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The Real Pro Ultra series is Panasonic’s next advance in their massage chair line. This series incorporates some of its newest technology and functions shared across models. We will take an in-depth view of the EP-30004 Panasonic massage chair. This review evaluates and opinionates on categories such as features, functions and warranty coverage.

Panasonic is a household name in electronics, so you do not have to be concerned about having your warranty honored down the road. We like to caution potential massage recliner buyers to also go with a reputable brand. There are many small importers that offer cheap massage loungers with great warranties that are never honored down the road. With that said, Panasonic will be there down the road.

What type of warranty coverage is provided with the EP 30004? You get 3 years parts coverage and 1 year labor coverage. Panasonic now provides in-home technician service with the Real Pro Ultra series and covers that for 1 year. They also cover shipping expenses during the first year. We like the 1 year in home technician service which is great coverage. We see the labor of 1 year is fairly short compared to other manufacturers. If possible, try to get an extended warranty to get greater coverage. This is especially important on big ticket items like massage chairs with many moving parts.

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.

If you are into massage, then check out this barrage of massage therapy options. You get 4 automatic programs and 8 manual massage programs. These manual programs can be coupled with certain back courses for a multiplied coverage potential. There are even specific regions like the neck, shoulder, middle back, lower back and full back modes to choose from. From simple beginnings, come a multitude of variety and choice for your massage therapy needs.

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.

The EP-30004 make use of an air massage and compression system. Air is pumped with an air compressor to airbags. These airbags provide a squeeze, hold and release action. This soothing compression massage covers the calves, feet, hips, shoulders, arms and hands. This air massage system provides adequate coverage to the major muscle groups. There is also a shoulder stretch and a lower body stretch function.

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, the Real Pro Ultra series has some excellent features over its prior series the Real Pro Elite. We like the direction that Panasonic is going with their massage chairs. We would like to see better warranty protection and better design aesthetics. However, the massage therapy is very effective and the chair is fairly well designed. This is definitely a shiatsu massage chair that is worth considering at the high end of the market.