Is the HyperIce Hypervolt Massage Gun Really Worth It? A Personal Trainer's Opinion
Last year I wrote about 4 foam roller alternatives that I like to use with my personal training clients. Since then, I’ve opened my own personal training gym and outfitted it with a variety of fitness equipment, including a DIY massage gun. I’ve also had the opportunity to use the HyperIce Hypervolt, which I bought for about $350.
* Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
That’s a lot of money to spend on a massage gun! The question, of course, is whether it’s worth the expense.
HyperIce Hypervolt vs. Traditional Foam Rolling Methods
Prior to introducing massage guns to my gym, my personal training clients used standard foam rollers to work out their tight muscles.
Foam rollers are a great option, mainly because of the cost. You can get one for about $20 at most sporting good stores. Using your body weight to push against them also helps deepen the sense of relief and can itself warm up the muscles before a workout.
However, I prefer the HyperIce Hypervolt over standard foam rollers, and so do the clients who have tried it. The nice thing about the massage gun is that you can target individual knots in your muscles. It also makes it more convenient to make myofascial release a part of your routine because you can use the gun while watching TV or even in the car. You don’t have to sit on the ground.
The HyperIce Hypervolt is also more portable. Mine comes in a carry case with four attachments. The attachments are another great feature of the massage gun, because you can vary the type of pressure you apply.
One final benefit of the HyperIce Hypervolt over traditional foam rollers is that it is easier to massage your back. Traditional foam rollers are not meant to be used on bone and can cause discomfort or even injury when used on your back. Something like the Hypervolt is more targeted, so you can easily have someone else massage you while avoiding your spine.
HyperIce Hypervolt vs. DIY Massage Gun with a Jigsaw
Before buying the HyperIce Hypervolt, I made my own massage gun using a standard jigsaw I already had at home and a ball attachment I purchased from Amazon for about $40.
The DIY jigsaw massage gun is another great option if you’re not ready to spend $350 on a myofascial release device. Chances are you already have a jigsaw in your garage, and there are a variety of attachments available online, comparable to the attachments that come with the HyperIce Hypervolt.
However, I would still say the Hypervolt is worth the money. It seems to massage on a deeper level than the DIY options, really working out the knots. This could be due to the smoother nature of the movement. In addition, the Hypervolt is a lot quieter, so you can easily use it in a group setting without disturbing others.
Finally, with the DIY jigsaw, you have to keep your finger just so on the button to maintain a steady speed. With the HyperIce Hypervolt, you simply turn on the massage gun and then pick one of three steady settings. This allows you to focus more on where you need to massage.
The Bottom Line: Is the HyperIce Hypervolt Worth the Cost?
Is the HyperIce Hypervolt worth the $350 price tag, especially when compared to cheaper myofascial release options? Yes! Absolutely. The gun is more effective at targeting knots that standard foam rollers and much more user-friendly than the DIY jigsaw option.
If you’re serious about fitness, I highly recommend purchasing the Hypervolt for yourself or recommending that your personal trainer buy it for the gym.