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.

So what does Panasonic give you for warranty coverage? With the EP-30004 you get 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor. You do get in home technician service for that first year as well. This is perhaps the most generous part of the warranty. The 1 year labor is just too short. Most manufacturers give you 3 years on the parts. Maybe you can get an extended warranty, but you need to find out.

So enough warranty, let us move on to bigger and better things like features. The EP30004 comes with many advanced features like the lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. Panasonic has added the Junetsu massage therapy technique. This is a kneading type massage and makes small motions in a circle. It can penetrate in a given area with a radius of about 1 inch. There is also firm pressure to penetrate deeper into the muscle tissue.

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.

Now if we take a look at the lower body, we will see that Panasonic takes care of it with an air massage system. Air massage systems use airbags and compression style massage therapy. This is very effective to loosen tight muscles. Air bags provide great flexibility and can easily cover large muscles of the body effectively. The compression massage is very soothing and relieving as your muscles relax. There are also stretching capabilities which can elongate the shoulder and legs.

We are unimpressed with the look of the design. It tends to be very industrial. However, it is very functional, which hopefully makes up for its lack of savvy design. There is a leg extension which goes an extra five inches. The arms and hands are massaged by lifting up a cover on the armrests. The compression is actually firm. At least the Panasonic design team got rid of the unsightly arm massage apparatus.

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.