HoMedics PA-400H Therapist Select Percussion Massager with Heat
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Customer Reviews of HoMedics PA-400H Therapist Select Percussion Massager with Heat
Customer Review: Heat works fine
Summary: 5 Stars
I disagree with the other reviewers who are saying that the heat feature doesn't work well. Sure, it takes about five minutes to warm up, and you have to use the heating heads (i.e., you can't use the gel heads with heat), but that's plainly stated in the instructions, and makes sense.
Once the heads heat up, they're very effective. The massager has 15-minute auto-shutoff (for "your health" or some stupid thing), but you can just turn it back on, and the heads retain their heat for much longer than this delay.
You'll want to turn it back on, too. This thing is great for legs after a bike ride or shoulders after swimming or chest after working out (the variable-width heads are convenient). I like very deep tissue massage, and while this massager does not knead, the intensity can be cranked up high enough for just about anyone to be satisfied.
Reaching your back properly is difficult--but it would be with any massager. I suggest you get a spouse or boy/girlfriend to help.
One tip: If you use the massager near bone (e.g., top of neck), you're going to want to use the gel heads; the harder heads bounce when they hit bone.
Customer Review: Excellent--I never travel without it
Summary: 5 Stars
I have an older model of this massager, which appears to be the same except for color. I do agree that the heat function is not very usable, since it is very slow to heat up and not really effective; if you need heat, use a hot pack. But the massage function is absolutely great! The variable speeds are useful; my wife prefers the 3 (out of 5) setting, whereas I usually use 5. It does take a second person using the massager on you to do a really good job, but this should be true with any large-muscle massager since you should be relaxed during the massage. I pack this massager in our luggage--use it on car trips, in the motels; on a cruise ship; in other homes when visiting. We use it daily, on both of us; it can be as good as a chiropractor at times. And, by the way, the unit is completely durable. We have been using this same unit for five years now, and have seen no problems or deterioration of the cord as someone reported below. As with all electrical devices, a little care goes a long way. You'd think ours was new if you didn't inspect it very closely indeed.Customer Review: A Bit Heavy
Summary: 4 Stars
Besides the HoMedics-400H, I have used their PA-100 and PA-200 models as well. The PA-200 lasted three years of daily usage, and the PA-100 is still going strong.
All percussion massagers are the same with a few "bells and whistles." There are no physical benefits with heated vs. unheated vibrating balls. Also, the ability to adjust the distance between vibrating balls has limited benefits. Treating the legs and thighs definitely requires a shorter setting. On the other hand, you can do the same with the non-adjustable model by holding the massager at an angle instead of 90 degrees.
Weight is important. A few extra ounces make it awkward to maneuver the massager, and it gets tiring after a several minutes. The PA-400 was definitely heavier of the three models.
In the end, price and length of service are the most important features. On these matters, the regularly priced PA-400 was $80. At $25 on a special Amazon.com sale, it was a steal. At this price, I can live with a few extra ounces of weight.
Customer Review: Skeptical at first....
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading all the reviews regarding the PA-400H massager, I was quite hesitant to order this model. I was led to believe that this massager could prove to be under-powered, unreliable, and a waste of money. However, due to Amazon's return policy in conjunction with the manufacturer's two year warranty, I decided it would be a safer gamble.
I have now been using it for about a year, and so far, so good. It has plenty of power for my wife and myself at 6'1", 230 lbs. The selection of pads that came with this model is a great bonus. The gel pads are our favorite because they don't hurt at all when the massager heads hit your spine. Also, they only came with this model, which makes me happier that I ordered this model and not a lesser one. The heat function doesn't get hot, but it is distinctly warm. My very soft skinned wife loves the heat function, but me with my tough weathered skin, consider it only a novelty.
I definitely recommend this massager. If I had it to do all over again, I'd purchase the exact same one.
Customer Review: HoMedics PA-400H massager is a great product
Summary: 5 Stars
My girlfriend has vertebrae out of line in both her neck and lower back, due to accidents. She requires daily massage with extremely firm pressure to releive the discomfort in these areas. I have large hands and am quite strong and can manually massage her, but to do it hard enough tires my hands. Since getting the PA-400H massager, I can easily give her all the massage she needs for complete relief. The wide range of adjustments offered on this model are a big advantage. Massage heads can be spaced differently for different parts of the body and head style can be changed, even to heated heads. The programable pulses can be adjusted for different types of massage. We both like the unit for general body massage, as well as for pain relief for her. We highly recommend buying this model over any other, including lesser models by HoMedics, as this one has the most adjustments.
Scotty T.