Product Reviews Facts and Notes

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.

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.

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.

The chair design is fairly industrial looking, which is probably the most disappointing aspect of the massage recliner. The leg rest is extendable out another 5 inches, which is an important feature. The air massage for the hands and arm is concealed underneath the arm rest covers. These arm rest covers open to the side and the hands or arm can be placed inside. This is nice to conceal this apparatus within the armrest and not make it visible.

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.