The TheraGun percussion massager was the first tool of its kind that I saw on “Millennial QVC,” aka Instagram. “Oh, man, I need that!” I thought to myself as I rubbed the dysfunctional wrought-iron cables that are my hip flexors. But then I clicked on the link and saw a price of well over $600 and thought, “Oh, man … I don’t actually need that!” (The TheraGun price has since come down a bit, but still retails at nearly $400.)
Then, the Instagram algorithm tried serving me up a more affordable option. It was a ball attachment that can be affixed to a standard jig saw for $40. I instantly bought it. However—and I really should’ve known this—the RPMs of a fucking POWER TOOL meant to chew through wood like butter are way too intense and should not be used for massaging your own body, which is a temple.
So these were my first and, until recently, only experiences with percussion massaging tools. But then the folks at Roll Recovery reached out and sent me one of their R1 Percussion tools. And all I can say is, wow, this thing is awesome!
Like most middle aged guys who pound keyboards all day, my hip flexors are a disaster. Massage balls and other passive tools never seem to alleviate the tightness (which is also weakness) in my hips. With the R1 I can easily tenderize my body like it’s a chicken cutlet and turn myself into more of a supple leopard.
The R1 is super high quality. It has a long-lasting rechargeable battery. And a number of easy to swap out tools that you can use to tenderize your tissue.
And if anyone is curious about whether this kind of percussive treatment actually works, here are a few studies to check out to “do your own research.”
Should you buy it? Aside from my experiment with using a Black and Decker jigsaw with a ball attachment, I haven’t used other percussion tools. But I see from some basic research that the R1 is among the lightest, and most affordable, percussion massagers on the market. And that’s what I like about it—its small form factor and light weight makes it easy to wield and get into those tough parts and “hit the spot.” It’s easy to travel with, it comes with a case and several different heads. And at only $129, it’s a solid deal.
Where to Buy
Roll Recovery R1 Percussion Specs
- Dimensions: 5.6” x 3.6” x 1.85” (14.2cm x 9.1cm x 4.7cm)
- Weight: 1lb 4oz (0.57 kg)
- Voltage: 11.1V
- Power: 40W Rating (50W Max Power)
- Battery: Li-ion 2200mAh 10.5V-12.6V
- 7mm High Frequency Stroke
- Adapter: USB-c
What I like
The weight, form factor and price are, to me, what make the R1 stand out in a crowded field of percussion massagers. I have no qualms about throwing this into my bag for traveling, and the way it just fits in my hand make it easy to hit those hard to reach spots.
What I don't like
No complaints!
How I tested it
I used this every few days over a month.
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