Ekrin Bantam Review – Travel Well With This Backpack Friendly Massage Gun
Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun Review
Welcome to our Ekrin Bantam Massage gun review. Ekrin Bantam Mini massage gun is a remarkable piece of technology that defies its small size and lightweight design, proving that greatness can indeed come in a compact package.
With an unwavering commitment to quality that we have seen in previously tested Ekrin massage guns like the Ekrin 365, the Ekrin Bantam Mini sets itself apart from the competition by offering a highly functional massage gun that isn’t much bigger than your hand.
Comparing the Ekrin Bantam Mini to other small massage guns on the market, such as the Blackroll Fascia Gun, Theragun Mini 2.0, and Hyperice Go 2, it becomes evident that the Bantam Mini holds its ground with remarkable poise.
While competitors may boast similar size and portability, the Ekrin Bantam Mini outshines some of them with its robust performance. The massage intensity, precision, warranty and overall effectiveness of the Bantam Mini make it a clear frontrunner in the category.
What We Like
Small and super light (0.49kg)
Fits into backpack
Travel suitable
Very well priced
Quality, durable matte plastic design
Tidy carry case
Ergonomic design
Lifetime warranty
Multiple charging options
Long battery life
What We Don’t Like
Not as powerful as some larger guns
Only 4 attachments
Ekrin Bantam Key Features
The Ekrin Bantam has a couple of key features that really make it stand tall among the massage gun cohort. In using the Ekrin Bantam, I discovered it’s standout elements include its compact design, the travel friendly USB charging option, the fact that it is only 0.49kg (1.1lbs), includes 4 unique and adaptable attachments, its 6 hour battery life, and the 3 different speed options for massaging varying muscle groups and soreness levels.
These features definitely combine synergistically to offer an incredible massage gun for an incredible price. Without a doubt, the Ekrin Bantam sits in the top three best mini massage guns out there right now.
•Compact Design •Slim, Easy-Grip Handle
•USB Charger •3 Speeds - 2000 - 3200 RPM
•4 Attachments •Travel Case Included
•6 Hour Battery Life •Ultra Lightweight - 1.1 lbs.
Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun Review
This is not our first experience with Ekrin. As a wellness brand Ekrin have been producing quality massage guns since 2019 and they have found a gap in the market by producing high quality massage guns with a high value offering and a lifetime warranty.
In short, the Ekrin Bantam is, not surprisingly, another market leader in the arena of small massage guns. The Bantam is essentially their miniature version of the Ekrin B37 which could be considered their hallmark product.
Buy the Ekrin Bantam at Ekrin here
The Ekrin Bantam is Ekrin’s smallest, lightest and cheapest massage gun at just $149 and just 1.1 lbs. Our first impressions of unboxing and unzipping the Ekrin Bantam is the sleek and compact carry bag that the massage gun comes in.
This tightly packed case is ultra smart and carries really everything that is needed in a massage gun. I have always maintained that there is no need for an app connection and other bells and whistles that some other massage gun brands offer as part of an exorbitant price point for a product that does not offer any thing “extra” functionality wise.
The Ekrin Bantam has really live in my gym bag since I got the massage gun and it offers about 7-10 days worth of consistent use before I take it out and plug it into the USB charger in my car and charge it as I drive.
We’ve now trialled every Ekrin massage gun in their range, and I have to say that this is the pick for someone looking for a massage gun to travel with that doesn’t take up much room. Essentially, the Bantam offers slightly more battery life than the Ekrin 365 and slightly less than that of the Ekrin B37, which gives 8 hours battery.
Ekrin Bantam Price
The Ekrin Bantam is honestly one of the cheapest, decent massage guns still worth looking at. Sure, there are a boat load of massage guns on Amazon for less, but their quality is questionable, and a lot of the time you will find that they have not passed the required electrical safety testing requirements like Ekrin products have.
The Ekrin Bantam is $119 when you use code GURU20, and this includes free shipping in the US. You definitely get quite a lot of value for this small price, including 4 massage head attachments, high battery life, USB-c charging cable, compact carry case, equal speed capability as most other higher priced guns (3200rpm) and a lifetime warranty.
I would seriously go as far as to say that there is not a better comparable value massage gun for this price.
Ekrin Bantam Battery Life
The Ekrin Bantam has a very fair battery life for its size and price – 6 hours. We tested this battery life out in real life and it basically gives enough charge for 15-20 massage therapy sessions at 10-15 minutes each. Now, this is actually a decent charge, and I found that with a semi-frequent use, I only need to recharge the Bantam about every month or longer.
Keep in mind, I don’t really use it every day, more like 3-4 times a week. The battery life also depends on how fast you use the speed and how hard you press the massage gun which will drain battery faster the harder you make it work.
The high quality lithium-ion battery on the Ekrin Bantam takes about 2 hours to charge and a handy LED indicator on the bottom of the handle shows real-time battery level. It glows blue when the battery is at 80% full, purple for 60-80%, red for 20-60%, and flashes red when the battery needs charging and is below 20%.
The 1m long charging cable allows you a simple charging mechanism that give you the option to charge using a standard phone charger wall adapter, charge from your computer, or charge in your car like I do.
Ekrin Bantam Performance
In a parallel fashion to its larger counterparts (B37/B37S), the device upholds a comparable calibre of exceptional material. The texture exudes an air of luxury with its premium matte plastic composition, elegantly imbued with vibrant hues. Its robust structure elicits a sense of durability that's evident upon initial interaction.
A notable feature that caught our attention is the placement of the power button, nestled inconspicuously at the base of the handle. While we experienced a slight departure from our anticipated positioning, favouring its location at the upper end of the device, this subtlety doesn't mar the overall experience.
The adherence to a minimalist philosophy shines through with the employment of a single button for operating the Ekrin Bantam massage gun. I really like this streamlined approach to the massage gun controls, as there is really no need for any fancy LCD or digital displays on a massage gun, and the Bantam proves this.
Engaging the power button involves a deliberate long-press action, seamlessly activating or deactivating the device. Further functionality involves pressing through the speeds of the massage gun, allowing effortless toggling between the varying speeds for different levels of muscle soreness and movement through muscle groups.
Ekrin Bantam vs Blackroll Fascia Gun
The Ekrin Bantam and the Blackroll Fascia gun are two very similar massage guns. Both of these are considered mini massage guns, and we have tested both of them extensively.
As far as compact massage guns go, these are perhaps two of the best on the market, and there are only a few key differences between them.
Probably the biggest standout is the battery life comparison. While the Ekrin Bantam has a decent battery life at 4-6 hours, the Blackroll Fascia Gun smashes this with 15 hours battery.
The Blackroll vs Ekrin Bantam comparison should also consider the price, with the price of the Blackroll Fascia gun coming in at about $30AUD more expensive than the Ekrin Bantam which is not a huge difference. If you are buying the massage gun in Australia, you should also consider than the shipping for the Bantam will be an extra $55USD.
The Blackrool Fascia gun has somewhat of a superior design to the Ekrin, with its aerospace engineered aluminium exterior making it a bit more a quality material makeup than the plastic design of the Bantam.
The stall force of the Bantam, which is the force that you can place the massage gun under before it affects its ability to operate, is almost double that of most other small massage guns of its size, offering 35lbs of stall force. This is slightly more than the Blackroll Fascia gun which offers 33.5lbs of stall force and to be honest is not really noticeable when using the guns in head to head comparison.
Overall, I would most likely opt for the Blackroll Fascia Gun if I had to chose between the two.
Ekrin Bantam vs Hydragun Atom
The Ekrin Bantam vs Hydragun Atom is also quite a close head to head comparison. The Hydragun Atom is a relatively new mini massage gun, and looks a little bit more like the Blackroll Fascia gun in terms of design qualities.
The Hydragun Atom is almost $120AUD more expensive than the Ekrin Bantam. The Ekrin Bantam offers a little bit more battery life than the Hydragun Atom which has 5 hours. The Hydragun Atom only offers 1.5 years of warranty in comparison the the lifetime warranty on the Ekrin Bantam.
Between these two excellent mini massage guns I would personally choose the Ekrin Bantam due to its superior battery life, warranty and price despite the Hydragun Atom having a better aesthetic design and material quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Ekrin Bantam is known for its compact size, light weight, and effective performance, making it ideal for travel.
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Its combination of compact design and robust functionality distinguishes it from other massage guns.
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The device is designed to be effective in aiding muscle recovery and reducing soreness.
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Usage can vary, but moderation is key to avoid overstimulation of muscles.
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Generally yes, but older adults or individuals with certain health conditions should consult a healthcare professional.
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It can aid in recovery, but should be used under guidance for specific injuries.
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Regular cleaning and charging, and checking for any wear and tear are essential for maintenance.
Final Verdict on Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun
The Ekrin Bantam massage gun should really be one of the most highly considered massage therapy tools for someone looking for an all-round massage gun that still stacks up in strength and intensity, while offering a big battery life for a small footprint or size.
For those of us who prioritize a compact and lightweight massage gun, this little gem truly stands out as an exceptional choice, especially if your lifestyle keeps you constantly on the go and demands a reliable performance.
Throughout our trials, this diminutive powerhouse consistently demonstrates value across all metrics and perfectly to your post-work recovery needs. Granted, it may not wield the brute force comparable to its top-tier counterpart, the B37 or B37S, yet its allure lies in its compactness and unmatched portability. While it might not boast the most overwhelming power, it undeniably punches above its weight.
