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.
Panasonic is a household name in electronics, so you do not have to be concerned about having your warranty honored down the road. We like to caution potential massage recliner buyers to also go with a reputable brand. There are many small importers that offer cheap massage loungers with great warranties that are never honored down the road. With that said, Panasonic will be there down the road.
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.
There are some outstanding new features incorporated into the Real Pro Ultra massage chair series. The EP 30004 has both a lower body stretch and a shoulder stretch. There is also a new massage technique called Junetsu. The Junetsu massage technique literally means ultra fine kneading in Japanese. The Junetsu massage technique uses small circular motions and a one second of thumb-like firm pressure. The effect of this massage is to reverberate through the muscle and penetrating to the surface of the bone.
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 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.
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.