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Key Massage Gun Features
Massage guns range in price from below $100 to several hundred dollars. Higher-end, more customizable models, Davé says, typically cost more. While Sherry says cheaper or knock-off brands likely won’t do you any harm, they may not match the intensity of other models.
Here are some key features experts recommend looking for when you’re shopping for a massage gun:
Speed settings: Not all muscle groups can withstand the same pressure. That’s one reason that adjustable power settings are an important feature, according to Gangstad. For example, you may want to use a lower setting on more sensitive spots, like the calf, and higher pressure on large muscles like the hamstring.
Ergonomics: Look for a gun that easily allows you to reach the areas you want to massage, Gangstad suggests, so you don’t have to contort your body. To make sure you actually like using the gun, Davé recommends venturing to a brick-and-mortar store where you can hold the massager in your own hands.
Stroke depth: Sherry suggests considering the stroke depth or “amplitude” of the massager. “A cheaper massager you can buy at the grocery store might plunge at 1/60th of the depth [of a high-end massager],” Sherry says.
Ease of use: While some consumers are drawn to percussive guns with bells and whistles such as flashy screens and companion apps, Davé says it’s important to pick a model you understand how to use. “If it’s not easy to use, it discourages people from using it.”
Customizability: Picking a massage gun with multiple detachable heads is another way to ensure versatility, Davé says. For example, a “bullet” attachment might work well for a very focal trigger point, such as over the trapezius muscle (shoulder area). A “fork” attachment is better for a muscle region, such as the calf or hamstring muscle group. Rounded heads sometimes come in different sizes—Davé says gluteal muscles might fare better with a medium or larger option. Softer heads are appropriate for sensitive areas.
Portability: Massage guns, Davé says, can range in weight from just over a pound to several pounds. If you plan to travel with your massage gun, you may want to opt for a lighter-weight option.
