Between these 4...

[hookah.]

Thanks to all who have written about this topic previously, but I feel as though I need to ask somehting a little more specific. I am in Hawaii (oahu) and the only place that sold tables closed down.. Hence, I am searching the web for insight into a table to buy.
First a little about me... I am actually a school teacher who is finishing up my massage apprenticeship which I started because the need to massage my wife whose occupation is as a hair stylist. I absolutely love doing doing massage because of the remarks on the benefits some of my clients have post massage. Although I don't think I would leave teaching, I think I will have massage as a sidejob doing some out of the house as well as outcalls. Since massage will not be my "bread and butter" I don't need something top-o-line and spend a fortune, but I do want to buy a decent form of quality and features. I have a table right now that I got free (always a great price) but has some downfalls (heavy-40 lbs.. and only 27.5 wide..

I want a 30in. table with a weight of not more than 33 lbs.

I will be doing deep work and maybe some shiatsu/trigger point in the future..

The tables I am looking at are the Oakworks KeLa and Aurora and the earthlite Avalon and Spirit. (I know there are a lot of Spirit owners out there). As far as the KeLa and Avalon, when talking to the companies, both are made in China.. the Spirit and the Aurora are made here...

Any ideas or suggestions?? Want something decent, but don't need the best, and don't want to skimp on quality!

Thanks in advance..

 

[BARRY B]

~

Want something decent, but don't need the best, and don't want to skimp on quality!

Thanks in advance..

This about sums it up. DON'T SKIMP ON THE QUALITY! It isn't worth buying something if it isn't going to last. I have an Aurora and love it. When I was first looking at tables, I thought about going to a lower cost line, but began to realize that a lot of people would be on it, taken to a lot of places, and I wanted something that would last me a long time. Do you have to buy top of the line? No, but maybe you could find some thing used that is of better quality that is also in very good condition. Many times MTs go back to their old school and post used equipment they are no longer using. This may be an option for you. Hope this helps!

 

[MARIE LOVES SCOTT]

I don't think you can go wrong with Earthlight. I've been using an Avalon for nearly 2 years, even though the face cradle is not adjustable, it doesn't seem to matter, no one complains.

 

[ShoppingBandGeek]

Another vote for the Aurora. I love mine. I have moved it around quite a bit, and it is easy enough to move, set up, and quite comfy.

I agree with dodab, spend the money now a good table, and it will probably save you money in the long run.

 

[Eviee]

My Earthlite Avalon has held up for close to eight years now. (Earthlite's new Avalon does have the adjustable face cradle--I just noticed). The Avalon I have has held up to a lot of heavy clients. When I had my business in the South, most of my clients were heavyset. Also, this table has held up well for sports work when I used to work on boxers.

Although the face cradle (on the model I have) doesn't adjust on mine either, many clients remark that it is a comfortable table & face rest.

Whichever model you choose, in the future you will be glad you didn't skimp on purchasing your table.

 

[Bastion Lord Flash Heart]

I too am buying a table, and even though I can't help you out on the models you quoted here are some more manufactures for you to get ideas from.

http://www.goldenratio.com/GRW/Portable/index.html

http://www.astra-lite.com/proseries.html

Personally I'm going with an Oakworks Advanta, but it doesn't fit your needs.

Steve

 

[LaLa]

I have a 30 inch Earthlite Avalon, she's 10 years old now but still in pretty good shape... and I just recently "retired" it to being my 2nd table.
Of course my clients have always been happy & comfortable with the Avalon... and it's nice and sturdy, but I have recently purchased a lighter inexpensive table for my outcall clients.

 

[nicechats with daddy]

I second the focus on quality

While the Oakworks Kela is a great table, you may find the Aurora to be a better choice for you. The Kela is a nice starter table and you can get a complete package, but for the money, the Aurora will be a better buy. I'm quite fond of the Oakworks products I own (wellspring, stool, bolsters) and when I did have a problem, their customer service department was great at resolving the issue. I don't own any Earthlite products but I see them mentioned about as often as Oakworks. I did see where Earthlite was sued for false "Made in the USA" claims so you might need to double check to see if the Spirit is still actually made here.

 

[Annabel]

I second the focus on quality

I did see where Earthlite was sued for false "Made in the USA" claims so you might need to double check to see if the Spirit is still actually made here.

Please provide a reference for this. Otherwise it comes across as unsubstantiated slander.

 

[Slobo]

I second the focus on quality

I did see where Earthlite was sued for false "Made in the USA" claims so you might need to double check to see if the Spirit is still actually made here.

Please provide a reference for this. Otherwise it comes across as unsubstantiated slander.

More importantly, please tell me you are not affiliated with Oakworks as anything more than a customer, 'cause that would be truly disheartening.

 

[Why Does It Matter?]

I second the focus on quality

I did see where Earthlite was sued for false "Made in the USA" claims so you might need to double check to see if the Spirit is still actually made here.

Please provide a reference for this. Otherwise it comes across as unsubstantiated slander.

More importantly, please tell me you are not affiliated with Oakworks as anything more than a customer, 'cause that would be truly disheartening.

No not affiliated; just a satisfied customer. Found this on the EL website:
http://www.earthlite.com/earthlite_news.htm
Not saying it's a problem, just mentioned because of posting question about "made here"

 

[sweetiepie_screamer]

Thanks.