I received an email from a massage chair shopper last night asking for the differences between the Panasonic 30005 massage chair and the Inada i2A massage chair. The Inada i2A has been discontinued, but the i1 is available in it’s place. The difference between those two Inada models is that the i2A has the wooden panels on the side and arm vibration, whereas the i1 does not have those features. Below is the question from the shopper and my email response to him:

Hi, I am looking to purchase a massage chair for my father. He has calf and back pain due to standing for most of his work hours. 2 of my current top choices are Inada i2a and Panasonic EP30005. I haven’t try these 2 chair; however, I am leaning more toward the i2a due to Inada’s history and reliability. What holding me back from placing the order is the i2a does not have the color i want (black) and it is already a discontinued item since 4/1/11. Please provide more information regarding which chair will better suit for my father (5’11”). If there is (or will be soon) any reliable good chair around the price range, please also share the information with me. Thanks.

My response:

Hello!

Thank you for your inquiry.
I called Inada and they have only beige and chocolate in the i2A. Are you aware of the i1 chair by Inada? It is the same chair, minus the wooden side panels and arm vibration. It’s cost is $50 less than the i2A and also is available in black.

Now, comparing the i2A/i1 with the Panasonic 30005:

1. Panasonic chairs have foot massage, the Inada models do not.
2. Panasonic model is ideal for 5’10” and shorter. 5’11” may be pushing it as far as comfort goes for your father. If your dad has long legs, then the chair may fit him a bit small.
3. Inada has air bags in the seat, Panasonic does not.
4. Panasonic has air bag massage under the arm rests, whereas the i2A has arm vibration and the i1 does not have either.
5. Panasonic has an intensity adjustment for the rollers; the Inada i2A does not…it has one default setting, albeit comfortable.
6. Both chairs are manufactured in Japan.
7. Inada has a 3 year comprehensive, on-site warranty on all their chairs; Panasonic has a 1 year comprehensive, on-site warranty on all their chairs.
8. Both have great reputations for reliability and functionality…they are both very durable chairs with very low breakdown incidences.
9. One feels more like sitting in a bucket seat with the Inada, whereas the Panasonic chair has a more formal chair-like feel, if that makes sense. The Inada chair is a more snug fit when you sit in it.

That is about it, as far as I can recall. If I think of something else, I’ll let you know. Feel free to email me again or call me at 801-651-2026 if you’d like to discuss these chairs further.

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com