Thursday, January 29, 2009

Product Review of EP-1272 Massage Chair

By Steve Esquire

The focus of this product review is one of the massage chairs from the Real Pro Elite line from Panasonic. The Real Pro Elite represents a cohesive approach to consistent massage therapy techniques and mechanisms in each recliner. We will take an in depth look at the EP 1272 model.

We will start with the warranty coverage and then cover some of the important feature of the chair. Panasonic is a major electronics company with many products. The warranty service for this massage chair is initially provided through your retailer. If service is required, then the chair must be sent to an authorized repair center. The warranty coverage for this model is as follows: 3 years parts, 1 year labor. This is fairly short compared to other major manufacturers in the industry, which is somewhat surprising for such a large company.

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.

Choose from the 4 one touch programs for your convenience. These one touch programs include Swedish, shiatsu, stretch and quick. Swedish targets the loosening of the back, neck and shoulders with long strokes, circular motions and other rhythmic movements. Shiatsu stimulates the back, neck and shoulders with a soft, deep rubbing motion and tapping actions. Stretch will use rolling, pressing, shiatsu and kneading massages to target the back and shoulders. Quick gives a fast overall massage with emphasis on the back, neck and shoulders for a relieving massage.

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.

If you like to have your feet or calves massaged, then the EP 1272 can provide relief for you. The leg rest has built in air bags to provide a soothing and comforting compression massage. Position the area of your leg and let the EP1272 work out those tight calf muscles. Raise the leg rest more horizontal and place your feet in for a relaxing and relieving foot massage. The EP 1272 is a treat for both your 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. - 15275

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