Thursday, September 11, 2008

Massage Chair Review: Panasonic EP1272 shiatsu massage chair

By Steve Esquire


We will take a look at the EP-1272 which is part of the Real Pro Elite series of massage chair by Panasonic. The EP 1272 is a mid range shiatsu massage recliner with advanced massage therapy features. We will review some of the main features and touch on the warranty coverage as well. Here is our evaluation and review of the EP 1272 shiatsu massage recliner.

The warranty protection is critical on big ticket items such as massage chairs. You want to make sure you have adequate protection down the road, regardless of brand. The EP 1272 comes with 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Service for repair is through an authorized dealer. This may be convenient for Panasonic, but not for the owner of a 200 lb. massage chair. They now offer in home service, but this service is not included.

There are some interesting features on the EP 1272. Some of the more important are the 4 one-touch automatic programs, 8 manual massage techniques and the 3 manual back courses. There is also effective lower body coverage to target the feet and calves.

The 4 automatic programs include: shiatsu, Swedish, stretch and quick. Shiatsu provides overall stimulation of the back, neck and shoulders utilizing the soft shiatsu, deep rubbing and tapping actions. Swedish provides overall loosening of the muscles in the back, neck and shoulders using longer strokes, circular motions and rhythmic actions. Stretch provides overall stretching of the back muscles using the rolling, pressing, shiatsu and kneading massages. Quick provides loosening of the back, neck and shoulders using rhythmic actions, circular motions, squeezing and tapping.

This massage recliner comes equipped with 8 manual massage treatments. Select from kneading, compression, Swedish, Hawaiian, soft shiatsu, tapping, regional rolling and full rolling to soothe your tightest muscles. Kneading is great for the neck and shoulders. Compression soothes you into total body relaxation. Swedish targets the back for a thorough loosening. Hawaiian takes the tension out of the lower back region. Soft shiatsu works those knots out of your back and shoulders. Tapping provides invigoration of the muscle groups and tendons. Regional rolling concentrates a press massage along the spine. Full rolling helps by stretching out the back muscles.

The leg rest has a dual purpose massage. It can be used to massage the calves or the feet. If you place your legs into the leg rest, then it will target your calves. To massage your feet, the leg rest must be raised more horizontal and you must bend your knees to place your feet in. The leg rest provides an air compression massage. This is accomplished by energizing airbags built into the leg rest. They provide a gentle or firm squeeze, hold and release massage. This is particularly effective to relieve tight, sore or aching muscles in the calves and feet.

We like the simple design of the Panasonic remote control. They have certainly set the standard over the years for the industry. The one touch automatic programs are excellent for a full body massage. Need a little customization, then just flip open the hidden panel and select from the eight manual massage treatments. Select exactly the area or pinpoint a specific point to work over in your favorite technique. You can even adjust the roller width and set the massage intensity. This massage recliner is very versatile.

The EP-1272 is a solid contributor to the Real Pro Elite massage chair line by Panasonic. You have such a wide range of manual massage therapies. You would be hard pressed not to find relief with this machine. Although, the massage chair is solidly built, we have to say we are not impressed with the short warranty coverage from Panasonic. They also need to work on the industrial design and make it more aesthetic for the average residence. But on the massage side, the EP-1272 is a solid performer and one of the better values in the mid range massage chair recliner market.

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