Table questions

[King Crimson]

I am a student, currently researching which table to buy. I can not spend the 800$ I want to spend to get a really awesome table right now, will have to practice for a few months before I can do that. I am looking into the oakworks one, and e2 inner strength table packages right now and was wondering if anyone has ever used the inner strength brand before? I am concerned about things like the face rest having that aweful chin bar, and stability. If anyone has any suggestions on what table is a good purchase for under 350$ that would be great too. Things like shiatsu release cables and reiki end plates are a must in my opinion. Are rounded corners really necessary, I mean are regular corners really that annoying? Also the width is a concern of mine, is 30" really wide enough, because it dosen't seem like it to me. Thanks.

 

[Jena]

Congrats on taking the time to research before you buy!

I looked at MANY tables before choosing the Golden Ratio "Mike's Light" table. It's perfectly suited for the type of work I prefer to do, lightweight, and very durable. My table came with headrest, bolster, and case for around $600. It has a working weight capacity of around 500 lbs and is VERY easy to set up, take down, and change table height (especially handy at continuing ed seminars!). I chose a semi-firm table because I can add extra padding when desired, and sometimes a firmer surface is preferable.

People have different feelings about metal vs wood tables. Wood is heavier but may be sturdier. My table is metal but very sturdy with no wobble. I've seen other metal tables get wobbly after only a year of use, and only chose the one I have after verifying its performance with several MTs that had used the same table for 5+ years. Lighter metal is easier to carry, but buying a table cart negates that issue.

I really like the Golden Ratio and Oakworks face rests. Very comfy when adjusted properly. Some other brands less so, and I recommend getting on a table to feel it before you buy.

Unless you are trained to do Shiatsu and Reiki, the cables and end plates don't really matter. I originally wanted one with all the options too, but realized that it would be years before I had all training I would need in order for those options to matter. If I eventually need a table with those options, I will buy a new one - and write it off as a business expense.

I feel that 32" seems to be the best all-around width. I prefer 32" because larger people are more comfy on it, and I'm tall enough to reach across if necessary. Lots of my clients would be hanging off either side if my table was narrower. On the other hand, I'd get a narrower table if I was short, like under 5'4" or so. You can get arm rests to accommodate larger clients on narrow tables. Also, with a 32" table you can use standard twin bed sheets if you run out of fitted table sheets.

No one will ever care whether your table has rounded or square corners. Rounded corners are supposedly less prone to wear, but from what I've seen it's only an issue if you cart your table around a lot and don't have a a case. If you use a table case and/or your table pretty much stays in one place, you won't notice a difference. The square corners also make it easier to use twin bed sheets if you are so inclined.

I have yet to find a new massage table for under $350 that I would want to own.

 

[Forlorn Hope]

I have found the Reiki endplates to be very helpful and I do almost no standalone Reiki on my table. I tend to spend a lot of time at the head and neck, and this way I can roll all the way in to get good positioning for certain moves. They do add a bit of weight (though I'm not sure how much) but at least with an Earthlite they are free.

As far as Shiatsu cables, it seems you could just use the floor. Maybe it's because I'm not trained in shiatsu, but I've never seen why these were necessary. : You can always put down a few blankets and have a relatively cushy surface and not even bother with the table. I'd be interested to hear from people who actually use this feature and how valuable it is.

I agree that if you're shorter, a narrower table would be best. I'm 5'7" and I have a 30" table and it works fine for me and the vast majority of my clients. 32" tables are nice in some ways, but the wider the table, the heavier (and more expensive) it will be, keep in mind.

I have always used Earthlite and love them. They have an Avalon package for around $400 that comes with all the goods. This is a fine table that I have seen hold 4 people sitting on it and without creaks. You may have to pay a bit more to upgrade to the very fancy headrest, but the headrest it comes with is fully adjustable. I have the Caress facerest and it is very nice and has no chin bar.

I agree that $350 is too low for a good table. It's right at the edge, if you go up a bit higher you can get a decent table that you can use now and will be your "spare" when you can afford to get an even nicer one. Buying one of those $200 tables would only frustrate me. (unless it was purely my spare. I do like the Earthlite harmony for a cheap table)

Good luck!

 

[Monty Montezuma]

buying a table

If I could give some imput. one of the things that I had forgot to ask when getting my table was what was the weight capacity. A theripist in our office had gotten a table, had a overly large client and the table broke in the middle of the session. also if there are any other types of massage you are planning on doing make sure that the table can support it. I had to order a special table because in the future i will be doing aschiau oriantal bar therapy. other then that i don't know much about tables.
mary

 

[Tate]

here are a few links to other table threads that may help.

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=98122&highlight=#98122
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=221&highlight=
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=238&highlight=#238

PS. I have an oakworks and love it.

 

[Cristal]

Thank you all so much for your replies! I have made my purchase, and now I wait. OH the anticipation! I am so excited for it to get here! I went with the oakworks KeLa model, check it out and let me know what you think. I got it from an authorized oakworks dealer (made sure to look into that frst, didn't want to buy a knock off or something), on the massage-table-direct website, so I got it for around 360$ when it sells for 400$ on the oakworks website. The only thing is it dosent show pictures of the reiki end plate or shiatsu release cables, but it lists them in the specs, and oakworks lists them as standard for this model... I guess I am just going to be nervous until it gets here!