Pulseroll – Massage Gun Advice https://massagegunadvice.com Best Massage Gun Reviews, Comparisons And Buying Advice Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:04:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://massagegunadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-massagegunadvice-icon-32x32.png Pulseroll – Massage Gun Advice https://massagegunadvice.com 32 32 Pulseroll Mini Massage Gun Review – Tiny but Very Mighty https://massagegunadvice.com/pulseroll-mini-massage-gun-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/pulseroll-mini-massage-gun-review/#respond Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:57:05 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=13893 This Pulseroll Mini massage gun review comes hot on the heels of the last review, where we looked at the full-sized Pulseroll Pro. We concluded it was an okay device, good enough for some folks but a bit dated and lacking in some aspects.

Is it the same case with the smaller gun?

Well, not really, the mini has a few more things in order compared to its larger counterpart.

Some minor flaws, yes, but way more good than bad. Who says it isn’t the best mini massage gun in the UK right now?

Let’s find out!

small size pulseroll massager in hand
Pulseroll mini review by Luke.

About Pulseroll

Pulseroll was founded in 2016 by Paul McCabe.

Percussion massagers weren’t popular back then, so they sold vibrating foam rollers and massage balls.

However, as massage guns made their way into the fitness and recovery space, Pulseroll expanded and included them in production.

We recently did a comprehensive Pulseroll Massage Gun review – their first and flagship device.

pulseroll logo

Right now, they have quite a base in the UK. Sports personnel like Anthony Joshua have endorsed them and even invested in the company.

They are also sponsors of several British sports, including Gymnastics, Rowing, and Weightlifting. In the Premier League, they sponsor Leicester City and Norwich.

They also help the UAE Team Emirates, the professional cycling UCI World Tour team, to optimize their pre-race training sessions and to aid in recovery after competitive races.

Recently they expanded their sales to the EU as well.


Pulseroll Mini Massage Gun Review


Pulseroll Mini Specifications (Verified)

pulseroll mini massage gun specification
FeaturePulseroll Mini Specs
Stall Force~25 lbs (our estimation)
40 lbs*
Stroke Length8 mm (verified)
Percussion range1820 – 2870 rpm (verified)
1800 – 3000 rpm*
Speeds4
Attachments4 included
Weight1.07 lbs (486 grams)
Noise (decibel)49.5 – 58.7 dB (verified)
Battery Capacity11.1V Lithium-ion (2500mAh)
Prossmall and very light
good stall force
wide percussion range
well equipped
USB-C charging enabled
Great battery for the size
Consso-so amplitude
no flat attachment
Price £129.99 £116.99
10% OFF with the MGA10 code
Where to BuyBuy it at Pulseroll.com
Pulseroll Mini Specifications verified by our own measurements (* as advertised by Pulseroll).

First Impressions and What’s Included

We found a charging cable, the attachments, fitted nicely in the bag along with the device (we’ll talk about them in a few), registration and warranty info, and a nice manual that talks about how to operate the device.

There was also info about the attachments, and how to use the massager on different body parts – for example, what attachment to use and for how long. 

We’ve not discussed carrying cases for the few devices we reviewed recently.

However, this one is worth a mention. It’s a small, sturdy case that looks and feels nice. The bag is branded, and you can immediately tell the device’s color even before opening it. It’s a tiny bag, perfect for the device it’s carrying.

You’d be surprised how many times we’ve encountered mini guns with either no bags or ones that are oversized. Everything is well-organized inside.


The Device

It’s a great size – just perfect for a mini gun. We weren’t sure what to expect after seeing the larger counterpart that was bulkier than the normal-sized guns.

This one has a classic shape with a vertical handle. We’d say it’s nicely proportioned to work for anyone.

The build quality isn’t bad at all either. We don’t see any screws poking around – it looks like one seamless piece. We like the pattern at the top (it gives the device a unique look). 

The red and black color mix is superb (for our unit). There are also variations of white and black. However, it’s matte, and you can expect it to attract a lot of dirt – especially fingerprints.

We also noticed that the feel is not plasticky at all. Perhaps a mixture of plastic and some rubber paint, maybe. It almost has the same feel as the Theragun mini.

Our Take

The overall feel is nice, and this looks like a top-quality gun – at least on the outside. It’s nicely done!


Size and Ergonomics

This Pulseroll Mini is light and weighs only 486 grams or 1.07 pounds. It’s just about the proper weight for a mini.

It’s a compact gun, as you’d expect, and highly portable. We thought it would be more like the Hypervolt Go 2, which is small but slightly larger than a typical mini.

But this one measures 140 x 100 x 40 (mm) – 5.51 x 3.93 x 1.57 (inches) so it is much smaller than the new Hyperice device.

As a mini device, you may struggle to reach the back area with it. However, this is also the perfect size for a travel companion.

It’s also the kind of gun you want to have for a post-workout massage at the gym. 

We like the ergonomics applied here, even though an angled handle would’ve been even better. The shape of the device and the rubberized feel applied to the material used make it comfortable to hold in many ways.


Controls

It’s a one-button-operation device. The button, which is actually a touch button, is located underneath the handle.

pulseroll mini controls
The touch button does not provide the feedback you get with a traditional button.

We’d argue it’s not the most convenient location for it, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. Ekrin Bantam and the Hypervolt Go 1 had the button located at a similar position.

Long-press the button for about 2 seconds to activate the device and tap it to change speeds. 

Our View on This Kind of Setup

It’s not an entirely bad approach – it’s better and modernized than the rough and outdated setup we saw with the bigger Pulseroll.

However, we are not particularly big fans of this kind of approach.

For starters, The touch button doesn’t offer the tactile feedback you get with a traditional button. That may be a personal preference, but still…

Another thing, perhaps the most important, is that you can accidentally touch the button and change the speed during a massage.

We experienced it multiple times when massaging the calf area. If your leg is bent with a reverse grip, the touch button touches the lower hamstring and changes speed. It’s annoying, to say the least.

But doesn’t  Hypervolt Go and the Bantam work okay?

Well, those two have the same setup, but the button is physical, not touch. You’ll have to be pretty intentional to touch it and alter the intensity of the massage. 

That said, this isn’t a deal-breaker by any means. It’s more a minor inconvenience for certain situations. Pulseroll may yet change this setup with future iterations of the device. Even so, the controls are simple and intuitive here. 


Attachments

There are 4 attachments included with the device – really nice for a mini gun. The method used is push-and-pull. Sometimes you have to use a bit of force to get them in.

But the set is nicely varied:

  • Ball head – It’s used as a universal attachment to massage the entire body. The one included here is made of EVA foam and feels pretty hard. We don’t recommend using it on clothes. 
  • Air cushioned head – Pulseroll calls it the “pneumatic” attachment. It’s used to massage bony and sensitive areas. It’s the only soft attachment, and we like it here. 
  • Bullet head – It’s used to massage trigger points, palms, and soles. This one is made of hard plastic. 
  • Fork head – It should be used around the spine and not directly on it. It’s also a good one to massage the Achilles and can be a double-headed bullet attachment. 

Our Thoughts

It’s great to have 4 attachments with a mini massage gun.

These are the same as those on the bigger Pulseroll. If you already have the bigger gun, you can interchange the attachments with the mini gun.

The biggest con, however, is they didn’t include the flat attachment. Even though the ball head can be universal, it’s rarely the best one if you want a stronger massage. We missed it here.

Also, these are not the best-quality attachments we’ve seen, but for a mini gun, they’ll do.


Performance

Let’s see how this tiny Pulseroll performs.


Amplitude / Stroke Length

This is the distance covered by the attachment as it percusses. It determines how deep into the muscle the gun can hit.

Pulseroll advertised this one as 8mm. We had to measure it just to be sure (the Pulseroll Pro wasn’t the same as advertised) and it is accurate.

pulseroll mini measured amplitude
The measured 8.22 mm is in line with the Pulseroll declaration.

Yes, it’s 8mm, meaning it’s a highly vibrational device. You won’t be getting any deep punches with this one. However, mini massage guns aren’t known for being punchy. 

We have seen devices this size with 6mm or less – the acceptable range for a mini is 6-10mm. That means this one is good enough.

We also know that the higher the amplitude, the bigger the gun. A case in point is the Hypervolts Go 2. We believe Pulseroll opted for a good size over a high amplitude, which could be the right choice. 

That said, the amplitude is strong enough for a good massage. We know that mini devices tend to make up for the lack of amplitude with more intensity (percussions) and a strong stall force. 


Stall Force

It’s the motor’s ability to withstand some pressure without stalling or shutting down. It also determines what kind of massage you get.

The advertised stall force is 40lbs. We don’t believe that is true, but it feels decent enough to withstand some pressure.

We estimate the stall force to be in the mid-20s. That’s pretty cool for a mini gun. We hoped for this kind of stall force on Hypervolt Go 2 – this little one could be a lesson for the GO 2. 

At higher speeds, you can exert some pressure and actually get a decent massage even with the 8mm amplitude.

One thing with a good stall force is that a device can maintain the same intensity of vibrations even when pressure is applied.

We’ve had issues with cheaper massage guns where the intensity drastically slows down when some pressure is applied. This Pulseroll mini doesn’t do that.

In fact, even when it stalls, it kicks off instantly again once the pressure is eased. 


Speeds and Percussions

The advertised range is 1800-3000RPM, which is more or less the same thing we measured with our tachometer – our measurements were 1815-2890RPM.

We believe this is okay, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t expect more.

With 8mm, Pulseroll should’ve added a bit more intensity. The common setup with 8mm is often over 3200RPM or even 3300RPM. We expect high amplitude minis like Theragun to rev slower (2450RPM with a 12mm amplitude). 

What’s interesting is how the maximum percussions here are similar to the larger device. That bigger gun had about 2900RPM. This is good intensity to get good results with. 

There are 4 speeds to go with the percussions, which is fine for this kind of range.

LED indicators around the button (the white ones) indicate the current speed level. 


Performance Summary

We’d say this Pulseroll mini performs as expected. Maybe the amplitude should’ve been a bit longer to make it even better, but the stall force and the percussions more than make up for it.

We can say that this device can be pressed hard against even larger muscles for a more intensive massage. That is a balanced setup folks!


Stall Force (lbs.)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#63ffff:#63ffff:#63ffff,#11ccff:#11ccff:#11ccff,#0765c2:#0765c2:#0765c2,#152560:#152560:#152560″ legend=”false” titles=”Pulseroll Mini,Recovapro Lite,Ekrin Bantam,Theragun mini*, Hypervolt Go 2, Lifepro DynaMini, Bob and Brad Q2″ values=”25,15,35,20,15,12,30″]

All figures are our expert estimates (we compared all devices against our benchmark ones).

Amplitude (mm)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#63ffff:#63ffff:#63ffff,#11ccff:#11ccff:#11ccff,#0765c2:#0765c2:#0765c2,#152560:#152560:#152560″ legend=”false” titles=”Pulseroll Mini,Recovapro Lite,Ekrin Bantam,Theragun mini, Hypervolt Go 2, Lifepro DynaMini, Bob and Brad Q2″ values=”8,11,10,12,10,6,7″]

All figures are accurate, measured by us using a high-precision digital caliper.


Noise

Compared to the bigger Pulseroll, this one is nicely hushed. The noise isn’t as disturbing as what we experienced with the other gun.

The sound is smooth. There isn’t any crackling or rattling. Pulseroll doesn’t give the noise levels, but our dB meter gave us 49.5dB to 58.7dB.

Great improvement compared to the 71dB we saw with the larger Pulseroll.

For comparison’s sake, Theragun mini emits 61-62dB of noise (but has a slightly better amplitude, and high amplitude devices tend to be noisier).

Overall, we like this setup.


Battery

The battery has a 2500mAh capacity. That’s about 100mAh more than the bigger Pulseroll’s battery. This is impressive given the small size and weight.

It performs adequately as well. You can expect 4-5 hours at low and moderate speeds and about 2 hours at high speeds. If you apply pressure at high speeds, the battery will drain faster. 

USB-C charging is great for convenience – you can use a power bank to charge it. 

The battery charge indicators are the 4 red LEDs around the button. It’s also a USB-C charge-enabled device.

An auto-shutoff feature works every 10 minutes to prevent overheating and save the battery.

pulseroll mini charging port
The USB-C port is a little practical feature that we always appreciate.

Who is it Best For Then?

Pulseroll mini is a strong massager to help release lactic acid, treat sore muscles, and break up scar tissue. It’s also a great day-to-day post-training massage gun.

People who like to travel and want something light and easy, this is for you. You can take it hiking or cycling or use it at work to massage your neck and shoulder when you get tired.

It may not perform as efficiently as the larger Pulseroll or any other full-sized gun, but it does a pretty good job for a mini. 

I Took Pulseroll Mini on a Hike – My Experience

I wanted to find out just how effective the Pulseroll mini can be in real situations. So I took it on a two-and-a-half-day mountain hike. I walked 48km (about 30 miles) with up to 2500m ascent.

I used the Pulseroll mini multiple times:

  • I used it on the trail to massage my calves and shins. I also had to massage my shoulder because I was carrying a pretty hefty backpack. 
  • I also used it at the end of each day and after stretching. I massaged my legs, arms, and shoulders. 

How was it? Pretty great, to say the least. I didn’t feel the DOMS at all – a little, but barely consequential. I noticed instant relief in my calves when I used it at mid-day on the trail.

I also noticed:

  • This is the gun I want to be taking with me for such escapades 😊. It’s very light and compact (I don’t regret packing it).
  • It’s not a toy – pretty durable. I dropped it twice, and there weren’t any noticeable scratches. 
  • The battery lasted the entire trip. Two people used it the same way, and we didn’t have to charge it. 

Warranty, Price and Discount Code

Normally you would have to part with £129.99, but we have the discount code MGA10 that slashes the price by 10% to £116.99go to Pulseroll’s store and use the code at checkout.

So, this device isn’t cheap, but for what you’re getting, the price feels justified.

Another big plus is that you can trust the brand since it’s well-known, and UK-based. You also get next-day delivery.

The only con might be the 1-year warranty, but the big kahunas like Theragun or Hyperice give the same 1 year for their minis.


Pulseroll Mini vs. Theragun mini – How They Compare

pulseroll mini vs theragun mini
Pulseroll Mini vs. Theragun mini.

Think of the Pulseroll Mini as the cheaper alternative to Theragun mini. They may only differ when it comes to a few things; but they both get the job done. In fact, in some aspects, Pulseroll is better overall.

Here is how the two compare in details.

Ergonomics

Theragun opted for a triangular shape similar to the full-sized gun, while Pulseroll opted for a classic straight handle.

But the triangular shape of Theragun Mini didn’t really impress us. It’s probably nice for something unique, but it tends to slip and sometimes fatigues the holding hand.

We prefer Pulseroll’s approach. It’s classic, holds well, and works better than Theragun mini. 

Power

Theragun is the known king of amplitude, and the mini holds the record for the long amplitude mini gun.

Pulseroll mini has about a third less than that. That means Pulseroll is vibrational compared to Theragun here.

But Pulseroll has a slightly more powerful motor compared to Theragun mini. It also percusses much faster – 2450RPM for Theragun mini compared to 2900RPM for Pulseroll Mini.

So, Theragun mini may punch harder, but Pulseroll can be pressed harder and vibrates more. So the two guns use different approach to delivering percussive treatment, and we would say the both deliver the same results.

Other Differences Worth Mentioning

  • Pulseroll Mini has a smoother sound and is quieter compared to Theragun mini – 58.7dB max vs. 61dB max. However, in practice, the difference is negligible when compared to the latest iteration of Theragun Mini (which is way quieter than before).
  • Pulseroll has 4 attachments, while Theragun Mini 2.0 has three. 
  • Pulseroll has a hard case, while Theragun offers a soft pouch. 
  • There’s USB-C charging with Pulseroll, while Theragun mini (gen 1) uses a wall charger. 
    Update for 2023: The new Theragun Mini has USB-C as well.
  • Pulseroll Mini has a bigger battery but weighs less (1.1 pounds vs. 1.43 pounds).
    • Update for 2023: The new Mini is now lighter, 1.1 lbs, just like Pulseroll.

Our Verdict

We appreciate Theragun mini for its innovativeness. It’s also punchier compared to Pulseroll.

However, Pulseroll has advantages, too. It’s smaller, tad better equipped, and slightly more powerful than the Theragun mini. It’s also cheaper – £116.99 (with the 10% discount) vs. £175 for Theragun.

We recommend buying a Theragun mini if you prefer a punchier hits, or already have a bigger Theragun (because you can interchange the attachments).

However, you can never go wrong with the Pulseroll Mini.

Both Theragun Mini G1 And G2 With Attachments
The latest Theragun Mini got smaller, and lighter. It is quieter than before, too.

Review Conclusion

As we close this Pulseroll mini massage gun review, we must appreciate how well the manufacturer has done. It’s a nicely-executed device.

It performs way better than many other minis. Even the known ones, like Recovapro Lite, can’t match the little Pulseroll.

It’s a bit vibrational, but the motor is strong enough to aid with a strong massage. The battery is great even though the device is tiny and light. The equipment is decent, and you can trust this brand.

Customers love it, and there are reviews to match. In our opinion, this is probably the best mini device in the UK right now, perhaps ex-equo with the new Theragun Mini.

You can get it at pulseroll.com, and use the MGA10 coupon for 10% OFF.


[wp-review id=”13893″]

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Pulseroll Massage Gun Review – A Decent, Heavy-Duty Percussive Device https://massagegunadvice.com/pulseroll-massage-gun-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/pulseroll-massage-gun-review/#respond Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:49:00 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=13545 One of the UK’s most popular massage gun brands has a gun that caught our attention. In this Pulseroll massage gun review we are going to check if their flagship massage gun is worth the hype it has generated over the years.

We’ll talk about the specs and compare them to the industry’s main rivals. We also have a few alternatives worth looking at.

Let’s roll!



Meet Pulseroll

The company was founded in 2016 in Manchester by Paul McCabe. They started with foam rollers and gradually moved on to percussion massagers.

pulseroll brand Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua is Pulseroll‘s ambassador and investor.

They are taking the Therabody and Hyperice route of signing celebrities, sports personalities, and organizations on a smaller scale.

One example is Anthony Joshua, the heavyweight boxer.

They have also partnered with British Gymnastics, British Rowing, and British Weightlifting. They call themselves the “official supplier.”

They have also invested in Premier League clubs, including Leicester City and Norwich

They are not just in the UK, they have expanded to the EU as well.

All this means that this is already a well-backed brand with decent history. Their product is field-tested and probably worth the money.

But can it hold its own in 2022? Let’s see.


Pulseroll Massage Gun Review


Pulseroll PRO Review – Specifications Verified

Pulseroll PRO Specs
FeaturePulseroll Pro Specs
Stall Force50 lbs*
Stroke LengthVerified: 10 mm
Advertised: 12 mm
Percussion rangeVerified: 1500 to 2900 rpm
Advertised: 1300 – 3300 rpm
Speeds4
Attachments6 included
Weight~1 kg (1089 grams)
Noise (decibel)Verified: 50 – 70 dB
Battery Capacity12V Lithium-ion (2400mAh)
Prosgreat stall force
heavy-duty build
good weight
long handle
accessories
Consamplitude lower than advertised
percussion range smaller than advertised
noise at higher speeds
design feels a bit dated
Price£224.49 £202.49
Use the MGA10 coupon for 10% OFF.
Where to Buy
with Discount
Get it at Pulseroll.com
Pulseroll Pro Specifications (our measurements vs. advertised by Pulseroll).

What is included?

Things included in the package;

  • A carrying case that is bigger than many we’ve seen. There is a carrying strap – we are also seeing this for the first time, and we love it. You can put it on your shoulder, and off you go! There is also a box that conveniently closes via built-in magnets and stores the case.
  • A wall charger with UK, US, and EU charge plugs.
  • The attachments (see more on them below).
  • Registration and warranty information.
  • A very nice manual that contains the usual information like how to operate the device and how to use the attachments. There are also instructions on how to use massage guns on different parts of your body – which attachment and for how long.

First Impressions

It looks unique, that’s for sure – just not the kind of unique you see every day.

The one familiar thing is that it’s a T-shaped, power drill-like massage gun. It’s got a Thor hammer-inspired design. That is, it has this huge upper part (motor covering) that makes it look bulky. It’s also the part with the control panel.

Is it sleek-looking? Not by any stretch! But we would say the designers thought of something different and went for it. 

It looks solid enough and well put together. It has a red and black color mix that looks distinct. The body is primarily matte plastic but good quality – the touch feel is rubberized.

You can clearly see the rough-hewn overall design, buttons, and other smaller details that tell you the design might’ve been thought of a while back.

To be completely honest, it looks more 2018/2019 than anything recent.

They probably have some recent productions, but unlike Theragun and local rival RecovaPro, they haven’t modernized their design to make them sleek. 

Our Take

This look is solid and perhaps durable, but we can’t make a case for its elegance. This is not exciting at all to look at. It’s still a regular full-sized massage gun, but not much attention was given to the overall appearance.


Ergonomics

It’s the standard T-shape but looks slightly angled. You probably won’t see it immediately, but it’s there.

We like angled handles because they are easy to hold and reduce the fatigue felt on the wrist during a long massage session. 

The handle is more extended than we’ve seen with most guns. The handle alone is 15cm (5.9″). The entire gun is 24.45cm long (9.63″).

Is it okay for a handle to be this long?

Yes, if you want to reach those hard-to-reach parts of your body (lower back, mid-back, etc.). A longer handle also gives you multiple grip options. But a long handle also adds to the bulkiness of the device and makes it hard to maneuver. Carrying it around will also present some challenges. 

The device, despite looking bulky, weighs 1kg, or 2.2 lbs. That is a good weight for a massage gun – most guns weigh between 0.8 and 1kg. This one looks bigger, but it doesn’t weigh a ton. Holding it feels okay as well.

However, we feel it should’ve been a little more compact like most devices these days.

The current trend has leaned towards making smaller devices. For instance, Hyperice reduced the size of their new generation devices.


Controls

The controls are located on the panel.

There’s a master switch that you have to switch on at the bottom of the handle.

You can then go ahead to use the one-button operation at the top.

You can quick-press it to change speeds and hold it for 2 seconds to turn the device off. 

There is no screen to display anything, and no OLEDs either. But that’s fine; simple is better. There are:

  • 4 white LEDs around the power button that indicate the speed levels.
  • 3 red LEDs that indicate the battery charge level.

Overall, the controls are simple but functional.

pulseroll pro controls

The Attachments

There are 6 attachments included. The method is a push-in-out system – you’ll have to use a bit of force to push in and secure the attachment before using the device.

The method works fine for a while but tends to wear out the gaskets. Interestingly there aren’t any spare ones included here.

The set includes;

  • Flat head – It’s best suited for large muscle groups but can also work as a universal attachment. 
  • Small ball head – It’s universal and can massage the entire body. It is covered with EVA foam but feels rather hard. There’s a little give to it, but we wouldn’t use it on clothes. 
  • Big ball head – It probably works the same as the small ball head. It looks the same only larger. We don’t know why they included two similar attachments, albeit different sizes. 
  • Air cushioned head – They call it the “pneumatic” head. It’s for bony and sensitive areas. It’s nice to have this type included. It’s the softest one on the set. 
  • Bullet head – It’s made of hard plastic and used for trigger points, on soles, and on palms.
  • Fork head – It’s good for the spine area. It can also be used in the Achilles or as a double-headed bullet attachment. 

Our Take

Overall, we like that they included 6 attachments. They may not be the best quality attachments we’ve ever seen (Achedaway Pro, RecovaPro, and Ekrin all have better), but they will do. Just to compare with what Theragun has, these are stiffer and harder. 


Performance

Let’s examine the amplitude, stall force, and percussion range of this thing.


Amplitude / Stroke Length

It’s the distance traveled by the massage gun head as it percusses. It determines how deep a massage you can get. More details in our glossary.

We couldn’t wait to find out how long the stroke length is here. The advertisement and the specs said 12mm, but we had to be sure. So we measured it using our digital calipers, and alas!

It’s not what Pulseroll says it is; it’s 10mm or 9.98, according to our calipers. We double-checked and the figures didn’t change. 

pulseroll pro measured amplitude

The thing is, 10mm isn’t bad at all – many massage guns do well with that kind of amplitude. But this also means that the Pulseroll device will feel more vibrational than percussive.

It also means it lags behind competitors like RecovaPro SE, which has a verified 12mm. High amplitude guns like Theragun and Achedaway Pro have 16mm (we also confirmed that in review).

But 10mm can be effective if the stall force is good enough.


Stall Force

It’s the ability of a massage gun’s motor to withstand pressure. The device can continue revving even when considerable pressure is exerted.

The Pulseroll Pro shines here. The advertised figure is 50lbs. (22kg), and we believe it’s accurate (we did comparison tests against our benchmark devices).

That also means it’s quite powerful. Pulseroll may have given us the short end of the stick with the stroke length, but the stall force more than makes up for that. 

We noticed that even in first gear, it doesn’t easily stall. It gets even harder if you skip to the top speed and try to stall it.

This kind of stall force also means that you can keep pressure on it and not worry about the intensity you are getting. This also makes up for the shorter amplitude. Even when it stalls, it kicks up immediately when the pressure is let up. 


Speeds and Percussions

The percussion range advertised is 1300-3300RPM. This suggests a wide range, but we have seen this kind of setup before.

Just to be certain, we measured it, and again it’s slightly lower than the figure advertised; 1500-2900RPM.

We know low amplitude devices tend to rev a lot to make up for the shallow hits. That’s often the opposite with high amplitude devices like Theragun that only rev up to 2400RPM – the deeper hits are slower but intensive. 

But the max percussions here are somewhat lower than you would expect with this kind of amplitude. Still, 2900RPM isn’t so bad.

There are 4 speed gears to go with the percussions. That is 1500, 1900, 2400, and 2900 – gears 1-4, respectively. We have seen devices of this nature that percuss with way more vibrations.

This leads us to conclude that the performance here is only decent. The 4-speed setup isn’t unheard of, but we wouldn’t mind one more just to stick with the norm. 


Our Take on Pulseroll’s Performance

If you only consider the stall force, this looks like a powerful device. However, the 10mm stroke length feels vibrational, and the specs-oriented guys might feel a little shortchanged given the discrepancy between the advertised figure and the real figure.

We don’t mind the difference between the advertised percussion range and the real range. The 4-speed setup with the 1500-2900 percussion range is within what the industry offers and allows for good intensity. 

Overall, you have a powerful device here, but it won’t be as punchy as Achedaway Pro, any Theragun (both aff links), or RecovaPro SE/MAX – just thing to keep in mind.

Pulseroll Pro Performance Compared to Its Rivals

Stall Force (lbs.)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#63ffff:#63ffff:#63ffff,#11ccff:#11ccff:#11ccff,#0765c2:#0765c2:#0765c2,#152560:#152560:#152560″ legend=”false” titles=”Pulseroll Pro, Achedaway Pro,Recovapro SE,Theragun Pro, Hypervolt 2 Pro” values=”50,60,50,60,35″]

All figures are our expert estimates (we compared all devices against our benchmark ones).

Amplitude (lbs.)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#63ffff:#63ffff:#63ffff,#11ccff:#11ccff:#11ccff,#0765c2:#0765c2:#0765c2,#152560:#152560:#152560″ legend=”false” titles=”Pulseroll Pro, Achedaway Pro,Recovapro SE,Theragun Pro, Hypervolt 2 Pro” values=”10,16,12,16,14″]

All figures are actual figures, measured by us using a high-precision digital caliper.


Noise

We don’t expect low amplitude devices to be loud, but this device has broken so many records so far we don’t know what to expect.

The noise level on the first gears was okay. However, it starts to get noisier the higher you go. The 4th gear is the noisiest.

We particularly cringed at the rattling sound that was hostile to the ears. The decibel meter gave us 50dB to 70dB (with an ambient sound of 35dB) – pretty high, if we’re being honest. 


Battery

The battery is not detachable. However, it has a decent capacity of 2400mAh.

Its performance is okay and will drain slowly if used at lower speeds and with moderate pressure. It will drain faster when high speeds and more pressure is used. Realistically expect 2-4 hours of continuous use.

There is an auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating. There is also an additional 4 LEDs underneath the handle to indicate the battery charge. We don’t know why there had to be extra LEDs for this. 

FUN FACT: Pulseroll’s tiny mini gun, Pulseroll Mini, has 2500 mAh battery – bigger than this big gun! Find out more in our hands-on Pulseroll Mini Review.

pulseroll pro charging port

Who is it Best for Then?

Athletes who love vibrational devices will like this device. If punchy thuds are not your thing, this is a solid proposition. If you are a cyclist or runner and want something for quick vibrational therapy before the action, this will do.

If you are a big person and like what this device offers, you won’t mind having it.

The long handle makes it easier to reach your back.

It’s also a good device to use at home. Too bad if you have to travel because this is baggage that you’d be better off without (Pulseroll mini will be a much better choice)

However, this is not the gun for people who want a true deep percussive massage that take a longer stroke length.

Also, if you want a super-intensive feel, there are devices that can rev up to 3200-3300RPm – addsfit Max comes to mind.

This is also not a Theragun alternative because the amplitude is too low.

We also don’t like this massage gun for women or the elderly. There are far more compact and lighter devices out there, Pulseroll mini being one of them.


Warranty and Price – Is Pulseroll Worth It?

The device goes for £224.99 normally, or £202.49 if you apply the MGA10 discount code at checkout – the coupon takes 10% from the main price. Get it at discounted price here.

But Is the price really justified here? Is Pulseroll worth it? Well, we have mixed feelings here.

The stall force is good, and you may get some good results, but the price seems slightly inflated.

The 1-year warranty doesn’t help the case either. We know of the more powerful Achedaway Pro that has a 2-year warranty. The local rival RecovaPro also provides a 2-year warranty. 

That said, even though this is still a good gun, we feel it’s a little overpriced. Unless you want to support a British brand and get the next-day delivery, we suggest exploring other alternatives.

Some of them address the weak points of Pulseroll and are even more advanced. 


Best Pulseroll Alternatives

This Pulseroll massage gun review wouldn’t be complete without listing some of the worthy competitors to Pulseroll Pro. The following two guns are, in our opinion, the best ones available in the UK right now.


achedaway pro reviewed by luke massagegunadvice
Achedaway Pro

Achedaway Pro – Similar Price, Better Specs

Achedaway Pro is the perfect Theragun-like gun that costs way cheaper than the real thing and is also available in the UK.

For starters, you get a 16mm amplitude that hits deeper and up to 60lbs. of stall force to withstand any pressure you may apply.

The bigger advantage comes with the percussions. Unlike Pulseroll’s overstated number, this one has up to 2800RPM.

That’s awesome for a gun with a high stroke length. It has a 5-speed setup to go with the percussions.

The ergonomics are better with the angled handle. It’s also one of the quietest massage guns out there.

You get 4 nice attachments with 2 made of aluminum. You also get a monster battery with 3200mAh capacity. The battery is removable as well and you can get a spare if you want. 

Besides, Achedaway has a new look that modern devices have adopted and feels like a new tech – contrary to the design adopted by Pulseroll, which feels a bit dated.

Pro athletes, physiotherapists, and anyone who wants a high amplitude device will love this device instead. 

Achedaway offers a better warranty of 2 years and a coupon. The MGA60 coupon gives a $60 discount, so about £42. So instead of paying ~£249, you part with about £207.

NOTE: Achedaway seems to ship from outside of the UK, but promises fast shipping and no custom fees.


recovapro se massager in hand

Recovapro SE – Slightly More Expensive but Better

The Recovapro SE has better quality compared to Pulseroll.

That is because it was recently updated to take a more modern look and feel (SE 2.0). It’s also made of better materials and is more appealing than Pulseroll. 

In terms of performance, the Recovapro is better. You get a real 12mm amplitude (even though they advertise it as 14mm).

It has a similar stall force as the Pulseroll, but it makes the device better with the high amplitude.

The percussion range is wider than Pulseroll’s – 1530-3150RPM (we verified it). So you get a better punch and even more intensity here. 

The attachments also feel better, and you feel as though you were using Ekrin B37S’ attachments – one of our favorite guns in the US.

For instance, the ball head is made of silicone instead of foam, and the fork head has wider prongs compared to Pulseroll’s.

Recovapro is Bluetooth enabled even though we haven’t seen an app yet. It also comes with a better warranty – 2 years. 

Any cons? Yes, the handle is shorter, and it weighs more (1204 grams compared to Pulseroll’s 1089 grams). It also doesn’t have an angled handle, and the extra weight doesn’t help improve it. 

It costs £229.99, which is more than the Pulseroll (after the MGA10 code discount). You can check the latest price here.

However, it’s better in more ways. It uses modern tech (design), and performs even better. Though, the Achedaway Pro above is even better, in our opinion. 

TIP Find out more in our hands-on Recovapro SE review.


Pulseroll vs Theragun – How it Compares

Pulseroll is a cheaper alternative to Theragun devices but radically different as well. Pulseroll has its own comparison to Theragun Pro, but we don’t believe they offer a complete picture.

pulseroll vs theragun
Pulseroll Pro vs. Theragun Pro

Here’s what you need to know;

  • Pulseroll is a low/medium amplitude device, while Theraguns are high amplitude devices. That is 10mm compared to Theraguns’ 16mm. Even the small Theragun mini has a 12mm amplitude.
  • Theraguns’ high amplitude makes them punch harder but rev slower. The intensity on Pulseroll comes from the fast vibrations, while Theraguns get intensive with the harder hits. Both propositions work well, depending on what you are looking for. 
  • The stall force is probably the most comparable thing between the two concepts. Pulseroll has a better stall force than Theragun Prime and Elite. Theragun Pro is stronger. But high-amplitude devices often don’t necessarily need a lot of stall force to do well. Low amplitude devices like Pulseroll need more stall force to do well. That means Pulseroll’s obvious competition is probably Theragun Prime and Elite, not Theragun Pro. 
  • Theraguns have better ergonomics. They have multiple grips. Prime and Elite are also lighter than Pulseroll. 
  • Theraguns are new devices with a modern design. They already have 4th generation devices. 
  • Pulseroll is cheaper than even the entry-level Theragun Prime. It’s also better equipped and feels stronger than Prime. We’d pick Pulseroll Pro over the £275 Theragun Prime.
  • Theragun Elite costs £375, but Pulseroll feels just as effective if you won’t mind the Bluetooth feature, OLED displays, and pressure sensors.

    You can save a lot if you choose Pulseroll. Get it at Pulseroll.com

Review Conclusion

Before we end this brutally honest Pulseroll massage gun review, we have a few things to say.

  • First, this is a simplistic device that will do the job
  • It’s from a trusted UK brand that already has a lot of customers who love their products.
  • It performs well overall, even though it vibrates more than it percusses.

Overall, it’s still a solid buy that won’t disappoint.

Yes, its design looks a bit outdated by 2022 standards, but it feels durable, and heavy-duty, which may be an important consideration for a lot of buyers.

That said, we think that some other massage gun brands and competitors have better devices at a similar price.


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