Customer Reviews

HoMedics PA-400H Therapist Select Percussion Massager with Heat

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

An excellent massager but if you want heat get a heating pad - and heat is important. And save $30 by buying the HoMedics without the heat. The heating feature is not only slow as previously noted but the intensity of the heat is so low as to be non-effective.

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.

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.

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.

It is easy to use. I enjoy the variety of intensity the various massage heads provide. Two minor drawbacks -- the massager is a little heavy and the heat isn't very hot. Overall, I am pleased and, for the price, would recommend it.

I'm by no means a percussion massage instrument expert, but this is great in my book. I'm a big guy and this really feels good when I use it on my neck and shoulders. It's not too heavy -- at least, it's not any heavier than what something that gets through several layers of skin, fascia, and muscle needs to be -- and it comes with a handy case-bag.

People on here complain that it is too heavy. To them I say that it is substantially lighter than carrying around a massage-therapist. People also say that the heat is not useful. I mean, come on -- what did you expect? It gets warm enough to feel the heat. No, it's not a hot tub, but it's solid.

I bought this massaged for my wife and I. We use it almost every night. We both work jobs that require a lot of standing, sitting, bending, and stair climbing. This product has helped us both with our lower back aches that we experience almost every night. It's a great massager and I highly recommend it.

The Homedics Percussion Massager with Heat is 10 times better than I thought it would be. I gave it as a gift to my sister and her family. All the attachments, the storage bag, everything was wonderful. The massager head spaces out and moves together based on each person's taste. This was a great buy, no regrets.

I was a little hesitant to purchase a wand-style massager; I didn't think they would be terribly effective. Happily, I can report that I was wrong. The device creates a very soothing (and powerful) sensation when used on the upper and lower back. Personally, I've found it feels great on the back of my neck. It also works well on cramping thighs and calves.

I purchased this model because of the value I perceived in the features (adjustable speed; heat) for the price I paid. I can honestly make the highest recommendation for this product to anyone considering it.

This thing is waaaay too heavy. Forget trying to massage your back with it. The rotating option doesn't help either. Along with the vibration, weight, and clunkiness, it is impossible to get a relaxing massage out of it. Could be useful when massaging another person, but self-use is not recommended. It's too bad because it is a powerful massager with lots of add-ons and modes.