Nothing beats a good massage when those muscles are aching, but most people don’t have the money to see a professional therapist every time that happens. If you’re looking for a way to perform at-home treatments, a Vybe massage gun may be an economical option.
These handy devices come with a variety of attachments and have several speed settings for customized massages. They also have varying amplitudes, with models like the Vybe Percussion Massage Gun Pro having a long 12-millimeter stroke length for getting deep into problem areas.
What to know before you buy a Vybe massage gun
How Vybe massage guns work
Vybe massage guns are a type of percussion massager designed for handheld use. They feature an oscillating head that moves back and forth in a series of short but rapid and powerful strokes similar to the Swedish tapotement technique. However, they differ from traditional tapotement in that they can be used with more pressure for myofascial release.
Benefits
Massage guns offer all the same benefits of a professional massage without spending money on a massage therapist every week. These benefits include increasing circulation, improving range of motion, loosening up tight muscles and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness after workouts. They’re also useful for myofascial release, but unlike foam rollers, Vybe massage guns can be used to hyper-target specific areas.
Using a Vybe massage gun safely
Massage guns are easy to use, but there are a few guidelines you should follow to operate them safely. Unlike massages performed by therapists or massage chairs, massage guns can be very intense. This means they’re best for short targeted treatments before moving to a different body part. If you’re pregnant or have nerve or bleeding disorders, you should consult your doctor before using a massage gun on yourself.
Vybe massage gun features
Speeds
Depending on the model, Vybe massage guns have between three and nine speeds. Most people are best served with a massage gun with a lot of speed settings, as these offer you greater freedom to adjust the treatment to your preference.
Amplitude
The amplitude of a massage gun refers to its stroke length. The longer the stroke length, the deeper a massage gun can get into muscles, but the more uncomfortable it can be. All Vybe massage guns have an amplitude between 10-16 millimeters.
Percussive force
Vybe massage guns have percussive forces from 25-60 pounds. As with the amplitude, the percussive force plays a role in how effective a treatment can be but also affects how comfortable it is. Some may find they need a lot of percussive force to work out the kinks in their muscles, while others may find too much force to be painful.
Attachments
The more attachments a massage gun includes, the more versatile it is for different treatments and for working on different body parts. On some Vybe massage guns, you get as few as three attachments: a large ball, a standard ball and a cone. Other models come with up to eight attachments which include arrowheads, wishbones and wedges.
Rotating head
The majority of Vybe massage guns have a fixed head. While this isn’t a problem for most treatments, it can be an issue when trying to get at certain body parts if you don’t have anyone to help. The exception to this is the V2, which features a head that rotates up to 90 degrees.
Battery life
The majority of Vybe massage guns have a battery life of either 3 or 4 hours. The V2 is once again the exception with just a 2-hour battery life. However, it makes up for this by being the only model with a removable battery that you can swap out for another. It also comes with two batteries, so you get 4 hours of battery life between them.
Vybe massage gun cost
Vybe sells four massage guns, all of which cost $90-$200.
Vybe massage gun FAQ
How long should I use a Vybe massage gun?
A. Because of their intensity, massage guns are best for quick treatments. Most experts recommend spending anywhere from 15 seconds to 2 minutes in one spot before moving on to another part of the body.
Is it best to use a Vybe massage gun before or after a workout?
A. Massage guns are suitable for use both before and after workouts. Before a workout, they can be used to increase blood flow to an area to warm up the muscles and improve range of motion. Afterwards, they’re effective at preventing or reducing delayed onset muscle soreness.
Which Vybe massage gun should I get?
Best of the best Vybe massage gun
Vybe Percussion Massage Gun Pro: available at Amazon
Our take: The Vybe Pro is the company’s most versatile model, which makes it ideal for physical therapist’s offices and people who like to vary their treatments.
What we like: It features nine speed settings and comes with eight attachments. Plus, the 12-millimeter amplitude makes it effective at working out knots deep within the muscle.
What we dislike: Some may find even the lowest speed to be too strong.
Best bang for your buck Vybe massage gun
Vybe Percussion Massage Gun V2: available at Amazon
Our take: With the highest percussive force and the longest stroke length of any Vybe massage gun, the V2 works well for those who like deep and powerful treatments.
What we like: The head rotates up to 90 degrees to make it easier to use on hard-to-reach areas of your body. It also comes with two interchangeable batteries, so you can always have a backup charged and ready to go.
What we dislike: It’s notably louder than others.
Honorable mention Vybe massage gun
Vybe Flex Percussion Massage Gun: available at Amazon
Our take: If you prefer light and semi-peaceful treatments from a gun that doesn’t make much noise, the Vybe Flex is the way to go.
What we like: Its battery lasts for up to 4 hours, so you won’t feel like you have to charge it very often. Many appreciate its lightweight construction.
What we dislike: It may not have enough percussive force for some people.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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