Review: Panasonic EP-1272 Massage Chair
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.
One of the important aspects of the purchase is your long term protection. The warranty coverage is designed to remove the longer term risk from the purchase. Let us take a look at what Panasonic offers with the EP-1272. This model comes with 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Labor is only available at authorized outlets which is not too convenient. Panasonic now offers in home service, but does not include it with this model. We find this warranty under par for the rest of the industry.
There are some effective massage therapy treatments included with the EP1272. There are 4 automatic massage programs. Start these at the touch of a single button. There are 8 different manual massage treatments. Also, you can target the back with 3 separate back massage courses. The lower body is covered with the feet and calf air massage system.
The EP 1272 has 4 automatic, one touch programs. There is the Shiatsu massage for stimulating the back, shoulders and neck with both tapping and deep rubbing movements. Try the Swedish which uses longer strokes to loosen back muscles and then uses rhythmic, circular motions to relieve tightness. The Stretch massage will elongate the back, neck and shoulder muscles with a combination of shiatsu, kneading, rolling and pressing massages. If you do not have much time, select Quick for a fast but thorough loosening of the full back and neck.
With the EP-1272, there are 8 manual massage techniques for a tremendous variety of options for your massage therapy needs. The Real Pro Elite series features the following massages: Swedish, Hawaiian, soft shiatsu, tapping, regional rolling and full rolling. We particularly like the Hawaiian massage which loosens up the back muscles and also provides deeper penetration. Got tight shoulders, try the kneading massage to relieve the tension. The compression massage is great to provide overall relief and to help your full body relax. This massage recliner has some sensational massage therapies.
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.
The remote control of the EP 1272 is well designed. The main automatic programs work from one-touch buttons. The manual massage functions are contained in a middle side panel of the main remote. The side panel can be flipped open to reveal the manual controls. You can adjust the massage intensity or speed. There is a function to adjust the width of the back rollers. This is used on the tapping, soft shiatsu and rolling massages. You can also select the area of focus for the back. There are options for the neck/shoulders, lower back and for pinpointing.
Overall, the Real Pro Elite model EP 1272 is a well designed shiatsu recliner. It comes with an excellent variety of massage therapies and can be effectively targeted to specific regions. The design aesthetics of the chair could have been better along with the warranty. The Panasonic EP 1272 does deliver effective massage therapy, so if you are in the market for a mid range massage chair, then this deserves your serious consideration.