Saturday, August 23, 2008

Massage Chair Review: Panasonic EP-30003 KU Massage Recliner

By Steve Esquire


Panasonic has introduced a new series of massage chairs. This new series is called the Real Pro Ultra. There last series was the Real Pro Elite. The first of this series is the EP 30003 massage chair. This review will look at some of the features and discuss the warranty coverage of this chair. This chair is a mid range model in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range.

Let us first take a look of the warranty of the EP-30003. The warranty coverage is your protection from defects from the factory. You want strong warranty coverage since it protects you from unknown problems in the future. This is a big ticket item, so it is important you get trouble-free enjoyment for the amount you are paying. Panasonic provides a 3 year warranty on the parts. You get 1 year on the labor with 1 year of shipping expense covered for parts if needed. Also, in home technician service is now available from Panasonic. You can get an extended warranty to match the major chair manufacturers but at additional cost. It is recommended that you get the extended warranty.

Technology is advancing at a breathtaking pace. The amount of features being added to massage chairs is nothing short of extraordinary. With the variety of features comes a challenge with keeping the chair easy and intuitive to use. The EP30003 has a very nicely designed remote control. It has buttons to activate automatic programs directly. It also comes with a voice guidance system. The voice guidance system will talk you through the controls that is great for beginners to use. You can also memorize programs. If you like a particular massage you can memorize the program so you can select it whenever you like without having to reset the controls.

The important features of the Panasonic EP-30003 are the Junetsu massage and the extendable leg rest. Panasonic research has yielded a new massage technique called Junetsu. This technique is aimed at deep penetration of the muscles. It uses small circular motions combined with firm pressure. This combination provides for a penetrating and invigorating massage to targeted areas of the back. Junetsu is defined as ultra fine kneading and this is an effective massage technique. The other key feature we like is the extendable leg rest. Although this is not quite as exciting as the Junetsu, it is important for the American market. With few exceptions, massage chairs are designed for the Asian market and secondarily exported to America. The typical American is taller and heavier than the typical Asian. This is reflected in massage chairs which are small for Americans. Panasonic finally introduces 5 critical inches to extend the leg rest. It is a start in the right direction.

We get a lot of feedback from customers that most massage chairs are not very attractive. For the most part, this is very true. Panasonic has been guilty of this and produced many industrial looking versions of chairs. Unfortunately, the EP-30003 is somewhat industrial and lacks many designer looks that a few manufacturers are getting right. Looks aside, the Real Pro Ultra is comfortable to sit in when not being used for massage. The head pillow is soft and plush. You can adjust it so that it is positioned for each individual. The armrests come with thick padding and are comfortable. The back pad is made from a surprisingly soft synthetic leather.

This is perhaps the most important category, since the massage makes or breaks the chair. The Panasonic EP-30003 comes with automatic and manual programs. For one touch convenience, select from four 15-minute Pre-Programs, One 5-minute Quick Program. The Pre-programs or automatic programs include Shiatsu, Swedish, Deep, Stretch and Quick. Shiatsu is for severe tightness and tension; Swedish is for gentle invigoration and enhanced blood flow: Deep is for mild tightness and tension; Stretch is for a refreshing stretch of the lower body; Quick is for a variety of techniques in 5 minutes. Manual massage techniques include: Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, Knead, Stretch, Tap and Full Roll. The lower body air system covers the calves and feet only.

We like the new innovative massage technique, the Junetsu introduced by Panasonic. We also like the extendable leg rest to better accommodate the American market. The chair is well designed and ergonomic. We are not impressed with the overall look and style of the chair. Panasonic should be able to produce chairs that are impressively designed on the outside, not just the inside. The massage therapies are fairly comprehensive and effective. This is certainly a contender for your attention if you are looking for a good quality and solidly built massage chair in this price range.

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