In search of a massage gun that will give you a gentle massage? We’ve got you covered with the best massage guns for athletes.
A massage gun is a device that can give a full-body massage and be used for pre-or post-workout therapy. It is primarily made for use at home or while traveling by yourself.
Massage guns have revolutionized the sports world in the last few years. There is no denying that massage guns dominate the market for sports recovery devices, even though new tools are constantly being developed.
However, massage guns haven’t always been the solution for healing. Along with other devices and machinery, foam rollers have always existed.
However, using massage guns is much easier and more comfortable than rolling on a foam roller. Additionally, they are more efficient than foam rollers, allowing for the targeted treatment of trigger points. Other names for it include the CrossFit massage gun, the portable massage gun, etc.
Athletes and massage guns have become interchangeable terms. Recovery has become a top priority in an era where most athletes work hard to succeed.
Given the hundreds of massage guns currently flooding the market, both from well-known brands and unknown ones, choosing the best one is not always straightforward. It can be challenging to select the best from the masses.
5 Best Massage Guns For Athletes in 2023
We will provide you with all the information you require in this situation. Just keep going!
1) Ekrin B37 Massage Gun
Ekrin Athletics is a company founded in the United States by former collegiate athletes to develop the best muscle recovery and injury prevention solutions for athletes of all levels.
Athletes like WNBA star Rebecca Allen and NHL defenseman Kevan Miller recommend them, and they have a few massage guns that can be seen at various sports courts and fitness centers.
The B37 weighs about the same as most athletic massagers at 2.2 pounds.
The handle’s ergonomic 15-degree angle helps you reach some more challenging spots unaided while easing wrist strain.
It covers various pre- and post-workout uses with four attachments for precision levels, muscle groups, and benefits.
The travel case is a convenient addition for keeping or transporting the gun.
It has an impressive 8 hours of battery life when fully charged, and four LEDs indicate the battery level, so you never have to guess.
The lithium-ion battery is not, however, detachable.
For instance, you can only bring it on airplanes in hand luggage.
Pros
- Ergonomic 15-degree handle
- Travel case for gun and attachments
- 8-hour battery life
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Handle diameter can be considerable for smaller hands
2) Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
This product resembles the Erkin B37 in design and functionality, barely falling short in some areas while possibly outperforming others.
The Sportneer Elite D9 massage gun stands out for its two metal-headed attachments, quiet operation, and sturdy metal construction.
A rigid aluminum alloy shell protects the Sportneer Elite D9, making it durable and resistant to unintentional drops from various heights.
Once more angled to make it easier to grasp and reach particular areas, the ergonomic handle is covered in foam.
Two of the six attachments on this athletic massager gun have chrome-plated heads, a distinctive feature.
These have additional therapeutic advantages due to their ability to be frozen or heated for cold or heat therapy.
They are also suitable for applying massage oils because they are simple to remove.You might be persuaded to buy the Sporteer massage gun by those features.
The battery lasts up to 7 hours and can be fully charged in 3 to 5 hours. The button has an LED power indicator.
It is one of the quieter athletic massage tools, especially for the price range, producing only 30-45 decibels of noise.
It should be noted that despite the speed having six settings, reversing is impossible using the speed button.
If you set the speed to 4 and then want to return to 2, you must repeatedly press the button until it cycles up from 5, 6, and 1 before returning to 2.
Compared to similar products, it has a relatively low amplitude of only 04.3 inches (11 mm) and a pressure of 40 pounds, which may be too intense for some athletes or ideal for beginners.
Pros
- Foamed handle
- The two metal attachments can be heated up, cooled down, or oiled up
- The rigid aluminum shell protects it from breaking if dropped or hit
Cons
- The speed button only increases; to decrease power, you must go through all the settings
3) Ekrin Bantam Travel-Sized Muscle Massager
The Bantam is another item from Ekrin Athletics that is noteworthy.
When on the go, this compact muscle massager offers nearly identical quality muscle care to the B37.
This is the ideal product to transport your gun massager easily.
The compact travel pouch can fit into any bag, including a backpack for hiking or a travel suitcase.
The USB-C charger enables charging via other USB ports, such as those on a laptop, or directly into a power outlet.
For its size, the Samsung lithium-ion battery inside offers an impressive 6 hours of battery life.
Pros
- Very lightweight, lightest on the list
- USB-C type charging
- Compact, travel-sized product will fit into a gym bag or travel pack easily
Cons
- Only three-speed settings
4) Bob and Brad C2 Massager Gun
Bob and Brad strongly support athletic massage tools and have discussed gun massagers extensively in their videos and articles.
It was only natural that they released their version because they were physical therapists with years of experience and provided a helpful product.
The C2 massage gun is remarkably lightweight at just 1.5 pounds.
The battery life uses a standard USB-C type quick charger and supports up to 3 hours of continuous use.
This might appear inadequate initially, but given that massage gun sessions only last a few minutes and a USB-C charger is included, you shouldn’t experience battery drain.
Bob & Brad primarily advise runners, climbers, and other cardio-focused athletes to use this product, and I concur.
The gun is excellent for relaxing the muscles and relieving stress. Seniors can use it to rejuvenate their bodies and improve blood circulation.
Pros
- Designed by professional physical therapists
- Fast charging
- Automatic shutdown function to prevent overuse
Cons
- At 2000 RPM, the lowest minimal percussion is noticeably high
5) TOLOCO EM26 Massage Gun
The TOLOCO massage gun is last but not least. Because it has 15 head attachments and seven power level settings, this product is noteworthy for its sheer variety of uses.
It also comes at a fair price when considering everything included in the package.
The LED display is a nice touch, but because of touch sensitivity, it can sometimes appear unnecessary and unreliable compared to physical dials and buttons.
Although the product’s battery life is advertised as lasting up to 6 hours, with its seven power settings and LED displays, you should only expect half that.
Pros
- 15 attachments
- Seven-speed settings
- How-to-use manual
- Available in four colors
Cons
- The LED settings screen can break if mishandled
Factors to Consider When Purchasing the Best Massage Gun for Athletes
Be sure to consider these purchasing considerations before committing to a massage gun.
Stall Force
This measurement relates to the pressure you exert before the motor shuts off. Your ability to exert force is indicated by the force specification, which is expressed in pounds and establishes the potential intensity of the massage. Many devices have stall forces ranging from 20 to 30 pounds, whereas some of the best massage guns allow up to 50 pounds of muscle, making them ideal for those who enjoy (or can tolerate) a lot of pressure.
Battery Life
The frequency of use will determine how quickly you need to recharge your device.
All of the products on this list have batteries that last from a few hours to several days.
You can use therapy guns quite a few times before they need to be recharged because a typical therapy gun session shouldn’t last more than 10 minutes.
Durability
All of the products on this list range in build quality from standard to high.
Massage guns are the same as usual in that they change with price.
Although more expensive guns will likely be more durable because they are made of more substantial materials, the other options aren’t necessarily inferior.
They ought to be all sturdy if you avoid misusing them.
Noise Level
While noise may have been an issue, most modern athletic massage guns are relatively silent.
Nevertheless, purchasing one of the lower-noise guns might be the best option if you have any medical conditions that could be uncomfortable, such as a propensity for headaches.
Speed Options
For most firearms, speed options are relatively standardized and typically range from 1800 to 3200 RPM.
Most players will be in the contented middle of that, which is why many higher-tier guns only provide limited speed options.
You can try a lighter or heavier gun, though, depending on your needs and level of physical fitness.
Like power, slower speeds might be preferable for older people or beginners, while those serious about building muscle might prefer faster options.
Portability
It’s crucial to select a massage gun that is highly portable if you intend to use it while traveling. Smaller, lighter massage guns frequently equipped with a convenient carrying case will be more mobile.
Amplitude
The depth to which the gun vibrates or percusses the muscle is determined by its amplitude, expressed in millimeters (mm). Higher amplitude is not always better because it often results in deep tissue percussion, which is not everyone’s desired outcome.
Although some of the more potent models can reach between 12 and 16 millimeters, most of the best massagers have an amplitude of eight to ten millimeters or less. You can stick with a mid-range amplitude if you’re not into unraveling tricky knots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Best Massage Guns for Athletes
1) Is it possible for a massage gun to cause harm?
When used correctly and sparingly, massage guns are not harmful. If you notice bruising or persistent soreness close to areas of use, stop using your massage gun or reduce its use. Excessive use of a massage gun can irritate your muscles or result in bruising.
2) Can I use a massage gun daily?
You can use a massage gun every day without risk. Be careful how much time you spend each day using a massage gun. Most user guides include suggested time ranges for each body part, which are helpful if you’re unsure how much is too much.
3) When is it not appropriate to use a massage gun?
Never use a massage gun on skin rashes, open sores, bruises from internal bleeding, burst blisters, tissue inflammation, or tumor spots.
Even on low settings, avoid using it on your head or genital region.
Avoid using a massage gun if you have a sensory disorder that makes it challenging to feel sensations in your body; you risk doing more harm than good.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you are now aware of the ideal massage gun for athletes. When you go shopping, you also know how to choose one.
To summarize, there are numerous options to consider, and we have given you plenty to think about with this post.
Not everyone will benefit from the “best” as you shop. You’ll find the best massage gun if you pay attention to your body’s needs and look for an appropriate style, amplitude, and force.
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