If you’re having trouble choosing the best massage gun for you, you’re not alone. There’s a great abundance of designs and options available, some more compelling and necessary than others. And this can get overwhelming sometimes. So how can you tell which massage gun would genuinely make your life easier? Read on to learn more.
How massage guns work
Before we determine what really defines a massage gun’s performance, let’s look at what goes on under the hood. Massage guns are powered by motors that rapidly drive its tip back and forth. The power of these motors will determine how fast and how deep your massages can get.
At the tip, you would find the swappable attachment head, which comes in sets with every massage gun. Here’s a quick guide on them:
Photos by HYDRAGUN
The general rule of thumb with attachment heads is to choose what most closely matches the muscle(s) you’re massaging. But you can also use the bullet and forkhead ones on larger muscles if they’re experiencing muscle knots. Another way you can vary your massage is by adjusting the speed settings and leaning into it for more pressure.
The 4 massage gun features that actually matter
A good massage gun is always the perfect balance of simplicity and efficiency. For something that needs to be as convenient as it is powerful, “more” isn’t always better. Here are the main factors that would influence your experience:
Speed and amplitude
Often listed as maximum revolutions per minute (RPM), the speed refers to how fast the tip goes back and forth. This determines the intensity of the massage. Most high-quality massage guns have maximum speeds that range between 2300 to 3200 RPM.
Amplitude, on the other hand, is often measured in millimeters (mm). This refers to how far the tip travels back and forth, determining the depth of your massage. Most massage guns in the market would range between 10 to 16 mm.
Speed and amplitude go hand in hand as they both reflect the power of a massage gun’s motor. And with how these motors work, you can’t really max out on both. In essence, higher amplitude motors tend to have lower speeds and vice versa.
Replicating the benefits of traditional methods like deep tissue massage would need the right balance of these two. You’d want a massage gun with at least a 12 mm amplitude and a top speed of over 3000 RPM.
Stall force and other protective mechanisms
Stall force refers to how hard you can press the massage gun down until it stops moving. This resistance to pressure helps you go even deeper than what the amplitude already provides. But applying too much pressure can also risk shredding the internal motor. That said, a sensible design would offer just enough stall force for your needs and nothing more.
Another useful safety feature to have is a time-activated automatic shutdown. This prevents three things: the battery dying too soon, the motor getting unnecessary wear, and your skin from bruising. The truth is, it’s not very hard to overdo it. But a good massage gun would “know” that a full-body session shouldn’t last beyond 10 to 15 minutes.
Build quality
Not only does your massage gun have to be powerful enough, but it also has to be tough enough. A well-put-together unit would have an assuring sturdiness and consistently reliable performance even after years of use. This would all be down to its material, components, and assembly.
Massage guns come in different casing types. The most common material used for this is ABS plastic, which may vary in durability. For more reliability, while maintaining weight relief, some designs would offer aerospace-grade aluminum casing.
And as simple as massage gun motors are, their technology may also vary. One way to know if you have a good one is to listen while it’s running. Will it drown out your TV or wake up anyone else in the room? If the answer is “no” to both, that means your device has an efficient motor that won’t wear out anytime soon.
Ergonomics and user interface
The hallmark of a great design is how natural it is to use. And it shouldn’t be over complicated so as to minimize the learning curve and maximize its immediate effect.
The first thing you’ll notice is its form factor. Does it offer enough grip? Is it too big and clunky? Will it allow you to reach all muscle groups with relative ease? Although you’re the one operating it, the massage gun’s design should still do most of the work for you.
When you look even closer, you’ll find the adjustable parts of the device. The number of attachment heads, the speed setting adjustment, and other controls all play a part. A good massage gun offers enough options to cover your needs without being too cumbersome. That’s why the best brands prefer single-button operations and a streamlined set of accessories.
How to pick the right massage gun
The bare minimum for a decent massage gun would be a good quality motor housed in a sturdy and ergonomic enclosure. It should be designed with your user experience in mind, and not with the intention to show off its features. From there, you can narrow down your list into the different offerings that vary in size, speed, amplitude, and attachment head designs.
Each variation caters to different lifestyles. Intense muscle-building routines might favor deeper amplitudes, while injury recovery and general use would favor higher speeds. Most gym buffs might prefer a good balance of both, too. If you’re keen on figuring out which massage gun fits you most, you can also consult your trainer or physiotherapist.
