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 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.
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.
The 8 manual massage modes include the following massage techniques: kneading, compression, Swedish, Hawaiian, soft shiatsu, tapping, regional rolling and full rolling. Kneading is particularly effective for the neck and shoulders. Compression is recommended for full body relaxation. Swedish loosens up large areas of the back. Hawaiian helps to relieve tension in the lower back. Soft shiatsu is excellent for loosening up knots in the back. Tapping loosens up the finer muscles of the neck or as a finishing massage. Regional rolling provides focused rolling out of the back muscles. Full rolling provides overall stretching of 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.
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.
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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