Our Take

The Bob and Brad D6 Pro is a high-amplitude massage gun built around a 16mm stroke length and roughly 60 lbs of stall force. It operates between 1460 and 2460 RPM with six speed settings, four dynamic modes, an OLED screen, and a six-position adjustable arm.

During use, performance holds up. The motor stays steady under pressure at every speed, and the auto-pressure feature works smoothly. The seven included attachments cover most recovery needs, although the spade head does not perform as well as this style usually does.

The D6 Pro is undeniably heavy. The D-shaped frame gives you two solid grip options, but it does not offer the same flexibility as a triangular multi-grip design. If you plan on long sessions or overhead work on traps and upper back, you will feel the weight build up. The pressure sensor is visible on the display, but once the device is running under load, it is difficult to monitor in real time.

If you want true deep-tissue output and can handle the weight, the D6 Pro delivers where it counts. If you’re comparing it against other top performers, you can also see how it stacks up against the strongest massage guns we’ve tested so far. If portability, lighter handling, or a more original design matter more to you, there are trade-offs to think about.

Unboxing, Build Quality, and First Impressions

The D6 Pro arrives inside a semi-hard carrying case with Bob and Brad’s signature blue branding. The case feels protective without being oversized, and it is compact enough to travel with. Inside, a separate pouch keeps all seven attachments organized.

The manual is 86 pages long and includes detailed guidance for targeting different muscle groups. It is one of the more thorough instruction booklets we have seen with a consumer massage gun. Also included are a USB-C charging cable, a wall adapter, and two spare gaskets for the attachment mechanism.

Right out of the box, the build quality stands out. The all-plastic frame uses higher-grade materials with a matte finish and rubberized grip areas. It feels solid and stable, even when you start applying real pressure.

Frame and Grip Design

The D6 Pro uses a D-shaped frame with two primary grip positions rather than a triangular multi-angle design. The upper handle works well for front-body areas like traps, while the lower handle is better suited for glutes and lower back.

Each grip changes the leverage slightly, which helps depending on what muscle group you are working on.

The handles are lightly rubberized with an oval cross-section and slightly edged sides instead of fully rounded contours. The edges are not sharp, but during sessions longer than about 10 minutes, they create noticeable pressure points in the hand.

Weight and Balance

At 2.86 lbs with an attachment installed, the D6 Pro is heavy for a full-size massage gun. Most users will feel arm fatigue during longer sessions, especially when working overhead on traps and the upper back.

That said, the weight distribution is fairly balanced. The upper handle feels a bit more neutral, while the lower handle gives you solid leverage for larger muscle groups. Users with smaller hands or lower grip strength should keep session length in mind.

Bob and Brad D6 Pro Massage Gun Attachments

The D6 Pro includes seven attachments: a large ball with slight give, a standard ball like a dampener, a smaller-area damping head, a soft air cushion head, a flat head with moderate give, a bullet head for trigger points, and a wedge-shaped spade head that’s softer than expected.

Material quality is consistent across all seven, and the softness levels feel in line with what you would expect from a premium set.

Heated Attachment Feature (D6 Pro Plus)

The Plus version includes a heated massage head that reaches about 115°F in roughly 20 seconds. The heated attachment has its own internal battery and runs for about one hour per charge. Recharging it takes around two hours via USB-C. A soft red glow around the ring shows when heating is active.

The fast heat-up time and practical temperature range make it genuinely useful for chronic tension, pre-workout prep, and recovery. It feels like a functional addition rather than a gimmick, and it strengthens the case for choosing the Plus model if heat is something you value.

Our Test Data and Performance

Percussion Depth and Pressure

We measured 16mm amplitude with a digital caliper, confirming the advertised spec. That places the D6 Pro in the top tier for stroke length among consumer devices and alongside massage guns that deliver deeper percussion for heavy muscle recovery.

Stall force is advertised at 80 lbs, but based on testing, we estimate it to be closer to 60 lbs. Even so, it is extremely strong. The motor does not slow under heavy pressure at low speeds, and at higher speeds, it is very difficult to stall.

The auto-pressure feature activates as you approach the stall threshold. The device automatically steps up one speed level, then drops back down once pressure decreases. In practice, it works smoothly and does not feel abrupt.

Speed Range and Control

We measured 1460 RPM at the lowest setting and 2460 RPM at maximum, closely matching the advertised range. Six speed levels give enough adjustment for most recovery needs, with evenly spaced steps and smooth transitions.

The four dynamic modes add practical variety. M4 in particular became a regular part of warm-up sessions, since the automatic ramping feels more natural than holding one fixed speed.

Noise Level

We recorded 67.7 dB at maximum speed. The sound profile stays consistent across speeds and does not introduce rattling or grinding, even under sustained pressure.

For home use, the noise is moderate. If low noise is your priority, there are quieter options available. It will not carry loudly into other rooms, but it is not quiet enough for shared workspaces or sleeping environments nearby.

Battery Life

The 2500 mAh battery is advertised to deliver 3 hours of runtime. In real-world testing, we saw between 1.5 and 2 hours under mixed speeds and moderate pressure.

Reaching three hours would require running continuously at the lowest speed without meaningful pressure, which is not how most people use it.

Even at 1.5 to 2 hours, that covers about a week of daily 10 to 15-minute sessions. The OLED display keeps battery status clearly visible.

The D6 Pro uses USB-C charging and includes a wall adapter that supports 5V to 12V input. A full charge takes about 210 minutes from empty.

The battery is non-removable, so you cannot swap in a fresh one mid-session. The semi-hard case adds some bulk but offers solid protection. At 2.86 lbs plus the case, this is not the easiest option for light travel.

References

1. Konrad A, Glashüttner C, Reiner M, Bernsteiner D, Tilp M. The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance. J Sports Sci Med. 2020;19(4):690-694. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33239942
2. Lavelle ED, Lavelle W, Smith HS. Myofascial Trigger Points. Anesthesiology Clinics. Published online December 2007:841-851. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.05.006

Unboxing, Build Quality, and First Impressions

Bob and Brad have consistently put effort into how they present their products, and the A7 Pro maintains that standard.

It comes in an ash colored travel case with their distinctive blue Bob and Brad logo. The case’s design is compact and well-organized, meeting their standards. It’s handy for people who travel or move around a lot. 

This Bob and Brad mini massage gun itself feels more premium than previous Bob and Brad compact massagers, including their smaller Q2 mini model, which is designed more for travel and quick recovery sessions. 

Now, what’s in the case?

The case contains:

• Bob and Brad A7 Pro massage gun
• 5 diverse attachments
  • One of them provides hot and cold therapy
• USB-C charging cable
• Travel case
• Extra rubber sleeves
• A user manual and guide for massaging muscles

Metal Accent Housing

This is a great upgrade from the Q2 Mini’s plastic body. It gives the gun a premium feel and makes it more durable.

It also adds additional grip when grabbing and holding the mini massage gun from that area.

Improved Balance

The weight distribution reduces wrist strain, which is an issue with some compact devices, and we also noticed that the thermal head adds significant weight to the mini massager, making it heavy during long sessions.

Hot and Cold Therapy

The hot and cold thermal head is a feature that has been expanded to most Bob and Brad massage guns.

In the mini massage gun category, it was first seen on the Bob and Brad Q2 PRO.

So what’s different here?
Well, this hot-and-cold massage gun attachment is the hottest we’ve seen, with a max temp of 122-140°F (50-60°C).

Better Materials

The handle is now made of silicone and features grooves that prevent slipping and dampen vibration. It also means long usage sessions will be more comfortable.

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Versatile Bob and Brad Massage Gun Attachments: What Are They For?

The Bob and Brad A7 Pro comes with 5 attachments:

• Ball head
• Air cushion head
• Cone head
• Hot/cold therapy head
• Arc head

One significant improvement is that these attachments now use a twist-and-lock mechanism instead of the traditional push-in method.

Usually, we find that new or additional attachments can be more of a gimmick than a real purpose… However, let’s explore the Arc head further.

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Arc Head 

Unique in design, this curved attachment fits naturally around arms, calves, thighs, biceps, and outer shoulders. This was created to mimic professional hand-massage techniques.

There are cushy nodes that damp the initial contact with the muscle, letting you get used to it before you feel confident pressing harder. This is more crucial when treating shin splints. So, thumbs up for it!

Hot and Cold Therapy Attachment

Most compact massage guns offer percussion, vibration, and similar attachments. The hot and cold therapy feature makes this small massage gun stand out.

Heat/Cold Therapy Indicators

The thermal head of the A7 Pro[3] has color-coded LEDs. The colors tell you the temperature range. We tested and observed that:

• Light Blue indicates Cold (10°C/50°F drop)
• Dark Blue indicates Colder (15°C/59°F drop)
• Orange indicates Warm heat (40–50°C/104-122°F)
• Red indicates Deep heat (50–60°C/122-140°F)

The warming effect improves blood flow and enhances the effectiveness of percussion therapy [1].

Controls, Indicator Lights & User Interface

It offers four fixed speeds: 1,600 RPM, 2,000 RPM, 2,600 RPM, and 3,000 RPM; plus a fifth auto mode that cycles up to the top speed, holds briefly, then ramps down.

Bob and Brad did a thing with the A7 Pro’s minimalist LED-based user interface, which is different from the more common digital screens. This design is easier to interpret, and it is the first time we have seen it on this massage gun brand.

The ring LEDs indicate pressure levels: yellow for low, orange for medium, and red for high, aiding correct force application and memory of previous intensity.

The Bob and Brad C2 uses a similar LED force indicator, which is displayed on the back of the device.

Our Test Data and Performance

Massage gun amplitude 

Most mini massage guns stay in the 6-8mm range.

The A7 Pro’s 11mm amplitude would have stood out if it were not actually a 10mm amplitude massage gun. At 10.2mm, the device is more vibrational than percussive, as seen with an amplitude of 13mm or more.

However, the low starting speed of 1600 RPM makes it feel less vibrational.

Speed Range

The 5-speed system is well-balanced and can meet various needs, from light relaxation to deep muscle therapy.

The auto mode dynamically adjusts based on pressure, just like premium massage guns. But what does it mean?

When we were gently working a muscle, the RPMs remained constant until we applied more pressure. In that moment, the RPM automatically increased to add intensity to the massage and prevent the motor from stalling.

Noise Level

When it comes to noise, the A7 Pro is in the middle ground for mini massage guns. It’s not the quietest mini massage gun on the market, particularly at high speed.

During our tests, it hovered around 36 and 58 dB at different speeds, which is slightly above the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini.

Battery Life

The A7 Pro uses a 2550 mAh battery and takes about 4.5 hours to charge from empty. We also tested charging time from when the battery indicator flashed red, with approximately 15-20% battery remaining. The result was ~2 hours until fully charged.

From our testing, the results show the battery lasts an average of 2-3 hours, depending on speed and pressure.

The hot and cold therapy attachment uses its own internal battery and lasts for about 60 minutes, but takes 2 hours to charge.

For daily sessions of 10-15 minutes, most users won’t need to charge the Bob and Brad A7 Pro often, and USB-C charging makes it more convenient.

Who Should Skip it?

You should skip the Bob and Brad A7 Pro if you are specifically looking for deep-tissue percussion on large muscle groups like glutes, hamstrings, quads, or the lower back. While its power is impressive for a compact device, it cannot match the depth, sustained pressure, or session comfort of a full-size massage gun.

It is also not the best choice for users who regularly train heavily or want aggressive post-workout recovery. If your recovery routine depends on high amplitude and strong stall force, a larger device will deliver better results with less effort.

Finally, if you want smart features like app-based routines or guided programs, this model will feel basic. The A7 Pro focuses on physical features rather than connected software.

References

1. Dehghan, F., et al. The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37020441/
2. Malanga, G. A., Yan, N., & Stark, J. (2015). Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury. Postgraduate Medicine, 127(1), 57–65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25526231/#:~:text=Mechanisms%20and%20efficacy%20of%20heat,1
3. Bob and Brad. (2025). Bob and Brad A7 Pro Massage Gun with Heat and Cold Therapy. BobandBrad.com. https://www.bobandbrad.com/products/bob-and-brad-a7-pro-massage-gun-with-heat-and-cold-therapy
4. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). What Can I Bring? TSA Official Website. Massagers: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all?combine=massager&field_item_category_value=All&page=0
   Lithium batteries: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device

So, is it truly a new percussion massager or perhaps a refresh? And what exactly does ‘Pro’ and ‘Hot and Cold therapy’ mean?

Let’s explore the new features Bob and Brad massage guns have introduced in this 2024 model.

Is this a New Muscle Massager or Just a Refresh?

Yes, this is a new massage gun, in some way. We will explain it to you soon. But first, let’s look back at the original Bob and Brad C2. It has been a reliable companion since 2021. Here is what we love about it:

• As one of the budget massage gun options in the Bob and Brad massage gun lineup, it caters well to the needs of the general public.
• The massage gun attachments provided are well-suited for daily myofascial muscle release requirements, and despite prolonged use, they have maintained their durability admirably. 
• The performance is top-notch for a percussion massager that doesn’t break the bank. 

You’ll be able to see more details about Bob and Brad C2 massage gun review. 

Back to the question: Is this a new muscle massager or a refreshed version of the C2 massage gun? In certain aspects, yes. Why?
The Bob and Brad C2 Pro looks very similar to the old Bob Brad C2. We’ll give more details as we explore it further, but expect new features to address soreness after workout and improved overall value for the user. Let’s explore this question further below.

Bob and Brad C2 Pro: Hot and Cold Therapy Review

Bob and Brad C2 Pro massage gun – Specification

• Overall quality and specs
• 10mm amplitude; ~30 lbs stall force
• Hot and Cold Therapy
• Great for beginners and everyday use

Our review score:

4.2

Buy it at Amazon.com:

Check Price

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Our First Impressions of the C2 Pro

First things first, our Bob and Brad C2 Pro massage gun came in a semi-rigid case, a gesture we’ve learned to appreciate from the Bob and Brad massage gun brand.

We popped open the case and found the gun, massage gun attachments, spare gaskets for the attachments, a charging USB (awesome addition), and a comprehensive user manual.

Our initial impression indicates that, despite being an iteration, the C2 Pro percussion massager maintains its status as a commendable device. The construction materials remain of high quality, now featuring a slightly enhanced glossiness in its design approach.

The massage gun impressively maintains a solid assembly, and a subtle color change is evident, particularly noticeable in the motor casing. Check out the photo!

Also, the C2 Pro sports massager still has the same T-shape as the original Bob and Brad massage gun C2. We’ll chat more about that in a bit when we dive into the ergonomics.

And you know what else is sticking around? That cool oval-shaped handle that Bob and Brad Massage Gun decided to keep. Hello old friend!

C2 Pro Muscle Massager – Size and Weight

The Bob and Brad C2 Pro decided to go a bit bigger than its predecessor. Why, you ask? Well, it seems like Bob and Brad Massage Guns needed a bit more room to squeeze in all those fancy new features for this bad boy. Bigger size and bigger features seem like a fair trade, doesn’t it?

Clocking in at 1.5 pounds, the C2 Pro throws a bit of a curveball in the world of mini massage guns.

If we were to draw a comparison, it would vibe a bit like the Hypervolt Go 2. You might recall the Hypervolt Go being labeled as mini by Hyperice, but we’d toss both of these into the mid-size category—not exactly tiny, but not venturing into the large territory either.

Now, the big question: Does this size play to its advantage when it comes to ergonomics? Let’s dig in and find out.

The Ergonomics on the Bob and Brad C2 Pro

Now, the Bob and Brad C2 mini remains T-shaped, like its predecessor. But here’s the kicker—we have a few reservations about this shape. When it comes to getting that perfect pro massage, it might throw a curveball.

Trying to treat pain in the lower back and buttocks might turn into a bit of a wrestling match due to limited grip options. And let’s not forget the wrist drama – the T-shape could be a bit of a challenge during those marathon pro massage sessions.

Now, is this T-shaped situation a total dealbreaker? Not really. Despite the potential wrestling match with your lower back pain when bending over, the compact design gives you some pretty good control over the device.

Sure, the added weight compared to the Bob and Brad C2 is a thing, but hey, the new features step in to make up for this tiny setback. Now, let’s spill the tea on those new features – what’s the buzz?

Control Panel Features

Just like the previous C2, the new Bob and Brad C2 Pro has a single-button operation that makes using it a breeze. But that’s the only thing that remained untouched here. All the others have changed.

There is a new LED display that the C2 doesn’t have. The display mostly shows the speed levels. In the C2, all you have are LED light dots.

Is this something good? We believe it’s slightly better, for aesthetics, at least.

We love that now we can see bigger numbers instead of having to squint over those itty-bitty LEDs constantly. 

Another visible feature on the control panel is the glowing stall force meter (commonly known as the pressure sensor). Yes, this new Bob & Brad massage gun features this built-in capability. That’s a cool addition.

Here it’s represented by a snazzy LED ring around the panel that glows in four colors.

But does a pressure sensor give this new device more brownie points?

From our seasoned perspective, pressure sensors are like the icing on the cake – they make things look nice, but they’re not exactly a game-changer.

After spending some quality time with massage guns and getting better at using them, you kind of become a pro at knowing the right pressure points for back pain or other spots (e.g., shoulder pressure points). The sensor? It’s a cool visual treat, but definitely not a must-have.

Massage Gun Attachments

We were excited by the original C2’s 5 massage gun attachments – mostly because its peers back then offered a measly 3.

Th

The Pro version of this Bob & Brad massage gun is still rolling with the fantastic 5 massage gun attachments. They’ve got the gang back together, mostly the same crew as the Bob & Brad C2: the ball (made of EVA foam), the bullet and fork (both crafted from durable plastic), and the Air Cushion Head.

But here’s the plot twist: out with the flat attachment, and in comes the Hot and Cold Therapy attachment. Get ready because our next chat is all about this shiny new addition!

Hot and Cold Therapy Massage Gun Attachment

First, hot and cold therapy has been used for a while to treat common ailments such as exercise-induced injuries or pain. The cold numbs the vessels to stop the pain, while the heat expands the vessels to increase the circulation of nutrients and heal tissues. These methods are widely recognized and researched ²,³ (Managing pain using heat and cold therapy).

By including this new feature and attachment, Bob and Brad Massage Guns are hopping on the trend train that’s been chugging along – introducing new treatment features to massage guns (see Therabody Theragun, Renpho, and Hyperice do the same).

Build Quality

At first, we thought the attachment had some sort of electrical connection with the massage gun for this feature, but we were wrong. It works just like a typical massage gun attachment. And in fact it’s the flat one for the set.

However, it does have a built-in battery that you can charge via USB-C and its own controls to set up the heating or cooling feature.

The attachment’s built-in battery capacity is 900 mAh and runs for about 60 minutes. You’ll need to charge it for at least two hours. Pay attention to the LEDs—they blink green continuously until fully charged. When the battery gets below 20%, you’ll notice the LED flashing. 

Hot and Cold Therapy Attachment – How Does It Work?

• The controls and mechanics are built-in. 
• There are two levels for both therapies.
• The Heat therapy has two temperature levels depicted by colors: Orange for 102°F/40°C and Red for 113°F/45°C.
• The Cold therapy also has two levels with Green for 50°F/10°C and Blue for 59°F/15°C. 

Does it work? Well, sorta. The temperature changes can quickly be felt – it takes a few seconds to get there.

Heat Therapy

You get two temperature levels: 102°F/40°C (orange) and 113°F/45°C (red).

Now, as for the benefits, the heat is like a cozy hug for your sore muscles – you can feel the relaxation vibes. We’re leaning towards it being a handy companion for tackling muscle soreness, although our crystal ball is in the shop, so we can’t confidently predict the full effect.

Cold Therapy

There are two temperature settings for the cold treatments: 50°F/10°C (blue) and 59°F/15°C (green).

What’s more? We couldn’t find any built-in security mechanism for this device that would prevent the simultaneous use of both therapies, which is what Therabody does for its Theragun Pro Plus sports massager with a cold attachment.

Are There Any Cons?

We noticed a problem with the temperature differences. We struggled to feel them on our skin. There is a risk of using one temperature for either mode and not noticing the difference at all.

For cold therapy (which, as explained above, shouldn’t be combined with percussions), using classic ice packs is just easier and more effective.

Bob and Brad C2 Pro: Performance

Fancy features aside, can the Bob and Brad C2 Pro handle the main gig? We sought to find out. We poked and prodded at its various performance features.

Amplitude

Amplitude is the distance covered by the massage gun head as it percusses. We have tested and confirmed it’s exactly the same as for the C2, at 8.5mm. So, this means there are no changes inside the device.

Is this good enough? Not always, but with better numbers in other parameters, you can get a decent performance here.

Percussions per Minute

We measured a percussion range of between 2000 RPM and 3150 RPM. Bob and Brad Massage Gun advertises up to 3200 RPM, so it’s close enough to say it’s the actual spec.

Given the 5-speed setup, we would’ve loved a much lower starting point (say, between 1200 RPM and 1500 RPM), but we’re not complaining.

The silver lining? That 8.6 mm amplitude we chatted about earlier isn’t looking too shabby after all. With a robust 3150 RPM, you’re in for a deep and intensive trigger point massage experience.

But there’s one more performance aspect to consider. 

Stall Force

Stall force – the amount of force a device can endure. It’s not the easiest thing to slap a ruler on, but we’ve got our methods.

We bring other devices for a little side-by-side. The C2 Pro packs a 25W motor, which, in theory, should nudge you close to a 30 lbs stall force.

Note: The listing on Amazon here says 44lbs. but that isn’t reflected in the performance. 

MAssage Gun Noise

The Bob and Brad massage gun brand lived up to expectations in this muscle massager as well. It’s medium-level quiet; you’ll not hear anything over 64 dB. The sound is smooth with almost zero rattling.

Massage Gun Battery

The Bob and Brad C2 Pro comes with 2 Lithium Polymer batteries. The capacity is 2000 mAh – slightly lower than C2’s 2500 mAh capacity battery.

It takes about 3 hours to charge and drains after 3 hours of use at the lowest settings and without any pressure. Great news! You can charge it with a USB-C!

Who is the Bob and Brad C2 Pro Massage Gun with Hot and Cold Therapy for?

In a nutshell, this one is for those looking for a decent entry-level gun.

The Bob and Brad C2 Pro is a slight improvement of the original C2 massage gun with decent additional features. Since everyone is doing additional heat and cold therapies, this one’s especially a good alternative to Hypervolt’s heated head. You get both cold and heat therapies at a bargain.

Price, Warranty, and Where to Buy

The C2 Pro costs about $109 if you buy it from Bob and Brad’s official Amazon store. You also get a classic 12-month warranty. This isn’t so bad, given what you’re getting here.

Can you get anything better for the price? Well, let’s have a look:

• you could snag a better deal if you bought Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini, which has a better amplitude.
• alternatively, you could go for more power and a smaller size by getting the Ekrin Bantam
• or get the Hypervolt Go 2 or Theragun mini if you’re into famous brands.

However, none of these options combine all the top features in one device, including hot and cold therapy massage gun attachments. This makes it a nicely balanced device for everyday use, with a bit of extra features added on top.

TIP: Ensure you stay updated for better deals and coupons on Amazon; they occasionally offer them. Or just check our deals page here, where we monitor and list all the sweet discounts!

Bob and Brad C2 Pro massage gun – Alternatives

A few more words on the alternatives we mentioned above.

For the C2 Pro, we suggested the KiCA Evo as an alternative because it has a heating attachment, longer amplitude (12mm), a rotating head, and a telescopic handle. These extra features expanded its possibilities.

We also believe there are two additional options you should consider:

1. Ekrin Bantam
   The Ekrin Bantam is a great option if you are looking for a mini massage gun with lots of power. It also comes with a lifetime warranty if you don’t mind missing out on the two therapies. TIP: use our exclusive MGA20 coupon to get it 20% OFF (at ekrin.com).
2. Bob and Brand Q2 Pro Mini massage gun
   The Bob and Brand Q2 Pro Mini massage gun has a 7 mm amplitude, a bit shorter than the C2 Pro. It is a small massage gun but punchy and super quiet! It has the same hot and cold massage gun attachment.
   It also costs a bit less than the C2 Pro. You can check it on Amazon here.

And why not consider the Hypervolt Go 2 or Theragun Mini? The price! Both are almost twice as expensive and don’t offer twice as much more, for sure!

Conclusion

We can’t end our Bob and Brand C2 Pro review, which includes hot and cold therapy, without recognizing Bob and Brad Massage Guns’ eye for improving their devices. This is the C2 revamped, and we love it!

How about you? Let us know in the comments, or connect with us on social media.

Early in 2024, we heard rumors that they would release the Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max. We have been waiting for that since then, but finally, it’s here! We went straightaway to check for it on Amazon and couldn’t wait to tell you about it.

Is it something better than the two previous sports massagers? (the Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun and the Bob and Brad C2 massage gun), or is it something entirely different?
Read on to find out.

About Bob and Brad Massage Guns Brand

Bob and Brad Massage Guns, the popular internet physical therapists, have a huge YouTube following of over 4 million subscribers! They offer practical advice for diagnosing and recovering from various health issues. Plus, they show their subscribers the right way to use massage guns.

They have their own range of products under the Bob and Brad massage gun brand, featuring a varied selection at their massage gun Amazon store:

• Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun: A neat mini massage gun. While it’s not as powerful as a full-size sports massager, it has more stall force than some standard muscle massagers. It is portable and super quiet during operation, even at top speed. It impressed us a lot during our tests. Check here for more details.
  The latest iteration is the Q2 Pro mini massage gun, which has a hot and cold therapy massage gun attachment.
• C2 massage gun: It’s a bit larger than the Q2 mini massage gun but still compact. We enjoyed using it but felt the performance specs were not mind-blowing.
• Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun: A robust, versatile, full-sized, feature-rich massage gun. Our tests here confirmed its effective performance and durability. It’s ideal for those seeking the best deep-tissue massage experience. This is the Theragun Pro alternative! Check out our comparison of Theragun vs Bob and Brad D6 Pro!
• Air 2 Mini massage gun: This is the latest addition to the lineup we have tested. It is a compact and efficient option offering 12mm amplitude in the small massage gun category. This is the best Theragun mini alternative.

Now, we will focus on another sports massager: the Bob and Brad X6 Pro and its next iteration, the Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max.

Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max: Improved Hot and Cold Therapy

So, what does the X6 Pro Max mean?  
We’ll make it simple for you! The addition of the Max to the massage gun X6 refers to a sixth massage gun attachment vs five from the previous model.

The new attachment provides hot and cold therapy within seconds, lasting up to 10 minutes due to its internal timer. Press and hold any of the buttons, and you will have it working for another 10 minutes, so you can continue treating yourself 😊

This attachment differs from the metallic flat head that can be put in hot water or the freezer to provide hot and cold therapy. But the temperature in the flat head doesn’t last!

The new attachment gives you lasting hot and cold therapy. How come? Well, this massage gun attachment has its own power source and is charged separately from the massage gun itself.

It has two heat levels and two for cold temps. To switch it on, any button must be pressed and held for a few seconds.

^{Settings: Red 113°F/45°C, Orange 102°F/40°C, Blue for 59°F/15°C, and Green 50°F/10°C.}

You can easily alternate from warm to cold by pressing the opposite button.

The heat is comfortable and simulates warm stone therapy. It helps relax muscles, increases blood flow, and speeds muscle recovery. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation.

TIP: How do you get rid of eye bags fast? You may reduce their appearance using a cold compress or carefully using the cold therapy setting on the attachment for a few minutes.

Now, let’s continue showing you the rest of the attributes of the Bob and Brad X6 Pro massage gun.

Bob and Brad X6 Pro Massage Gun Review

Bob and Brad X6 Pro Specifications

Bob and Brad X6: First Impressions

You can tell that the Bob and Brad massage gun brand wanted to make this a unique product, perhaps something different from the previous sports massagers. Or were they?

This sports massager has some visual similarities with the C2 massage gun model. For instance, the shape, the contouring and the materials used also look similar. That said, it’s a nice-looking massage gun.

It’s mostly plastic, but it’s good-quality plastic. It’s not as premium as Theraguns, Achedaway Pro, or even Ekrin Athletics, but it doesn’t look cheap, either.

It’s a bigger muscle massager than the C2 model we reviewed earlier. The handle is longer, and the body is bigger. The motor housing is also more extensive—perhaps the most significant difference compared to the C2.

This design is a full-sized massage gun. Bob and Brad kept some things from the C2 model, like the oval handle—the same aspect we saw with the two Hypervolt devices—and the shape we now know as the pill shape.

Maybe Bob and Brad’s massage gun brand can now be considered a rival to Hypervolt. Are they targeting the same audience? We don’t know; we’ll discuss that later.

The Controls on the Massage Gun 6X

They are simple; just one button is used to do everything. It’s a good and a bad thing to have this type of operation.

It’s good because all it takes is a long press of the button to turn the device on or off and then a quick tapping to cycle through the speeds.

But sometimes, you wish you could quickly cycle through any speed you want without having to turn off the device and start from speed 1 all over again. In other words, you can’t go from speed 5 back to 4 without first turning the sports massager off.

Nevertheless, we still like this kind of operation. Plus, many massage guns are configured this way.

LEDs

LEDs make it easy to operate a massage gun if you know which ones indicate what. The ones on the X6 Pro are what you’d expect.

There are 5 LEDs to indicate the speed level above the main button.

There are also 4 LEDs located at the bottom of the handle, which indicate the battery charge.

Anything Else

A carrying case is included, and it looks nice. It’s compact and not as large as some we have seen with other massage guns.

Inside the case are the sports massager, the massage gun attachments, a wall charger, a user manual, and spare head gaskets.
You don’t always get a carrying case with some brands, though (think Hypervolts).

X6 Pro Max Massage Gun Attachments: 6

The X6 Pro Max has four usual attachments and two innovative ones. Four nicely varied attachments are included here: ball, bullet, fork, and cushioned head.
The fifth is a Titanium flat head, and the sixth is the hot and cold therapy attachment.

The Bob and Brad X6 Pro doesn’t have the hot and cold therapy attachment. If you have seen the Bob and Brad C2, the attachments are the same, but the flat head is plastic.

Ball Head

It can be used to massage the whole body (universal). This one is made of EVA foam, which may feel more comfortable on the body than silicone.

But we know that foam deteriorates pretty fast. But it’s no biggie; those are easily replaceable.

Fork Head

It’s the go-to head if you want to massage the spine area and trigger point massages. You can also massage your quads and calves with it after running.

The material preferred for this one is hard plastic.

Bullet Head

It’s good for providing a trigger point massage and a foot massage. It’s also made of hard plastic – as expected.

Cushioned Head

We praised it in our C2 massage gun review because it’s a soft attachment with a slight give.

But Bob and Brad massage gun brand designed this with special care – it’s not too hard or too soft; it’s somewhere in the middle, making it one of the best body massagers for a full body massage if you want to.

Flat Head

They made this one especially for the X6 Pro. But first, it’s the best attachment if you need a hard massage, especially on large muscle groups like quads and hamstrings.

Heidi prefers the best deep tissue massage a sports massager can give, and the Bob and Brad X6 Pro with the titanium flat head achieves that deepness.

Unlike what we saw with the C2 model, this one is made of metal. But why metal?

I want to mention that metal heads are not uncommon. We have seen them with devices like Achedaway Pro and some Lifepro devices.

However, the difference with this one is that instead of sliding into the device’s socket, it screws on. Honestly, we are seeing this for the first time.

Also, this one got us thinking. Unlike Achedaway Pro’s metal heads with plastic and rubber gaskets underneath, this one can be placed in the freezer for cold therapy or immersed in hot water for a heated massage. So, one head for ice heat therapy!

Bob and Brad massage gun did it brilliantly. Since it’s all metal, you can heat it or freeze it – don’t put it in a microwave, though.

But does it actually work? Well, yes, it does.

Cold percussion therapy helps with recovery (the same way ice packs for back pain and ‘cryotherapy near me’ work). Heated massage guns also exist, and we have covered them here before. Heat also helps with muscle recovery.

This attachment can do both. The only problem is that the cold won’t last long, and the attachment will quickly return to room temperature once it comes into contact with the body.

Our Verdict:

We love when brands try to be innovative with their massage gun and appreciate what Bob and Brad did with this one. It’s a small but significant feature, especially that it really provides that desired best deep tissue massage on large muscle groups, for example, for glute muscle pain.
Overall, all the massage gun attachments are varied and useful.

X6 massage gun: Weight and Ergonomics

Unlike the C2 model, which was more of a hybrid between the Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun and a full-sized sports massager, this one is bigger and an actual full-size massage gun. It measures 7.8 x 9.6 x 2.9 inches. It’s somewhere between the two Hypervolts. It’s perhaps slightly bigger than the Hypervolt 2, but more or less the same size as the Hypervolt 2 Pro.

But one thing is clear: even though it’s a full-sized gun, it’s far from being bulky. We have seen bulky and thick T-shaped massage guns that take up more space than they should. Think of those old Hypervolts or the infamous Legiral Le3. We would say it falls in the same category as Lifepro’s DynaSphere.

Another thing, now that we have seen the Hypervolts, we must mention that this one resembles those two devices. For example:

• The ergonomics: Like the two Hypervolts, the configuration is uncannily identical, so we had to wonder who copied whom. The handle’s oval shape (pill-shaped) and rubber application are the same. 
• The target audience for these ergonomics: Perhaps, just like Hypervolt, the Bob and Brad massage gun brand was looking to offer their clientele a firm grip, especially for the elderly, women, and people with small hands. 

But don’t buy our rap about Bob and Brad massage guns copying Hypervolts. When Hypervolt devices were still languishing in their bulkiness, Bob and Brad already used that pill-shaped design on their C2 sports massager. We reviewed and talked about it; just check, and you’ll see. 

Anyway, this device weighs 1.9 pounds, which is fantastic because it makes it easy to maneuver. We have seen a trend of massage guns cutting the weight of their full-sized sports massagers. Ekrin Athletics started it with the Ekrin 365 massage gun (which weighs 1.7 pounds), and then Hyperice did it with the Hypervolt 2, which now weighs just 1.8 pounds from the previous 2.5 pounds – Hypervolt 1 (silver).

Another observation for this section would be the 90-degree handle. If you have read our massage gun reviews, you know that we’re not big fans of this approach because it puts strain on your wrist when you have to use the muscle massager for longer.

However, we’ll say the reduced weight and the nicely designed handle make up for it here. The Bob and Brad X6 Pro massage gun is nicely balanced, with the motor on top and batteries in the handle. The ergonomics on this device are okay.

X6 Pro massage gun: Performance

Amplitude

Going by previous Bob and Brad massage guns, you can tell that high amplitude was never something they had paid much attention to until the launch of their hard massager, which has 16mm amplitude—the Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun! More recently, there was their Bob and Brad D5 Pro massage gun with 12.8mm amplitude!

Unlike Theraguns, which have 16mm amplitude devices, the previous Bob and Brad massage guns only had 8mm amplitude. Those earlier models were more massage vibration machines than percussive therapy devices.

But there is a slight change with the Bob and Brad X6 Pro massage gun. The stroke length has been improved to 10mm (or 9.98mm, to be precise).

But is 10mm really good enough for a full-sized massage gun? Well, just for comparison, the earlier Hypervolt had the same 10mm amplitude, and it was marketed as a massage vibration machine. But then Hypervolt upgraded to Hypervolt Plus (now Hypervolt 2 Pro), which has over 14mm amplitude.

This massage gun cannot compete with the likes of Theragun because it cannot punch as deep as those Theraguns do.

Another thing is that a 10mm falls short of the “sweet spot” in massage gun terms (12-13mm). That means it’s 20% less than Ekrin 365. With a 12mm amplitude and a decent stall force, the Ekrin 365 can be pressed hard against the skin for the best deep tissue massage. Also, 10mm is often associated with some mini massage guns. Just to mention a few, Ekrin Bantam, Hypervolt Go, and the Minirex, all have 10mm. Only the Theragun Mini and the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini Massage Gun have 12mm. 

OUR TAKE:

That means that Bob and Brad’s X6 Pro massage gun is still a massage vibration machine, and unless you want more of a percussive therapy, then you’d be better off going for something else. 10mm still has great vibration therapy benefits, good for people with sensitive muscles and skin; it helps wake up muscles, improve blood flow, and alleviate some soreness.

However, in our opinion, they should’ve made it 12mm for more versatility… but that’s where the Bob and Brad D5 Pro comes into play with 12.8mm!

Stall Force

Stall force is the amount of pressure a massage gun can withstand when you are pressing it against the body.

Is there enough stall force on this Bob and Brad X6 Pro massage gun, especially with the dinky amplitude? Well, after seeing that amplitude, we had reason to worry.

However, when we tried pressing it against the body, we could tell that this one had some power. It is slightly more powerful than the Bob and Brad C2 model.

We checked for stall force information from Bob and Brad’s massage gun’s website and found out that it has 55 lbs. of stall force. We will say it doesn’t go past 40 lbs, but it’s also more than 35 lbs. – which also means not-so-hard punches as seen on Theragun Pro or the Bob and Brad D6 Pro, both with 16mm amplitude.

At 40 lbs., it’s in the same league as the Ekrin 365, and that is a great thing. Even the Theragun Elite has that kind of stall force. Given this device’s cost, the Bob and Brad massage gun brand might just have scored a win here. But if we’re to look at both amplitude (which the Theragun Elite has more of) and stall force, then it would be an unfair comparison.

OUR TAKE:

That said, at least the Bob and Brad massage gun brand tried to give this sports massager more stall force to make it competitive. We just think it would’ve been even more powerful with perhaps a 12mm amplitude. That means that our top recommendation, the Ekrin 365, still does a better job than this one.

Percussions

There is nothing to complain about here, but there is also nothing to be excited about. The Bob and Brad X6 Pro revs from 2000 RPM to 3200 RPM, the same range as the Ekrin 365 and plenty of other sports massagers, including Lifepros and Hypervolts.

Generally, massage guns with a low amplitude tend to rev faster than those with a higher amplitude. Their typical high speed is 3200 RPM or sometimes 3300 RPM.

Note that this is nothing too special for any massage gun. If a sports massager tries using the percussion range as a selling point, it’s often because they lack in amplitude. A Theragun or the Bob and Brad D6 Pro may only max out at 2400 rpm but have a high amplitude.

That said, the Bob and Brad X6 Pro has 5-speed settings over that range. It’s an excellent setup. Unfortunately, we have seen sports massagers that try to sell more speed settings – some 20 or even 30 speed settings! This is often frustrating, so we’re glad the Bob and Brad brand didn’t follow that route.

Noise

Bob and Brad massage gun brand has always highlighted how quiet their massage guns are; indeed, that is 100% true. You can even check this for yourself, as we’ve featured two of their sports massagers in our Quietest Massage Guns guide.

However, it’s not hard to make a low-amplitude massage gun quiet. The stroke length impacts the sound quality of a massage gun. Typically, a 10mm massage gun will be quieter than a 16mm one but a tad noisier than an 8mm device.

Yes, the Bob and Brad X6 Pro gun is quiet, and you can converse normally while using it. It won’t wake up the kids or your dog, either. In decibels, expect 48 dB at lower speeds and 54 dB at higher speeds (tests below).

There will be small vibrations to the hand, but nothing too uncomfortable.

Battery

The battery has 2500mAh capacity, which is typical for massage guns these days. We were expecting a much bigger battery when we saw the long handle compared to what we saw with the C2 model – it’s the same capacity. But maybe that’s why this sports massager doesn’t weigh more than 2 pounds, which is good.

But maybe they should’ve made a USB charging device rather than going with a wall charger. The C2 model had a USB-C charger, and we have seen Ekrin Athletics do it with all their sports massagers.

USB charging makes it easier to carry your massage gun with you when you’re traveling. However, it’s not a big deal because other full-sized sports massagers have a dedicated wall charger.

Only the Ekrin 365 seems to have broken this rule in the past, but these days, it comes with USB charging.

The device charges pretty fast—it takes about 3 hours to charge fully—just as advertised. The battery will last for days if you use it frequently. However, it will drain faster when you apply more pressure or use high-speed settings.

The device has a 10-minute auto shut-off feature to prevent overheating. Many devices are configured this way, but there are others that go for 20 minutes. Sometimes, 10 minutes may not be enough for a full-body massage.
Do not worry because you can turn it on and continue!

Who is the X6 Pro Best for?

The Bob and Brad X6 Pro massage gun is an entry-level massage gun for personal use at home.

We think it’s good enough to relax your muscles, stimulate lymphatic drainage, treat sore muscles, and improve blood flow. It’s also a good choice for seniors who want something easy and stable.

However, it may not be the perfect choice for demanding users looking for something more than vibration therapy benefits. If you want the best deep tissue massage, you will be better off going for something with more stall force and a higher amplitude, at least 12mm.

The Bob and Brad X6 Pro has the stall force but lacks the stroke length to make it happen – especially if you are a bigger person with larger muscles. If you have a lot of mass, are a bodybuilder, or a demanding athlete, this may not be the sports massager for you. Try a different massage gun.

Warranty and Price

It has a one-year warranty, which is what most devices give anyway. However, it’s still disappointing that it’s only covered for a year.

But don’t worry. When you register your new device, you can extend the warranty from one to two years!

Some brands give more. Ekrin Athletics and Lifepro offer lifetime warranties, while Achedaway and Addsfit offer 2 and 3 years, respectively.

The price is really attractive, mainly if you use the current coupon on Amazon that makes it an under $150 massage gun. That said, it’s worth considering more versatile competitors that give you a better bang for the buck.

Best Bob and Brad X6 Pro Alternative – Ekrin 365

We’ve mentioned the Ekrin 365 massage gun a few times in this article, but what does it really offer you?

Well, it has plenty to give. We recently voted it our best gun for the elderly and also picked it as the best gun for under $150. But that’s because it has that much to offer.

For starters, the performance features are fantastic. As we’ve been saying, 12mm coupled with decent stall force can get you a deep tissue massage, which is why you need a massage gun anyway.

The Ekrin 365 has a 12mm amplitude and 40 lbs. of stall force. That is plenty of power for pressing the massage gun hard against the body. You don’t need a punchier Theragun to get a decent percussive therapy massage when you can get one with a much cheaper device.

Again, it has the same percussion range as the Bob and Brad X6 Pro – 2000-3200rpm.

In ergonomics, not many percussion massager brands do it better than Ekrin Athletics. This one has even better ergonomics compared to previous Ekrin massage guns. The handle is still angled but much thinner. It’s easier to handle now, and guys with small hands have nothing to complain about here. The weight is also cut down – just 1.7 pounds, lighter than the Bob and Brad X6 Pro. 

The Ekrin 365 massage gun is easier to operate. It has a power switch at the bottom and a simple one-button operation at the top.

The battery is not a problem either. It can operate for up to 5 hours on a single charge or for a whole week if you have two 15-minute sessions. It has a USB-C cable rather than a dedicated charger.

The Ekrin 365 is also well equipped, with a carrying case and 4 nicely varied attachments—there is no metal head, though. You get a lifetime warranty with lifetime customer support.

A summary of what we’ve already looked at when comparing Bob and Brad X6 Pro vs Ekrin 365:

Similarities:

• Stall force (both feel like 40 lbs.)
• Same percussion range (2000-3200 RPM)
• About the same size
• 5 speeds in both
• Similar time on battery
• Carrying case included

Where the Ekrin 365 beats the Bob and Brad X6 Pro massage gun:

• Higher amplitude (12mm vs 10.5mm) – more percussive;
• Better ergonomics (15° angled handle)
• Weight (1.7 lbs. vs 1.9 lbs)
• Pressure sensor included
• USB-C charging
• Lifetime warranty (vs 1 year or 2 years when registered)
• Lower price (With 20% Off applied at checkout)

What the Bob and Brad X6 Pro has that Ekrin 365 doesn’t:

• A bit less noise (due to lower amplitude)
• 1 more attachment (5 vs 4)
• The Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max has 2 more attachments (6 vs 4), one for hot and cold therapy.
• Metal screw-on attachment for deeper tissue massage, like for glute muscle pain

Verdict:

Both devices are entry-level and more or less address a similar audience, but for the money, the Ekrin 365 offers more features, more power, a better warranty. It is priced at $179.99 and gets reduced to $143.99 when you use our link! That’s 20% off automatically applied at check out).

We like the Bob and Brad X6 Pro, but we would still choose Ekrin 365 over it. Still, if you want the hot and cold therapy attachment, get the Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max for $159.99 and with our link you may tick the coupon box to get $30% off and only pay $129.99.

Read More: Learn more in our in-depth Ekrin 365 massage gun review.

Bob and Brad X6 Pro vs Bob and Brad C2

We’ve discussed these two extensively in our review thus far, but here is a condensed comparison of the Bob and Brad X6 Pro massage gun vs. C2.

Similarities:

• Similar design, colors
• Same controls
• Oval-shaped handle
• Same battery capacity (2500 mAh)
• Same attachment set (but different material for the X6’s flat head)
• Carrying case included

Where C2 still beats the Bob and Brad X6 Pro:

• It’s more compact
• Has USB-C charging
• Lighter (1.5 lbs vs. 1.9 lbs)
• Quieter (due to lower amplitude)
• Lower price

Both lack:

• It has a longer warranty (only 1 year), but register your new device to receive a total of 2 years!

Verdict:

Both Bob and Brad massage guns are entry-level at best. The Bob and Brad X6 has a better stall force but but limited enough stroke length. Even though it’s better than C2’s 8mm, the 2mm increase doesn’t cut it. In our opinion, both devices are vibrational and cannot provide percussive therapy.

However, since we pay more attention to performance, we’ll pick the Bob and Brad X6 Pro over the C2 for now. Even though the C2 is attractively priced and may be a temptation to those who aren’t looking for much (plus it has a USB charger), the Bob and Brad X6 Pro is better.

Bob and Brad X6 Pro vs Hyper Volt 2

What about Bob and Brad X6 Pro vs Hyper Volt 2? Here’s what we know:

Similarities: 

• T-shaped design with a vertical handle
• About the same size
• Same ergonomics (oval-shaped handle)
• 5 attachments in both (no metal head in Hyper Volt 2, though)
• Similar time on battery

Where Hypervolt 2 beats the Bob and Brad X6 Pro:

• Higher amplitude (12mm vs 10.5mm) – Hypervolt 2 will be more punchy
• Lower weight (1.8 lbs. vs 1.9 lbs)
• Pressure sensor included
• Bluetooth connectivity, with guided sessions in the Hyperice App
• International plug adapters included

What Bob and Brad X6 Pro has that Hypervolt 2 does not:

• Higher stall force (est. 40 lbs vs upper 20s in Hyper volt 2)
• More speeds (5 vs 3)
• More percussions (3200 vs 2700 – primarily due to lower amplitude)
• A bit less noise (mainly due to lower amplitude)
• Carrying case included
• Metal screw-on attachment for hot and cold therapy;
• Much lower price
• 1-year warranty that can be extended to 2 years when registering the device;
  The Hypervolt 2 offers only a 1-year warranty

Both lack:

• USB-C charging

Verdict:

Hypervolt 2 may be a premium product from a top brand, and the 12mm amplitude may give it an advantage over the Bob and Brad X6 Pro, but the latter is almost 2 times cheaper.

Besides, it’s also better equipped than Hypervolt 2. It has more stall force to compensate for the lack of a better stroke length as well. So, unless you just want to own the Hypervolt badge, the Bob and Brad X6 Pro may be the more reasonable choice.

Read More: See what we think of Hypervolt: Hypervolt 2 review and Hypervolt 2 Pro review.

Bob and Brad Massage Gun X6 Pro: Our Final Verdict

Let’s end our Bob and Brad X6 Pro review by noting a few things. First, we have to give credit where it’s due. This was the brand’s first full-sized massage gun, which is a step in the right direction.

After getting the Bob and Brad C2, they followed it up with something even more effective. It’s still a compact device with even better ergonomics. It has more stall force than the previous C2, which is a huge plus. We feel they should’ve made the stroke length slightly longer, though, but they listened. They produced the Bob and Brad D5 Pro with a 12.8mm amplitude!

We love the metal attachment that can be heated or frozen for hot and cold therapy—it’s a great idea. Heidi showed us the metal massage gun attachment, which gives a deep tissue massage.

But now, hot and cold therapy is better with the Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max. Temps are reached within a few seconds and won’t fade until the timer switches off the attachment.

Overall, it’s a good choice if you want less punchy percussive therapy and prefer vibration therapy benefits. It’s also more affordable than Hypervolt 2. You can buy it on Amazon here.

However, there are better alternatives within the same price range. If you want better value for your money, we suggest going for the Ekrin 365 massage gun.

As always, feel free to comment below or ask us a question.

[wp-review id=”8654″]

Today, let’s see what this small Bob and Brad T2 offers.

Fact: Bob and Brad have over 5 million subscribers on their YouTube channel and have helped many people with practical advice. They have gone all-in on massage guns and have quite a few on Amazon.

Bob And Brad T2 Review

Bob And Brad T2 Specification

Our First Impressions

Bob and Brad massage guns are what we would call “basic” – there’s little chance that you are going to drool over them for long. However, there’s a level of consistency that we like about them – they look and feel about the same.

For instance, it’s effortless to mistake the Bob and Brad T2 model with the earlier C2; even the X6 Pro isn’t very different either. We assume that Bob and Brad want their clients to easily identify their product. Also, the focus may be more on what the device can do than what you can see.

The Bob and Brad T2 has a familiar straight handle that makes a 90-degree turn at the top. It’s not necessarily a T-shape – more of an upside-down L than a T.

One consistency here is the rather short handle – unlike what you find with a Hypervolt, for example.

The materials used are predominantly plastic, but they look and feel like durable plastic. It’s also well put together; there are no visible screws. It’s a mixture of glossy black and satin.

The combination is well thought out and may resonate well with many people. We think the Bob and Brad T2 is more appealing than the C2 model. Unlike the C2, this one doesn’t have the ventilation sticking out at the top. 

It comes in a sturdy, compact, and zippered carrying case. We found a charging cable, spare gaskets for the attachments, and a pretty awesome manual inside the case. The manual provides information on the attachments, the device, and instructions on how to use it to massage various parts of your body.

What About Size, Weight, and Ergonomics?

Compactness is another consistency that Bob and Brad massage guns like to maintain with all their devices.

Like the C2, the T2 model measures 5.4 x 2.4 x 7.6 inches – that sounds like a mini massage gun, right? No, it’s not a mini massage gun, but we wouldn’t call it a full-sized massager either – something in between, maybe.

It weighs 1.45 pounds without an attachment and 1.57 pounds with a flat head attached. That is just about the perfect size and weight for a comfortable massage. It balances well with most of the weight in the handle.

This massage gun’s ergonomics aren’t great, but they’re not too bad either.

For starters, even though it’s T-shaped, which we don’t like, for good reason – it puts a lot of strain on your wrist – the handle is oval-shaped rather than round-shaped. That means it’s more comfortable to hold.

We might say it’s similar to what Hyperice has done with their massage guns. However, we know that Bob and Brad had this configuration first – think the C2 model. Even so, the Bob and Brad T2 has the upper hand compared to the Hypervolts because it’s compact and weighs much less.

We also have to mention that because of this massage gun’s short handle and compact nature, massaging the lower back or mid-back (DIY) may not be easy. However, we appreciate that part of the handle features a good rubber grip to make the hold firm.

There is no rubber at the top or bottom of the handle. That complicates things for people who prefer to hold the device at the top or those who may hold it at the bottom when massaging the lower back.

We love how Taotronics (an alternative below) executed the rubber on the handle. Maybe Bob and Brad can borrow a thing or two.

Overall, we believe the Bob and Brad T2 is a perfect size and weighs just enough to be a full-sized massage gun. However, it feels more like a revamped C2 than an entirely new muscle massager.

Apart from minor configuration changes, this appears to be the C2 model 2.0. 

Controls On the Bob and Brad Massage Gun T2

The controls couldn’t be more straightforward. This one has a one-button control, located at the bottom of the handle, rather than the main switch, as seen with Hypervolts and many other devices.

The button works in the following way:

• Long-press to turn on and off.
• Short taps of the button to change speed.

Just like we saw with the C2 model, the power button is inset. That means you won’t press it accidentally when pushing down the muscle massager to apply pressure. This is a practical solution to a common issue.

5 blue LEDs indicate speed, and 4 others at the bottom of the handle indicate the battery level. 

Attachments And Their Applications

Bob and Brad know what attachments you need to massage the whole body, so they included 5 nicely varied heads for this gun.

Let’s discuss them:

• Cushion head:
  Bob and Brad have always included this massage gun head. It’s excellent and has a nice give to it. It’s used on sensitive or bony areas. You can also use it for a full-body massage if you need a gentle massage. Another reason we believe Bob and Brad always include this head is because of the kind of therapy they give, advising people how to treat pain areas using massage guns.
• Flat head:
  This is another one that’s always been included with the other massage guns. It is made of hard plastic. The hard plastic is fine, but the flat end is thinner than usual, making the entire attachment appear longer.
• Fork head:
  This one is also made of hard plastic. However, we believe the distance between the two prongs could’ve been slightly wider. That would have made passing along the spine safe and avoided massaging it directly. 
• Bullet head:
  This one is for trigger point massages and deep muscle knots. It’s often made of hard plastic. 
• Ball head:
  This is often the universal attachment for any massage gun. The tip is made of foam, not silicone. It has a slight give to it, but it is nothing unusual. 

The mechanism for inserting the attachments is a push-in design. You won’t need a lot of force to push them in.

However, we encountered a bit of a problem using them. They tend to pop out. It happened too often, especially when we used higher speeds (for a few minutes).

Note: There is a Bob and Brad T2 Pro, which includes a hot and cold massage gun attachment. However, it also came off repeatedly during our tests, making the massage gun inefficient.

Because of this, we can’t help but feel that the twist-on/off system is better. We have seen it with Ekrin 365; the attachments lock on securely—a simple but effective solution.

Bob and Brad T2 Performance

In performance, we examine amplitude (stroke length), Stall force, and Percussions Per Minute (PPM). How does the T2 rank here? Is it better than the previous C2 model or the newer X6 Pro? Let’s find out!

Measured Amplitude

The amplitude, also known as stroke length, refers to the distance the massage gun head covers as it moves back and forth during percussion.

The Bob and Brad T2 has an advertised stroke length of 10mm. We measured the amplitude using our digital caliper, and it is indeed 10 mm (or 10.19 mm, as measured on our device).

Compared to the previous C2 model, this is already an improvement. The C2 had an 8mm amplitude. To put that into numbers, that is a 20% improvement in amplitude. This is the most tremendous difference between the C2 and the T2 models.

With an 8 mm amplitude, the C2 model falls into the mini massage gun category rather than the full-sized one. That said, 10 mm isn’t percussive territory either—it’s vibrational at best but still better than 8mm. This means you won’t get any percussive or punchy hits like those found in a Theragun or the D6 Pro (also from Bob and Brad).

However, this is okay if you want a soothing massage or need to warm up the body for an exercise. It’s also effective for relieving muscle soreness, improving blood flow, and providing a general massage for most body parts.

Don’t expect this muscle massage gun to hit deep into the muscle, especially not large muscles. That job is for massage guns with longer amplitudes – those can hit harder and penetrate deeper into the muscle tissue. 

To compare, the earliest (first-generation) Hypervolt had the same amplitude. Their new Hypervolts have better amplitude – Hypervolt 2 has a 12 mm amplitude. We can also say that it has 50% less amplitude than Theragun or Achedaway Pro. Even the Theragun mini has a 12 mm amplitude. 

Stall Force

Bob and Brad advertise the stall force for the T2 massage gun as 44lbs. That is decent, even better than many percussion massagers we have seen before with this kind of stroke length. But is it really that strong?

Well, we tested it against muscle massagers of the same caliber, and we have to say it doesn’t feel like 44 lbs at all. We tested it against the Taotronics TA-PCA004 gun (one of the alternatives shown below), and it felt way stronger. Maybe the Bob and Brad T2 is slightly stronger than the previous C2 model, but not as strong as the newer Bob and Brad X6 Pro.

It stalls rather easily on lower gears. The resistance is slightly better when the speed is cranked up a notch. However, even at higher speeds, you can’t apply much pressure before it significantly slows down.

We also noticed that when it stalls, it takes about 2-3 seconds before it can start revving again. That differs from the Taotronics and Ekrin 365, which kick off immediately.

We still believe its stall force can serve about 80% of folks who need a massage gun. However, after seeing the specs, you can’t blame us for expecting more.

Tested Speeds and Percussion Range

The advertised percussion range is 2000-3200 RPM. We measured it with a digital laser tachometer, and the results were 2012-3113 RPM – pretty much the same.

It has 5 speeds to complement that percussion range, which is relatively reasonable.

It’s a high-revving muscle massager, and we’re guessing that’s because of the low amplitude. That also means it can get pretty intense on higher gears, especially when gliding it over the skin.

A thing to keep in mind is that when you try to apply some more force, the speed will slow – the weak motor can’t handle a lot of pressure.

Bob and Brad T2 – Noise Measured Levels

Bob and Brad’s massage guns have always been quiet, but most massage guns with similar amplitudes are rarely loud. For comparison, the T2 massager is a tad louder than the previous C2 model, but, again, a lower amplitude means a quieter motor.

Our dB meter gave us 54.4/58.2 dB for the first and last speed. That is decent enough, but we’ve seen quieter massage guns.

The manufacturer’s specifications state that it’s quieter than our dB readings – they claim a minimum working noise level of 45 dB.

But we guess it’s okay. We heard some rattling sound at the highest speed and vibrations in the holding hand, but nothing unusual.

What To Expect From It’s Battery

The Bob and Brad T2 has a 2600mAh capacity battery, which is reasonable and perfectly okay. They say the battery can last for 2 – 5 hours of continuous use, and we will not argue with that.

However, we must say that the battery time will depend on the speed and pressure applied during continuous use. Expect the battery to drain out in ~2 hours at higher speeds or when more pressure is applied.

There is a 10-minute auto-shutoff to prevent overheating (it gets hot when used for a while).

The battery charge is USB-C, a great convenience – better than wall chargers. You can charge it via a power bank.

Who Is It Best For? Or Avoid It If You…

This kind of setup screams entry-level all the way. That means it’s probably just good enough for everyday use at home. It will be ideal for individuals just starting with massage guns and looking for a basic option.

Price and Warranty

Last we checked, it was priced at around $109 on Amazon. There was also a limited-time deal for 20% off, making it $87. It’s a fair price for this kind of massage gun. Check the current price at Amazon here.

This sounds like an amazing deal until you find better alternatives at a similar price. Even better, you can get a solid alternative at half that price.

The warranty here is 1 year – the bare minimum.

Bob and Brad T2 vs C2 – Summary

What’s new in the Bob and Brad T2 hand-held massager model?

• Higher amplitude – it has 10 mm compared to 8 mm on the C2 model.
• There is more stall force (on paper), but we’re unsure because it feels the same during our testing.
• The glossy look and the ventilation grills at the top (on the C2 model) are gone on the Bob and Brad T2 model. There are also some minor design changes.

What stayed the same?

• The percussion range.
• Size and weight.
• Number of attachments included.
• Carrying case.
• USB-C charging.
• Warranty.
• Battery: The most recent Bob and Brad T2 model has a 4000 mAh battery, while the C2 model has a 2500 mAh battery.

Best Bob and Brad T2 Massage Gun Alternatives?

Get 20% off with the MGA20 code.

Go to Ekrin

Ekrin 365 – “Investing a bit more always pays off!”

You will have to spend a little more on this one, but it’s worth every extra dollar.

For starters, the stall force is greater and better. It’s 40 lbs, which is actually 40 lbs and not just bait. The percussion range is similar here – which is a plus for Ekrin 365, but the other specs are better.

It also feels more percussive, although the amplitude is more or less similar to the T2 model.

The handling is a massive advantage of the Ekrin 365 percussive massager over the Bob and Brad T2. The ergonomics are way better here.

You could argue for different approaches, but the slanted handle sits better in your hand than the straight handle. Moreover, the Ekrin 365 handle is longer (for hard-to-reach body parts, such as the lower back) and thinner (for folks with small hands, especially females).

The T2 model may be elegant, but the Ekrin 365 feels more premium; the materials used are softer and feel nicer in quality. There is also a USB-C-type charger available here.

However, the significant advantage is the attachment lock-in mechanism. The twist-to-secure option is superior to the push-in on the T2—the attachments don’t pop out when at high speeds. 

It’s safe to buy the Ekrin 365 because you get a lifetime warranty compared to the 1-year warranty with the T2 massage gun.

The Ekrin 365 normally costs $179, but you can use the MGA20 coupon for a 20% discount and get it for $143.20. That is about a bit more than Bob and Brad T2, but it’s worth it, because it works!

MORE INFO: Read our hands-on Ekrin 365 Review for more details.

Taotronics TT-004 Massage Gun – More Affordable and Improved Quality

The Taotronics TT-004 is better executed than the Bob and Brad T2. However, what’s even better is that it’s about half the price of the T2!

In terms of size, the Taotronics looks slightly larger than the T2 massage gun. The weight of the Taotronics TT-004 is slightly higher at 1.65 pounds.

The handle is also slightly longer and, unlike the Bob and Brad T2, features rubber all over it to make handling easier.

The body is also not just plastic, like the T2; there are some metallic parts here and there that give it a rather stylish look. The quality of the materials used is also better, which is ironic given the price!

Performance is also not so bad for a muscle gun that costs so little. You get a 9 mm amplitude – 1 mm less than the T2 model, but with more than enough stall force.

During our tests, we found that the Taotronics massage gun was stronger than the T2. That happened during our test when pressure was applied. The Taotronics may stall, but it resumes revving instantly. The Bob and Brad T2 requires a 2 to 3-second pause before it can resume operation.

The Taotronics also has one of the broadest percussion ranges we’ve seen—1000-3000 RPM, which is fantastic! If only they hadn’t overdone it with 20 speeds. Maybe it’s the wide range, but 20 speeds are a bit of an overstretch.

With this handheld massager, you get a dedicated charger, not just a USB-C (like in the Ekrin 365). It comes with a 1-year warranty, like the Bob and Brad T2.

The price is what makes this device a winner. It only costs $119.99, and when on sale, it can be as little as $69.99 – Now, that’s an incredible deal.
You can buy it in Taotronics’s store.

We bought several devices from them and always had a smooth shopping experience.

READ MORE: our hands-on the Taotronics TT-PCA004 review

Review Summary

Before we end our Bob and Brad T2 review, we have to note a few things;

• The Bob and Brad T2 is a decent beginner massage gun.
• The design is well thought out and aligns with everything Bob and Brad have released over the years. 
• The only upgrades from the small C2 massage gun model are the 10 mm amplitude and ventilation removal at the top. Otherwise, it feels a lot more like C2 model 2.0.

So, if you love Bob and Brad massage guns, this one stays consistent with everything you love about their devices. However, we think that at this price point, it doesn’t represent the best value for money.

There are better alternatives that have similar (or often better) features and cost the same or even lower – the Taotronics massage gun is a great example.

If you’re considering the Ekrin 365, you can really feel good about your choice! It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know you’re getting a top-notch product that’s built to last.

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They released their Bob and Brad D5 Pro massage gun in May 2024, and we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it to take it for a spin.

This article details our findings, including verifying the claimed specifications and how we tested its effectiveness in treating muscle soreness after a workout and tension in the neck and shoulders.

Our Overall Verdict and Rating for the Bob and Brad D5 Pro Massage Gun

We like it! The Bob and Brad D5 Pro is one of the best affordable massage guns, retailing for under USD 170 – save a further $30 off with our discount code (below).

But don’t let the lower price point fool you into thinking the quality is sub-par. The Bob and Brad D5 Pro offers excellent quality and performance without putting a dent in your pocket. 

It is also among the quietest percussion massagers we’ve tested, even at high RPMs. You will surely enjoy a quiet massage.

No doubt about it, the D5 Pro is an impressive massage gun at a great price point.

Below are some of the features that are a standout in comparison to some other sports massagers in the same price range:

Bob and Brad D5 Pro vs Theragun Relief vs Theragun Sense vs Hypervolt 2: Side-by-Side Specs Comparison

Comprehensive Bob and Brad D5 Pro Massage Gun Review

Complete Specifications for the Bob and Brad D5 Pro

Our testing impressions:

• It is not a ‘hard massager’ and is still effective for
  trigger point massage
• Ergonomic design & overall quality
• A budget massage gun when
  compared to other renowned brands

Our review score:

4.5

Save $30 with the MGAD5PRO code.

Check at Amazon

TIP: If you haven’t come across Bob and Brad Massage Guns before, they are probably the most well-known physiotherapists online. Their YouTube channel has amassed nearly half a billion views!

What’s Included with the Bob and Brad D5?

This percussion massager comes with a user manual, a USB-C cable, a power adapter, and five massage gun attachments, all neatly packaged together in a semi-rigid carry case. 

Conveniently, the massage gun attachments also come with a zippable soft pouch. It keeps things nice and tidy, and we love that! 

Bob and Brad’s brand has hit the mark with this percussion massager, offering exceptional quality inclusions. 

Moving on, let’s have a look at the muscle massager.

Design Features of the Bob and Brad D5 Pro

Aesthetics, Frame, and Handle

One of the first things we noticed was the aesthetics – it looks nice, but the similarities to the Theragun are still evident. We won’t rehash all comparisons, as we wrote about when comparing the Bob and Brad D6 Pro to the Theragun Pro.

However, to make just one comparison, the Bob and Brad D5 Pro sports massager is quite a bit longer (the handle is shown in the image above); for some people, this may make a difference in ergonomics.

Particularly for people with small hands, you may find the length makes it a little awkward to hold comfortably for any extended period. In that respect, the ergonomics of the Theragun are, in our opinion, superior.

What’s nice is the smooth finish of the handle, which gives the device a premium feel. The top of the grip features an anti-slip texture for better control, even when you’re a sweaty mess having a trigger point massage.

The shape of the handle on this sports massager is oval, which feels comfortable. The joint edges are smooth and don’t feel rough when holding it.

For smaller hands, the top handle’s girth is the right size, so it won’t leave your hand aching after a lengthy massage.

Sticking to its D-shape design, this sports massager is versatile and can reach different areas of the body with ease, such as when treating glute muscle pain.

The design allows you to grip the muscle massager’s frame at the top, end, and bottom, giving you leverage to reach those hard-to-reach places, such as when you have pain in your lower back and buttocks. 

Noise Level of the Bob and Brad D5 Pro

Something we love about Bob and Brad massage guns is how quiet they are, and the D5 Pro sports massager is no exception. It provides a quiet massage that other percussion massagers, such as Theragun Prime, Theragun Pro 5th Gen, or Toloco massage gun can’t offer.

This has been achieved using a brushless motor and Bob and Brad massage gun’s proprietary sound insulation. Compared to the Theragun Elite (4th Gen), for example, which has a decibel range of 60 dB to 67 dB, the Bob and Brad D5 Pro massage gun is whisper-quiet, ranging from 42 dB to 51 dB.  

When pressed against the skin, there is a slight rattle, which becomes audible but not as much as other brands. 

Bob and Brad D5 Pro Weight Analysis

Weighing the D5 Pro without massage gun attachments, the muscle massager weighed 2.1875 lbs, rounded to 2 decimal places (2.19 lbs). The manufacturer’s description states the D5 Pro weighs 2.18 lbs, a negligible difference from our test result. 

Not the lightest percussion massager on the market, but we consider 2.2 lbs to be an acceptable weight for most people to operate without discomfort.

User-Friendly Controls of the Bob and Brad D5 Pro

The two control buttons are located at the top of the handle and are easily reachable. The LCD screen is bright and clear, so you can see which mode you’ve selected at a glance before a trigger point treatment.

The top control button powers the muscle massager on and off and increases speed. You must long-press the button to turn it on (2 seconds) or off (1.5 seconds). 

The lower button, when pressed quickly, decreases the speed. A long press of the same button changes the massage mode. More on massage modes later. 

5 Massage Gun Attachments Included

It comes with 5 different massage gun attachments made of silicone and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The large ball head also comprises Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). 

Testing the variety of massage gun attachments one by one, you can certainly feel how each provides a different massage experience to help with natural pain relief.

At 12.8 mm, the amplitude (explained below) is still not as long as we would like to provide a deep-tissue massage using the standard attachment. As expected, there is a noticeable difference in the feel of the Bob and Brad D6 Pro with its 16 mm of amplitude.

Despite this, we felt that the D5 Pro provided a satisfactory deep-tissue massage with the large ball head massage gun attachment.

For those who prefer a gentler massage or if you’re experiencing DOMS, then we found the air cushion massage gun attachment to be an excellent choice. This head provides a much softer percussive therapy while relieving the aching muscles.  In addition to the large ball head and the air cushion head, the other massage gun attachments included are:

• Standard ball head: This one looks and feels almost the same as Theragun’s dampener, making it ideal for overall use. It didn’t deliver a deep massage like the large ball head and was also not as soft as the air cushion.
• Bullet head: Perfect for trigger point massage^​1​ and felt particularly nice on the feet. 
• Spade head: great for use as a shoulder reliever on the shoulder blades or directly in the crease of your neck to treat tension in your neck and shoulders. It’s also the best attachment for natural pain relief on your IT bands.

All massage gun attachments are easy to clean and designed not to absorb sweat or lotions. 

Massage Modes

The Bob and Brad D5 Pro massage gun has 4 preset massage modes. Each mode delivers a different cycle of RPMs, and the mode selected is displayed on the LCD panel at the top of the device.

• Mode M1 – standard manual mode – you are in control.
• Mode M2 – starts at a lower speed and incrementally increases.
  This mode is suitable for muscle relaxation and soreness after workouts.
• Mode M3 – starts at a higher speed and incrementally decreases.
  This mode is recommended for muscle activation (i.e., massage before workouts).
• Mode M4 – RPMs change incrementally in a pyramid pattern, starting at a lower speed before reaching a top of 2250 RPM, then reducing speed again.
  This mode suits all applications (i.e., general vibration therapy benefits).

Note: The sports massager has an inbuilt auto-off timer that stops the device after 10 minutes of use. With a press of the button, you can power it back on again immediately.

Performance Review of the Bob and Brad D5 Pro Massage Gun

Following our in-house standards for assessing all muscle massagers equally, we have measured noise levels, RPM, and amplitude to verify the Bob and Brad D5 Pro massage gun specifications.

RPM and Noise Levels

When we started the percussion massager, we noticed it was decently quiet, with no noticeable rattles or shakes. So, how did it fare in our tests? 

We measured the noise at the lowest and the highest RPMs. Our test indicated that the noise levels range from 40 dB at 1,500 RPM to 51 dB at 2,500 RPM, which makes it one of the quietest full-sized massage guns we’ve tested. Here’s where we said you’ll enjoy a quiet massage!

Amplitude

We were curious about a 12.8 mm amplitude—why not stretch it to 13 mm? Nonetheless, 0.2mm isn’t much of a difference, is it? Well, there wouldn’t be if the amplitude was, in fact, 12.8 mm, as stated by the manufacturer; however, when it came time to do our testing, it seemed it didn’t quite live up to this claim. 

We measured Bob and Brad D5 Pro’s arm without an attachment using a digital caliper. As you can see from the pictures above, the amplitude measured doesn’t quite reach 12.8 mm, as the manufacturer stated. In our test, we measured the Bob and Brad D5 Pro amplitude at 12.2 mm.

Perhaps it was just the one device – who knows?- But seeing such a deviation from their claim of almost 13 mm was a minor disappointment.  

Related: Highest amplitude massage gun recommendations (Punchy sports massager like Theragun Prime or the Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun for best deep tissue massage).

Stall Force

Boasting an impressive 55 lbs stall force – almost as much as the Theragun Pro (60 lbs) – we were keen to see if we could stall this sports massager. 

We tested the D5 Pro’s stall force with a full charge on the quads. Jade could not apply enough pressure to stall the device at 1500 RPM. The additional pressure, however, provided a deep tissue massage – but at the expense of a tired arm.

But who is going to apply that much pressure for an extended period, anyway? 

Likewise, when Mario attempted to stall the muscle massager on his quads, he was unable to. The only time we were able to stall the D5 Pro was when Mario applied pressure on Jade’s leg, but even that took some effort. 

When applying pressure (read about the Pressure Sensor below), the LCD displays the pressure level with 7 or 8 horizontal lines. (Due to vibrations, it cannot be adequately seen.) The more pressure is applied, the more lines appear on the display – until it stalls. 

It’s safe to say that the stall force on the Bob and Brad D5 Pro massage gun is impressive and great for those who want a deeper muscle massage.

Pressure Sensor

Bob and Brad massage guns have integrated a pressure sensor into the Bob and Brad D5 Pro percussion massager, similar to the one in the Bob and Brad D6 Pro sports massager.

On the OLED display, the number of bars below “Mode-M4” increases as more pressure is applied to the massage gun head.

The sensor doesn’t register additional pressure immediately, but only when the applied pressure is constant or increasing (like on back pressure points).

As more pressure is applied to the muscle massager, it bounces erratically, making it difficult to see what is displayed. Furthermore, the stall force is considerable, and you couldn’t apply that much pressure, let’s say, when treating lower back pain and neck tension (you wouldn’t use a Theragun for neck pain). As with our D6 Pro review, we feel the indicator is redundant.

Battery Performance

What’s impressive about this battery-powered percussion massager is that the manufacturer claims an extended battery life of up to 4 hours! It has a non-removable 2500 mAh battery, the same as those in the Bob and Brad massage guns D6 Pro, Q2 mini, and X6 Pro.

We followed the battery use recommendations to maximize its run life. With a fully charged device, we use the muscle massager once per day for 20 minutes. We confirm that a new battery will operate for between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the settings. 

Don’t worry, though. With the USB-C fast charger, your battery will be fully charged in just 2 hours and 15 minutes, or the equivalent of 135 minutes (our tested charging time).

Price and Warranty

Its price tag makes it one of the best affordable massage guns of great quality, compared to other well-known brands that offer less for a slightly more expensive hand-held massage gun.

Its introductory price is $169.99, but you get a massive discount when using our coupon.
It means you can have it for $139.99 instead. How?
Buy it on Amazon, tick the coupon box, then apply our MGAD5PRO code at the checkout to get the discount.

On the other hand, the Ekrin Kestrel is the stand-out and continues to offer a lifetime warranty!

Final Thoughts on the Bob and Brad D5 Pro Massage Gun

We really like Bob and Brad’s D5 Pro Sport massager. It is a quality device that delivers effective percussive therapy. We love that it offers a quiet massage and the premium feel of the product. 

The ergonomics are suitable for most, thanks to the D-shape frame and the anti-slip oval handle, which make massaging hard-to-reach muscles a cinch. We feel that smaller hands might struggle to find a snug and comfortable grip, given the massager’s overall size.

In saying that, if you’ve not used a sports massager before, you may not ‘feel’ its size as much as someone who has used other percussive devices – in particular, a Theragun Prime. Combined with the large ball massage gun attachment, we found the amplitude to be sufficient for everyday users, but it lacked the punch we had hoped for (as seen on 16 mm muscle massagers).

While some other massage gun attachments provide a more relaxing massage experience and are still suitable for trigger point massage, those looking for deep tissue massage relief need a harder massager. The best option is to look at other products with a longer amplitude, such as the Bob and Brad D6 Pro, the Theragun Elite, the Theragun Prime, or the Theragun Pro.

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The Q2 mini percussion massager (previously model) has been a hit due to its outstanding qualities. It stood out from other comparable mini massage guns on the market for these reasons: 

• the smallest mini massage gun in the market (without feeling like a toy),
• a great stall force for its size
• a sleek design
• Its whisper-quiet operation, and
• It is affordable

What’s new on the Q2 Pro mini massage gun?
Spoiler alert: They have added a new ‘Hot and Cold Therapy’ attachment!

But what is this ‘hot and cold therapy’ massage gun attachment for? Simply put, it assists with pain relief for muscle pain. Like hot packs, heat therapy improves blood flow and flexibility, which can be beneficial before a workout. On the other hand, like an ice pack for injury, cold therapy helps reduce muscle inflammation and is great after workouts.

TIP: Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck have over 60 years of combined experience in the physical therapy field. Their YouTube channel, which started in 2011, strives to offer the best “get fit, stay healthy and pain-free” information. The Bob and Brad brand was started in 2014.

Let’s get into the details of what the Q2 Pro mini massage gun offers!

Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun Review

Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Specifications (Verified)

Why we like it:

• Compact and lightweight
• Sturdy stall force (approx. 35 lbs)
• Super quiet (30 dB at top speed)
• Well-crafted design

Our review score:

4.7

Buy it at Amazon.

Check Price

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Unboxing and First Impressions – Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun Video

We have made a video (below), which was published on our YouTube channel (remember to subscribe 🙂

In the video, you see us unboxing the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun, showcasing the attachments, and demonstrating its operation.

Our video aims to help you better visualize what the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro mini massage gun comes with before we discuss it in more detail below in this expert review. Enjoy it!

What Is Included with the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Percussion Massager?

As you’ve seen in the video, the Q2 Pro comes with a nice lux case. It’s a compact 7 x 7-inch case made of semi-rigid material, and you can expect it to last. The case also has a carrying strap, which is quite helpful.

Inside, you will find:

• five massage gun attachments, 
• a USB-C cable, a user manual with the specs and instructions, 
• spare gaskets, 
• and the smallest massage gun we have tested.

In what is a first for a mini massager (or portable massager), Bob and Brad have added a hot and cold therapy attachment.

Featured Hot And Cold Therapy Attachment

This massage gun attachment is a great addition to the Q2 Pro’s kit and works well!

The ‘Hot and Cold Therapy’ massage gun attachment works independently from the percussive massager. One button activates the cold settings, and the second is the hot one.

To turn it on, press either mode button for 3 seconds. If you want a different hotter or colder setting, then it’s a single press of the same button.

We were impressed by how quickly the head heats and cools. When the cold is in operation, condensation starts to form on the head; it is noticeable within seconds of turning on.

At this point, we’d like to add that the hot and cold attachment also works independently from the percussive massager.

Whilst the attachment is operating in cool mode, a low-frequency ‘swirl’ sound is audible. This noise is from its internal fan system and is normal. It’s not loud and is imperceptible when the massage gun is on.

The attachment is charged separately to the percussion massager and has different charging times. Both will automatically switch off after 10 minutes of operation.

Anecdotally, I have had ongoing issues with elbow pain during training. Generally, to reduce discomfort, I’d apply pressure and massage the area before, during, and after training. This helped to alleviate the pain, but it was still bothersome throughout my workouts. 

I decided to test the Q2 Pro with the hot and cold attachment on the area to see if I could improve the tenderness. To warm the muscle and promote blood flow, I started by warming the muscle with percussive therapy and the attachment set to hot—using both 102°F and 113°F temperatures for approximately 5 minutes. 

Finally, at the end of my routine, I pulled out the small percussion massager Q2 Pro and used it in the cold setting to help reduce any inflammation. I was quietly surprised that this did, in fact, help reduce the discomfort I usually feel following my workout.

Although the hot and cold attachment provides relief for a small area, it seems less effective when applied to a larger muscle group or area. The surface area is just too small for it to provide much benefit to quads or glutes for instance. 

Attachments – The Standard Ones

This device includes five attachments. Four are standard shapes, and the fifth is the new hot and cold massage gun attachment.

The other four massage gun attachments are explained in this table:

The five heads are enough for the number of attachments. The four standard heads can be seen below:

The Device – Smallest Massage Gun We Have Tested

Its size makes it portable and handy, and all-round a great small massage gun device. Unlike many other small guns we’ve tested (such as the Theragun Mini or mini massager Amazon), the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro stands out in size, design, stall force, and quietness!

When grabbing it out of its case, the first impression is this portable mini massager’s unexpected weight (1 lb) and its size which is smaller than a US dollar!  

The body of the Q2 Pro mini massage gun has a glossy plastic finish with rubber on the handle to add a good grip. It’s a seamless design with no visible screws. It has some tiny orifices at the top for cooling purposes and a charging port at the bottom.

Size and Ergonomics – Mini Percussion Massager

This massage gun mini is very compact, unlike any other we have tested. It measures 5.7 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches.

Maneuvering into a position where you can comfortably massage your back is a little awkward because of its small size – unless you have the flexibility to reach those hard-to-get places. Read here for a guide to help you choose a massage gun that’s right for you and back pain! 

Despite all this, it is still a great travel companion and an excellent portable massager.

Additionally, the Q2 Pro mini massage gun has been approved for carry-on baggage. Pack it in its sturdy case or pack it amongst your clothes. Either way, you’ll barely notice it’s there.

Controls

Control is straightforward. There is just one button on the back of the handle, and because it doesn’t protrude, accidental pressing is unlikely.

Pressing the button for 2 seconds turns it ON/OFF. When ON, the lightning-like LED and the first dot above light up blue. Every following button press increases the speed level until it reaches the fifth blue LED dot.

To pause, press the button for 2 seconds. The device will stand by for 15 seconds (the lightning-like LED will still be blue) and then turn off. To continue with the percussive therapy before it goes off, press the button once and select the desired speed by subsequent presses.

Performance

How does this mini massage gun perform during our tests? We focused on the amplitude, stall force, percussions per minute, and the combination of all three while in operation.

Amplitude

Also known as stroke length, this is the distance the massage gun head travels during percussion.

The measurement correlates to the manufacturer’s specifications. It is 7mm.

With a 7 mm amplitude, this mini percussion massager feels more like vibration therapy rather than that deeper feeling you get from a longer amplitude^​​3​. Let’s not forget that this is a mini massage gun, however, and it’s not going to give you the same sensations as a full-size massage device.

However, for the sake of comparison, the Ekrin Bantam has 9mm of amplitude. Despite the difference of only 2 mm, the additional stroke length can be felt.

Outclassing all of them in the mini massage gun category is the Theragun mini, dominating the others with an impressive 12 mm amplitude.

As we discovered, Bob and Brad have somewhat compensated for the shorter amplitude with a reasonable stall force on the Q2 Pro. Let’s find out more:

Stall Force

Stall force is the pressure it takes to stop a device from percussing.

Amazingly, the stall force of the Q2 Pro mini massage gun is pretty surprising! During our comparison tests against other mini percussion massagers, the Q2 Pro stood proudly.

The Q2 Pro’s stall force is advertised as 35 lbs, that number alone is considerable since it’s almost as big as some full-sized massage guns. Although we could stall the Q2, it was a challenge!

This small percussive massager has more stall force than some larger power percussion devices. So, don’t be fooled by its tiny size.

We wanted to compare the Q2 Pro (small percussive massager) with the Ekrin Bantam (mini vibration massager), which also claims to have 35 lbs of stall force. The Ekrin Bantam’s stall force was underwhelming, being quite a bit easier to stall than the Q2 Pro. 

Our verdict on the Q2’s stall force – simply put, it’s incredible! This small percussive massager has more stall force than some larger power percussion devices. So, don’t be fooled by its tiny size.

Speeds And Percussions

The Q2 Pro mini massage gun has five speeds. By changing the speeds and adjusting the pressure, you can have a massage on the go. The manufacturer’s recommendations on speed and pressures are summarized below:

• At the lowest speed, 1, and low pressure, for the reduction in muscle pain to increase movement.
• Speed 2 and moderate pressure will aid with muscle relaxation.
• Speed 3 and light pressure to massage before or after workout.
• Speed 4 and heavy pressure (on large muscles, sore glutes) for Myofascial muscle release and mobility.

However, remember that this is still a mini massage gun. For the best deep tissue massage, consider a full-size percussion massager similar to professional massage tools.

During our tests, we measured the Q2 Pro’s percussion range and confirmed it is within the manufacturer’s specifications, ranging between 1800 – 3000 RPM.

The maximum 3000 RPM, combined with the great stall force of this muscle pain massager, is sufficient for providing natural pain relief.

Other competitors’ mini massagers, such as the Ekrin Bantam, can rev up to 3200 RPM, allowing it to achieve a deep massage without pressing it harder.

Read More: Our in-depth Ekrin Bantam review.

Noise

It’s not uncommon for such compact devices with small amplitudes to produce little noise. However, Bob and Brad hit the mark again and have produced a very quiet massage gun for a relaxed experience.

Standard digital sound level meters have an operational range between 30 and 130 dB. A faint level is considered between 20 – 30 dB, like leaves rustling. A soft level between 30 – 40 dB is like a whisper or the noise in a quiet library.

The Q2 Pro is the quietest mini massage gun we have tested. In the photos above, a female hand holds the percussion massager instead of clamping it to a surface. But why?

We noticed that at a distance of 8 inches apart, some minimum noise was registered from the vibrations going through the clamp and to the flat surface. To be more accurate, we eliminated that interference by asking Jade to hold the device at minimum and maximum speed.

The results were surprising! At 8 inches from the microphone (our common practice), the Q2 Pro never registered above 30 dB! Out of curiosity, we decided to put the noise meter just beside the motor, and the readings went to 43 dB at the lowest speed and 54 dB at the highest speed.

Battery – Mini Massage Gun

Its 2500 mAh battery capacity provides more than 2 hours of operation, depending on the speed settings and pressure applied to a muscle (different for a neck tight muscle or a sore middle back).

To charge the device, use the USB-C cable provided and a regular phone adapter with 5V/2A. If the adapter has less than 5V/2A, it will take longer to charge.

The battery LED indicator is lightning-shaped. It is blue when the battery capacity is more than 30%. This LED turns red when there’s a 30% battery, and if it starts flashing, it has less than 20%.

The light is solid green when charging and goes off when the battery is fully charged. 

Battery – Hot And Cold Massage Attachment

As mentioned, the ‘hot and cold’ attachment charges independently of the percussion massager. Below, we have summarized the specifications for both batteries and, more importantly, charging and running battery times.

Who Is It Best For, Then?

It’s adequate for folks who want a portable mini percussion massager with hot and cold therapy included that actually works (even on a plane). It is like having the best massage near on the go.

Someone who spends long hours behind the desk would benefit from a short break to treat myofascial muscle release or trapezius muscle pain.

We find the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro to be an everyday mini massage gun. One of the features I appreciate the most is how whisper-quiet it is. As such, it can be used while watching TV without increasing the volume considerably or disturbing others.

Because of its speed range, powerful motor, diverse attachments, and hot and cold therapy attachment, this mini massage gun can comfortably be used on painful muscles or for soreness after workouts.

All of this helps accelerate muscle tissue recovery and responsiveness. This massager machine provides sufficient impact to improve blood circulation^​4​ and lymphatic drainage.

The senior community may also enjoy the sensations of the hot and cold attachment. It has only one operational button, easy LED color signals, and can be charged with a standard USB-C; seniors will find it super simple to use and carry (our guide on massage guns for the elderly).

Warranty and Price

It is affordable for such a convenient massage device. Packed with great features and solid performance, this should be featured as the best massage gun Amazon! Well, mini!

As of the time this article was published, the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro was $89.99. The good news is that you can get $20 off with a coupon available on Amazon.

It comes with a 1-year warranty by default.

Review Summary

This is a very well-executed compact percussion massager with heat from a well-known brand.

• It has a quality feel too it with a seamless design. 
• The Q2 Pro is lightweight without it being too light that it feels toy-like. This makes it nicer to hold when operating. 
• The Q2 Pro’s compact size makes it perfect as a traveling companion, and it is rated for carrying on planes. 
• It is the quietest mini massage gun we have ever tested so that you will have a more relaxing percussive therapy. 
• Even though we’d classify it as more vibration therapy (because of its 7mm amplitude), the brushless motor technology provides an impressive stall force hardly seen in mini percussion massagers. You have to press hard to stall it. 
• It is very easy to operate with its simple changing color LEDs. 
• Finally, it is priced at an affordable price for a portable mini massage gun that won’t disappoint.

How is the new Air 2 Mini massager? Is it any good? It sure looks like Theragun Mini, but does it offer what the latter does, or is it even a tad better?

Hang around for this and more, including whether you need to consider buying it.

Bob and Brad’s Lineup

Bob and Brad’s^​1​ track record in the world of massage guns is nothing short of impressive. Their lineup boasts names like C2, T2, Q2, Uni, X6 Pro and D6 Pro – devices we’ve had the pleasure of putting through their paces.

• The D6 Pro won our hearts with its powerful specs and overall quality, firmly securing its place as one of the top alternatives to the Theragun Pro.
• The Q2 mini massager, on the other hand, carved a niche for itself as a pocket-sized powerhouse, proving that great things do come in small packages.

And now, we turn our attention to their latest creation, the Air 2 Mini massage gun. As we dive into this review, we find ourselves pondering where it fits in among its siblings and whether it can hold its own against the usual suspects like the Theragun Mini, Ekrin Bantam, and more.

First Impressions and a Little Digression

(Feel free to skip to the Air 2 Mini Review section if high-level debating and dilemmas make you sleepy.)

The first thing that pops into your head, and trust me, it crossed our minds too, is what’s the deal with “Air 2”? Is there some elusive “Air 1” hidden in the shadows that we’re not privy to? It’s a fair question, right?

I mean, Hyperice and their whole naming strategy come to mind, but guess what? Bob and Brad don’t play by the same rulebook. They’ve got a thing for adding a “2” to their device names.

You’ve got your C2, your Q2, and T2. It’s like they’re on a quest to be the kings of the twos (except somehow for the X6 and D6, where they target number six)!

Now, let’s give credit to Bob and Brad for their creative product naming – they can call their devices whatever they please. We’re more intrigued by what this massage gun brings to the table.

What’s crystal clear is that the Air 2 Mini bears a striking resemblance to the Theragun Mini, and that triangular block shape screams Theragun from every angle.

So, brace yourself; you’re about to read “Theragun Mini” quite a bit in this review.

But hold on, the Air 2 Mini isn’t the only Bob and Brad creation that shares some Theragun DNA. That’s the same story we already know with their D6 Pro and Theragun Pro similarity – check out our D6 Pro review for the debate we had there.

So, is it a case of cloning, or is there more to the story? Well, we’ll leave that judgment to you. We prefer to assess performance and other nifty features, which you can explore further in this review.

The Air 2 Mini on Video

Check out the video below where we unbox our unit, share first impressions, perform speed and stall force tests, and compare it with other mini massage guns. It’s a great visual introduction to what we’ll be discussing in detail in the following post.

TIP Feel free to subscribe to our channel for more comprehensive video reviews!

Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini Review

Testing Impressions

• 12 mm amplitude for deep tissue massage
• 5 high variety attachment heads
• Top-notch design & quality
• Excellent Value for Money

Our review score:

4.5

Use code MGAAIR2MINI for 10% OFF.

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Specification

Package and What is Included

Ah, we’re all for a good package – it’s like a brand’s way of saying, “We care about your happiness!” And our Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini package? Well, it didn’t let us down.

The carrying case for the Air 2 really meets our expectations for practicality and durability. It’s a solid build case, aligning with the quality we’ve seen in other Bob and Brad products. Notably, it features a nicely embossed logo that adds a subtle but distinctive touch.

Now, inside the case, you’ll find the usual suspects that come with most massage guns. Remember, this is a mini massage gun, and they typically don’t pack the box with a ton of extras – usually just the device and one or two accessories.

And this Bob and Brad goes beyond the standard package, adding value to your purchase. Pop open the case, and you’ll see it all laid out for you: the massager, five attachments, a USB-C charging cable, spare gaskets, and a user manual.

Design

Now, onto the design of this gadget – and since we’ve already thrown out the idea that it’s giving off Theragun Mini vibes, we’ll let you be the jury here.

But before you unleash your design critique, let’s establish one thing: Theragun Mini resembles more of an equilateral triangle, while this one leans more towards the right angle. Call it a case of “copy everything but with a twist.” Nonetheless, it’s undeniably an innovative shape, and we’ve got to hand them that.

Let’s zoom in on what this design brings to the table. In our review of Theragun Mini, we touched on the uniqueness of its shape and hinted that it might not be the pinnacle of ergonomic design.

Well, guess what? This one follows suit, so Bob and Brad aren’t getting any design accolades they don’t deserve. In fact, it might just be slightly worse due to a “subtle” modification. Hang tight; we’ll explain why in a bit.

The body has a concave shape, which does help with the grip. And it’s not just the shape; it’s also about the material they’ve used. While it may look like plastic, it certainly doesn’t feel that way. The body has this rubbery, smooth texture that’s quite pleasant to hold.

Now, for the control freaks – there’s a single button that does it all. It’s surrounded by three LEDs plus one in the button center, so you won’t be left in the dark about what’s happening. And hallelujah, there’s a USB-C port nearby, which is always a win in our book.

Plus, they’re letting you choose between a sleek black or a fiery red device. Your choice!

Size

So, as the name suggests, the Air 2 Mini is clearly a small gadget, but how small is it, exactly?

Well, it measures up at 5.1 x 4.9 x 2 inches and tips the scales at 1.16 pounds.

Now, when we size it up against other minis we’ve put through the wringer, it’s roughly on par with Theragun’s Mini. The slight difference in shape might give you a smidge of parallax, but in essence, it’s the same size.

To give you a clearer comparison, it’s slightly larger than our favorite Ekrin Bantam. If you want a dead giveaway, just check out the weight – the Bantam is a few ounces lighter. And if size realy matter, you should look at the Q2 Mini, it’s playing in a different league, being the smallest massage gun we have tested so far.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are mini massage guns that are actually bigger than the Air 2 Mini. Take, for example, the Hypervolt Go 2, weighing 1.57 pounds, and the Renpho R3 Mini, both of which are much larger than the Air 2 Mini. In fact, the Hypervolt and the Renpho are edging towards the size of full-size guns rather than minis.

Ergonomics

Now, when it comes to ergonomics, well, we’ve already given Bob and Brad’s design a bit of a tough love tap, especially in the comfort department. It’s not your typical massage gun design; it’s more like trying to hold the chunkier side of a kettlebell while giving yourself a rubdown. Not exactly the coziest grip for extended periods.

The “subtle” modification we mentioned earlier plays a role here. You see, the Theragun Mini places the gun’s head right in the center, making it easy to hold at the top and maneuver comfortably, even though it’s still a bit kettlebell-esque.

With the Air 2 Mini, the weight shifts slightly to the side. This might work better if it had something to hold onto. But because you can’t quite wrap your hand around anything, you might find yourself gripping the device a bit too tightly, and that can lead to hand fatigue rather quickly.

We had a bit of trouble giving our backs a good rubdown with this setup. It still works decently for massaging things in front of you, like your hands or if you’re working on someone else. And the material used does ensure a reasonably good grip, so no unexpected slips.

But all things considered, we’d give Bob and Brad a solid 3 out of 5 in the ergonomics department. In case you’re curious, Theragun Mini landed in the same ballpark.

Controls

Operating this device is a breeze.

It’s a straightforward and intuitive process. And to help you save on battery life, there’s a nifty 10-minute auto-shutoff feature.

If it all sounds rather familiar, well, you’re not alone in that feeling – Theragun Mini’s controls and indicators share a striking resemblance (see on photos). Just a little food for thought.

Attachments

Now, can we take a moment to applaud what might just be the crown jewel of this massage gun? The attachments are a real highlight here, and they’re beautifully done.

In fact, you’ll find a whopping 5 attachments in the case, which is more than we’ve ever seen accompany a mini massage gun.

Just to put things in perspective, the Ekrin Bantam is pretty awesome, but it only brings 3 attachments to the party. The Theragun Mini? Well, it’s also in the 3-attachment club, and don’t even get us started on Hyperice’s Hypervolt Go 2, which comes with a meager 2.

But it’s not just about the number – after all, plenty of Amazon devices toss in a bunch of attachments, too. What makes Bob and Brad’s Air 2 Mini stand out is that they’ve not only got the quantity but also the quality. These attachments aren’t just clones of one another.

Oh, it’s important to note that the attachments use a standard push-and-pull mechanism, which can wear out over time. Bob and Brad have thoughtfully included two extra gaskets in the set to address this. They’re clearly making sure to cover all bases when it comes to durability and long-term use.

Performance

When it comes to recommending massage guns to our readers, we take our job pretty seriously. We invest a significant amount of time in testing a device’s performance, ensuring it meets our high standards. We’ve got our eyes on three critical parameters: Amplitude, Stall Force, and Percussions Per Minute. Now, let’s dive into how the Air 2 Mini holds up in these departments.

Amplitude

Now, let’s talk about Amplitude, or in simple terms, the stroke length. It’s the distance that a massage gun head covers, measured from the base to the tip of the attachment.

In the case of the Air 2 Mini, we’ve measured it at 12mm, which aligns perfectly with the manufacturer’s declarations. It’s refreshing to see accurate specifications, as overpromising and underdelivering is a common issue we’ve encountered in various tests across our blog.

Wait just a minute, how does a mini massage gun manage to pack such a respectable amplitude?

Well, the not-so-secret answer is Theragun Mini – but shhh, we won’t tell anyone that the Air 2 Mini might be trying to follow in its footsteps. Yep, Theragun Mini is the only other mini massage gun rocking a 12mm amplitude. Most minis we’ve put through the wringer usually clock in at 10mm or even lower, and that includes the fancier Hypervolt Go 2.

So, what does a true 12mm mini device like Air 2 Mini offer you?

Well, it’s all about delivering a deep percussive massage. The device can delve deeper into your muscle tissue, helping to loosen those stubborn knots and leaving you feeling re-energized.

But hold on for just a second – there’s a caveat here. Often, devices with longer amplitude don’t vibrate as fast. It’s a trade-off that’s quite common, especially with most Theraguns. So, does this (cough, Theragun Mini clone, cough) device come with fewer vibrations? Well, let’s dig a bit deeper to find out.

Percussions

You’ve hit the nail on the head. The percussions per minute here don’t quite reach the blazing speeds you might anticipate from a typical mini device (but hey, they don’t reach this amplitude level, right?).

You can expect a range between 1750-2400 RPM, across three speeds: 1750, 2050, and 2400 RPM. And these are verified by our measurements, so no trickery here, kudos!

Now, does anything seem oddly familiar here? Well, it does bear a striking resemblance to the Theragun Mini’s specs (wink). But in all seriousness, this range falls into the category of a decent percussion range. It may not break the sound barrier, but it’s more than capable of getting the job done.

Stall Force

Now, let’s delve into what we call “Stall Force,” which is essentially the measurement of the pressure it takes to bring a device to a halt. 

Unfortunately, the stall force here doesn’t quite earn a standing ovation. If we’ve been singing praises for all the other aspects, this is the one that puts a little dent in the scorecard. In simpler terms, don’t go thinking this is packing the powerhouse punch of a full-sized gun – far from it.

We estimate the Air 2 Mini can handle about 20 pounds of pressure (it might just remind you of a certain someone – cough, Theragun Mini, cough). This is pretty par for the course in the mini massage gun category. Unless, of course, you’ve encountered the Ekrin Bantam, which boasts a stall force of up to 35lbs..

How does it translate to your everyday use?

Well, with the Air 2 Mini, applying more pressure might stop the device. We’ll still give it credit for being a user-friendly, everyday fatigue-busting device, but don’t expect it to go toe-to-toe with the Hulk.

If you happen to be a bulky muscular giant, this one might feel more like a tickle than a deep tissue massage (but in this case, you probably shouldn’t look at any mini at all).

Noise Level

When it comes to mini devices, they tend to be the stealthy ninjas of the massage gun world – you won’t catch them making a lot of racket unless there’s something awry or you’re stuck with a low-quality knockoff.

Our trusty decibel meter clocked in at a range of 51dB to 55dB (as shown in the photo).

It’s a noise level similar to a refrigerator’s hum or the ambient noise in a quiet office, which in everyday use means the device is discreet enough not to be disruptive. You could comfortably use it while watching TV without the need to significantly raise the volume or even in a quiet room without disturbing others.

Compared to the Theragun mini (so also 12mm amplitude massager), the Air 2 Mini is noticeably quieter, registering 55dB versus the Theragun’s 60dB. This makes it a more discreet choice for those sensitive to noise or preferring a quieter massage experience.

It’s not just about decibels (dB) but also about the type of noise produced. The sound of the Air 2 Mini isn’t an annoying buzz; it’s more of a smooth hiss. No clattering or disruptive noises to contend with.

The vibrations are evenly distributed throughout the device, so your hand doesn’t feel like it’s taking a beating. All in all, it’s a stable and well-behaved device in the noise department.

Battery and Charging

Now, the battery situation on this thing had us scratching our heads a bit. It’s a tad unusual because we know Bob and Brad usually like to be upfront about their device batteries.

We had to do some detective work, scouring their Amazon listing, and finally, we got a number: 4800mAh in terms of capacity.

That’s not just decent; it’s actually pretty darn impressive – nearly double what you’d find in most similar devices. However, we’re taking it with a pinch of salt for now, and we promise to update this post as soon as more information rolls in.

But aside from the tantalizing capacity, it charges up in a jiffy. You’re looking at about 3.5 hours to go from empty to full.

And oh, it’s packing a USB-C charging port (cable also included) – how convenient, right? Even iPhones have hopped on that bandwagon by now.

Warranty and Price

You get a 1-year warranty when you buy this device. This is pretty much the standard coverage for most massage guns.

However, it’s worth noting that there are a couple of brands out there, Ekrin and Lifepro, that go the extra mile and offer a lifetime warranty. So, if an extended warranty is high on your priority list, you might want to consider the Ekrin Bantam as a contender.

Now, let’s talk price.

The device is priced at $89.99, and this is yet another feather in Bob and Brad’s cap. It’s a fantastic deal and one of the reasons we believe this product is destined for success.

When you consider the overall package – from the Theragun Mini-like aesthetics, premium materials and build quality, impressive amplitude, and decent percussions – this is a product that delivers real value for your hard-earned money.

To sweeten the deal further, you can use our MGAAIR2MINI coupon code, which nets you a cool 10% discount. It’s a win-win all around. Use this Amazon link and apply the code at checkout.

TIP Bob and Brad often run sales. So, it’s worth checking our Best Deals page or Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale listing to see if there are any current offers!

So, Is It Worth It and Who’s It Best For?

After testing this new Bob and Brad device and considering everything we discussed above, this device has a lot to offer for normal-use folks.

The Air 2 Mini is a portable device with decent performance features. The stall force may be a bit weak for those who need something aggressive, but it’s not bad if you need a portable, small solution that can give you a good rub down.

The high, 12mm amplitude makes it a better choice for those looking for a more punchy device, as it moves beyond typical vibrational therapy to more entry-level deep tissue massage.

Thanks to its size and design, the Air 2 Mini is also a good choice for women, runners, elderly folks, and anyone dealing with ailments such as plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow or knee discomforts.

It works well for neck and shoulder relief but is not the best for high back pain and aggressive large muscle massage, mainly due to its less ergonomic design.

Lastly, and importantly, it’s even approved by the TSA for carry-on^​2​, making it an ideal travel companion for your on-the-go adventures.

Real-Life Test The Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini for Running Warm-Up

Before hitting the pavement for a 5k, I gave my muscles a quick once-over with the Air 2 Mini, using the flat head – this attachment is my favorite, especially for larger muscles.

It got them ready to roll right from the start, despite the uncooperative weather. I can definitely say this little gadget made a noticeable difference.

Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini vs Theragun Mini

Other Air 2 Mini Competitors

When it comes to comparing this Air 2 Mini massager to others in the market, it’s a bit of a unique beast. Due to its nature and specs, there’s essentially no direct competition, excluding Theragun Mini (but we already know that). It’s not about being the best, but rather that there are no comparable devices.

We could throw Ekrin Bantam into the ring as a contender, and it’s undeniably great with a respectable stall force. However, it falls short of matching the Air 2 Mini’s impressive 12mm amplitude. So, it’s a bit like comparing apples to oranges – both excellent in their own right, but with distinct strengths.

Then there’s the Hypervolt Go 2, which is by category a mini device, but it stands in stark contrast to the Air 2 Mini. For one, it’s notably larger, boasting a 10mm amplitude, and an even weaker stall force. In this case, the differences are as clear as night and day.

Conclusion

And there you have it, our Bob and Brad Air 2 mini review. We’ve said a lot about it being a Theragun mini from an alternative universe.

However, it has a lot to offer at a very generous price. Finally a Theragun mini competitor. And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini (if you had a chance to get it already). Feel free to share your comments below or join discussions on the MassageGunTalks Facebook group – join now!

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We should’ve reviewed this small massage gun for trigger point massage sooner, seeing it has been on sale for a while now. Hopefully, it’s not too late to share what we have found from using the Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun for a while and what you should expect if you haven’t bought it yet.

TIP: If you haven’t heard about Bob and Brad, they are the two most famous physiotherapists on the internet. They have quite a following on YouTube and have garnered over half a billion views.

Now, let’s take a look at this mini massage gun in detail and see if it is a Theragun mini adversary. By the way, we recently tested the new Bob and Brad Q2 Pro mini massage gun released in April 2024, and we can tell you it is quieter and includes a hot and cold therapy attachment.

Comprehensive Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun Review

Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Specifications (Verified)

Why we like it:

• Compact and lightweight
• Sturdy stall force (approx. 32 lbs.)
• Super quiet (51.6 dB at top speed)
• Well-crafted design

Our review score:

4.3

Buy it at Amazon
(don’t forget to clip the coupon).

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Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun Video – Unboxing and First Impressions

Below is our own video, which was published on our YouTube channel (feel free to subscribe :).

In the video, we cover the unboxing, provide an overview of the Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun, showcase the massage gun attachments, demonstrate its operation at each speed, conduct stall force tests, understand the meaning of a quiet massage, and explain how to charge it.

This video aims to provide you with a clearer understanding of the Q2 mini massager Amazon before diving into more details. Take a look!

What Is Included in the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun Package?

As you’ve seen in the video, we found a case with our muscle massager, and it is the norm with any Bob and Brad massage gun (but not so for other manufacturers, oh no).

It’s a nice compact 7 x 7-inch case. It’s made of some semi-rigid material, and you can expect it to go the distance. The case has a convenient carrying strap.

Apart from the case and the massager machine, there are massage gun head attachments, which we will talk about soon. There is also a USB-C charging cable, a spare gasket for the attachments, and a user manual with specifications and how-to-use instructions.

Muscle Massager – Device Characteristics

What about the device itself?

It’s a very small massage gun, as you’d expect a mini massage gun to be. Unlike many other small massage guns we’ve tested, this one stands out with its design. While it’s not entirely a new concept, the rounded edges it boasts are a distinctive feature we haven’t seen on many percussion massager guns.

The handle is vertical but short. We’d say it fits perfectly in your palm. 

If you see the device in a photo, you’d think it’s a toy. But it’s not—it feels decent once you touch it. The materials used are also quality. Bob and Brad massage gun brand chose a glossy plastic finish on this one.

But it’s not just plastic. There is rubber where you need it to be. There are no visible screws. It’s a seamless design.

The weight (1 lb) tells you straight away that you are looking at a serious device—not a toy as it appears in the pictures. There are air vents at the top and a charging port at the bottom.

Size and Ergonomics of the Portable Mini Massager

Even though we said it weighs quite a bit, it’s probably just enough not to feel like a toy.

It weighs just 1 pound with the flat attachment mounted. The plastic material used actually makes it lightweight. As seen in many other guns, a metallic casing tends to add to the overall weight. This one is better to hold, plus it has rubber to prevent slipping when your hands get sweaty. 

What about its size?

It’s small and compact, which makes it highly compatible. Compared to other mini massage guns like the Theragun mini or a Hypervolt Go 2, this one is miles tinier.

It measures 5.7 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches, which is the same size as an Ekrin Bantam (mini), which we’d say is its main rival, at least as far as overall size goes.

The ergonomics aren’t that bad, but we’ve seen better from competitors. The handle isn’t tilted like the Ekrin Bantam, which means the Bantam generally holds better.

It’s still difficult to massage your back comfortably with a mini massage gun, but Ekrin Bantam’s tilted handle has more reach than the Q2 mini massage gun. The part of the handle under the motor is short and may not offer enough room for massaging hard-to-reach areas.

That said, this is still a portable mini massager. If you have a full-sized muscle massager, you can also use a mini massage gun as a complementary massager for your trips.

Controls of the Q2 Mini Massage Gun

There is just one button on the back of the handle. It’s smack in the middle of it; you won’t miss it. But it’s probably not the most convenient of locations to have the only button.

However, it’s an inlet button, which is good news because it’s less prone to accidental pressing. Ekrin Bantam’s button is located underneath the handle. We occasionally press it by mistake when using the device.  The same has happened with the Theragun Mini and its side button.

The button activates and deactivates the device when you press it for at least 2 seconds. Once activated, you can tap the button to change speeds.

Below the button, there are 5 LEDs to indicate the speed settings. Just below them, there is also a lightning icon to indicate the battery charge level.

Massage Gun Attachments Explained

There are 5 attachments included with this device.

They include:

• Ball head:
  Thus, a universal head is made of EVA foam, a commonly used material. It feels rather hard with very little give, so it’s not the best one to use on clothes. 
• Bullet head:
  This one is made of hard plastic. It’s used on trigger points, palms, and soles. 
• Fork head:
  It’s used to massage the spine area. You can also use it to massage your Achilles^​2​ or use it as a double-tip bullet head. 
• Cushioned head:
  this is the softest one for massaging tender and bony areas. 
• Flat head:
  This is likely the universal one in the set. It’s good for massaging large muscle groups. 

Does the set offer a nice variety? We’ll say yes, it does.

We love that Bob and Brad massage gun brand included one soft attachment—the air-filled head. Manufacturers often overlook soft heads, especially in small and cheap massage gun. We assume it’s due to the costs of production—after all, it’s easier to make something out of plastic and call it a day.

Also, the flat massage gun attachment is reasonably large – you don’t see that often with mini massage guns. Kudos.

When it comes to the number of massage gun attachments, the 5 heads are enough. You probably won’t need more. Some manufacturers throw in a bunch of similar massage gun head attachments uses just to up the perceived value. We don’t buy into that, and we hope you won’t either!

Performance Insights of the Mini Massage Gun

How does this small massage gun perform? We look at amplitude, stall force, percussions per minute (PPM=RPM), and the combination of all three, as this matters the most.

Understanding the Amplitude of the Q2 Mini

Also known as stroke length, this is the distance the massage gun head travels during percussion.

Bob and Brad massage guns brand advertises it as 7 mm. We measure it, just to be sure. As seen in the photo below, our digital caliper displayed 7.57 mm, in line with the specification, and even a hair more. This doesn’t happen often.

With a 7 mm amplitude, the best this Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun can offer is a vibrational effect^​3​. You shouldn’t expect heavy punches. Even so, it’s 1 mm longer than the Lifepro DynaMini and Recoverfun Mini, which are direct competitors of the Bob and Brad Q2.

But it’s lower than Ekrin Bantam’s. Even though the Ekrin Bantam is more expensive, it has over 9 mm amplitude. Now, that may sound like only ~2 mm more, but it translates to about 20% punchier. It’s not something you can ignore.

Clearly, it falls behind the amplitude of the Theragun mini and even the Hypervolt Go 2, both of which dominate in this aspect. The former boasts a 12 mm amplitude, while the latter offers 10 mm.

But even with a low amplitude, a good stall force can turn the fortunes of the Q2 mini massage gun to give you a Pro massage. So, does the Bob and Brad Q2 come with a strong motor? Let’s see…

Stall Force of the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini

Stall force is the pressure it takes to stop a device from percussing.

Fortunately, the stall force here is pretty good, especially for a mini device. We managed to compare it with known stall force from other muscle massagers, and, to our surprise, it performed better than expected.

The company says it has 32 lbs, and well, it feels more or less like that. While we usually take Bob and Brad massage gun advertisements with a pinch of salt, in this particular case, they haven’t exaggerated the stall force. For this one, if the Bantam has 35 lbs of stall force, this one really isn’t far behind.

For such a small massage gun, 32 lbs is a very good stall force. It’s actually interesting that being so tiny, it has more stall force than the much bigger Hypervolt Go 2.

Now, how does this number translate into your everyday massage experience?

At higher speeds, you can press it firmly against your forearms, shoulders, and calves. This means you won’t have the problem of percussions slowing down when for a trigger point massage.

However, don’t push your luck too far and expect it to perform a more aggressive Pro massage; it’s a mini, after all.

Percussions and Speeds of the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini

This is the first mini massage gun we have seen with 5-speed settings. It’s quite surprising; we didn’t even think about it before.

It’s awesome to have a bit more speed, which is true. But is it really an advantage over the usual 3-speed setup we see with many other minis? Not really. Let us explain why…

Now, back to the percussion range. As mentioned, it spans from 1800-3000 RPM (1735-2933 RPM to be very precise), and we confirmed this with our digital laser.

The maximum RPM means the Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun can rev fast enough to get you a top massage. However, it’s worth noting that this speed is slightly slower than what we’ve experienced with some other mini massage guns.

For instance, both Hypervolt Go and Ekrin Bantam can rev up to 3200 RPM. While an extra 200 RPM might not seem like much (remember, we just discussed the 240 – 400 RPM gap ;), when combined with their high amplitudes, you’ll definitely feel a noticeable difference.

And, for even a broader perspective, the Theragun mini reaches ‘only’ 2400 RPM, but it boasts a substantial 12 mm amplitude. Do you see these nuances?

Noise Levels of the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun

Bob and Brad Massage Gun have always delivered quiet devices; this one is no different.

The sound feels smooth, with no crackling or rattling. Bob and Brad claim it only goes up to 55 dB at maximum speed, which would be pleasant for a super quiet massage.

We measured the noise decibels, and it was even quieter. We measured 49 dB to 51.6 dB – we held the dB meter about 8 inches away, as is our common practice (pictures below).

This means it’s a very quiet device, especially at lower speeds. We did hear some rattling at top speed, likely from the attachment, but nothing too loud. Also, there are some vibrations to the holding hand, but nothing you can’t live with. 

Battery Life

The Q2’s battery has a 2500 mAh capacity, according to the manual. We didn’t see any information on the device itself. It’s hard to believe it has that much capacity given the overall size and weight. That’s simply because many full-sized massage guns have batteries this size.

So, we can’t say for certain whether Bob and Brad are being entirely truthful here.

But, for time on battery, expect it to last for more than 2 hours if you use some pressure and high speeds to treat trapezius muscle pain, for example. This is a good result, actually.

There is a USB-C charging interface to make charging convenient. We like it, as you can even use a power bank sometimes.

There is a lightning icon that is blue when there’s enough juice. It turns red when there’s 30% or less juice. It starts flashing when the level drops to 20%.

When it’s charging, the light is solid green, and it goes off when the battery is fully charged. 

Who Is the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Best For?

This is a very decent everyday mini massage gun that gives you a pro massage.

You can use it to treat tension in neck and shoulders, smaller muscles, and even larger ones at top speed with some pressure, generally for any muscle soreness and fatigue. It should be good enough to improve blood circulation^​4​ and lymphatic drainage. 

It’s great for folks who work behind a desk for long hours. You can also take it with you on your travels (even a plane).

Also, if you don’t like punchy guns, this gun is for you. You’ll love its performance balance.

It’s an excellent choice for women and individuals with smaller hands. Its small size and lightweight design are a plus, making it easily portable. It even fits snugly into a small women’s handbag. And thanks to its shape and balance, it sits comfortably in the hand.

The elderly will also find it beneficial. Its simple operation with just one button, absence of displays, and lack of extra features reduce complications. Additionally, it offers easy charging with USB-C (we discuss more options in our guide on massage guns for the elderly).

Are there any limitations?

Well, yes. It’s not the perfect massager at all (we are looking for The One in this post). Despite its decent power, it’s still a mini massager with a relatively low amplitude. You also won’t find advanced features like LCD displays, Bluetooth, progressive modes, or pressure sensors.

It’s also less powerful than the Ekrin Bantam and Theragun mini, but it remains a reasonable choice thanks to its attractive price – it’s more budget-friendly compared to the former options.

Price and Warranty

So, this one is a real bargain, not a cheap massage gun, considering how well it’s built and compact. Last time we checked, it was only about $69.99, with a coupon available on Amazon.

It comes with a 12-month warranty by default.

Want an even better warranty? Check out our alternative below. 

Best Alternative – Ekrin Bantam

The Ekrin Bantam will cost you slightly more but offer you slightly more.

For starters, we love Ekrin as a brand. We recently voted it the best brand. Their Ekrin Bantam outshines many other portable mini massagers out there – including those from premium brands such as Therabody.

The Bantam is tiny, about the same size as the Bob and Brad Q2 mini massager. It weighs 1.1 pounds – a shy heavier. It has an angled handle and may be better for massaging your back than Q2.

The handle is also rubberized to prevent slipping when your hands get sweaty.

It has better performance specs. A 9 mm amplitude and ~30 lbs. of stall force. Believe it or not, these are better specs than some full-sized devices. It has 3200 RPM maximum percussions – better than the Q2’s 3000 RPM.

You get 4 attachments here and a carrying case as well. The Ekrin Bantam also comes with a USB-C charger for convenience.

The battery is Samsung branded, which we can confidently say has served as well for over a year – it still works like it’s new. What’s even better is that Ekrin offers a lifetime warranty.

It usually goes for $149, but with the MGA20 coupon, which gives you a 20% discount, you can get it for $119. 

Read More: Our in-depth Ekrin Bantam review.

Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Review Summary

We’ve come to the end of our Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun review. This is a very well-executed small massage gun from the well-known Bob and Brad massage gun brand.

Even though it has a low amplitude, the above-average stall force makes up for it – or at least to some extent.

It’s a good everyday device. It’s light, tiny, and quiet. It also comes at an attractive price.

However, the Ekrin Bantam is a perfect alternative if you prefer more power and a better warranty.

Take care!

We test massage guns and if we’re impressed then we’ll definitely tell you about it. In this Bob and Brad massage gun review we’ll find out if this small, sturdy, well thought out massage gun has anything to offer in a crowded market of very competitive products.

Expect a sturdy, percussive ride as we get into the meat of the Bob and Brad C2 review. Come along!

Bob and Brad – The Brand

We believe a massage gun is only as good as the company behind it (or in this case the therapists advocating for it). Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck have a very popular YouTube channel that is dedicated to helping people overcome physical pain, stay healthy, and also offer direction for the health and fitness journey.

They also offer help on how to use massage guns. With over 2 million subscribers we would argue they must be doing something right.

They started their YouTube channel 10 years ago. Over this time they have released their own branded products; Bob & Brad.

They have released several successful massage gun models, including the tiny Q2, the Air 2 Mini (a great alternative to the Theragun Mini), the T2, the X6, the D6 Pro (our favorite Bob and Brad device), and this compact C2 massage gun. All of these models have created quite a hullabaloo in the market, with thousands of customers giving them 5-star reviews on Amazon.

But are they worth all the hype? Maybe not entirely. Why? Let’s find out, shall we?

Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun Review

We got this rather compact massage gun and decided to give it a test. We subjected it to the same standards we always do with other massage guns; that is examine the specs, and also compare it to its peers. 

Bob and Brad C2 Specifications

First Impressions

There’s something about the packaging that gives you the clue that you’re looking at a serious product from a serious manufacturer.

For Bob and Brad C2, the carrying case is something of a beauty (I guess you’ll have to be the beholder should you decide to buy this gun). We really like the two-zipper carrying case. It’s small, so you can easily put it in a bigger bag. 

On opening we found everything packed nicely. The device stands out in the middle of the bag. There’s the charger; a USB-C cable (how nice!).

The C2 has 5 attachments. When we saw 5 we got excited to see what that extra one looks like. Normally we get massage guns that have 4 attachments. It’s the industry thing. But it’s a nice touch that they added one extra. Moving on!

A quick glance at this gun doesn’t give you that love at first site butterflies in the stomach kind of feeling.

But then again we have did so many massage gun reviews and may have acquired a kind of bias that comes with it.

The Attachments

We said earlier how we got excited when we noticed this has 5 and not 4 attachments. By the way, we’ve seen guns with more attachments. It’s more excitement than shock. But here’s our take on the C2’s attachments.

Ball Head

This is the typical go-to massage head. 9 times out of 10 it’s the head that is attached to any massage gun. This is because it’s the one used to get a general massage.

If you want to work on any part of the body, then this is the massage gun head that you’ll use.

The C2 has a EVA foam made ball head that works fine.

Fork Head

This one is also known as the spine head and is used for massaging the spine and neck area. It has two prongs that go either side of the spine. You can also use this head to massage muscles around the calf area.

Again Bob and Brad chose hard plastic for this one. It does the job okay as well.

Flat Head

The flat head attachment is the power head. It’s an important head and is also used to massage several body parts. We call it a power head because you use it when you want to really get in on the bigger muscles like the quads and pecs.

For the C2 model they also chose hard plastic.

Air Cushion Head

You can also simply call it the cushion head. It’s the one we got so excited about on this model.

It’s like a combination of two heads, like a two-in-one kind of thing. Let’s say, the flat head with a rubber cushion on top. The cushion is important here.

We use it when we want to get a deeper massage but just want to feel the percussion rather than the vibrations on the body. The C2 one is good quality.

The attachments can be easily attached and removed. Bob and Brad are physical therapists for young and very old patients, so they probably intentionally made it this way.

We say this because we’ve tested massage guns with attachment heads that require a bit of force to pull them out. Kudos Bob and Brad for this cool thing. 

Size, Weight and Ergonomics

It’s a small massage gun and just as you’d expect, it weighs in at just 1.5lbs. Now, small doesn’t always raise the eyebrows in the massage gun world (not if you are looking for top performance).

First thing that comes to mind is that they must’ve sacrificed something important. But we will say that we really like the compact size of this gun. 

They call it a mini-gun but, but it’s not a mini-sized device.

It’s slightly bigger than most minis but looks a bit smaller if you compare it to regular size massage guns. It’s about the size of the Hypervolt Go 2.

Generally, you get the feeling that the manufacturers were looking for something a bit personal, at least in size, which is good.

Talking of personal, the handle sure looks personal. We’re used to seeing round shaped handles with most regular massage guns, but not with this one.

The handle is…what is it? Oval? We’re going to go ahead and just say oval. You’ll have time to judge it yourself, should you decide to buy it. 

That said, it feels a little large if you have small hands, but works just fine especially when maneuvering it. We would’ve loved it if they just stuck to the standard round shaped handle though. Because even though they did try something a bit personal here, they don’t extend it to the overall style of the handle.

It’s still the T-shape jack-hammer style that you get with regular guns that put a little too much tension in your wrists as you massage away. It would’ve been great if the handle was angled. But the rubber grip makes up for this.

That said, the power button is inset. We found this quite useful to say the least, because sometimes when pressing the massage gun down you can hit the power button accidentally. Bob and Brad with a clever solution to a common problem there!

We like that it’s a single-button operation as well. Long press will turn it on or off while quick presses give you the option to change speeds. The area around the power button has LEDs that indicate the speed level. Looks slick.

Performance   

This is where it gets serious. We believe in the massage gun world you may be forgiven for anything else but the performance aspect. Let’s see what the Bob and Brad C2 has to offer.

Stroke Length and Amplitude

This refers to how far deep into the muscle a device can hit. Unfortunately we can’t say exactly how far this device can hit because the company doesn’t specify it. We find this lack of transparency a bit disappointing.

That said, we did measure the stroke length, and it’s 8.61mm, as shown in the picture below. It’s quite a good result for a device of this size and purpose.

Stall Force

So, how much force does it take to stop the C2 from revving away? Unfortunately, we couldn’t determine this by looking at the product specs from Bob & Brad. The only info we found was that the rated power is 25W.

But we estimate it features a maximum of about 30 lbs. of stall force (that’s less than Ekrin’s Bantam which has 35lbs. of stall force while being a way smaller device).

As you must’ve guessed it, this is a mini-kind of performance, and we have to agree.

But at least it’s stronger than the more expensive Hypervolt Go 2, which has a similar size.

Percussions and Speed

The Bob and Brad C2 features an impressive 2000-3200 RPM. For a small gun, we have to agree that this is more than enough.

Of course, we conducted tests and verified this with our tachometer. The results, as seen in the pictures, confirm the manufacturer’s claims, which we highly appreciate!

However, it’s possible that Bob and Brad tried to compensate for the low stroke length with higher RPMs. With these higher percussions, you could get a good session with this gun, though you might need to be patient.

That said, 3200rpm is impressive and might even feel a bit too intense for some users.

That’s why we feel the first speed should’ve been a little lower. 2000rpm feels a little too high for a start. Would’ve been better to start at 1200-1400rpm.

This device has 5 speed levels, which is perfect. We’ve seen devices that have up to 20 levels, such as Chirogun or Legiral Le3 . That level of exaggeration is irritating to say the least, because there has to be way too many button presses before you even get the right settings. 

Battery 

We believe this is where the deal sweetens for this device. The C2 has a powerful Lithium battery (Li-Ion) that packs way more than enough juice. At 2500mAh you are getting a good bargain with this trust us. 

A single charge (which takes about 3.5 hours) will last between 3-4 hours of continuous run depending on the level of use.

We estimate that once you charge it, and use it for 10-minute sessions per day, you’ll have to charge it again after 2 weeks. This makes it a great travel companion.

The deal gets even sweeter because the charger on this one is a USB-C. That’s right, you get to carry one cable for both your phone and the gun. How cool is that? 

Noise

The C2 is a relatively quiet massage gun. But we often like to be cautious here because what works for us might not work for everyone.

We noticed though that it does get louder at higher speeds. Don’t worry, we could still talk over the buzzing but had to raise the TV volume slightly.

Again, we didn’t find the noise levels specified by the seller. However, based on our measurements using a digital decibel meter, the levels are between 58.2-63.6dB depending on the gear.

Who is it Best For?

We would recommend this massage gun to you if you need something for personal use. Being an entry-level device, it is perfect for first-time users.

For those always on the go, this is a great device to carry with you because it’s portable. Put it in your bag and you won’t even notice it’s there.

It performs fairly. It’s good to get rid of lactic acid build-up, work on sore muscles, and break up scar tissue. It’s perfect for day-to-day post-workout massage sessions. We can recommend it to seniors as well. 

But, if you’re looking for intensive, deep-muscle penetration, the 8mm amplitude won’t do you any favors. Additionally, while a stall force of approximately 30 lbs. might be perfect for most people, it pales in comparison to the 60 lbs. of Theragun’s Pro or the Bob and Brad D6 Pro, and even the 56 lbs. of Ekrin’s B37S. If you have a lot of muscle mass, are a bodybuilder (see our recommendations here), or are a serious athlete (our picks are explained here), you’ll need to look elsewhere.

However, if you’re an ordinary Joe, it could be fine for you, but you might want to consider other viable guns within a similar price range.

Better Alternatives in The Similar Price Range

Ekrin Bantam – Even Smaller and More Powerful

This model serves as an ideal alternative to the C2. To be fair, it could actually be considered the better of the two.

The Bantam comes with a similar stall force of 35lbs., it’s even lighter weighing just 1.1lbs making it way easier to carry if you are travelling. It’s also smaller, more compact and thus more portable than the C2.

Most importantly, however, you get a higher and better stroke length. 10mm is a great bargain for a mini-gun.

On top of that, the ergonomics are much better with the angled handle and a higher quality build. Ekrin will also give you a lifetime warranty (vs. just one-year in case of the Bob and Brad) and unrivaled best customer support (verified).

The best part though is that The Bantam retails at $159.99 but with our MGA20 coupon you can get it for 20% less at $127.99. This makes it cheaper than Bob and Brad’s C2.

If you want to learn more about it, read our full Ekrin Bantam review.

Urikar Pro 2 – Affordable with Heating Features

This one is another worthy opponent. To be fair, it’s the perfect choice here by far, especially if you’re looking for a punchier hits and more features.

Urikar Pro 2 offers serious performance and comes with a special ceramic attachment to give you a heated massage. Yes, that is right, it is a heated massage gun.

With a decent stall force and 12mm stroke length (we measured), it provides deeper punch at a maximum of 2050 percussions per minute (Urikar advertises more but we checked it).

It’s also reasonably quiet. It clocked just 63dB at the highest gear – not many massage guns even come close. It has a 1-year warranty and the customer support is great.

Last, but not least, it is very affordable.

The heated Pro 2 can be yours for only $62.9 if you use the URIKAR02 promo code at checkout. It is a whooping 63% off the regular price of $169.99. Get the device right here.

To learn more, read our in-depth Urikar Pro 2 review.

Review Summary

What we most liked about the C2 is its compact size, low noise, good design and ergonomics (uniquely shaped handle).

While it’s quite powerful for its size and comes with a well-balanced motor, we feel the meager 8mm amplitude is a bit of a bummer for demanding users.

But we do appreciate the USB-C type charger (well done) and the powerful battery.

Bob and Brad are funny. We checked out some of their videos and couldn’t resist a chuckle. If you’re a fan, you can support them by buying the C2 at Amazon. Otherwise there are some viable alternatives worth considering, like the ones we shared above.

There goes our Bob and Brad massage gun review. Thank you for reading.

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