What Kind of Table Do You Have??

[Ade494]

Hello All!!What a wonderful forum!!  I'm getting ready to buy a table this week and I was hoping some of you can take the time to tell me what kind of table you have and the pro's and con's.  I've been in school for about 2 months and have been using the Earthlite Spirit table.  I haven't experienced any problems or anything, but I was wondering what else is out there.  I'll be performing Swedish - with a mixture of Deep Tissue and Trigger Point.  And I'll be incorporating Shiatsu as well.What kind of table do you have and what modality are you performing?  Are you happy with your table?  Do you wish you got something else??Any feed back would be soooo lovely!!Thank you all!!

 

[June V]

What Kind of Table Do You Have??

Well, I have the Oakworks Nova LS and I am very satisfied with my table. Right now I am in school and that is what we use in school and I was very happy with those so I decided to buy one for myself. I am very biased when it comes to certain things and my massage table is one of those things. I am getting ready to buy the Oakworks Portal Pro chair in like a few weeks. When it comes to me wishing that I got something else, I really have no regrets.

 

[brawlmania(luis)]

Smileylace, I have the Earthlite Avalon... and it's 7 years old next month... It's been just fine for me.  I have only 2 inches of foam... so I have added a sheepskin and a couple of extra mattress pads. I get lots of compliments on how comfy it is.I'm thinking about buying another table in the next year or so... but oddly enough I keep looking at the Earthlite Avalon... or the Spirit like you have.  Even the Avalon can now be bought with 3 inches of foam I think.I do primarily Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release and sometimes a touch of Shiatsu.My MT teacher used the Earthlite Spirit in his private practice, he used a sheepskin and an "Egg crate foam pad" on top of the 3 inches of foam... and with his flannel sheets his clients never wanted to leave the table when the massage was over. LOLThe teacher I mentioned above uses primarily the same, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and Myofascial Release Techniques.Wish I could be more helpful... but I do think the fact that I'm considering buying another Earthlite table says a lot for the company!  ;D

 

[Mushu]

What Kind of Table Do You Have??

Hi there, I have a custom craftwork table where I work. It has the breast recesses and my female clients notice the difference right away! They love it! No more laying on breasts, having them squish out to the sides causing the back to round up, tenderness in breasts at different times brings uncomfortableness on the table. I really enjoy using this table at work, as do my clients. Of course there are pads to place in the recesses for male clients. Put a pad over the table and you're set!

 

[dark_angel]

I too have a Nova LS, which I bought while in school, and I'm just now in the process of thinking about a new table.  I find that my practice has grown off-premise and the Nova LS is a little heavy to be carrying around town.  After years of use, it's still absolutely brand new, which is why I haven't sold it yet, as no one wants to pay a fair price for it.  It might be used but it's still worth more than the trade-in value of $150.00.  If you plan on opening a private practice, then by all means, buy a solid portable table.  If you're planning to do outcall work, you might want to think about a light weight table like Astralite.  If you're not sure, see what your local store has for rentals and test drive them before making a purchase. At the end of the day, 10 - 15 lbs will make a huge difference.  Trust me, I was so tired of carrying it around, I lowered my prices if my existing clients bought their own tables.  Joe E.

 

[kaitlinbear]

Hi all!I too have the Earthlite Avalon.  I started massage school last fall and got a student package and have been very satisfied with my table.  Last November I was in a car accident and my table was in car with me.  The car was totaled but my table (thankfully) was fine.  Diane

 

[mister ed]

Thank you so much for all of your comments.  I think I'll stick with the table I'm already using - EarthLite Spirit.  I was in class yesterday talking to the other students about the different tables and our teacher mentioned that in class we've been using the Spirit and Avalon tables.  None of us really noticed the difference between the two until we really looked at them.  I don't think I've noticed a difference between the two.  I like the idea of putting a sheepskin cover on.  I also picked up a table warmer - I didn't think you could use the two together.So I guess I'll just have to go to the store and try both out and see which feels right.Thank you so much again!  

 

[Leen]

I have an Oakworks (not sure of the model).  I love it primarily because it is so darn easy to adjust.  No double knobs to turn...saves time and effort.  I am a short gal so when I have larger clients, I need to lower my table or use a step stool to get enough pressure on the back.  I also have the Oakworks Portal Pro chair and it is great!

 

[xzc426]

What Kind of Table Do You Have??

Mine is an Earthlite...not sure of model BUT does the job and I am happy with it!!! 8)

 

[Simon]

I have a Custom Craftworks Athena.  I like it okay.  I don't remember if it has the 2 inch foam or 3 inch.  I added an egg crate mattress, table warmer, and sheep skin cover.  My table squeek's when doing reflexology.  I've been looking for another table also.I have a Golden Ratio that I bought years ago to do Reiki.  I love it.  But it's not sturdy enough for deep tissue.  I would love to get one for massage.Has any one else tried using the memory foam on top of their table?  I saw some the other day and wondered how that would be.  

 

[Adnan Sallam]

I've had a Stronglite since school in 1999 and aside from the fact that it creakes more, I like it.  I do deep tissue/swedish/Reiki.  I have the 3 inch padding plus I've added the eggcrate, heated mattress pad on top.  I have the Tempurpedic foam on the face cradle only.

 

[Eviee]

Started out in school with Earthlite Pegasus 27" with arm bolsters.  Table is now 4 years old and still seems like new.  I also have an Earthlite Spirit 29" with arm bolsters which I am deffinitely more partial to.  The Spirit is only alittle over a year old and I switched the face cradle over to memory foam.  Both tables have egg crate and table warmer.  Get many compliments on how comfy the tables are.  Every now and then I lie down on each to make sure they still feel good.  Just recently took the plunge and bought an electric lift table.  The company is called DarleyUSA.  So far so good.  $ for $ this table costs half of the others like it out there and has all the same bells and whistles available.  I figured anything which lessens the burden on my body is well worth it.                

 

[Bear]

What Kind of Table Do You Have??

Glad to see that the EarthLite table's are so popular. I bought mine late 2002, a 30" Avalon and love it to bits. Get a lot of compliments from clients who also love it.It was expensive, current price for the package I had is around £500 (so approximately $1,000). But I always think that this is what my client is lying on for an hour or more ... i want them to be comfortable and to feel safe. So I see buying a good table as a nessecery expense. Don't cut corners on them.Also for anyone thinking of buying a table I always recommend that they try them out at least once. Spend a bit of time getting to know the table. Feel it, lie on it, squash it, put it up, put it down, really examine it closely.Mat xxx

 

[Sooo Happy]

I love my Earthlite Spirit because I could get the 32" width at no extra cost (I like 'em big if I don't have to take them for outcalls.)  The deluxe adjustable facerest is more comfortable than the one on my Oakworks (better pad.)  More table for the money, IMO.

 

[Dawn S]

What Kind of Table Do You Have??

I can also recommend Earthlite. 7 years and still in great shape!

 

[Steveman30]

I started off with an Earthlite Spirit and it  is a great table, plush and sturdy, but was just a little too heavy for house calls and event massage.I bought a Pisces table last year for off-site work.  Very light - aluminium legs and the bottom of the table is made with webbing, which gives a little bit so clients don't notice that there is less foam on the table.  The only draw back is I hate, hate, hate the face cradle!  It's adjustments are finite, unlike the one on my Earthlight,  there are 2 adjustments with little teeth the mechanism sinks into.  I just never seem to be able to get my clients neck in a position I am satisfied with and I have been struggling with the cradle for over a year now!  I wish that table makers would make universal face cradle holes in tables so I could pick the face cradle I like!

 

[whatever200312]

I've used a number of massage tables as a therapist and instructor.  Lot of nice tables out there but the one I use most is the Golden Ratio Nautilus.  Though I don't find a lot of difference in the tables themselves, I REALLY love Golden Ratio's deluxe face cradle.  It's incredibly adjustable with push buttons instead of levers and incredibly strong....I've had clients push themselves up on the face cradle.  Downside to Golden Ratio is the price.  For a less expensive table that I've had a lot of good luck with....Master Massage Tables.  You can find them just about anywhere on Ebay, their own website, and even in some Costco stores.Ben Crabtree, RMT, CNMTSan Antonio, Texaswww.massagebyben.com

 

[juliaa(:]

What Kind of Table Do You Have??

I'll second the Golden Ratio. I have their Master Bodyworker and it's been great. We are going on 8 years together and it doesn't make a sound. My clients often comment on how comfortable it is--I can't imagine not getting another one when the time comes.

 

[juank243]

What Kind of Table Do You Have??

I have a stronglite something- i got it over 4 years ago and cant remember the the name. I have an adjustable face rest which i think is key and i a fleese cover on the table and face rest- so nice. What i really love for a stationary table are the electric ones- I used one at this medispa that i worked at, its hard to go back after using one.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Stronglite Premier.  It's sooo very comfortable and clients love it!  The only drawback is that it is rather heavy to lug around.  Does anybody have an suggestions/advice regarding a lighter-weight table?  Thanks.