We will take a look at the EP-1272 which is part of the Real Pro Elite series of massage chair by Panasonic. The EP 1272 is a mid range shiatsu massage recliner with advanced massage therapy features. We will review some of the main features and touch on the warranty coverage as well. Here is our evaluation and review of the EP 1272 shiatsu massage recliner.

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.

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 EP1272 is the midrange Real Pro Elite from Panasonic. It is packed full of manual massage techniques for a barrage of custom massage therapies. The massage therapy is thorough and invigorating with this massage recliner. We are a bit disappointed with the industrial looking design and the short warranty. Other than this, this is a solid performer and a great value in the mid range level of massage chair recliners.

Check out a review of the EP-30004 Massage Chair which is with the panasonic high end platform.