Product Review of the Panasonic EP-30003 Massage Chair

This is a massage chair review of the Panasonic EP 30003 shiatsu recliner. This is the new line of recliners called the Real Pro Ultra by Panasonic. This review will point out some of the important features, warranty coverage and specifications of this chair. The EP-30003 is a mid range model in the price range of $2,000 to $3,000.

First, we take a look at the post-sale protection for the consumer. This includes both the warranty and customer service in the event that you require service on the chair. The warranty covers certain aspects such as labor and parts covered by the manufacturer. The warranty coverage protects the consumer and takes some risk out of the purchase. Not all warranties are the same. Panasonic provides you with 3 years on the parts on the major components. Items like upholstery are excluded from the warranty. You also get 1 year labor and 1 year shipping of parts covered by the factory. This coverage is good on the parts, but is rather short on the labor. Panasonic is now offering in-home technician service to bring it up to the level of the best chair manufacturers. Most retailers will offer extended warranty coverage to match the better companies, but at additional cost. Customer service is provided by the retail establishment where the chair is purchased, so service levels are highly variable.

We are currently seeing an explosion of new technologies and features being poured into massage chairs by their manufacturers. The price of the features is dropping to integrate, so features are being added without significant price increases. The next challenge for manufacturers is to keep the controls simple enough to use without having a PHD. Panasonic has tremendous experience with electronics, so we expect their controllers to reflect that knowledge. We are not disappointed. The remote control is simple and easy to use. Panasonic has one touch automatic programs which operate massages based on themes. Also, they have included a voice guidance system to help walk users through using the controls.

There are two important features of the EP30003 that we would like to point out. Of course, there are many more, but we won’t cover everything in this review. One of the more relavant features for Americans is the leg rest extension. The leg rest can be adjusted out to better position the areas on the legs. Also, this helps individuals that are taller to better fit in the massage recliner. The other innovative feature is a new massage technique. Panasonic has developed the Junetsu massage. Junetsu means ultra fine kneading in Japanese. This Junetsu technique uses small circular motions. These small circular motions are used in conjunction with firm pressure to penetrate through the muscles and to the surface of the bone. This is a great addition to the shiatsu and Swedish massages already offered in this chair.

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.

The EP 30003 comes with a vast array of massage therapies to choose from. The manual massage techniques include: Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, Knead, Stretch, Tap and Full Roll. There are one touch automatic programs. Just select from four 15-minute Pre-Programs, One 5-minute Quick Program. The automatic programs include Shiatsu, Swedish, Deep, Stretch and Quick. Each of these automatic massages targets specific results ranging from relieving tight muscles to increased blood circulation to stretching. There is an air massage system also included. This covers just the calves and feet only. There is no thigh or seat massage included in this chair.

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.