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.

Although warranty coverage is not as exciting as the features of the chair, it is important for you as a consumer. The warranty coverage should reduce the risk you are taking in the purchase of a given product. The warranty is to protect you from defects in workmanship of the product. The EP-30003 comes with 3 years on the parts and 1 year labor. Panasonic will cover the shipping for the first year. Panasonic has finally started to offer in home technician service for its massage chairs. Prior to this one had to take their chair to an authorized service center. An extended warranty is at extra cost, but is recommended, since this is a big ticket item.

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.

You will want to make sure that your massage recliner is comfortable to sit in, since it can also be used as a recliner as well. Some are quite frankly, not very comfortable when not being used for massage. The Panasonic Real Pro Ultra comes with nice padded armrest covers. The upholstered chair back is plush and the synthetic leather is very soft to the touch. The chair comes with a detachable, contoured head support pillow. Panasonic has added an extendable leg rest which can be extended an additional 5 inches. This is a big improvement over their prior series without this feature. The chair is well designed and ergonomic.

There are one touch automatic programs in the Real Pro Ultra. These automatic programs include such programs as Shiatsu, Swedish, Deep, Stretch and Quick. The first four are 15 minute programs and the Quick is a 5 minute invigorating massage. Each of the automatic programs is targeted for specific benefits for the user. You are free to use the manual massage techniques. These manual massage techniques are Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, Knead, Stretch, Tap and Full Roll. You can also select specific back courses to target your back. You can select the whole back, upper or lower back. This focuses the massage in that particular area. There is a built in air massage system which targets the feet and calves in the leg rest.

The EP30003 comes with the new massage technique called Junetsu or ultra fine kneading. This is great if you are looking for deep tissue penetration for your back. It provides sensational invigorating relief. The other massage therapies are also solid and relieving. We feel the only drawback with this chair is aesthetically. Panasonic needs to move out of the industrial age and get some real first class designers. Otherwise, this is a nice chair. It is at a great price for the range of capabilities that are built into this massage chair recliner.