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: In any transaction one party takes on more risk than the other. Warranty coverage helps to reduce your risk which is especially important on higher ticket items like a massage chair. You want to have long term protection. The EP-30004 is covered with 3 years on the parts and 1 year labor. This is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. It is rather short in comparison to the other top brands, so you really want to consider purchasing an extended warranty. Of course, this also drives the cost of this model up. Customer service is provided by the retailer, so this varies depending on your purchase the chair.
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: 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: The massage functions built into the Panasonic EP-30004 include both automatic and manual programs. There are four 15-minute Pre-Programs, One 5-minute Quick Program and One 15-minute Self Program. There are 4 full body automatic courses and 5 different massage speed settings. The automatic massage functions include the following: Shiatsu, Gentle, Deep and Refresh. Panasonic has developed its exclusive Junetsu or ultra fine kneading massage system in the Real Pro Ultra. This chair provides high quality and realistically replicated massage therapies. There are two stretching functions. There is a lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. The lower body is covered with 22 airbags including the hands, arms, buttocks, calves and feet. This chair also provides both Swedish and shiatsu style massages for excellent massage coverage. Overall Rating for the Panasonic EP 30004 massage recliner for massage therapy is 19.
How does the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra EP-30004 rate on an overall basis? Summing up the score, our overall rating of the Panasonic EP 30004 is a 90/100. Panasonic continues its innovation with cutting edge massage therapies such as the Junetsu massage technique and the shoulder stretch. The technologies incorporated into this massage recliner are solid. We are still a bit disappointed with the aesthetics of this chair, which is very plain. Panasonic has incorporated an extendable ottoman which helps reach a taller user more effectively. The massage therapy tends to be a bit lighter than other chairs which over longer term use may be a concern for some. But, overall, this is a well designed and effective massage chair recliner. If you are looking for a shiatsu recliner in this price range, then this is one you should check out. - 16955
Warranty & Customer Service: In any transaction one party takes on more risk than the other. Warranty coverage helps to reduce your risk which is especially important on higher ticket items like a massage chair. You want to have long term protection. The EP-30004 is covered with 3 years on the parts and 1 year labor. This is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. It is rather short in comparison to the other top brands, so you really want to consider purchasing an extended warranty. Of course, this also drives the cost of this model up. Customer service is provided by the retailer, so this varies depending on your purchase the chair.
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: 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: The massage functions built into the Panasonic EP-30004 include both automatic and manual programs. There are four 15-minute Pre-Programs, One 5-minute Quick Program and One 15-minute Self Program. There are 4 full body automatic courses and 5 different massage speed settings. The automatic massage functions include the following: Shiatsu, Gentle, Deep and Refresh. Panasonic has developed its exclusive Junetsu or ultra fine kneading massage system in the Real Pro Ultra. This chair provides high quality and realistically replicated massage therapies. There are two stretching functions. There is a lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. The lower body is covered with 22 airbags including the hands, arms, buttocks, calves and feet. This chair also provides both Swedish and shiatsu style massages for excellent massage coverage. Overall Rating for the Panasonic EP 30004 massage recliner for massage therapy is 19.
How does the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra EP-30004 rate on an overall basis? Summing up the score, our overall rating of the Panasonic EP 30004 is a 90/100. Panasonic continues its innovation with cutting edge massage therapies such as the Junetsu massage technique and the shoulder stretch. The technologies incorporated into this massage recliner are solid. We are still a bit disappointed with the aesthetics of this chair, which is very plain. Panasonic has incorporated an extendable ottoman which helps reach a taller user more effectively. The massage therapy tends to be a bit lighter than other chairs which over longer term use may be a concern for some. But, overall, this is a well designed and effective massage chair recliner. If you are looking for a shiatsu recliner in this price range, then this is one you should check out. - 16955
About the Author:
The Real Pro Ultra Series is the latest massage recliner line from Panasonic. One of the highlights of this line is the Panasonic EP-30004 which is a excellent recliner for massage treatments. Check out all the Panasonic Massage Chairs at our website. We provivde massage chair reviews to assist you find the perfect massage chair for your most demanding massage treatments requirements.
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