Blackroll Fascia Gun Review – The Go-To Massage Tool For Travel
Recovery modalities are all the rage lately, with your average gym or group training space like F45 and BFT being fitted out with a wellness offering like ice baths, saunas and other recovery tools to meet the changing demands of the market.
While massage guns have been used for decades now, in recent years they have gained much more popularity as a simple, effective and transportable tool to improve recovery, work out muscle aches and pains and help with relaxation.
Among the many brands available in the market, the Blackroll Fascia Gun stands out for its features, performance, size and competitive pricing. In this comprehensive review, we will compare the Blackroll Fascia Gun to other renowned massage gun brands such as Hydragun, Ekrin, Theragun, Hyperice Hypervolt, and Renpho. There is not doubt there is a plethora of massage gun choices now, with even appearing on the shelves in some local supermarkets.
To make things easier, we will break down the various aspects of the Blackroll Massage gun including performance, features, design, battery life, warranty, and price giving you a head to head comparison on the other popular options.
Having recently had the opportunity to try out the Blackroll Fascia Gun, and I must say, it is not your run of the mill, cheap massage gun you see all over Ebay, Etsy and Instagram ads. This massage gun looks and feels the part, made from high quality materials with the performance metrics that rival some of the bigger massage guns. Let's delve into the details and explore why the Blackroll Fascia Gun is worth considering.
Benefits of Using Massage Guns
Massage guns have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These handheld devices utilise percussive therapy to provide deep tissue massage, helping to relieve muscle soreness, reduce tension, and enhance recovery. The benefits associated with using a massage gun include enhanced muscle recovery, reduced DOMS, increased blood flow and circulation, relaxation and stress reduction, and improved range of motion and flexibility.
Muscle Recovery and DOMS Reduction
Massage guns are widely recognised for their ability to aid in muscle recovery and reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) following intense exercise. DOMS refers to the muscle soreness experienced 24 to 72 hours after strenuous physical activity.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2018 investigated the effects of vibration therapy, similar to the percussive therapy delivered by massage guns, on DOMS. The study found that vibration therapy significantly reduced muscle soreness, muscle tenderness, and muscle damage markers compared to the control group.
Another study published in the Journal of Athletic Training in 2020 examined the effects of massage guns on muscle fatigue and soreness in 8 male athletes. The results demonstrated that using a massage gun immediately after exercise reduced muscle fatigue and soreness more effectively than passive recovery methods. These studies indicate that massage guns, with their percussive therapy, can contribute to faster muscle recovery and alleviate the symptoms of DOMS.
Increased Blood Flow and Circulation
Massage guns are believed to enhance blood flow and circulation in the targeted muscles. Improved blood circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles while removing metabolic waste products, promoting tissue healing and overall muscle health.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2014 investigated the effects of vibration therapy on blood flow. The study concluded that vibration therapy significantly increased blood flow velocity in the treated area, suggesting enhanced microcirculation.
Similarly, a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in 2019 examined the effects of vibration therapy on arterial stiffness. The results indicated that vibration therapy improved arterial stiffness, which can positively impact blood flow and cardiovascular health.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Massage guns can induce a state of relaxation and reduce stress. The repetitive and rhythmic percussive motion stimulates sensory receptors in the muscles, triggering a relaxation response.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing in 2015 investigated the effects of vibration therapy on stress reduction and relaxation in healthy adults. The results showed that vibration therapy significantly reduced stress levels and induced relaxation compared to a control group.
Additionally, a systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings in 2018 evaluated the effects of vibration therapy on anxiety and stress reduction. The review concluded that vibration therapy had a positive impact on reducing anxiety and stress levels.
Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
Massage guns can contribute to increased range of motion (ROM) and flexibility. By targeting specific muscle groups and releasing tension, massage guns help improve joint mobility and muscle flexibility.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine in 2019 investigated the effects of vibration therapy on flexibility and muscle performance in 20 male university students. The results indicated that vibration therapy significantly improved hamstring flexibility and muscle strength compared to the control group.
Another study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in 2014 assessed the effects of vibration therapy on hip flexibility in 45 university students. The study found that vibration therapy led to a significant increase in hip flexibility immediately after treatment.
The Blackroll Fascia Gun is no exception in delivering these benefits. Whether you're an athlete looking to recover from intense workouts or an individual seeking relief from everyday muscle tightness, this massage gun can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.
Blackroll Fascia Gun - Bottom Line
The Blackroll Fascia Gun is the overall best mini massage gun we have tested to date. It really trumps most other small massage guns, with aerospace aluminium, up to 15 hours battery life, super small size and reasonable price point of $259.90.
Blackroll Fascia Gun Review
Blackroll vs Theragun vs Ekrin vs Hyperice vs Renpho
The Blackroll Fascia Gun really outperforms the majority of other small, mini massage guns available right now. Why? It not only sits somewhere at the middle to lower end of the price point for mini massage guns, but features some of the best design and performance specs in comparison to others.
The Blackroll Fascia Gun is a German designed massage gun that ships all around the world, including free shipping in Australia which we love. Blackroll are leaders in recovery technology and their massage guns are no exception. The Fascia Gun is $249, and features some of the highest battery life we’ve seen across any massage gun, anywhere, at 15 hours battery life.
This small massage gun has 14.5kg of stall force, which is a good indicator of the power and pressure you can apply to your muscles before affecting the performance of the gun. This stall force is comparable to even some of the larger massage guns out there.
The Blackroll Fascia gun is just 544 grams or 1.1lbs, meaning it can be taken anywhere. Not only that, it is designed from aerospace aluminium, giving it a super durable and sleek design. If there was any low cost, exercise recovery tool that you could pack in a bag and take anywhere, it would be the Blackroll Fascia Gun.
Price and Value
Blackroll Fascia Gun - What’s Included?
The Blackroll Fascia Gun is competitively priced when compared to other massage guns on the market. Considering the quality and effectiveness of the device, it offers excellent value for its price. Investing in a massage gun like this can save you money in the long run, as you won't need to book expensive professional massages as frequently.
In comparison, the Blackroll fascia gun is a similar price to some of the other leading mini massage guns on the market. In comparison of the price of Blackroll vs Theragun Mini, the Blackroll massage gun is $249 whereas the Theragun Mini 2.0 is the same price. In terms of price comparison, I see the Blackroll as a better value offer, including higher quality materials and better ergonomics and battery life for the price.
Battery Life
One of the key features of the Blackroll Fascia Gun is its impressive battery life. With a powerful and long-lasting lithium-ion battery, this massage gun allows for extended use without the need for frequent recharging.
The Blackroll Fascia gun offers one of the leading levels of battery life on the market, giving users up to 15 hours battery life on a single charge, ensuring that you can use it for multiple sessions before needing to plug it in again. This extended battery life is a significant advantage, especially for those who travel frequently or prefer longer massage sessions.
This is actually one of the things I was most impressed about by the Blackroll Fascia gun, as when you compare it to the majority of the other competitors it knocks them out of the park.
In comparison, Theragun Mini gives 2-3 hours battery life, the smaller Ekrin model provides 3-4 hours battery life, Hyperice gives about 2.5 hours and the Renpho gives about 3-4 hours. So if you are looking for a long lasting, compact massage gun, Blackroll Fascia gun is a bit of a no-brainer.
Warranty
Blackroll stands behind the quality of their products, and the Fascia Gun is no exception. It comes with a 2-year warranty, which provides peace of mind and reflects the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. This warranty ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of the device without worrying about defects or malfunctions.
The warranty that Blackroll provides on their massage gun is actually about 1 year superior when compared to the majority of other massage gun warranties that are only offering the standard one year manufacturers warranty. This is yet another metric that Blackroll offers a market leading value on, and gives ultimate buyer assurance for purchasing the gun.
Power and Performance
The Blackroll Fascia Gun is designed to deliver powerful and targeted percussive therapy. It features a high-torque motor that produces up to 3200 percussions per minute, allowing for deep muscle penetration.
The gun offers three intensity levels, enabling you to adjust the massage intensity based on your preferences and needs. Additionally, the device incorporates a unique oscillating mechanism, which enhances the effectiveness of the massage and promotes muscle relaxation.
Design and Ergonomics
The Blackroll Fascia Gun boasts a sleek and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. The handle is designed to provide a secure grip, ensuring that you can easily maneuver the device across different muscle groups. The gun is lightweight, making it convenient to use for extended periods without causing hand fatigue. The gun's compact size also makes it travel-friendly, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go.
The Blackroll Fascia Gun features a powerful high-torque motor, offering up to 3200 percussions per minute. Its intensity levels can be adjusted to suit different muscle groups and needs. The unique oscillating mechanism enhances muscle relaxation and deep tissue penetration, aiding in recovery and reducing muscle soreness effectively.
Hydragun is equipped with a high-torque motor that delivers up to 3200 percussions per minute. It offers six speed settings, allowing users to customize the intensity of the massage. The Hydragun also utilizes Quiet Glide Technology, ensuring a quieter operation compared to many other massage guns.
Ekrin massage guns feature high-torque motors with adjustable speed settings, ranging from 1000 to 3200 percussions per minute. The Ekrin models provide strong and precise percussion therapy, targeting specific muscle groups effectively.
Theragun massage guns are known for their powerful performance, offering up to 2400 percussions per minute. They feature multiple speed options and amplitude settings, allowing users to tailor the massage experience to their liking.
The Hyperice Hypervolt boasts a powerful motor capable of delivering up to 3200 percussions per minute. It offers three speed settings, providing users with control over the intensity of their massage. The Hypervolt also includes QuietGlide™ technology, ensuring a quieter operation.
Renpho massage guns offer adjustable speed settings ranging from 1200 to 3200 percussions per minute. While not as powerful as some other models, Renpho massage guns still provide effective percussive therapy and muscle recovery.
Blackroll Fascia Gun: The Blackroll Fascia Gun comes with three intensity levels, ensuring versatility in massage therapy. Its ergonomic design and lightweight build make it easy to handle and maneuver. It features a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that provides up to 6 hours of use on a single charge.
While each brand has its unique features and advantages, the Blackroll Fascia Gun stands out as a versatile and cost-effective choice. It provides the necessary functionalities for effective percussive therapy and muscle recovery without compromising on quality. Whether you are an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or someone seeking relief from muscle tension, the Blackroll Fascia Gun is a valuable addition to your self-care routine.
Ultimately, the choice of a massage gun depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Consider the features, performance, design, battery life, warranty, and price to determine the best massage gun that aligns with your needs.
Conclusion
Overall, the Blackroll Fascia Gun is an exceptional massage gun that offers a range of benefits and features. With its competitive pricing, long battery life, comprehensive warranty, powerful performance, and ergonomic design, it stands out as a top choice in the market. Noting all features and direct comparison to other prominent brands we would give the Blackroll Fascia gun and overall rating of 4.6/5.
Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to alleviate muscle tension, this massage gun can be a valuable tool in your self-care routine. I highly recommend giving the Blackroll Fascia Gun a try, particularly for those looking for a smaller, compact massage gun that is lightweight and can fit into carry on luggage or a small backpack for travel – this is your gun.
