Wonderful, but 1 flaw. Solution: buy 2.

This review is for the i-need Neck and Shoulder Pro Massager with Heat, from Brookstone.

I read many reviews about this item before buying one at a local Brookstone store. Most re...Read complete review

This review is for the i-need Neck and Shoulder Pro Massager with Heat, from Brookstone.

I read many reviews about this item before buying one at a local Brookstone store. Most reviews are very favorable, and I absolutely agree, but one issue is mentioned often: the thermal shut off feature turns the unit off too soon. It's true.

I've been using the unit on the High intensity setting with the Energize program, but with heat off, and I don't even get through two full cycles before it shuts off. It then takes nearly twice as long as the operating time to cool down adequately to be used again.

I'm certain the thermal shutoff is a worthy and possibly required safety feature, but the limited runtime is a definite drawback. Even so, this item is such a high quality and effective device that I still want to give it 5 stars. I give it just 4 stars only because it overheats and shuts off too quickly.

My solution to the quick shut off issue is simple: I'm heading back to the local Brookstone today to buy a second unit. Two might be enough that I can use one unit until it shuts off, switch to the second unit while the first unit cools down, then go back to the first unit and repeat. Maybe a third will be needed for nearly continuous non-stop use in this manner, but two ought to get close.

Other than the quick thermal shut off, this unit really has no other weaknesses. It certainly does not lack power! On the High intensity setting, the strength of the pounding and vibration is outstanding. Most folk will probably use the Low or Medium settings.

Operationally, there are two 'zones', left and right. It is not possible to use just one zone, nor is it possible to have the unit simply pound and vibrate in a steady manner. The user can only select low, medium or high intensity and choose between three different programs that each routinely change in tempo and vigor and always involve both zones. I was wary at first, but I quickly became a fan of the Pulse and Energize programs. The third is Smoothe, which I'm sure others will enjoy, but it's, well, just too smoothe for me. Maybe future versions will allow constant modes rather than just variable programs, but the programs do the job quite well and do not disappoint.

Shopping on-line is certainly convenient, but one big plus for me is that Brookstone has hundreds of retail stores. This was terrific for me because I was considering the standard non-Pro model and a quick trip to the store allowed me to first-hand experience the quality and features of both models. The non-Pro model is equal in quality and does offer Low, Medium and High intensity selection, but it only has a single pre-set program. The one program just didn't do it for me, especially after trying the Pulse and Energize programs on the Pro model. Also, if you're like me and purchase the 2-year extended warranty (only 10% of sale price), having an actual Brookstone store nearby is a big plus if a quick replacement should ever be needed. I don't usually buy extended warranties, and this product appears to be built well enough that I probably won't ever need it, but I intend to use this device quite often and the combination of a local Brookstone store and the low-cost of the warranty extension gives me peace-of-mind. If there's a local Brookstone in you're area, I highly recommend visting the store, seeing, feeling and experiencing the item for yourself, and buying one (or two). Thank you Brookstone for keeping retail real!

For anyone with upper back, neck or shoulder pain like me, this product literally hits-the-spot.