combi-lite 3 in 1 table

[Young grasshopper]

Hello all

I am new to the forum so hello to all of you. I am studying Swedish massage as a gift to my wife who is in a high-stress job and I am looking to purchase a good value massage table in time for Christmas. The table that I am currently considering is the Combi-Lite 3 in 1 table (see link: http://www.massagewarehouse.co.uk/items/massage-supplies/massage-tables/combi-lite-3-in-1-detail.htm).

The thing that troubles me is that I have been unable to find many reviews for this table. Can I ask whether any of you have purchased this table or know somebody who has? Have you/they been happy with it? How long have you/they owned it and has it stood the test of time (or has it worn out quickly)?

Also I have found this table available through a number of websites, including ebay. It seems to be available with different options for thickness of foam (I have seen it advertised with 4 cm, 5 cm & 8 cm foam). Can I ask what foam thickness you/they opted for and whether you/they are happy with it.

Incidentally, as someone new to massage, can I ask what the "standard" foam thickness is on a table? Is 4 cm perfectly adequate or are most tables closer to 8 cm?

As I say, I have seen very few reviews, only two in fact. One person appears very happy with the table, while a second person says that it is a good table other than the weight. The table is marketed as portable but weighs approx. 18 kg. Has the weight been an issue to you/the person you know who owns it? And more broadly, is that heavy for a massage table?

Finally can I ask if anyone knows if the table is well made, e.g. how sturdy it is and what the quality of the finishings is like, etc. If it helps the table is apparently made by a company called Porta Lite, does anyone know this company and would you generally recommend their products?

Any advice that anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated.


Kind regards

theJBP

 

[lynn g]

One of my colleages has one of these - it's about 4 years old and is still in good condition - it is used everyday and is very sturdy - not light, but she doesn't do much mobile work. Get the thickest foam pad you can - you have to remember your client must be comfortable. I use a portable table with 8" foam, plus I use a folded single duvet on top of that (my clients are, on the main, elderly and frail, so need to be comfy).

You are doing this for your wife???? Will you divorce her and marry me please?????

 

[quoteboy]

Hi JPB, welcome to HP

It looks very similar to many models that I seen around. There OK for the price, but 18 kgs is heavy. This is fine if it's used in the same room all the time and may need to be put away occasionally. But if real portable work I think you will find it clumsy and may have to buy a lightweight tolley. Unfortunately very lightweight models can be very expensive. As for thickness, 4 cms for most clients is fine. 8 cm will make the couch very bulky, but if used stationary in one room only that would be nice.

Sorry I can't be more of a help.

Best wishes

RP

 

[Carrie M]

I bought the combi-lite about 5 years ago, great sturdy table for the price. There wasn't the extra thick foam option back then. I used it solidly for two years and then bought a lighter table called the delta and am still using that as I do mostly mobile work now. I gave the combilite to a cousin of mine who was starting off in college and I know she is still using it to this day so the mileage is good on these tables.

I would say if you are doing mobile work then go for a lighter table but if you are stationary then it's a great table.

Re the foam, 5cms is standard on tables, I disagree with 4cm, I think 4cms is too thin. 8cms is a bonus and is very nice for most therapies. Sports massage I would probably stick with 5cms because the thicker foam can take some of the pressure away from the treatment.. But if the foam is firm to semi firm then the thicker foam wont have this problem.

If you are in two minds why not ask the retailer to try it at home and can you return it if you dont like it?

 

[ozokyqbd]

Interesting point LuckyG, it's not just the thickness but also the quality of the padding.

Talking about mobile work. This is a big chuck of my business. So glad I brought a secondhand Starlite couch (10kg). It would be a nightmare without it, going up and down countless number of steps.

RP

 

[shahab_phoenix]

I bought this table from ebay 4 years ago and its still in pristine condition.
I agree with the others, it is far from light.

I'd not pay full price when you can get the same on ebay for £30!

 

[Bearbeast "AGAIN"]

Funny you say that. The cousin I mentioned above, the main reason I gave her my couch is that she bought one form ebay first, the face cradle broke on the first treatment and the wood underneath the foam cracked on the next treatment! So I gave her mine.

They are not the same tables in regular massage stores that are on ebay.

May look the same but everything from the quality/strength of the wood to the quality of foam to the quality of vinyl is far superior the more you pay. You can buy everything in life at cheaper quality!

I know other therapists who have bought the cheaper tables and some have snapped while client is on them and most end up replacing with normal priced ones so its a false economy. One Italian lady I knew setting up a new clinic in Brighton bought 7 tables from ebay trying to save money when setting up. She had to replace them all within a month!

I really don't understand how therapists offer a professional service and don't use professional equipment. I went for a massage on a holiday once in Torquay and the table was so fragile and rocked, i asked her where she got it not telling her I was a therapist and she paid £100 for it from ebay. That figured! lol If I was local I would never have gone back.

Get a professional table, it will cost a bit more but that will be covered by maybe 2 extra treatments and your clients will thank you for it and not be put off coming back.

 

[Cherryblossum]

I have had it for over 2 years and using it very regularly although sadly not every day. Its great. I don't do mobile but have taken it out a few times! Its really comfy and good and sturdy. No problem recommending it. Love Melanie x

 

[cdluszji]

Nice website name Melsy.

 

[SpaSpaSpa]

Thank you! Thats very kind x

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thank you all so much for your advice and apologies for not posting a reply to you all until now. You have all reassured me that the table is worth purchasing and I have done so, opting for the 8cm foam. As I am not a therapist and will only be using this in the home for my wife (as mentioned she is a trainee doctor and thus needs some TLC) the weight is not such a problem for me as it will be stationary.

The only concern I have now is with regards the comments about tables breaking. While Urban_Hippy says she bought her table from ebay and it has been fine, LuckyG says that she knows people who bought from ebay and their tables broke, though she says she bought the Combi-Lite herself and it was OK. Her message appears to be: buy from a reputable manufacturer.

I have bought mine from the massage warehouse. It has not arrived yet, but can I presume that the table will be the real deal and not a cheap knockoff? Anyone purchased from them before?

 

[Elite]

Yes that is where mine came from and they are very good with good after sales service too. Love Melanie x