Buying light--3 tables: Pisces, Earthlite Luna, or Oakworks?

[Fierce]

I have studied these postings extensively, and I want to thank you all for posting so much helpful information. I'm new here and new to massage (just graduated from school and waiting to take nat'l test). I plan to do mostly outcall work and have decided that I will buy one of three tables: Earthlite Luna, Piscespro New Wave, or Oakworks WellSpring. As best I can tell, the PiscesPro is the lightest at about 22 lbs., but I have read bad things about the headrest/face cradle. The Earthlite is about 26 lbs and looks really good with the Caress face cradle. I don't know much about the WellSpring except for reputation--and it's the heaviest at 29 lbs.

So, those of you who use any of these tables, can you please help with this decision regarding your experiences, pros and cons, etc?

Thanks so much!

 

[piink]

I'm still a student so my perspective is limited, but I can tell you about the Pisces New Wave (aluminum) table I just bought.

Pros: light, light, light! Easy setup/teardown, and it fits in my little tiny car. Despite the light weight, the padding feels fine. There is plenty of room to get your legs under the table if you need to do that.

Cons: The table only goes down to 24" which may be a problem for some. One side of the table has little plastic knobs sticking out of the padding - I think these are to protect the padding during transport - and these are really annoying if you work with your legs against the table (as we are being taught to do). The face cradle is a little weird too; it's not 100% stable horizontally or vertically.

I'm sure practicing therapists will have good advice for you, but I hope this helps.

 

[mollzzzz]

I hate those little plastic knobs!! They really do get in the way! I took mine off my table and havent regretted it. One came off easily and the other I striped the screw. My dad had to cut off the plastic knob and really pry to get the screw out.

I dont plan on selling the table, it will be in use for a long time yet. Once I move, it will go into the second room because I will be purchasing a different table.

I imagine oakworks would sell the screws and little knobs if I need or want to put them back on in the future.

 

[Bobsy]

I hate those little plastic knobs!! They really do get in the way! I took mine off my table and havent regretted it. One came off easily and the other I striped the screw. My dad had to cut off the plastic knob and really pry to get the screw out.

(not meaning to hijack the thread) Thanks for posting that. It never occurred to me to try to remove those knobs. I'm glad to hear it can be done without ruining the table!

 

[GETitGIRL ------------]

I use a different lite table than the 3 you are choosing from.

But from the looks of them, I'd probably go with the Earthlite Luna. Can't say I've had experience with any of them though.

 

[lyydddiiiiaaaaa]

I have an Earthlite Luna, and love it. My older table is 16# heavier, so this is heavenly to me. It does have the little knobs, and I do work right up at the table, but they've never bothered me in the least. We had portable tables in school and they all had the knobs, so I've worked around them from the beginning. I don't even notice, anymore! They do protect the vinyl when in the case and being carted around, and I do outcalls - they are needed, for me. If you will have your own space where you can leave the table set up, I see no reason not to take them off if you don't like them.

 

[Amphitrite]

Thanks for your feedback. I decided to go with the Piscespro because of the light weight.

 

[~SuperGirl.(:]

Hope you tell us how you end up liking it!

 

[[melissa] SC]

Will do. Should be here about mid-February. Can't wait!

 

[tarynx24]

For anyone still looking at light portable tables, There is also the Earthlite Spirit which is 27 pounds. I asked Earthlite about using the Spirit & the Luna tables for deeper work and they don't recommend them for deep stuff.

I'm looking at the Stronglite Versatlite table, which can handle deep work, is 27 pounds (11 pounds lighter than my current table) & is priced reasonably at $350.

I hope you love your table LMT2B! Good luck with your national!

 

[jay7]

I asked Earthlite about using the Spirit & the Luna tables for deeper work and they don't recommend them for deep stuff.

I have the Earthlite Spirit & I do deep work all the time, and have for years. It's a very strong table. I actually have certain techniques where I kneel on the table, adding my entire body weight to the weight of the client. The table doesn't move, doesn't squeak. It's great! However, it's 32 pounds (not 27), and the cost is higher ($429)

 

[Guru T]

I asked Earthlite about using the Spirit & the Luna tables for deeper work and they don't recommend them for deep stuff.

I have the Earthlite Spirit & I do deep work all the time, and have for years. It's a very strong table. I actually have certain techniques where I kneel on the table, adding my entire body weight to the weight of the client. The table doesn't move, doesn't squeak. It's great! However, it's 32 pounds (not 27), and the cost is higher ($429)

I was just going to report that I use my Luna for deep work pretty regularly! That is kind of scary that they don't recommend it - it's just over a year old.

 

[rarehuntress]

They dont recommend it for deep work?? That is strange, I would call back and talk to someone different. No one has different tables for deep work and relaxation work!

Most anyone can apply a good amount of pressure during a relaxation type massage and that amount of pressure wouldnt be any different than if you are doing deep work. Pressure is pressure to a table no matter what type of work you are doing! The table doesnt know the difference!

 

[Felisha S]

Most anyone can apply a good amount of pressure during a relaxation type massage and that amount of pressure wouldnt be any different than if you are doing deep work.

My deep work pressure is definitely different than my "good amount of pressure". Even my vector forces are different.
Sometimes I am even up on the table with the client. Maybe they are talking about this sort of thing?

 

[bethan]

I contacted Earthlite regarding the weight limits on their massage tables. All of their tables have been tested to hold 2500 pounds of static weight. And then each individual table is "drop tested" to find the maximum moving/jarring weight it can handle before breaking. That means they raise the weight high above the table and drop it on the table repeatedly. The Earthlite Spirit passes a 525 pound drop test. The Luna passes a 450 pound drop test.