adjusted an additional five inches. This is really important to fit individual users. Overall we rate this chair an 18 for ergonomics.

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: There are two important features we want to point out with this chair. The Junetsu massage technique and the shoulder stretch. The Junetsu massage is an ultra fine kneading massage. It is based on how a professional massage therapist loosens up tight muscles. There is a one second thumb like pressure applied with a spiral circular motion. This has the affect of reverberating down through the muscles to the bone. It is very thorough and invigorating. The other key feature to point out is the shoulder stretch. This unique feature is accomplished by activating the air bag in the arm rest to firmly hold the arm. The chair back then reclines to stretch out the arm and shoulder. This is excellent for increasing the mobility and flexibility of the shoulder area. We give the Real Pro Ultra a 19 for its new features.

Massage Therapy: This massage chair comes with five automatic courses. It includes a Body Scan which is also customizable. Ultra-fine kneading or Junetsu has been introduced to the full complement of Quad-style massage techniques, including Shiatsu, Swedish, fist kneading, and grasping. Between the automatic and the manual functions there are up to 372 combinations of techniques available in this recliner. There are reflexology pads built into the foot wells that pinpoint areas that will instantly increase blood flow and energy throughout your body. These plates are adjustable and removable. You also have both a lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. This chair has a virtual arsenal of massage techniques to cater to your every need. We score the massage therapy of this chair a 19.

We score the overall rating of the EP-30004 as a 90/100. This Real Pro Ultra series lounger is a solid and well built massage recliner. It has some new and innovative features such as the shoulder stretch and the Junetsu massage. It provides comprehensive and thorough full body massage capability. We have to say we are still disappointed with Panasonic's lack of design aesthetics. The chair just has a very industrial look which unfortunately continues to be their trademark look. The warranty is a bit light and an extended warranty should be considered for adequate protection. This is definitely one of the best massage chairs in its class and if you are looking for one, then check this one out.

The Real Pro Ultra Series is the new massage chair line from Panasonic. This line features the Panasonic EP-30004 which is a excellent recliner for massage therapy. Browse all the Panasonic Massage Chair reviews to help you find the perfect massage chair for your most demanding massage therapy needs.