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.

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.

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 is well designed. It is both simple and easy to understand and to use. Select from the 4 one touch auto programs for immediate full body massage therapy. The side panel contains the 8 manual massage programs. Just select the technique for you and select a back course and let it work you over until your troubles are gone. There are adjustments for the massage intensity and the width of the rollers. The control also allows you to pinpoint a specific target area in your back for custom relief.

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.