Massage is a great way to speed up and improve recovery after a workout. In addition, a well-chosen massage can energize the muscles before training, which has a positive effect on performance. However, going for a massage regularly can be quite time consuming and especially financially demanding. That's why massage guns have been a big trend lately to help solve this problem. How do such guns work? The pulsating massage head manages to very effectively crease the strained muscles and thus massage them.
5 best massage guns
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
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inSPORTline Bitigo | 20 gears, Battery life over 5 hours, 4 massage heads | Best price More information Reviews | |
| 2. |
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Theragun Prime | 5 gears, Battery life 120 minutes, 4 massage heads | Best price More information | |
| 3. |
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TrueLife RelaxGun G3 | 4 gears, Battery life 3 hours, 4 massage heads | Best price More information | |
| 4. |
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TrainMax Massage Gun | 30 gears, Battery life 4 to 6 hours, 6 massage heads | Best price More information | |
| 5. |
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Massage Gun VI Black | 30 gears, Battery life 4 to 6 hours, 6 massage heads | Best price More information |
Test and analysis of massage guns
The inSPORTline Bitigo massage pistol took the first place in our ranking. It is the best compromise between the lowest price and the best performance. Although it is the second cheapest product in our ranking, it offers inSPORTline Bitigo has 20 speed settings, 4 interchangeable massage heads and an amplitude (massage head stroke) of up to 8 mm. This gun therefore has an absolutely perfect price/quality ratio.
Advantages:
- Convenient price
- Battery life of over 5 hours
- Up to 20 speed settings
- Provides a really good quality muscle massage thanks to the high amplitude
Disadvantages:
- Would appreciate more interchangeable massage heads
About the Manufacturer:
Czech manufacturer of fitness equipment inSPORTline is the largest domestic seller in this field. It offers countless tools for home exercise, summer and winter sports, camping and much more. Therefore, there is something for everyone. The advantage is the quality of workmanship and excellent customer service. You can have the purchased goods assembled at home or have them repaired at your home.
Technical specifications:
The inSPORTline Bitigo pistol boasts the second largest amplitude of all the products in our comparison. Amplitude refers to the distance the massage head moves up and down during a massage. The higher the amplitude, the deeper into the muscle the gun reaches and the stronger the muscle can be massaged. The high amplitude combined with a total of 20 speed modes means a really wide range for the user to vary the intensity of the massage. This makes the inSPORTline Bitigo suitable for a wide range of athletes and suitable for really intense massagesmassage of strained muscles as well as for more gentle massage of more sensitive areas. The 1500 mAh rechargeable battery lasts over 5 hours, which is very respectable compared to the competition.
Final review:
If you are looking for a massage gun with the best value for money, the inSPORTline Bitigo is the right choice for you. For a very affordable price, you get a large number of settings and a really high quality design. You can also enjoy a really deep massage thanks to the high amplitude. And although the number of massage heads could be a little higher, ultimatelyIn the end, this is only a small negative that doesn't change the fact that the inSPORTline Bitigo is absolutely ideal for most people.
Probably the most famous massage gun on the market is the Theragun Prime. Why is this gun so popular? Because it offers an extremely high quality design and a really deep massage partamplitude of a full 16 mm, which is by far the most of all the products in our comparison. It should be added, however, that you have to pay quite a bit more for a quality design, which is why the Theragun Prime didn't make the top spot in our ranking. Because of the higher price, it won't be the best choice for many people.
Pros:
- 16mm amplitude provides a truly deep muscle massage
- High quality and reliable design
- The head exerts a pressure equivalent to 13.5 kg
- 4 massage heads
Disadvantages:
- High price
About the Manufacturer:
The founder of Therabody created the first prototype massage gun back in 2009. Without realizing it at the time, he laid the foundation for the company that today works with topphysiotherapists from around the world to produce the highest quality massage guns on the market. Over the years, Therabody has garnered many awards in addition to a large fan base.
Technical Specifications:
The Theragun Prime differs from competing products primarily because it provides a much stronger massage than other products on the market. This is due to the 16 mm amplitude, which allows the massage head to exert a pressure equivalent to 13.5 kg. This makes it a great choice for really demanding athletes who need a powerful massage that penetrates deep into the muscles. The gun only has 5 gears, which is less than most other guns, but thanks to the bluetooth connection with a special app, it allows you to adjust the massage to best suit your muscles. Although the Theragun Prime offers great performance, it's also worth mentioning its somewhat weaker battery life, which lasts about 120 minutes on a single charge.
Final assessment:
The Theragun Prime is a high-quality massage gun that doesn't have much competition on the market in terms of performance and massage power. It is therefore no wonder that it is extremely popular especially among professional athletes who have very high demands. However, it must be said that the price of this gun matches its quality. For this reason, it is easily the most expensive pistol in the entire ranking. Therefore, it is clear that the Theragun Prime is not ideal for everyone. However, if you don't mind spending a higher amount for a massage gun, you will definitely not regret buying it.
The TrueLife RelaxGun G3 is the ideal choice if you need to carry a massage gun on your trainerning or anywhere else, so it's important that it doesn't take up too much space. In fact, it's the smallest of all the products in our ranking. Its big advantage is also its surprisingly low price, which we also have to rate as a definite advantage. But of course, the small size means that it offers a slightly weaker massage compared to competing products.
Pros:
- Small size and light weight
- Very low price
- Safety stop function
- High quality design
Disadvantages:
- Weaker downforce than competing products
About the Manufacturer:
The TrueLife brand focuses on the manufacture and sale of health, beauty and baby care products. Therefore, in addition to the massage gun, its repertoire also includes electric toothbrushes and air purifiers and humidifiers. The fact that it also sells its products in other Central and Western European countries besides the Czech Republic is a testament to its quality.
Technical specifications:
As mentioned above, TrueLife RelaxGun G3 has a relatively high quality compared to its competitors. The size of the massage head is relatively small, which is also related to the weaker pressure of the massage head. The 6 mm amplitude is not the largest, but it is sufficient for normal massage of most muscles. There are 4 basic massage heads in the package, which are sufficient for most people. The RelaxGun G3 offers 4 speed settings, which frankly we don't consider ideal. On the other hand, it is fair to add that given the price and size of this gun, it would be naive to expect any great miracles in terms of performance. This does not mean, however, that it is not a quality pistol. For most people, it will be a perfectly adequate solution, even thoughcompeting products offer a slightly stronger and deeper massage. For the more demanding athlete, this may not be the best option, but if you're looking for a gun to massage a stiff neck after work, it will be perfectly fine.
Final review:
In terms of value for money, we really have nothing to complain about in this case. The gun also has a safety stop function, so if you put too much pressure on your muscles, the gun will slow down or shut off completely. Although the performance is not a miracle, considering the size and price we have to evaluate this pistol very positively.
The TrainMax massage gun offers a total of 30 speeds. To what extent one really needs up to this many massage speeds is debatablebut on the other hand, it is better to have more options and not use them than to have too few. In addition, the handy massage gun has 6 massage heads that are specially designed for individual muscle groups.
Advantages:
- Large number of settings
- 6 massage heads
- Touch screen LCD display
- Sufficient battery life
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
TrainMax is a brand of sports equipment under the BrainMarket online store. Among other things, it also boasts the BrainMax brand, with which we have extensive experience in our best product comparisons. For example, such a BrainMax 3.0 Anabolic Dagger (review) ranked in our ranking of the best pre-workouts.
Technical Specifications:
As mentioned above, the TrainMax massage gun differs from the competition primarily by offering up to 30 speed modes. This allows you to customize your massage to your exact needs. The 6 interchangeable massage heads, which are designed to massage individual muscle groups, will also help you do this. In addition to the classic heads found on almost all massage guns, thethe manufacturer has also added, for example, a head for massaging the hands, wrists and forearms. Battery life ranges between 4 and 6 hours depending on how much power you use for the massage. The small but powerful motor can handle speeds up to 3,600 rpm.
Final review:
The TrainMax massage gun is undoubtedly one of the best guns on the market, but it is true that it is among the somewhat more expensive products. However, with the exception of the 30 speed settings, it doesn't really offer much extra compared to previous products. The price/quality ratio is therefore slightly worse than the pistols in the first ranks of our comparison. Still, it is a very reliable pistol that will definitely not disappoint you. And if the number of adjustable speeds is a deciding factor for you, you would be hard pressed to find a better product on the market.
The VI Black Massage Gun from GymBeam offers its users, in addition to the 30 degree6 massage heads, a battery life of up to 6 hours and a low weight (1.2 kg). This makes it a great helper for athletes of all kinds. You can indulge in a massage at home or anywhere else that suits you.
Benefits:
- 30 speeds
- Up to 6 hours of battery life
- 6 massage heads
- Practical packaging
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
The manufacturer of GymBeam supplements probably needs no introduction. In addition to dietary supplements, it also focuses on sportswear or exercise aids. In the past, you may have come across this brand in our review of GymBeam Thor Vitargo or in a comparison of the best peanut butters, for example.
Technical Specifications:
The massage gun from GymBeam has a total of 30 speed settings, which is very respectable compared to the competition. In addition, it offers 6 different massage heads, making the gun suitable for all muscle groups. We consider it a disadvantage that the manufacturer does not provide information about the amplitude (stroke) of the gun or how much pressure the massage head exerts on the muscles. However, the motor with a speed of up to 3,200 rpm is more than sufficient.
Final assessment:
If we had to put a high price on the GymBeam VI Black massage gun, it would be the high price. In fact, compared to the competition, you'll have to pay quite a bit more for it. On the other hand, it must be said that this gun offers more adjustment options than most competing products. Therefore, it's up to you if the 30 speeds are worth the few hundred crowns extra. However, if you do opt for the VI Black massage gun, you definitely won't regret it.
What are massage guns?
While a few years ago almost no one knew about massage guns, nowadays they are a very popular thing. These are relatively small devices that can massage muscles very effectively thanks to the rapid pulsation of the massage head. Thanks to their practical size, the large number of different designs and the ease of usemassage guns have become a very popular alternative to conventional massages. With them, you can indulge in a deep massage after every workout or simply whenever it suits you. In addition, modern massage guns offer a variety of different settings or interchangeablemassage heads, so you can adjust the gun to suit your needs. All without having to go for a traditional massage, which can get pretty expensive with regular visits.
The biggest benefits of massage guns
While massage guns probably can't completely replace an experienced massage therapist, they can come pretty close. Massage with a massage gun helps to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. It also helps to prevent muscle soreness after a workout, which goes a long way in improving overall recovery. Faster and better recovery subsequently reflects positively on your performance in training. Regular and targeted muscle massaging can help prevent uncomfortable injuries and improve muscle flexibility. It's no coincidence that professional athletes invest large sums of money in their recovery, with massage therapists also playing a large part. After training, it helps to achieve better recovery, and before exercise, the right massage can again warm up the muscles and prepare them for exertion.
But you will also appreciate the massage gun if you spend a large part of the day sitting. Stiff backs and sore muscles are not only a problem for athletes. With the gun you can massage almost all the muscles on your body yourself, and you only need one helping hand to massage your back or the back of your thighs.
Do massage guns also have any negatives?
Although the massage gun offers a really great number of health benefits, it should be remembered that it can also have a few negatives. The first is the risk in case you use it incorrectly. As mentioned above, massage guns work on the principle of quick and relatively strong pulses. If used incorrectly, instead of relieving pain, it is possible to injure your muscles. Fortunately, this can be effectively avoided if you follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid massaging injured or strained muscles.
Another disadvantage is that you simply cannot reach some places with the massage gun. For example, the interscapular muscles will be really hard to massage without help. The size of the massage gun or its weight can also theoretically be a problem, but nowadays in the vast majority of cases, you don't see guns that are overly large or heavy.
Is the massage gun suitable for me?
Considering how many health benefits a massage gun can provide, it's probably no surprise that it's especially suitable for regular athletes of all kinds. It doesn't matter if you're lifting weights at the gym, playing hockey or training for a marathon. For the best possible recovery, we can highly recommend the massage gun to all athletes. However, even people who only do a little or even no sport can benefit from the massage gun. As I mentioned above, the massage gun is also great for people with a sedentary lifestyle or simply anyone who is plagued by muscle pain. Ultimately, therefore, it doesn't matter who you are or what you do because massage guns are suitable for everyone.
When and how often to use the massage gun?
The massage gun can be used at any time. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions, it is safe to use it daily, and there is nothing to prevent you from using it several times during the day. However, care should be taken not to massage individual muscles for too long. It is generally stated that no muscle should be massaged with the massage gun for more than 2 minutes at a time. For people who are just starting to use the massage gun, it is recommended toIt is recommended that each muscle be given a maximum of 30 seconds to allow the body to get used to this type of massage. It is important to be guided by your own body and not to use the gun if its use causes you pain rather than relief. On the other hand, it is also important to remember that massaging strained muscles usually hurts a little and does not automatically mean that something is wrong. However, everything must be within tolerable limits.
How does the massage gun charge and how long does it last?
When choosing a massage gun, it is advisable to pay attention to how such a gun is charged and how long it lasts. You can come across a plethora of products on the market, each working a little differently. Somewhat impractical are guns that do not have batteries and need to be plugged into the mains to use them. However, the lesser flexibility is compensated by very high performance and reliability. Guns with batteries can be taken with you to the gym, for example, or anywhere you might need to use them without having to worry about where to plug them in. Their downside, however, is their limited battery life, which can range from a few dozen minutes to more than 10 hours. But the stamina is also affected by the power you use the gun for. If you need a gun that will allow you to use it repeatedly at maximum power, it's not worth taking battery life lightly.
What to watch out for when using a massage gun?
Finally, here are some tips for using the massage gun. Its use can cause mild pain, just like a traditional massage. This is normal. However, excessive and prolonged pain is not normal and if you feel it when using the gun, you are probably doing something wrong. Therefore, it is better to choose a weaker mode of massage. Do not use the gun on tight muscles, as intense massage may slow down their recovery. The same applies to injuries of all kinds. Do not use the massage gun on the shins or other areas where pressure is exerted on the bones rather than on the muscles. Also avoid using the gun on areas of increased sensitivity. If you are unsure about using the gun or feel worse after using it, seek professional help.