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Articles/Research
Recently there's been much talk about the unique and health-giving benefits of a type of treated water being described as kangen, and the MLM company Enagic
The Enagic corporation of Japan is the owner of US registered trademarks KANGEN WATER and ENAGIC. This interest in Kangen WaterŪ has coincided with a push into the alkaline water market by the MLM (Multi Level Marketing) company EnagicŪ. Enagic corporation has been doing a fantastic job of introducing the concept of alkaline and acid water to many people who otherwise would not know about the wonderful, healthful benefits of such treated water.
This article is written with the intention to address some of what's been said on other web sites and in public meetings, so that customers wanting the best value for their money, can make an informed opinion about Kangen WaterŪ without misunderstandings. To learn more, call us toll-free at 1-877-770-5247
Misunderstanding One: Kangen water produced by EnagicŪ Corporation's water ionizers is different from alkaline, ionized water produced from other manufacturer's water ionizers.
Fact: EnagicŪ water ionizers produce the same type of alkaline and acidic water; there machines contain a filter and ionizing chamber just like all other alkaline water ionizers. The ionizing chamber in the EnagicŪ brand basically uses the same technology as do all other water ionizers to split water into acid and alkaline streams. Kangen WaterŪ is simply another --though trademarked -- name for ionized, alkaline water.
In trying to make a difference where there is none, an Enagic representative's web site says, "technically, in order to be classified as Kangen WaterŪ , it needs to show a negative ORP in the range of -200mV to -450mV, while typical Ionized Alkaline Water shows anywhere between +100mV and -100mV, depending on the quality of the machine". Even cheap copy ionizers from China can get at least a -250mV ORP reading (and it should be noted that Ionways ionizers can achieve over -800mV.)
Misunderstanding Two: Kangen WaterŪ is better than alkaline, ionized water.
Fact: No, they are basically the same -- as discussed above. No matter what name it's given, there are two ways the quality of alkaline water is measured - by how acid or alkaline the water becomes (pH) and by how much ionization occurs (ORP). See "Why Bigger is NOT Better" here.
For example, independent tests carried out by ex-EnagicŪ representatives (concerned about the high prices being charged), show that the Ionways Melody Ionizer produced as high an ORP (negative ionization) as did the tested EnagicŪ models and -- when salt was added to the calcium port -- produced a stronger acidic water than that achieved by the EnagicŪ.Here is the O.R.P. measurement (oxidation reduction potential) for a Melody Ionizer, in an Oct.2007 test in Reno, NV. (more than twice as powerful an antioxidant as fresh orange juice!)
Read the lab ORP comparison between Enagic and Ionways (formerly Jupiter) ionizers.
Click here to view a 2008 independent lab test comparing the performance of Enagic technology with that of other water ionizers.
Unfortunately when there are very high prices, there can also be a need to justify the difference, such as in the following from an independent representative's website: "This water technology is practically non-existent outside Japan. ... Even worse, there are some people who are trying to sell cheaper Ionized Alkaline Water. machines as if they were at the same or a similar level as with the Kangen WaterŪ machines, only cheaper."
Misunderstanding Three: Some EnagicŪ representatives' website claim that their EnagicŪ units and Kangen water are recognized and approved by the Japanese Health Department, unlike all other ionizers.
Fact: In the 1980s the Japanese Health Department recognized that ionized alkaline water (called Kangen water by the Enagic Co.) from water ionizers had proven health benefits and described water ionizers as health devices. Major Korean corporations who also manufacture in Japan such as Hyundai, LG and Samsung use Standard EmcoTech (manufacturer of Ionways) parts to manufacture their own ionizers, and all have approval from the Japan Ministry of Health
We challenge anyone to produce a document that say specifically that their water ionizers are the only ones approved as Health Devices by the Japanese Government.
Below are examples of comments from an Enagic web site and ones that are often voiced.
"The Enagic is approved by The Japan Ministry of Health, as a top quality medical device" or "Enagic units and Kangen WaterŪ are recognized and approved by the Japanese Health Department".
Misunderstanding Four: Well known authorities on ionized water endorse or recommend EnagicŪ ionizers rather than other ionizers.
Fact:
The best known authorities in the USA such as Dr. Robert Young (author of The pH Miracle), Dr.Theodore Baroody (author of Alkalize or Die), and Sang Whang (author of Reverse Aging) all recommend and sell Ionways water ionizers because they want to give their customers high quality kangen or alkaline water ionizers at an honest price. Other well known alkaline authorities that endorse and use Ionways water ionizers include Daniel Reed (author of The Tao of Detox), Harold Tietze (author of Youthing) and Ian Hamilton (author of The Untold Truth...).
Myth Five: Kangen or EnagicŪ ionizers cost more than Ionways water ionizers because they are better.
No, expensive is not necessarily better.
The Ionways Melody Ionizer,for example is priced at $1595 and offers important user-friendly features that are missing in EnagicŪ ionizers, such as auto cleaning in the background. The Melody also has an outstanding track record over 8 years, and we challenge anyone to show how or why EmcoTech plates would not last as well as those from Enagic (which are larger, use more voltage, have salt solution passing through them, and are cleaned more infrequently and less efficiently).
Please look here at a report and video from an independent and US government-certified testing laboratory. Check out the Comparison sheet before perhaps spending too much money on your ionizer. Certain alkaline water ionizers are better and stronger than others and the EnagicŪ range of ionizers are decent good models. Our models offer certain features not found in competing water ionizers, but when you have a MLM company that pays certain reps who do not make the sale a high percentage of the sale price, you have to create an artificially high price because EnagicŪ and up to eight representatives need to make money from every single sale. It is estimated that EnagicŪ pays out well over $2000 on an average ionizer sale to its "downline" --and this does not include the profit made by the company itself. The highest retail price you pay for an Ionways water ionizer through Best Water is less than $2700, and that is for a dedicated under-the-counter ionizer. You do the math.
MLM "reps" typically do not have a thorough technical understanding of the properties of water, ionization and how the two together produce health benefits. There are exceptions -- reps who have really rolled up their sleeves and educated themselves -- but the fact remains there can be a great deal of "bogus" information and exaggeration fed to people who have been to MLM presentations. Going to a few MLM presentations does not make one an expert in something, especially something as complex and technical as ionization.
Misunderstanding Six: EnagicŪ Corporation of Japan has been marketing "Kangen WaterŪ" for 30 years.
Fact: Our research has led us to believe that what became the EnagicŪ brand was initially manufactured by Toyo Metal a.k.a Toyo Aitex who recently sold marketing rights to EnagicŪ (also called the Thohan Kiden organization). Toyo Metal water ionizers were called the Apex, Pure Porte 11 or Protec units and these early models were manufactured by and sold for less much less than $1000 in the USA. A company called HydroAnalytics previously imported, distributed and did hands-on repairs on this unit from Japan for the US, Western Hemisphere and European market before it was withdrawn from the US market, presumably due to lack of market penetration. In Japan the Thohan Kiden organization manufactures units that are not sold through the EnagicŪ Corporation of Japan for similar prices to other alkaline water ionizer in the North American market.
Here are the key points to consider in comparing EnagicŪ to Ionways:
- Customer Satisfaction Level:
We don't know how many ionizers are returned to EnagicŪ, but we know that we have maintained the highest A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints. We pride ourselves on a zero customer complaint policy.
- Filtration:
Ionways' Biostone filtration system is available in 0.1 micron and .01 micron levels of filtration. Both options have coral calcium and tourmaline to improve performance (EnagicŪ does not have a .01 filter, Calcium or Tourmaline). The replacement filter for the Biostone filter is also set at an honest retail price, and is manufactured in the US.
- Installation:
The Melody ionizer can be installed three ways including undersink, unlike the EnagicŪ.
- Functionality:
The Melody has increased functionality in terms of a flow control valve that operates independently of the tap. Ionways' latest models have a fully automatic valve system. These most advanced Ionways models also have an LCD control panel screen which has various readouts and alarms.
- Cleaning:
The Melody and the two latest models have a patented reversible chamber so you can ALWAYS get alkaline or kangen water even while the machine is cleaning (with EnagicŪ you have to wait while the unit is cleaning).
- Performance:
The Melody, in a side-by-side independent lab comparison testing, has been proven to be at least equal to the EnagicŪ Levelluk DXII. Ionways' latest model, the Athena, is even stronger than the Melody. All EmcoTech ionization plates and chambers are made in Japan. Emco's research laboratory in Japan employs over 10 PhDs to ensure that EmcoTech continues to lead the way in technological innovation.
- Cutting Edge Technology:
Ionways' latest models have new, patented technology to further distinguish them in value. Features like:
1) the new mesh plating (increases surface area of electrode creating stronger alkaline water. This means that Ionways is able to achieve a higher ORP and pH output within having to increase the size of the plates. Larger and more plates means more electricity and more wear.
2) A new patented SOL automatic valve system to optimize ORP at lower levels of pH (EnagicŪ doesn't have a valve other than the tap!)
3) The new patented DARC cleaning system which eliminates mineral deposits (scaling), ensuring more power and longer plate life.
- Manufacturing Standards:
EmcoTech's parent company makes Medical Equipment and EmcoTech has been manufacturing water ionizers since 1982. Manufacturing is in a state of the art ISO9001 certified and ionizer-dedicated plant. Emco products are additionally CE, UL/CSA and RoK2 certified. (See the complete story on Ionways Ionizer certifications)
- Reliability:
Ionways has the lowest return rate for service in the industry (less than 1%). If repair is needed, we have repair facilities in three North American locations, ensuring prompt service.
- Warranty / Guaranty
We offer a Lifetime warranty and a 60 day risk-free money-back guarantee. EnagicŪ offers a 5 year warranty and a 30 day trial period with a $700 re-stocking fee.
- Good Looks:
Ionways ionizers are sophisticated, stylish and contemporary looking.
- Support:
All units come with a half hour DVD that shows how to install and make the best use of your water ionizer. Plus a DVD on the benefits of alkaline water. Professional, trained staff are available to answer any questions.
- Value:
When you buy from Best Water, you buy top quality Ionways ionizers at an honest, retail price.
To learn more about Ionways Water Ionizers and Competitors, click here.
If you'd like to learn what an Ionways Water Ionizer can do for your health, please request our Free DVD: "Vitalize, Energize, Alkalize."
Call Toll-free 1-877-770-5247
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