Hyperice – Massage Gun Advice https://massagegunadvice.com Best Massage Gun Reviews, Comparisons And Buying Advice Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:39:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://massagegunadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-massagegunadvice-icon-32x32.png Hyperice – Massage Gun Advice https://massagegunadvice.com 32 32 Hypervolt Go 2 Review: A Serious Upgrade or Just a Minor Redesign? https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-go-2-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-go-2-review/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:08:32 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=11913

Our testing impressions:

This is what we found during our Hypervolt Go 2 review:

  • Mid-range amplitude at 10mm stroke length
  • Very low stall force limits pressure capability
  • Larger and heavier than most mini massage guns
  • Quiet operation with smooth sound profile

Our review score:

3.0

See current discounts:
Hypervolt Shop
hypervolt go2 review: massage gun

Pros:

  • Confirmed 10mm amplitude. 
  • Quiet operation between 45 and 55 dB. 
  • Angled handle reduces wrist strain. 
  • USB-C charging. 
  • Compatible with full-size Hypervolt attachments. 
  • Matte finish resists fingerprints. 
  • Back panel button prevents accidental activation. 

Cons:

  • Stall force of 10 to 15 lbs is very low.
  • Motor slows under minimal pressure. 
  • Only two attachments included. 
  • No carrying case. 
  • No Bluetooth or app connectivity. 

Specs at a Glance

FeatureHypervolt Go 2
Stall Force10-15 lbs*
Measured Stroke Length
(Amplitude)
10 mm** (verified)
Percussion Range2200 – 3200 PPM
Speed Levels3
Weight (no head)1.57lbs. (712 g)**
Max. Noise (decibel)48-55 dB**
Battery Capacity /Life2500mAh / 1.5-2 hours*
Number of Attachments2
Warranty1-year
Where to BuyHyperice Shop
Hypervolt Go2 Review: *our estimate, **our measurement

Our Take On the Hypervolt Go 2 Review

The Hypervolt Go 2 is a compact massage gun built around a 10mm amplitude and approximately 10 to 15 lbs of stall force. It runs at 2200 to 3200 RPM on three speed levels in a redesigned body that weighs 1.57 lbs. It is larger than most devices marketed as mini massage guns.

The biggest limitation of this hypervolt is the stall force. The motor slows noticeably with even moderate pressure. On paper, 10mm amplitude and 3200 RPM sounds good. In practice, you cannot really take advantage of that top speed if the motor stalls as soon as you lean in. It works best with a lighter touch, which limits effectiveness on larger muscle groups like quads and hamstrings.

Noise is where this device stands out compared with some of the quieter massage guns we have tested. At 45 to 55 dB, it is quiet enough to use in shared spaces without drawing attention. The angled handle also makes longer sessions more comfortable. You only get two attachments, which feels minimal for the category. There is no carrying case, no Bluetooth, and no connection to the Hyperice app.

If you already own a full-size Hypervolt and want something smaller that shares attachments, this makes sense. If you are buying it as a standalone device, the low stall force will likely be the main drawback. If you’re looking at several compact options before deciding, it helps to see how the different models compare across the mini category.


Hypervolt Go 2: Mini Massage Gun- Video Review

We put together a review video of the Hypervolt Go 2 so you can see exactly what comes in the box and how the attachments feel up close. We also tested the stall force at each speed level to show how it actually performs under pressure.

Our Deep Honest Hypervolt Go 2 Mini Massage Gun Review

[wp-review id=”11913″]


Unboxing, Build Quality, and First Impressions

Compared to the original model, Hyperice removed the international wall adapter system. You now get a USB-C cable, which feels more modern, though you still need your own wall adapter to plug it in.

The device comes in an Arctic gray finish, replacing the older black and dull gray versions. The plastic housing feels solid, and the matte texture does a good job of resisting fingerprints. The rubberized grip sections on the handle add some welcome texture.

No carrying case or pouch is included. That feels like a miss at this price point. Still, the overall build feels sturdy and well put together.


The case contains:

  • Hypervolt Go 2 mini massage gun
  • Two attachments
  • USB-C charging cable
  • Quick start guide
  • Instructional manual

Build Quality & Design Improvements

Let’s take a look at the build and design of this model.

Frame and Grip Design

The angled handle is a smart design choice. It helps reduce wrist fatigue and feels more natural than a straight T-shaped handle during longer sessions.

The handle is slightly thicker than newer full-size Hypervolt models. If you have smaller hands, you may notice that during extended use.

Weight and Balance

At 1.57 lbs, the Go 2 is heavier than most devices in the mini category. Its dimensions of 6.7 x 7.3 x 2.0 inches put it somewhere between a true mini and a compact full-size device.

Materials and Build Quality

The arctic gray matte plastic looks clean and feels durable. The rubber grip zones add control without making it bulky.

Controls have moved to the back panel instead of the old trigger-style placement. This reduces accidental activation and keeps the design consistent with the rest of the Hypervolt lineup. Three LED lights on the back show the current speed level.


Hypervolt Go 2 Mini Massage Gun Attachments

The Hypervolt Go 2 mini massage comes with two heads: a flat head and a bullet head. Both are firm. There are no softer options included, which limits versatility if you prefer a gentler feel. The material feels durable and matches the Arctic gray body.

Attachment Compatibility

All attachments work with full-size Hypervolt 2 and 2 Pro models. If you already own other Hyperice devices, this shared system is a real benefit.

If this is your only Hypervolt, the two included attachments may feel limiting.

Heated Head Accessory

Hyperice introduced a heated attachment in September 2023 that works with all Hypervolt models, including the Go 2. It has its own internal battery and controls and heats up to 120°F across three levels.

The attachment weighs 0.22 lbs and sells separately for 59 dollars. It is only available in black, so it does not match the Arctic gray finish of the Go 2.


Controls and Display

A single button on the back panel controls all functions. Press to cycle through the three speed levels in sequence. A long press powers the device on or off.

There are no extra buttons and no confusion during use. The back panel placement also makes accidental presses unlikely.

Three LED lights indicate the current speed. There is no LCD screen, no pressure sensor, and no advanced display.

The LEDs are clear enough to show which speed you are on, and the placement is better than the older under-handle lights from the original Go.


Our Test Data and Performance

Percussion Depth and Pressure

We measured 9.98mm amplitude with a digital caliper, confirming the advertised 10mm spec. That places it squarely in the mid-range for compact devices compared with massage guns designed to deliver deeper percussion and stronger muscle treatment.

Stall force came in around 10 to 15 lbs in our testing. Hyperice does not publish a stall force number, so we measured it ourselves. At the lowest speed, the motor stalled at roughly 10 lbs of pressure. At the highest speed, about 15 lbs was enough to stop it.

Hypervolt go 2 amplitude Measured

Stall Force

It works fine when you glide lightly over the muscle. But larger muscle groups like the quads, hamstrings, and glutes expose the limitation quickly. The motor slows or stalls when you try to press in. Some compact devices manage noticeably more resistance to pressure while staying travel-friendly, such as Theragun’s Mini model, which prioritises a longer stroke length, or the Bantam compact massage gun, which maintains percussion more consistently under pressure. That makes the 3200 RPM top speed harder to use in practice.

However, there is an auto-pressure feature that senses when the force applied is high and can potentially stall the motor. To avoid stalling, its speed automatically increases to the next level and returns to its initial speed when the force is removed.

Smaller muscle groups, such as arms, neck, hands, and upper back, are a better fit. They require less pressure, so the motor can keep up. The firm attachments are less ideal for detailed or sensitive areas.

Speed Range and Control

We measured 2200 RPM at low, 2700 RPM at mid, and 3200 RPM at high using a laser tachometer. That matches the advertised specs.

The three speeds are spaced reasonably well, and transitions feel smooth when cycling through them.

Noise Level

We recorded 45 dB at the lowest speed and 55 dB at the maximum speed. That is genuinely quiet for a compact massage gun and easily the strongest performance point here.

The sound is smooth without harsh mechanical noise. At the highest speed, some vibration transfers into your hand, but it stays manageable.


Battery Life

The 2500 mAh battery gave us about 1.5 to 2 hours of runtime with mixed speeds and moderate pressure. The advertised 3 hours would likely require continuous low-speed use without applying real pressure.

Battery capacity increased slightly from the original Go, which helps explain the added weight and slightly larger body.

Charging is done with USB-C. You still need your own wall adapter. A full charge from empty takes about 3 hours.

An LED ring on the handle shows battery status through color. Red means low. Green means full or close to full.

hypervolt go 2 charger with international plugs

Bluetooth and App

The Go 2 does not include Bluetooth. The Hyperice app offers routines and guided sessions, but only for devices that can sync with it. The Go 2 cannot connect, so you will not get tracking or guided integration.

You can still view routines in the app manually, but the device itself operates completely independently.


Who Should Buy it?

The Go 2 makes the most sense for people who already own Hypervolt 2 or 2 Pro devices and want attachment compatibility in a smaller format. The shared accessories add practical value if you are already in the Hyperice ecosystem.

If quiet operation is a top priority, the 45 to 55 dB output is a strong selling point, especially for shared spaces like offices or hotel rooms.


Who Should Skip it?

If applying firm pressure is important to you, this is probably not the right fit. A stall force of 10 to 15 lbs is not enough for deep, sustained muscle work. A stronger full-size massage gun designed for deeper muscle recovery will generally maintain percussion under heavier pressure.

If you want something truly ultra-light and compact, the 1.57 lb weight and 6.7 x 7.3 x 2.0 inch size may feel larger than expected.

hypervolt go2 massager and accessories

Final Verdict

The Hypervolt Go 2 brings only minor changes over the original Go. You get relocated controls, a new Arctic gray finish, and a slightly larger battery. Performance specs are otherwise the same, and the very low stall force remains the biggest limitation.

Where it really stands out is noise. The 45 to 55 dB output with a smooth sound profile is impressive. Beyond that, performance sits at or slightly below the typical standard for mini massage guns in this price range.

If attachment compatibility and quiet operation matter most, it is a reasonable option. If you want stronger pressure in a compact format, you may want to look elsewhere.


References

  1. 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
  2. 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

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Hypervolt Comparison: Is There The One Best Hypervolt? Perhaps Not? https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-comparison/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-comparison/#respond Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:12:19 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=23785 It’s hard to believe, but we’ve never had a detailed Hypervolt comparison post comparing one model to another. Well, that’s changing now. Instead of sifting through each Hypervolt review individually to catch the nuances, here’s your one-stop spot to read up on everything in detail.

In this Hypervolt comparison post, we will answer the question of which Hyperice massage gun to choose, assuming you have a rough idea of your needs (but no stress, we’re here to help clarify!).

But don’t expect us to tell you, “Which Hypervolt is best?” because it doesn’t work that way. Each of the three Hyperice massage guns is crafted with a specific user in mind. Each Hypervolt has its own arena where it outshines the rest.

Key Takeaways:

  • There are three Hypervolt models in the game. The Hypervolt Go 2 (mini massage gun) and two full-sized: the Hypervolt 2 and the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro.
  • Hyperice is a premium brand, so expect an above-average price tag.
  • The classic T-shape design? Yes, that’s a Hypervolt original.
  • When choosing Hypervolt, we recommend the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro for a full-sized massage gun (top-notch spec) and the Hypervolt Go 2 as a small, travel-friendly option.
  • The Hypervolt 2 is less advantageous, especially considering the price difference between all three sports massagers.
  • From our experiencethere are better options out there, and we’re about to introduce them to you.

The Hypervolt Hype – What’s the Buzz?

Why does Hypervolt echo so prominently in massage guns, you ask?

  • Well, they were one of the trailblazers. Alongside Theragun, Hypervolt, with their original Hypervolt percussive massage gun, helped carve the niche, and their legendary tussles still heat discussion boards and comment sections to this day.
  • Hyperice, the company behind Hypervolt, isn’t just a brand—it’s a statement in the world of sports recovery. Beyond massage guns, their lineup includes quality recovery products like compression wear, fitness rollers, and more.
  • Located in the USA, Hyperice designs and services its gear stateside, ensuring quality and innovation. However, here is a little insider info—the manufacturing happens overseas. But don’t be swayed; the brand’s commitment to excellence remains unshaken.
  • The brand’s marketing strength is evident. Collaborating with famous athletes like NBA star Ja Morant and figures at the intersection of sports and showbiz, they’ve solidified the #TeamHyperice movement, making their presence unmissable.
hypervolt comparison: hypervolt Vs Theragun
Perhaps the most significant hype surrounding the Hypervolt is its rivalry with Theragun. The internet is abuzz with these debates, and we’re adding our insights here.

Hypervolt Comparison: Massage Guns And Specifications

Let’s jump right into an overview of these percussive massage guns. And we promise we won’t keep you long—just the essentials and key info you need. Why? There are two reasons.

First, we’re betting you’re not a total newbie to these muscle massagers. You’ve likely done a little homework (if not, you may start here), and now, you’re on the hunt for insights and specifics – the lowdown from folks who’ve tested all three Hypervolts. If that sounds about right, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. We’ve had each model in our grips and tested them.

And if you’re the type who loves the nitty-gritty details, we’ve got you covered. Each Hyper volt model has its in-depth massage gun review on our site. So, if you’re up for a deep dive, make yourself a coffee and take a look!

what is hypervolt massage? 
Hyper volt; 
Percussion Massage Guns:
Hypervolt 2.0 Pro

Hypervolt 2

Hypervolt Go 2

Hypervolt Comparison: Specs Table

This table presents each Hypervolt model’s key specifications, including our tested and measured values (learn how we do that here), for a detailed, easy-to-view comparison.

Feature
Hypervolt 2.0 Pro
Hypervolt 2Hypervolt Go 2
hypervolt 2 pro left sideHypervolt 2 Massage Gun Left Side ViewHypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun Left Side View
Stall Force *
(motor power)
~35 lbs
(90 W)
~25 lbs
(60 W)
<15 lbs
(40 W)
Stroke Length **
(advertised)
13.98 mm
(14 mm)
12.07 mm
(12 mm)
9.98 mm
(10 mm)
Percussion Range **
(advertised)
1600 – 2700 RPM
(1700 – 2700 RPM)
2000 – 2700 RPM2200 – 3200RPM
Battery Life3 hours3 hours2.5 hours
Noise **56-66 dB53-64 dB48-55 dB
Weight **2.6 lbs1.8 lbs1.57 lbs
Speed Options533
Number of Attachments552
Bluetooth + AppYesYesNo
Pressure SensorYesYesNo
MSRP$329$199$129
Where to buy?hyperice.comhyperice.comhyperice.com
Hypervolt comparison table. * our estimations; ** our measurements;

Hypervolt Comparison – Specs Charts

These charts make it easy to see the key differences between the models:

Stall Force Comparison (lbs)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#c52d5c:#c52d5c:#c52d5c,#06154d:#06154d:#06154d” min=”0″ max=”50″ legend=”false” titles=”Hypervolt 2 Pro,Hypervolt 2,Hypervolt GO 2″ values=”35,25,15″]

Amplitude Comparison (mm)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#c52d5c:#c52d5c:#c52d5c,#06154d:#06154d:#06154d” min=”0″ max=”20″ legend=”false” titles=”Hypervolt 2 Pro,Hypervolt 2,Hypervolt GO 2″ values=”14,12,10″]

Max Percussions Comparison (rpm)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#c52d5c:#c52d5c:#c52d5c,#06154d:#06154d:#06154d” min=”0″ max=”50″ legend=”false” titles=”Hypervolt 2 Pro,Hypervolt 2,Hypervolt GO 2″ values=”2700,2700,3200″]

Max Noise Level Comparison (dB)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#c52d5c:#c52d5c:#c52d5c,#06154d:#06154d:#06154d” min=”0″ max=”20″ legend=”false” titles=”Hypervolt 2 Pro,Hypervolt 2,Hypervolt GO 2″ values=”66,64,55″]


Hypervolt Comparison: Common Features Across Models

Now, there are some features that all Theraguns share. These include:

  • High-quality materials, well-crafted design, and attractive packaging.
  • All Hypervolt models are TSA-approved for carry-on.
  • All devices are FSA-HSA-approved.

However, all models lack a carrying case!


Quick Look at Each Hyper Volt Model

Hypervolt Go 2

So now, we’re kicking off with the Hypervolt Go 2.

Our testing impressions:

Hypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun Specification Device Box Img
  • Quality and premium feel
  • 10mm amplitude but low stall force
  • Great for beginners and everyday use
  • Lack of carrying case
Buy it at Hyperice.com.
Check Price

Though it’s labeled a ‘mini’ massage gun, ‘small’ might be a more fitting description. It’s the little one within the Hyperice family, but compared to the broader market, it’s definitely not the most compact.

But where it might lack in size, it makes up for in quality and fresh design aesthetics.

Who’s It Best For?

  • Those in pursuit of relaxing massages prefer surface-level hits over aggressive tissue penetration.
  • Individuals who value aesthetics, quality, and a premium brand’s prestige.

Why We Like It

  • Its clean, almost white design really pops compared to the black massage guns you see everywhere. There’s a black version, too, but we’re fans of the white one.
  • With a 10mm amplitude, it’s impressive in its category. Only the Theragun mini, boasting 12mm, takes the lead.
  • It operates quietly – a big plus for those who appreciate some silence.

…And Why We Don’t Like it

  • It’s not the powerhouse you might be hoping for; it quickly stalls, making it unsuitable for more aggressive massage.
  • For a ‘mini’ massage gun, it’s on the larger and heavier side.
  • It lacks Bluetooth, a feature its bigger siblings proudly host, and is a real asset, especially for newcomers or the less tech-savvy.
  • It comes with only two attachments, both made of hard plastic. It lacks a soft option for delicate areas or a gentler massage experience. In our opinion, having 4-6 varied attachments is essential for the best massage experience.

Where to Buy and Is It Worth It?

We do not recommend the Hypervolt Go 2. It’s not truly a ‘mini massage gun,’ lacks sufficient power, and comes with only two hard-plastic attachments. It falls short compared to its competitors, which offer significantly more value at the same price point (check them below).

Best Alternatives

  • The Ekrin Bantam takes the crown, no contest—it topped our tests here. Purchase it at ekrinathletics.com and use code MGA20 for a 20% discount.
  • The Theragun mini is also a formidable contender if you’re eyeing another premium brand. Buy it at therabody.com
  • Alternatively, consider the new Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini for an even more attractive price. Use the code MGAAIR2MINI to get an extra 10% off when purchasing on Amazon.
Theragun Mini 2 Vs Ekrin Bantam Vs Hypervolt Go 2; how to use hypervolt massage gun
Hypervolt comparison: Theragun mini and Ekrin Bantam, Hypervolt Go 2 is more of a mid-size than a mini massage gun.

Hypervolt 2

Next, we’ve got the Hypervolt 2, stepping in as the successor to the original Hypervolt 1.0 – the first massage gun that Hyperice reached the market with.

Our testing impressions:

Hypervolt 2 Massage Gun Specification Device Box Img
  • Overall quality and premium feel
  • Nice 12mm amplitude but low stall force
  • Great for beginners and everyday use
  • Lack of carrying case, steep price
Buy it at Hyperice.com.
Check Price

It’s positioned as the entry-level, everyday massage gun, meaning it’s your go-to for versatile use among all the Hypervolts. We must admit, its design got us hooked again.

This massage gun boasts a unique grey shade (heads up, the attachments match the body color). Recently, Hyperice also rolled out an entirely black version. The build quality is top-notch, making it a delight to handle.

However, like the Hypervolt Go 2, it’s a bit light on power, tapping out at about 25 lbs from our tests. It compensates slightly with a generous amplitude of 12 mm, but the RPM range maxes out only at 2700. Mixing all these factors and considering the price, we see that it falls short of our expectations.

Who’s It Best For?

  • Those on the lookout for a relaxing massage, prioritizing vibration over depth of penetration.
  • Those who value high-quality craftsmanship and the prestige of a premium brand. Are you the one?

Why We Like It

  • The design is still on point. Hyperice maintains class, reminding us it’s a premium piece.
  • A 12 mm amplitude hits the sweet spot of stroke length nicely.
  • It features Bluetooth and a mobile app, lowering entry barriers for people new to massage guns.

…And Why We Don’t

  • It’s on the weaker side, packing less punch than the previous generation, which is disappointing.
  • The RPM range is limited, topping at just 2700 percussions per minute.
  • You can snag better devices at this price point (and better equipped, too).

Where to Buy and Is It Worth It?

In our opinion, the Hypervolt 2 is not worth it. If you need a full-sized model, opt for the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro, or choose the Hypervolt Go 2 if size is a concern. Either way, we believe the alternatives listed below are much better.

Best Alternatives

  • The Bob and Brad D6 Pro impressed us (check our tests and massage gun review). It is almost like the Theragun Pro in both looks and performance. Buy yours on Amazon and use our exclusive MGAD6PRO2 code for a 10% discount.
  • Another solid pick is the Ekrin 365. It’s our top choice for a massage gun under $150 and comes with the added assurance of a lifetime warranty. The MGA20 code will let you buy it 20% cheaper here at ekrinathletics.com.
hyper volt vs ekrin 365: Luke holding them on his hands.
Hypervolt 2 and Ekrin 365 side by side. The latter has much better ergonomics.

Hypervolt 2.0 Pro

The Hypervolt 2 Pro marks Hyperice’s pinnacle, aiming at advanced and professional users. Indeed, this device boasts the most extensive features of the entire Hypervolt lineup.

Our testing impressions:

Hypervolt 2 Pro Massage Gun Specification Device Box Img
  • Overall quality and premium feel
  • High, 14mm amplitude, but low stall force
  • Intuitive controls & ergonomic handle
  • It is expensive
  • It lacks a carrying case
Buy it at Hyperice.com.
Check Price

The specs are respectable, with a 14mm amplitude and up to 2700 RPM. However, our testing revealed that it lacks power compared to the Theragun Pro, Bob and Brad D6 Pro, and the Ekrin Kestrel.

On the brighter side, it flaunts quality materials, a pressure sensor, and a replaceable battery. And like all Hyper Volt, it’s quiet in operation. Unfortunately, all these come at a steep price.

Who’s It Best For?

  • Brand enthusiasts, for sure.
  • Though we’re not entirely convinced about pro athletes, advanced users will value the additional features, quality, and materials used.
  • PTs and chiropractors might be tempted due to the replaceable battery and diverse attachment heads, though better options are available.

Why We Like It

  • The design and quality are consistently stellar.
  • It boasts a high 14mm amplitude and a broad rpm range.
  • The inclusion of Bluetooth and an accompanying app is a win.

…And Why We Don’t

  • It feels a bit underpowered, especially considering it’s marketed as a top-tier, professional-grade model.
  • The absence of USB-C is a letdown. It’s a common issue with all Hyper Volt models.
  • It’s absurd, but this top-shelf model doesn’t include the carrying case. You have to shell out an extra $49, which is 15% of the massager’s price. Alternatively, there’s always a cheaper, generic option available on the market.

Where to Buy and Is It Worth It?

We recommend buying Hypervolt 2.0 Pro, but there are a few caveats.
First, it’s suitable for advanced users requiring higher amplitude and power.
Second, it appeals mainly to brand enthusiasts and those who follow the hype.
Third, considering its price, better value options are available.

Best Hypervolt Alternatives

  • The Bob and Brad D6 Pro Pro (reviewed here) is a standout choice. It boasts significant power and a 16mm amplitude, genuinely living up to its ‘Pro’ designation as a hard muscle massager.
  • On the other hand, the Ekrin Kestrel (massage gun review) is another formidable option. While it lacks a replaceable battery, it compensates with perfect ergonomics, power, and the assurance of a lifetime warranty, making it a reliable and long-term investment.

In our tests, both these devices easily outperformed the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro. Moreover, they’re available at a better price, offering excellent value.

For extra savings, use the coupons:
MGA20 (20% off) for the Ekrin at ekrinathletics.com
MGAD6PRO2 (10% off) for the Bob and Brad D6 Pro at Amazon.com.

theragun pro vs hypervolt 2 pro
Our massage gun reviews compare the two top-of-the-line devices from Hyperice and Therabody head-to-head.

Head-to-Head Hypervolt Comparison

Now that we’re familiar with Hyper Volt massage guns, let’s compare the Hypervolt models head-to-head.

We’re breaking down the differences in two key matchups:

  • Hypervolt 2 vs. Hypervolt 2.0 Pro
  • and Hypervolt Go 2 vs. Hypervolt 2.

Now, a quick note…
You might wonder why we’re not comparing the Hypervolt Go 2 with the Hypervolt 2 Pro.
That comparison doesn’t make sense to us. These massage guns are so different that choosing between them shouldn’t be a dilemma.

If you own one, you might consider getting the other as a logical complement to your set.


Hyeprvolt 2 vs Hypervolt 2 Pro

Hypervolt Comparison: hypervolt 2 Vs Hypervolt 2 Pro

Our recommendation is to go for the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro, which has a better punch, more power, and a removable battery, making it the most versatile Hyper volt.

So let’s start this way… if the $130 price gap isn’t an issue for you, go for the Hypervolt 2 Pro and skip the rest of this read. It simply outshines in every way.

However, the devil is in the details if you want to find the perfect match for your needs. We will bring them to you now.

If you start your journey with massage guns or seek a massage gun for everyday use, mainly for relaxation, the Hypervolt 2 will suffice. It’s also a solid choice if you’re dealing with a sore middle back, tight neck muscles, foot pain, or similar discomforts.

The power and amplitude it offers (12mm and around 25 lbs, for reference) are plenty for these purposes. You won’t pay extra for features you don’t need, yet you still get a quality muscle massager with Bluetooth connectivity and five attachments.

On the other hand, if massage is a vital part of your post-workout or injury recovery routine or if you’re heavily muscled, the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro is the way to go. Its specs allow for more pressure and a more profound massage effect.

In this case, the additional $130 for the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro is a worthy investment.


Hypervolt Go 2 vs Hypervolt 2

hypervolt go 2 vs hypervolt 2

Our recommendation: get the Hypervolt 2.

This choice is a bit tricky—or maybe it’s not. These two massagers are like apples and oranges—they’re distinctly different. The Hypervolt Go 2 is dubbed a ‘mini massage gun,’ but let’s be honest, it’s more ‘small massage gun’ than a ‘mini.’

Because it’s compact, it has limits—it’s less powerful and boasts only a 10mm amplitude. One significant downside to the Hypervolt 2 is that it comes equipped with just two rigid plastic attachments. The absence of softer options can be a deal-breaker if you want to treat more sensitive areas.

You might think the Hypervolt Go 2 would win in portability, but that’s not quite the case. When we compared both (see the picture below), the Hypervolt Go 2 essentially has a shorter, angled handle. The head is about the same size as the Hypervolt 2 and Hypervolt 2 Pro.
So, it’s not that of a mini massage gun, after all.

So, to sum up, in this case, spending an extra $70 for the Hypervolt 2 makes sense. It’s just more bang for your buck. If a small massage gun is a must for you, then look at other brands.


Previous Generation of Hypervolts

It’s important to note the transition from the first-generation Hypervolts to the current lineup.

In September 2021, Hyperice unveiled the second-generation models, marking a significant step forward. The Hypervolt 2 took the mantle from the original Hypervolt, while the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro is the successor to the Hypervolt Plus.

Fast-forward to April 2022, when the Hypervolt Go 2 made its debut (stepping into the shoes of the Hypervolt Go), further expanding the second-generation lineup.

These introductions have made the older models obsolete, affirming the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality.


Hypervolt Comparison Conclusion

So now it’s clear – there’s no single best Hyper volt for everything and everyone. Each is designed for a specific type of user.

Hyperice offers three unique devices, each designed for a distinct type of user. The Hypervolt 2.0 Pro makes the most sense for us – it has the best features and specifications, and the Go 2 is great as a small, travel-friendly massager.

And the Hypervolt 2, while a decent entry-level option, doesn’t quite meet the standards of a full-sized massager and is too bulky for a smaller one. In this price range, there are more compelling choices available.

So, is the buzz justified? Do the price tags make sense? You’ve got the insights to decide. Now, the choice is yours.

Once you’ve made your pick, we want to hear from you. Which Hypervolt did you choose? Is it living up to your expectations? Let us know!

We hope our Hypervolt comparison article has helped you vastly. Take care!

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Hypervolt 2 Pro Review: A Powerful Hypervolt Massage Gun? https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-2-pro-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-2-pro-review/#respond Mon, 04 Oct 2021 09:23:45 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=7882 In this Hypervolt 2 Pro review, we examine Hyperice’s top-shelf massage gun, marking the second generation of the reputable Hypervolt Plus. Now, the questions arise — does it bring more power to the table? Are there notable upgrades? Is the price justified now, and how does it compare to the Theragun Pro?

To gain a better understanding, we not only measure all its parameters and compare them to those of its rivals and predecessor, but we also took an extra step by disassembling the device to really see what’s inside. We’ll be sharing our findings, thoughts, and photos.

Here’s what we discovered and our thoughts on it.

Key Takeaways:

  • We view the Hypervolt 2 Pro more as a refinement than a significant upgrade from the Hypervolt Plus cordless vibration massager, especially in terms of performance enhancements.
  • Although it maintains a classic T-Shape design, we notice an improvement in ergonomics, primarily due to a more comfortable and ergonomically designed handle.
  • The premium feel and look, coupled with quality materials (also inside the muscle massager), give it a high-end appeal; however, the absence of a carrying case is a letdown for such a top-tier device.
  • The high price tag is a concern; for a similar cost, the ‘Bob and Brad D6 Pro‘ offers more power, while Ekrin Athletics backs its massagers with a lifetime warranty.
hypervolt 2 pro review: hand holding massage gun
The Hypervolt 2 Pro in our hands. Let’s review it and compare it to the first-generation Hypervolt Plus.

Hypervolt 2 Pro Review

Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro Specs

Hypervolt 2 Pro Massage Gun Specification Device Box Img
Our testing impressions:
  • Overall quality and premium feel
  • High, 14mm amplitude, but low stall force
  • Intuitive controls & ergonomic handle
  • Expensive (and still lacks a carrying case)

Our review score:

3.9

Buy it at Hyperice.com.
Check Price
FeatureHypervolt 2 Pro Specs
Stall Force~35 lbs (our estimation)
Stroke Length14 mm*
Percussion range1700, 1900, 2100, 2400 & 2700 RPM*
Speeds5
Attachments5 included
Weight2.6 lbs
Dimensions8 x 2.5 x 10.4 inches
Noise (decibel)54-66 dB*
Battery Life / Capacity2 – 3 hours
Bluetooth Yes
ProsHigh amplitude
Ergonomic handle
Removable battery
Varied attachments

Intuitive controls
ConsLow stall force
No carrying case

Expensive
Warranty1 year
Price$349
Where to buy?Buy at Hyperice.com
Buy at Amazon.com
Hypervolt 2 Pro Specifications (*values measured by us for verification)

[wp-review id=”7882″]


First Impressions

Hyperice knows how to make a good first impression. The packaging is well-designed, with the device placed inside in an interesting and perhaps unconventional way. Unboxing the new Hypervolt has been a pleasure for us.

Unfortunately, a carrying case is still not included, which is disappointing given that this is their top-of-the-shelf device. We’re left wondering what it will take for Hyperice to include one—perhaps a presidential intervention?

On a brighter note, a pouch for attachments is provided, much like what we had with the Hypervolt 2.

As for charging, a wall charger with various international plugs is included, a detail we appreciate. Yet, in this modern era, a single USB-C cable would have sufficed.

The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro package also includes the standard informational cards, featuring an attachment selection guide, a quick-start guide, details about their app, customer service information, and an instructional manual.

hypervolt 2 pro case
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro: Here is what’s inside the package.

Design

A little reflection to start with… Having recently conducted a Hypervolt 2 review, we could immediately tell when we first unboxed the device that it was different from the first-gen Hypervolt. The color was different (Slate Gray), and the device felt smaller and lighter as well – something new at last!

We didn’t get the same immediate feeling with the Hypervolt 2 Pro. In fact, the device appears to be about the same size as the Hypervolt Plus, albeit slightly lighter.

Visually, it’s very much the same thing as the Plus – the housing design hasn’t changed much, and it’s still mostly black. It also features the same T-shape configuration.

But wait a minute…

hypervolt 2 pro massage gun

When you take the Hyperice Hypervolt Pro 2 into your hand, things begin to fall into place. Like magic, notable differences start to appear.

For instance, the handle has been redesigned to be more ergonomic than the one on the Hypervolt Plus – we’ll discuss this further in the ergonomics section below.

Other than that, the entire handle is black, with a tiny silver section at the bottom, right after the usual LED ring that lights up when the device is plugged in.

The new logo is on the side. It’s slanted H, probably represents the company’s new direction as a brand – evolving into a “holistic high-performance wellness brand..

The back panel has also changed. But not as much as the main control area. There are no more buttons. Instead, we have a dial that you use to both activate the device and adjust the speed levels.

This feature is exclusive to the Hypervolt 2 Pro, which has a dedicated button. With the dial, you don’t need to go through each speed. You can now quickly adjust the speed by rotating the dial in either direction. The LEDs indicate the speeds at the edge of the panel.

We love the intuitive controls and appreciate the novelty in it – it feels fantastic to use and looks stylish.

Other LEDs include:

  • 3 LEDs are located in the center of the panel for the pressure sensor.
  • Another LED, located just below the pressure sensor, indicates the Bluetooth connection.
  • The signature LED ring on the handle that lights up when the battery is plugged in
    • (red = battery low, green = battery fully charged).

There is also a main switch at the base of the percussion massager (next to the charging port). You have to switch this on to activate the device before using the control panel. You can also use it to power off the device quickly. There is also a battery release button underneath the main housing.

Our Overall Observation:

The Pro 2 looks similar to the old Plus device. We are guessing Hyperice didn’t want this new device to look very different. After all the Plus was a top-of-the-shelf device.

At the same time, it’s also very different from the Hypervolt 2. Hyperice wanted to make it clear that the two devices are different. The Pro has some new features that weren’t in the original device (the dial control stands out) but nothing too radical or out of the ordinary.

The build quality is still great and feels premium, which we believe contributes to the higher price point.


Size and Weight

The Hypervolt 2 Pro is about the same size as the original Hypervolt Plus – it measures 8 x 2.5 x 10.4 (inches). At the same time, it’s noticeably larger than the Hypervolt 2.

But what about the weight? Remember how we’ve always complained about Hypervolt Plus being the heaviest gun thus far? Well, not anymore; at least it’s not as heavy as it used to be.

This new upgrade is slightly lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 2.6 pounds. We know that sounds better, but it’s not a noticeable difference when you actually compare the two guns. 

The competition has always done it better. Ekrin Kestrel only weighs 2.2 lbs. We’re glad this Ekrin is lighter and well-balanced as well. The battery is in the handle. 


Hypervolt 2 Pro Attachments

The Hypervolt 2 Pro comes with 5 attachments – the same as those found on the Hypervolt 2 earlier. The difference here is that these attachments are not slated gray like that first percussion massager. They are all black.

5 hypervolt go 2 attachments
Hypervolt attachment set: 4 pieces made of hard plastic, plus 1 made of rubber (Hypervolt Cushion attachment).

That aside, we like that you still have a great variety to massage the whole body. There are no surprises here though – it’s the same old set:

  • Ball/Round Head: The universal attachment used to massage all body parts. It works better on large muscle groups.
  • Flat Head: This one is a favorite for those with big muscles. If you want harder hits, then this is your go-to attachment.
  • Hypervolt Fork attachment/Spine Head: This one is used to massage the spine area. It’s also great for massaging the area around your neck. Athletes love to use it to treat their calves and Achilles.
  • Hypervolt Bullet attachment: Used to treat trigger points, can also be used for foot massage and for plantar fasciitis.
  • Hypervolt Cushion attachment: Last but not least. We love this one because it offers a soft option for when you have a tender area to massage. You can also use it on bony areas.

Four of the five attachments here are made of hard material (hard plastic). Hyperice has always used hard plastic for its attachments, unlike Theragun attachments, which are made of soft material. The Hyperice ball head may have a slight give to it, but it’s made of plastic as well. For comparison, the ball attachment for the Hypervolt Plus was made of foam and was not easy to clean.

The only soft attachment is the cushion, a combination of rubber and air inside. It’s beneficial that this tip is included in the set, allowing for the massage of more sensitive areas and body parts (e.g., around joints and bones).

The mechanism for inserting and removing the attachments is “push & pull.” Only the fork head needs to be aligned to prevent it from spinning around when you are using the gun.

Our Verdict:

We have no complaints against the attachments on the Hypervolt 2 Pro massage gun. The quality is excellent, and the variety is fantastic. We were just wondering whether it would’ve been even better to have a Supersoft attachment like Theragun has for their Pro massage gun.

After all, this is Hyperice’s top massage gun. We know Theragun owns the rights to the Supersoft attachment, but something unique for Hyperice wouldn’t hurt.


Hyperice Heated Head Attachment

Recently, Hypervolt unveiled a heated attachment compatible with all their massagers, including the Hypervolt 2 Pro.

Although we haven’t personally tested it, we’re sharing initial insights based on Hypervolt’s website and recent press releases.

Hypervolt Heated Attachment By Hyperice

Our Initial Observations:

  • It’s a conventional flat head design, but thicker to accommodate the battery and electronics.
  • Its universal fit with all Hypervolt massagers is a plus, catering to a wide range of users.
  • The heating and power are self-contained, eliminating the need for connections to the muscle massager.
  • Heats up to 120°F, slightly above the Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max.
  • At 0.22 lbs, we’re keen to explore its impact on the massager’s balance once we acquire it.
  • The only available black color fits the black finish of Hypervolt 2 Pro (but might not appeal to those with the white Hypervolt Go 2 Pro or gray Hypervolt 2.
  • Price – at $59, it’s a bit pricey for a single attachment, but given its potential benefits, it could be a nice addon.

We are waiting for it to become available again (as it sold out very quickly), and will provide updates here. Stay tuned!

TIP: Curious about heated massage benefits? Check out our guide on heated massage guns to learn more.


Ergonomics

We promised to address some things here and now. Let’s see what we have with this new device.

The Hypervolt 2 Pro handle is now slimmer and has a new shape. We said the same thing about the Hypervolt 2, but that’s because they have a similar shape – a pill shape. We’d usually call it oval, but pill-shaped is fine as well.

This is something new with Hyperice devices. We know the Hypervolt Plus was cylindrical, and so was the original Hypervolt silver device. However, we’ve seen this shape with other massagers we reviewed, like Bob and Brad C2 and Renpho R3.

We believe this new shape is superior to the cylindrical shape, which presented a challenge for individuals with small hands. The new shape makes the handle thinner and allows for better grip.

Did we mention that the handle is rubberized as well? 

But not everything has been addressed even with the reduced weight and a better shaped handle. The overall configuration (T-Shape) of the gun hasn’t been addressed. As we’ve always said, the 90-degree approach isn’t the best, it puts a lot of strain on your wrist and longer massage sessions can be uncomfortable.

We were hoping for a tilted handle like the Hypervolt Go. With the handle tilted, you can have a more natural grip and reach the lower back easily. Ekrin B37S did it well – it’s going to be Hypervolt 2 Pro’s main rival. 

Our Take

Hyperice has addressed some concerns with this new gun. The weight has been reduced, albeit negligible, and the handle has also been worked on to cater to people with small hands.

However, we were hoping for an even better approach with ergonomics. For instance, make everything as it is but include an angled handle as well. 

Hypervolt For Plantar Fasciitis

PRO TIP Find out more about how to use a massage gun properly.


Inside Look: Disassembling Hypervolt 2 Pro

Alright, before we move into the performance talk, let’s take a look at exactly what’s under the hood of this device. Disassembling the Hypervolt 2 Pro isn’t just insightful; it’s actually pretty cool. This thing is well-designed – you can tell a lot of thought went into its construction (if you’re curious check this post where we discuss all the tech stuff of massage gun construction).

So, after removing a few screws, we got almost everything taken apart. The only issue? The flywheel was stuck tight – we eventually had to throw in the towel on that one. But that’s not a problem; everything is easy to inspect.

Here’s the scoop on what stood out to us: the design is super slick, and everything fits together like a glove. The material quality? Top-notch, with plenty of sturdy metal where it matters most. Each part operates smoothly, and there’s a surprising amount of electronics packed in there, from the motor to the battery controls.

Big kudos for the sound-dampening touches, like the felt seal around the massage head holder. The heat management is on point too – check out the radiator near the motor. It not only gives off warmth but also looks stylish.

All in all, this device is leagues ahead of those budget models (like FitRX), and it really shows that the Hyperice folks know their stuff. See photos:


Performance

In performance, we often look at 3 key aspects: amplitude, stall force, and percussions per minute.

Hypervolt Plus has been, for a while, Hyperice’s most potent massage gun with a near-perfect balance of all these aspects. How good is the upgrade though?


Amplitude

Also known as the stroke length, this is the distance the massage gun head travels as it percusses. The stroke length determines how deep a massage you can get.

The Hypervolt 2 Pro has a 14mm amplitude, thanks to the position where the arm is attached to the flywheel. However, you must know that with an underpowered motor, such an offset can lead to issues – we’ll discuss this in a moment.

Hypervolt 2 Pro Flywheel Percussive Mechanism Construction Close Up
14 mm percussive mechanism offset (as marked on the flywheel) translates directly to the 14mm amplitude.

No, Hyperice still doesn’t disclose information about the amplitude as other massage gun brands do. We had to measure it ourselves (as you can see below).

hypervolt 2 pro Measured Amplitude
Hypervolt 2 Pro amplitude measured by us; it registers at 14mm using our digital tool.

The 14mm amplitude is the same thing as the Hypervolt Plus. It’s good enough and can give a deep percussive massage.

Maybe we expected something a bit longer as an upgrade (like Theragun’s 16mm), but this is still really okay and not vibrational, so we’ll take it.

But what about the stall force? Is it enough to utilize the long amplitude?


Stall Force

Stall force is the amount of pressure needed to stall the motor of a device. This happens when you press the massage gun against your body.

When we reviewed the new Hypervolt 2, we mentioned how it was very easy to stall it. It was a disappointment and we noted that those who are looking for more stall force should opt for alternatives. We had hoped that this Hypervolt 2 Pro would be better.

Unfortunately we were wrong.

As far as the stall force is concerned, the Hypervolt 2 Pro doesn’t feel as powerful as the good old Hypervolt Plus.

Again, we couldn’t get the information about the stall force directly from Hyperice – we had to do our own estimation. We tested it against a bunch of other massage guns and could tell what the stall force on this device is – it’s probably 30lbs. or at most only about 35lbs.

Even at the highest speed it stalls quite easily.  Since this the Hypervolt is expected to rival big guns like Theragun Pro, Achedaway Pro, and Ekrin B37S, with this kind of stall force, we don’t see that happening.

And one more important point to note is that this weakness is also a result of the amplitude used. As mentioned earlier, when you have a 14mm amplitude, it requires more power to effectively drive the arm compared to lower amplitudes. However, more power translates to a more expensive, larger, and more power-consuming solution… essentially,it’s a trade off.

But does it really matter if the stall force is very low in this device?

Well, if you particularly love Hypervolts and can’t do with any other massage gun, then the low stall force shouldn’t be a big issue. If you just float the device over your skin without pressing it against your body, you can still feel the effect. It still hits deep enough with the 14mm amplitude.

The stall force issue will probably not be a problem for new users who haven’t interacted with more powerful massagers before. The 30-35lbs. of stall force on this device will serve novice users well.

However, for users who were hoping for a Hypervolt Plus upgrade, the stall force on this new Hypervolt 2 Pro might feel like a let-down.


Percussions and Speed Levels

We are glad that there’s been a change here. Finally a Hypervolt that has more than 3 speed levels. The Pro 2 comes with 5 speeds to match the competition from Theragun, Ekrin, and Achedaway.

The speed levels are as below:

  • 1st speed – 1700rpm
  • 2nd speed – 1900rpm
  • 3rd speed – 2100rpm
  • 4th speed – 2400rpm
  • 5th speed – 2700rpm
Hypervolt 2 Pro 5 Speed Led Indicators

You might have noticed how this new device doesn’t rev up to 3200rpm as the previous versions of Hypervolts. It’s 500rpm slower on the highest speed level.

We can’t tell exactly why they went that route. It’s obviously not because of the amplitude, because the previous Hypervolt Plus had the same 14mm stroke length but with 3200 maximum percussions.

Of course we can only speculate why they went a different direction with the maximum percussions.

We have our own hunches:

  • They might have encountered a bottleneck in manufacturing, or changed the manufacturer and this new device couldn’t rev past the 2700rpm – less likely, but maybe?
  • Or maybe it’s intentional. They elected to have the device feel more punchy than vibrational. With less frequent hits, the device has a strong percussive bass-like impact and not the vibrational hits that have a treble-like impact – a thud! thud! thud! effect rather than a Whirrrrr! effect.

However, what is sure is that even with the 2700 maximum percussions you can still have a nice percussive massage.

What’s more, with the 14mm amplitude, we would expect a device to rev below 3000 rpms. The longer the stroke length, the longer the distance the head travels back and forth, and thus the few percussions per minute. 16mm amplitude Theraguns, rev only up to 2400rpm so it makes sense.

The bottom line here is that with 2700 max. percussions, the device also now feels more punchy than the Hypervolt Plus, and maybe that’s a good thing.


Performance Summary

Our Take

Unfortunately the stall force on this device feels reduced compared to what we already know the Hypervolt Plus had. If you pay attention to stall force, or have already felt the power on the Hypervolt Plus, this device may feel underpowered.

But somehow the 14mm amplitude and the reduced number of percussions for the highest gear have made this gun feel somewhat strong. Certainly in terms of the punches delivered to your skin.

If this was an intentional move from Hyperice then it has definitely worked.


Pressure Sensor

The pressure sensor is still here – we wouldn’t expect anything different.

It’s indicated by 3 LED lights that glow up when pressure is applied. It’s been calibrated to reflect the stall force in this new device – it doesn’t take a lot of pressure for all 3 LEDs to glow up.

Also, they haven’t upgraded the sensor to look sleeker than what was there previously. This feels pretty old and dull if you compare what Theragun and Ekrin have done with their Elite, Pro and B37S devices.

That said, it is there, it is working well and for most users it won’t be the most important feature. You will probably not need the pressure indication to have a decent massage.

Hypervolt 2 Pro Pressure Sensor Leds
Pressure sensor is indicated by 3 small LED lights that glow up when pressure is applied.

Noise

Noise has never been an issue with Hypervolt devices. The Hypervolt 2 Pro isn’t noisy either. With the 14mm amplitude you expect a bit of noise and some rattling, but it’s not too much. This is a result of good interior construction that includes certain housing elements and quality bearings.

You can expect 55-56dB on lower speed gears and up to 64-66dB on higher gears. These are the results we obtained from our own noise level tests (see the pictures below).

The measured noise levels (in dB) mean that you can use the device and still talk and hear each other easily. You also won’t need to turn up the TV volume.


Battery

We were surprised to find no detachable battery in the Hypervolt 2 when we reviewed it. We assumed Hyperice had abandoned the detachable battery feature, but it appears it was only for the Hypervolt 2.

The 2 Pro model has a detachable battery, with a release button located underneath the motor housing.

We expect that this device will be beneficial for professionals like physiotherapists and chiropractors, who would find this feature essential. Moreover, this feature further differentiates the Hypervolt 2 from the Hypervolt 2 Pro.

The battery is a rechargeable 23V lithium-ion unit. Hyperice claims it can last up to 3 hours on a single charge. While we find this to be achievable, it’s primarily if you stick to lower speeds and apply minimal to no pressure. Under such usage, you can expect a battery life of over 2 hours.

This battery life is reasonable, especially if you plan on using the device once a day. You’ll find that there’s still some battery left even a few days later.

There’s one thing we don’t like here: the lack of USB-C charging. Although Hyperice includes different international plugs, with USB-C, they wouldn’t be needed.

hypervolt 2 pro international plugs included
The extra international plugs are included. But the USB-C is still missing.

Bluetooth and App

This Hypervolt 2 Pro review wouldn’t be complete without touching on the connectivity features, which have always been a strong selling point for Hyperice.

Indeed, this new device retains its Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to connect it to the Hyperice app (available on Android or iOS) for guided routines. Through the app, you can have more controlled massage sessions.

We would like to highlight that the Hyperice app is a handy tool for learning how to use the device, and to see how professional athletes make use of it.

hypervolt Bluetooth connectivity app
Pairing process for Hypervolt 2 Pro in Hyperice App.

Is Hypervolt 2 Pro Worth it? And Who is it Best For?

We have mixed feelings about this device. The Hypervolt 2 Pro has good ergonomics and punches hard enough to get the job done. Additionally, it’s well-designed and crafted, as we could tell when disassembling it.

But the drawback is the power. While it delivers adequate deep hits and solid percussions, it’s relatively easy to stall. This is particularly noticeable when we recall that the previous generation didn’t have a power issue. Given the target audience (pro users), it’s a surprising move from Hyperice.

Nevertheless, we are sure Hyperice knows what they are doing.

We also believe that most users, especially new ones, will still find the Hypervolt 2 Pro strong enough. After all it is a stronger device than the introductory Hypervolt 2.

What’s more, chiropractors and physiotherapists, who use massage guns to help patients relax, will also find this device useful, mainly thanks to a detachable battery included for this model.

Hypervolt 2 Pro now FSA and HSA eligible

Additionally, it’s noteworthy to mention that Hypervolt products are now FSA-HSA approved. You can learn more about this approval and what it means for your purchase in our detailed guide on FSA-HSA eligible massage guns.

This is a big deal as it makes these premium massage guns more accessible, especially for those who are budget-conscious but still want to invest in a quality device. So, if you have FSA or HSA funds available, this might be the perfect opportunity to get a Hypervolt 2 Pro without feeling the financial pinch. Just pay with your FSA or HSA card at the checkout.

TIP The old generation Hypervolt devices are still on sale and have that feature as well – but they may not stay on the market for long.

Our Verdict

This is a high quality device from a premium brand that majors in sports recovery. But is it really worth the hefty price tag? We have our doubts.

If you prefer an aggressive massage and you are kind of a stall force freak (like us), the Hypervolt 2 Pro may not offer the best value for your money. There are more excellent devices that cost much less than $329 but come with better performance specs.

The 1-year warranty is also off-putting and you may want to check out other brands that offer excellent devices backed by a lifetime warranty. Ekrin is the best alternative thus far, and you can explore their offerings here.

Hypervolt For Foot Pain

Hypervolt 2 Pro vs. Hypervolt Plus – Summary

hypervolt 2 pro vs hypervolt plus

Here is the summary of Hypervolt 2 Pro vs Hypervolt Plus comparison:

Similarities:

  • Size – about the same size
  • Amplitude (both 14mm)
  • Noise levels
  • T-shaped design with a vertical handle
  • 3-level pressure sensor
  • Bluetooth and Hyperice app compatibility
  • Same attachments (5)
  • Removable battery
  • Color – both black (Hypervolt 2 Pro with a silver bottom).

What Hypervolt 2 Pro has that Hypervolt Plus doesn’t:

  • 5 speeds (vs 3)
  • Lower weight (2.6lbs  vs 3.0 lbs)
  • Slimmer, oval handle
  • New control panel with a dial
  • Better time on battery (advertised 3 hours vs 2 hours)

Where Hypervolt Plus still beats Hypervolt 2 Pro:

  • More stall force (est. 45 lbs vs only about estimated 30-35 lbs. in Hypervolt 2 Pro)
  • Better max. percussions (3200 vs 2700 in Hypervolt 2 Pro)

Both lack:

  • A carrying case
  • More extended warranty (just 1 year)

Our Take

In our opinion, the Hypervolt 2 Pro feels more like a refresh than an upgrade. Compared to Hypervolt Plus, not much has been changed.

If you want a Hypervolt with a high amplitude and a revamped body, then go for the Hypervolt 2 Pro. The ergonomics are better, it’s lighter, slimmer, and looks sleek-looking, but that’s it.

From a performance standpoint, we’re not convinced it has much to offer over the old Hypervolt Plus. It boils down to preference.

However, since they’re both on sale, we believe Hypervolt Plus is still a viable choice. To make it even better, Hypervolt Plus now costs $70 less than Hypervolt 2 Pro (at the time of updating this review).

Here you can check the current prices: Hypervolt Plus and Hypervolt 2 Pro.

TIP If you are interested in how the Hypervolt 2 Pro compares to other Hypervolt models, and which one is actually worth choosing in our opinion, see this Hypervolt comparison post.


If not Hypervolt 2 Pro Then What?

Since we do many massage gun reviews, and test many different devices each month, we think we are well positioned to present some viable alternatives. Here are the two Hypervolt 2 Pro rivals that we can wholeheartedly recommend.


ekrin b37s percussion massager
Ekrin B37S percussion massager.

Ekrin B37S

This is likely the best alternative to the new Hypervolt 2 Pro.

Why this one? The 5 main reasons:

  1. Angled handle – better ergonomic
  2. More Stall Force Power – up to 56lbs.
  3. Revs up to 3200rpm
  4. Lifetime Warranty
  5. 40% cheaper than Hypervolt 2 Pro

If you prefer a device with more power, this one has plenty of it.

Whereas the new Hypervolt 2 Pro feels like a proper ergonomic massage gun (thinner, reshaped rubberized handle), Ekrin B37S proposes something even better.

The handle is angled to provide a more natural and firm grip, allowing for longer sessions. The T-shape configuration on Hypervolt 2 Pro fatigues the wrist. Ekrin B37S is also slightly lighter, weighing just 2.2lbs.

In terms of power, which is where the B37S beats Hypervolt 2 Pro hands down, there’s plenty here. There’s up to 56lbs. of stall force on the highest gear – even the lower gears will be hard to stall.

This is why even though it only has a 12mm amplitude, it can still penetrate deep into large muscles. You can press it hard against the skin and it won’t stall as easily as Hypervolt 2 Pro.

Ekrin B37S has more maximum percussions as well. The range is 2000-3200rpm. There are 5 speed gears – the 5th speed is dynamic, allowing automatic intensity change. The Pressure Sensor on the B37S is, in our opinion, better executed than what is on Hypervolt 2 Pro. 

The battery is non-detachable, yes, but it has way more juice than what Hypervolt 2 Pro has. It’s also a quality Samsung battery. The B37S will also be quieter because of the lower amplitude. It also comes with 5 attachments and a carrying case. You can expect excellent build material.

It has a lifetime warranty and amazing customer support – Hypervolt 2 Pro has a 1-year warranty.

Deal Alert: It is reasonably priced. It normally costs about $250, but if you apply the Amazon coupon and the MGAD6PRO code at checkout, it’s cheaper than our top pick.

Check it out here at Amazon.

It normally sells at $329 but you can buy it for just $263 if you use the coupon MGA20, which gives you a 20% discount. So you save $136 by choosing this one over Hypervolt 2 Pro.

Read More Explore our in-depth Ekrin B37s review, complete with more pictures and comparisons.


achedaway pro shape design
Achedaway Pro

Achedaway Pro

Why this one? The 5 main reasons:

  1. Slanted handle – better ergonomic
  2. 16mm amplitude
  3. Revs up to 2800rpm
  4. 2-year warranty
  5. About $100 less than Hypervolt 2 Pro. Check here.

An even more powerful alternative. Achedaway Pro has a high amplitude and high stall force. A perfect combination for those who want an aggressive massage.

It comes with a 16mm amplitude – Theragun-like. That’s 2mm more than Hypervolt 2 Pro and definitely 2mm of deeper and better hits. The advertised stall force is 80lbs. but we believe it’s somewhere in the mid-50s like Ekrin B37S.

Even so, it’s still significantly harder to stall than Hypervolt 2 Pro. Even with all that, it can be more intensive with up to 2800 maximum percussions – 100rpm more than Hypervolt 2 Pro. It comes with 5 speed gears as well.

Ergonomics are somewhat the same as B37S, with the slanted handle.

Hint You get a carrying case with Achedaway Pro – Hypervolt (still) comes without one.

The overall weight is 2.6lbs – similar to Hypervolt 2 Pro. It comes with 4 attachments that are nicely done – 2 are made of aluminum.

The battery has a capacity of 3200mAh, and can last for 2-4 hours on a single charge. The battery is removable too, and there’s an option to buy the device with a spare one. This makes it an excellent pick for professionals.

It has a 2-year warranty – better than what Hyperice offers for their Pro device.

Usually you’d have to pay $299 to get this device, but with our MGA60 coupon, you can get a $60 discount. That makes it $239 – or $309 if you buy it with the spare battery. Still much cheaper than Hypervolt 2 Pro. Get it right here.

Read More Read our full Achedaway Pro Review for more details.


Review Summary

As we close this Hypervolt 2 Pro review, there are a few key points to note with this new Hypervolt.

In our opinion, this feels more like a refresh than an upgrade of the previous Hypervolt Plus. Some new features like improved ergonomics, reduced weight, and new controls, but nothing more to suggest a serious upgrade.

In terms of performance, this new device doesn’t deliver more than the predecessor – in fact, it’s easier to stall.

Pro athletes or physiotherapists who are looking to buy a Hypervolt will face a bit of a conundrum about whether to choose the Pro 2 or the good old Hypervolt Plus (still on sale at a reduced price). When Hyperice retires Hypervolt Plus, then this new device will be the strongest Hypervolt.

Either way, the value for money isn’t great. We believe there are better products that offer more for less if you can live without the Hypervolt badge (and the Bluetooth connectivity).

TIP As always, feel free to comment below or ask us a questions directly.


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Hypervolt 2 Review: Is It a New Standard in Mid-Tier Massage Guns? https://massagegunadvice.com/hyperice-hypervolt-2-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hyperice-hypervolt-2-review/#respond Thu, 30 Sep 2021 09:21:41 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=7755 The new generation of entry-level muscle massagers from Hyperice, the Hypervolt 2, has arrived with some changes on board. Are they significant? Is it a revolution or just an evolution? Does this device set a new standard for the mid-tier massage gun category?

Our Hypervolt 2 review will share our findings and observations from using this massager (plus spec verification!). What do we like about it? And what would we change (if Hyperice allowed us)?

In the end, we’ll address whether it’s worth the price now, or if there are better options available for a similar price.

Key Takeaways

  • The superior overall quality, the premium feel, and cool color aesthetic of the Hypervolt 2 truly set it apart (just check the color-matched attachments).
  • On the performance front, the increased amplitude is a welcome improvement, yet the lower stall force left a bit to be desired.
  • These days, the missing USB-C charging feature feels like a significant oversight.
  • The initial price point was quite steep. Currently, it has dropped to a more reasonable level (around $200), yet at this price, there are better massage guns available, such as the Ekrin 365. Why? Read on to find out.

Hyperice Hypervolt 2 – The Second Generation

In early September 2021, Hyperice announced that it was morphing into a “holistic high-performance wellness brand.” On this occasion, they also decided to change the logo; now it’s the slanted “H” letter (which, by the way, looks very similar to the new Formula 1 logo), and it so happens that F1 is sponsored by the archrival Therabody. A fun coincidence, no?

hyperice 2 review: hyperice logo
Hyperice logo.

They are finally going the Therabody (Theragun) route. The event was marked by the unveiling of their latest massage guns: Hypervolt 2, the successor to the original silver Hypervolt, and Hypervolt 2 Pro, the successor to Hypervolt Plus.

This is probably good timing for us here because we recently (around June) did a review of the original Hypervolt. In that review, we concluded that Hypervolt hadn’t done much to upgrade their original device. We noted the outdated hardware that Hypervolt was still insisting on, even as other brands were doing something new.

So in this post, we’ll take a look at their new Hypervolt 2 massage gun and find out whether it’s simply a facelift or a more serious upgrade. We’ll also compare it to the original and see which one has better performance aspects.


Hypervolt 2 Video Review

But, before you dive into our detailed review below, take a peek at our hands-on video. We’re unboxing it, exploring its attachments, testing the speeds, and demonstrating the stall force. You’ll also get a quick guide on how to charge it.

It’s a neat visual companion to all the details we’ve written out for you below. So hit play and enjoy!


Hypervolt 2 Review

Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Specs (Verified)

Hypervolt 2 Massage Gun Specification Device Box Img
Our testing impressions:
  • Overall quality and premium feel
  • Nice 12mm amplitude but low stall force
  • Great for beginners and everyday use
  • Lack of a carrying case, steep price

Our review score:

3.5

Buy it at Hyperice.com
Check Price
FeatureHypervolt 2 Specs
Stall Force~25 lbs (our estimation)
Stroke Length12 mm (verified)
Percussion range2000, 2350, 2700 rpm (verified)
Speeds3
Attachments5 included
Weight1.8 lbs
Dimensions7.5 x 2.5 x 9.5 inches
Noise (decibel)53-64 dB (verified)
Battery Life / Capacityup to 3 hours
Bluetooth Yes
ProsOverall quality
Ergonomic handle
Low noise
Varied attachments
ConsLow stall force
Non-removable battery
So-so time on battery
No carrying case

No USB-C charging
Warranty1 year
Price$199
Where to buy?Buy at Hyperice.com
Hypervolt 2 Review: Specifications (*values measured by us for verification)

First Impressions and Build Quality

Still no carrying case even with the new-look Hyperice. What a bummer! We guess we’ll go straight to the device and find out what we have.

hypervolt 2 set package

It looks different (at least in color). You get the sense that Hyperice was trying to distinguish it from the old device – which is still on sale.

This new device is grey (not silver). Hyperice is calling it “Slate Grey.” It’s slated grey everywhere. Even the attachments are the same color.

For some, this may look dull, but we’re guessing it’s not such a big deal for an entry-level device. Theragun had the same bland appearance for their Prime.

We will give them that – for once, they have something different.

hypervolt 2 massage gun

The control panel has also been redesigned to include a control button, the 3 speed LEDs, 3 more LEDs just below the main button for the pressure sensor, and a Bluetooth connection indicator. There is also a new logo on the side (a slanted “H”) perhaps an indication of the different approach taken by the company.

When you hold the device for the first time, it feels lighter than the original (and perhaps smaller). The handle is the same (90 degrees, T-shape), but there are some changes.

Fortunately for us and many others who had asked for a different handle configuration, our concerns have somewhat been addressed here. We’ll talk more about the handle in the ergonomics section. For now we’ll mention that we like that it’s rubberized, even though the rest of the body is plastic. It’s top-quality plastic as well.

As we have already said, there’s only one button to control everything from turning the device on to changing the speed gears. The back panel is redesigned – it’s now rounded, looks simple and yet sleeker than before. There isn’t a main switch at the bottom of the handle anymore.

How to use the device:

  • Press and hold the power button for at least 3 seconds to turn it on.
  • Press the button again to make it start percussing.
  • Subsequent presses of the button change speed.
  • Press and hold the power button again for at least 3 seconds to turn it off.

Other notable things that haven’t changed much include the LED ring at the base of the handle. It works the same way as on the previous device – red means the battery’s low, while green means the battery is fully charged.

The pressure sensor is also here, indicated by the 3 LEDs that glow up when you press the device on your body (more on that later).

Did we mention there is no carrying case still? There’s a pouch to store the attachments and that’s it.

There is a wall charger with different international plugs included. Hyperice kept their tradition of including a bunch of cards with all their devices. Some of them include: a quick-start guide, attachments tips, app information, customer service tips, and an instructional manual.

hypervolt 2 attachments accessories included
Hypervolt 2: Here is what’s included in the package.

Attachments

There are 5 attachments included with this new device – great variety as always with Hypervolts. Apart from being the same color as the device, there’s nothing new to them.

  • The Flat head: Used to massage large muscle groups, great for a full body massage.
  • The Ball head: The universal massage head used to massage large muscles as well and great for a full body massage as well. If the flat head is too aggressive, the ball head is the go-to attachment.
  • The Fork head: Used mainly on the spine and neck area but athletes love using it on their calves and Achilles.
  • The Cushion head: This one is a flat head variation with a softer touch. It’s used on tender and bony areas.
  • The Bullet head: Used on trigger point areas. It’s a great attachment to treat plantar fasciitis. You can also use it if you want an intensive massage.

Hypervolt attachments have always been on the “hard material” side compared to Theragun’s soft heads.

In this one, the Flat, Bullet, and Fork attachments are all hard plastic except the Ball head, which has a slight give to it, and the Cushion head, which is reasonably soft.

The mechanism for inserting and removing the attachments is “Push and Pull” except for the Fork attachment which has to be aligned before inserting to prevent it from spinning around.

That said, we have no concerns here. We would’ve loved a Supersoft attachment like in Theragun, but we know that Theragun has it patented. Something similar wouldn’t hurt though, would it?

Heated Head Attachment

Recently, Hypervolt unveiled a heated attachment that pairs well with all Hypervolt massagers, including the Hypervolt 2.

While we haven’t had the opportunity to test it personally, we’re offering our initial impressions based on the information found on Hypervolt’s website and the latest press releases.

Hypervolt Heated Attachment By Hyperice

Our Thoughts

  • The attachment is the classic flat head design but is thicker to house the battery and the necessary electronics for its operation.
  • It’s good to see that this attachment fits all Hypervolt massagers, not only Hypervolt 2.
  • With the heating and power mechanisms enclosed within the attachment, there’s no need for extra connections to the massager body (like those of Urikar or Aura Revive).
  • It heats up to 120°F, edging slightly above the Urikar Pro 2’s 113°F, a detail worth noting for those desiring that extra warmth in their massages.
  • At 0.22lbs, this attachment is a bit heavier than the usual heads, but we hope it has no impact on the massager’s balance. We’ll delve into this once it arrives.
  • The sole available color of black may not resonate with owners of the gray Hypervolt 2, a minor design hiccup for some.
  • Priced at $59, it might appear costly for a single attachment. Yet, considering it almost as a standalone device (with its own battery and controls), plus the prospective benefits, it could be a nice addon, at least for some of you.

We plan to get this attachment as soon as it’s back in stock, and will provide an updated here. Stay tuned!

TIP If heating during a massage intrigues you, explore our guide on heated massage guns to learn more about its benefits.


Size and Weight

The Hypervolt 2 is smaller than the previous full-sized Hypervolts (Silver Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus). It measures 7.5 x 2.5 x 9.5 (inches). It’s noticeably smaller than the new Hypervolt Pro which has a slightly larger motor housing and an even longer handle.

We love that the weight has gone down from what we were used to with the previous device. From 2.5lbs with the previous silver gun, this one now only weighs 1.8lbs.

The device feels well balanced since most of the weight is in the handle.


Ergonomics

The most noticeable change, and one we couldn’t wait to talk about, is in the handle. It’s now slimmer and has an all new shape. Instead of round, it’s now oval or what Hyperice calls the “Pill shaped grip.”

But we’ve seen a handle like this before from devices such as Bob and Brad C2, Naipo massage gun, and Renpho R3.

The handle is rubberized and holds really well. Those who have smaller hands (especially female customers) will appreciate this modification.

We’re just disappointed that the vertical handle remains the same even in this new device. We were hoping for something else other than the generic T-shape configuration. This puts a strain on the wrist, especially during a long massage session.

When they made Hypervolt Go with a slanted handle, we were hoping that meant a new direction taken for future iterations of their devices. A tilted handle offers a more natural grip.

We also think the handle should’ve been made a little longer for an extended reach (when you want to massage the lower back). The same thing Ekrin did with their new 365 massage gun.

Overall we’re happy that Hypervolt at least addressed some concerns over the ergonomics of their guns. This new gun is lighter, slimmer, and stable. However, we wish they would’ve done even more. We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds.


Performance

In performance, we focus on 3 key areas: amplitude, stall force, and percussions. In our review of the previous Hypervolt we noted how the amplitude was low and how it felt like a vibrational device.

But what about this new device? Has the amplitude been improved?


Amplitude

Also known as the stroke length, the amplitude is the distance the massage gun head travels as it percusses. It determines how deep a massage you can get.

We have always never seen Hyperice clearly state out the amplitude of any of their devices. We’ve always had to do the measuring ourselves. That hasn’t changed yet.

Our measurement gave us 12mm on this device. That is a slight improvement from the previous device (it has a 10mm amplitude). This means that the new Hypervolt device is a proper percussive device.

hypervolt 2 Measured Amplitude
Here we measure the Hypervolt 2 amplitude. The 12mm is a much welcomed change (20% increase vs. the previous generation Hypervolt).

From the first few sessions we had with it we can say it feels good on the skin, percusses well and you can definitely feel the punches – they’re harder than what we experienced with that first device.

They are not as strong as what you’d have with a 14 or 16mm amplitude gun, but 12mm is what we like to call a ‘sweet spot“; not too intensive, but not too vibrational either.

That said, from our experience, with a 12mm stroke length, deep tissue massage is possible even on large muscles. However, the device has to be paired with enough stall force. Let’s see how much stall force the Hypervolt 2 massage gun has.


Stall Force

Stall force is the amount of pressure that a massage gun’s motor can withstand without stalling.

Hyperice isn’t known for making massage guns with solid motors. In fact, their first device had a mere 35lbs. of stall force. They did make the Hypervolt Plus a bit stronger (about 45lbs.) but incredibly weakened their Hypervolt Go device.

But what about this new Hypervolt 2 device?

Well, same old, same old. In fact, this is the biggest bummer thus far in our review. They don’t disclose how much pressure this device can withstand, but it wasn’t hard to guess how much stall force this device has after testing against other devices.

In our opinion, and by comparison with other devices, Hypervolt 2 doesn’t seem to have more than 25lbs. of stall force – which is incredibly low if the market standards are anything to go by. Even at the highest speed, this device stalls rather easily – almost instantaneously when pressure is applied, especially on the first two speeds.

We can’t tell for sure whether the motor information (60 Watt same as the old device) isn’t correct or whether this new device has been compromised somehow. However, we expected this new device to offer a bit more power.

With an amplitude that we would consider a “sweet spot,” we hoped for a bit more stall force to make this a proper percussive device. Unfortunately that is not the case.

But do you really need a lot of stall force?

Well, it depends on what you are looking for in a massage gun. This gun can still be useful if you don’t apply a lot of pressure as you float it over your muscles. It will do a good job if you just want a quick warm-up (like before your running unit) or when you are treating your neck at your desk, or just to get the blood flowing into the muscles. It can work on smaller muscle groups like the neck area, shoulders, feet, and forearms.

However, you might not be able to get a deep massage with this device. It may also not be good enough for you if you have a lot of muscles. You may not get a deep penetrative massage on your quads, glutes, or pecs.


Percussions and Speed Levels

It’s the same 3 speed levels as the previous Hypervolt, but there are changes to the percussion range and maximum hits per minute. The 3 speed levels are 2000rpm, 2350rpm, and 2700rpm.

With 2700rpm as the maximum hits per minute the intensity has gone down by at least 500rpm (the previous gun had up to 3200rpm). But this modification may be due to the slightly increased amplitude – we see this with a lot of other guns from different brands; Theragun is a good example.

But we have also seen massage gun brands that make long amplitudes but still keep the intensity high. Ekrin is a good example. Despite their full-sized devices (B37 and B37s) having 12mm amplitude (sweet spot), the intensity is always at 3200rpm (highest speed). Achedaway Pro is another good example of a device with a long amplitude but with more than enough hits per minute (2800rpm).

That said, we are not bashing the 2700rpm maximum; we’re just noting that it’s nothing special. You’ll still enjoy the massage.


Our Take on Performance

We had hoped for improved performance with this new Hypervolt device, but unfortunately, that is not the case, at least not in all aspects.

Yes, we love that the amplitude has gone up by about 20% but without proper stall force, it just doesn’t feel like it’s used to its fullest potential. Sad to say but performance wise, it feels like some of those cheap no-name devices from Amazon that are underpowered.

Hypervolt may get away with the fact that it doesn’t really have to be strong because it’s an entry-level device. But even so, those who pay attention to power have the right to be a bit disappointed with this, well, downgrade.


Pressure Sensor

The pressure sensor is still here, indicated by the 3-level LEDs below the main control button. It’s a good thing to have on any device because you can monitor how much pressure you apply to any muscle.

But here, it’s not really a big deal because the pressure sensor is pretty much obsolete without enough stall force. But we guess it is better to have one than not have one, so we’ll take it.

Another thing is that the pressure sensor is the same as the one in the old device. We have seen pressure sensors done better by other brands – Theragun Elite or Pro and Ekrin 365 (whitch we believe is the best alternative to this Hypervolt 2) or B37S.

hypervolt 2 Pressure Sensor
The pressure sensor is indicated by the 3-level LEDs below the main control button.

Noise

Hyperice has always kept its devices hushed and we have noted this in many of our posts. The Hypervolt 2 is still a quiet device. It’s just a tad louder than the previous generation of guns.

We’re guessing it’s because of the increased amplitude – tends to increase the rattling. You should expect 53-54dB on lower speed levels and at least 63-64dB at the highest speed. These are similar figures as other 12mm amplitude massage guns.

In practice, it doesn’t disturb the normal conversation, and there may be no need to increase the TV volume when using the device.


Battery

It’s a rechargeable lithium-ion 23V battery. They say it can go for at least 3 hours before you have to charge it again. Realistically, however, if you apply pressure and use it at higher speeds, it should last for about 2 hours.

That is okay, in our opinion, because if you have 10-minute sessions per day, the battery charge should last a few days.

Still we have to mention that other brands (Ekrin) promise 4-6 hours on battery. But maybe it’s a trade-off they made to reduce the weight of the device.

The biggest change is that the battery on this new device is no longer removable. Perhaps they have done this to distinguish between the entry-level Hypervolt 2 and the professional-grade Hypervolt Pro.

If you were hoping for a first full-sized Hypervolt with a USB-C charger, you might have to wait a bit longer. The charger for this new device is still a wall charger. We like that they have included international plugs.

hypervolt 2 charging led ring
An LED ring at the bottom of the handle indicates a battery charge state. Unfortunately, still no USB-C as a charging port.

Bluetooth

This new Hypervolt 2 is Bluetooth enabled – they kept this feature, and we love it! You can connect your device to the Hyperice app for guided workouts where the app can take control of the device.

We did an in-depth description of the app in our earlier generation Hypervolt reviews. But it suffices to say that the Hyperice app is a convenient way to learn how to operate the device and see how professional athletes use Hypervolts on themselves.

Related Further reading: How to Use a Massage Gun Safely and Effectively.

hypervolt Bluetooth connectivity app

Is Hypervolt 2 Worth it? And Who is it Best for?

So far, what we can tell from our interaction with the new Hypervolt 2 massage gun is that it was meant to be an introductory device.

There are clear differences between this device and the more advanced Hypervolt Pro. Unlike what we saw with the previous generation of Hypervolt, which was made for athletes, physiotherapists, and chiropractors, this new device is meant for personal use.

Another thing that we can say is that this device is made for women and smaller people – people who aren’t as muscular and don’t need an aggressive massage gun.

Since the first adopters of the earlier Hypervolt were mostly NBA players, the bulky size and the added weight wasn’t much of a problem.

In Hypervolt 2, a number of things have changed – perhaps for the better if you fall into the category that prefers a lighter, more compact, and easier-to-hold massage gun.

Elderly folks will also benefit from this massage gun.

hypervolt 2 percussions
In our opinion, Hypervolt 2 is meant for personal use.

But is it Worth a Buy?

Well, we know for sure that it is a high-quality product from a premium brand that knows everything about sports and recovery.

But is it really worth the money?

The initial price tag of $299 was hefty and we are sure it wasn’t worth it then – primarily due to its weak performance. But things have changed and now, with a price drop of about 30% (check current price here), it’s more accessible.

Yet still, if you prefer an aggressive massage or desire better performance aspects, the Hypervolt 2 may not offer the best value for your money. There are better alternatives available for this amount, some even come with a lifetime warranty (like Ekrin, more on that in a second).

Also, because it doesn’t have a removable battery like the older Hypervolt, or the new Hypervolt 2 Pro, it may not be a good choice for physiotherapists and chiropractors.


Hypervolt 2 vs. Hypervolt 1 – Head-to-Head

hypervolt 2 vs hypervolt 1
New Hypervolt 2 vs. Hypervolt 1

TIP For insights on the Hypervolt 2’s comparison with other Hypervolt models, and our thoughts on the best choice than, refer to our detailed Hypervolt comparison post.

We have talked about most of the Hypervolt 2 vs Hypervolt 1 differences in different sections above, so here let’s list them altogether:

Similarities:

  • T-shaped design with a vertical handle
  • 3 speeds
  • 3-level pressure sensor
  • Bluetooth and Hyperice app compatibility
  • same attachments (5)

What Hypervolt 2 has that Hypervolt 1 doesn’t:

  • Higher amplitude (12mm vs 10mm)
  • Lower weight (1.8 vs 2.5 lbs)
  • Slimmer, oval handle (easier to hold)
  • More compact size (shorter handle, width)
  • Better time on battery (advertised 3 hours vs 2 hours)
  • Redesigned control panel (mostly comes down to aesthetics)
  • Slate gray color (instead of chrome/silver)

Where Hypervolt 1 still beats Hypervolt 2:

  • Much more stall force (est. 35 lbs vs only mid 20’s in Hypervolt 2)
  • Better max. percussions (3200 vs 2700 in Hypervolt 2)
  • Battery in Hypervolt 1 is removable, not in Hypervolt 2
  • Longer handle for extended reach
  • Tad quieter (likely due to lower amplitude)

Both lack:

  • Carrying case
  • USB-C charging
  • Longer warranty (just 1 year)

If not Hypervolt 2 then What?

This Hypervolt 2 review would not be complete without exploring of what we think are viable alternatives for those who look for something more affordable, want more power but don’t necessarily need the Bluetooth connectivity.


Ekrin 365 Attachment Heads
Ekrin 365

Ekrin 365

This is also a newly released massage gun from Ekrin Athletics. We think it’s the best alternative to Hypervolt 2 because it has everything that is missing Hyperice’s new gun.

Why this one? The main reasons:

  1. Angled handle – better ergonomic
  2. More Stall Force Power – 40lbs.
  3. Revs up to 3200rpm
  4. USB charging enabled
  5. Lifetime Warranty
  6. Even lower price than Hypervolt 2!

For starters, this gun too has been designed to be compact, light, and ergonomically superb – it’s even better.

It features an angled handle for a more natural grip. The handle is longer (up to 6 inches) than the one on Hypervolt 2. This means you can easily massage your lower back with this massage gun.

Another thing is the handle circumference. Ekrin responded to complaints about the large handles on previous guns with a much thinner handle – for people with small hands. It’s also light – just 1.7lbs.

In terms of power, Ekrin 365 has more to offer than the Hypervolt 2 ever will. Even though the amplitude is the same 12mm, the 40lbs. of stall force makes it a perfect percussion massager for personal use and more. You can press it hard against the muscle and it won’t stall easily.

It also revs up to 3200 hits per minute, with a percussion range of 2000-3200rpm across 5 speeds. You get more intensity with this gun than you can ever get with Hypervolt 2 (500 more hits per minute).

Ekrin included a pressure sensor on this latest device. What’s more, it actually feels better executed than what is on the Hypervolt 2.

The battery is pretty good too – capable of 5 hours of straight massage with a single charge. You also won’t have to worry about the noise levels because it’s hushed! It charges via USB for convenience – no need for a dedicated charger. It comes with 4 attachments and a carrying case. 

You get a lifetime warranty if you buy this device – just like every other Ekrin device. Ekrin also offers superb customer support.

You can get it at $179.99 or you use our MGA20 coupon and buy it for only $143.99 – a sweet 20% discount. This is still significantly less than the Hypervolt 2’s price, for a device with better performance and a lifetime warranty.

More Info Read our in-depth Ekrin 365 review to learn more about it.


Bob And Brad X6 Pro Massage Gun Advice Review
Bob and Brad x6 Pro

Bob and Brad X6 Pro

If you want more stall force than what Hypervolt 2 offers, then this is a worthy alternative.

The only thing that Hypervolt 2 has over this newly released Bob and Brad massage gun is the stroke length – instead 12mm, this one has 10mm.

Even so, with 40lbs. worth of stall force, it’s a decent alternative. It may not hit as deep, but when you need to put some pressure on your muscles, this one will not stall as easily as the Hypervolt 2.

Ekrin 365 still does a better job with a better head travel and decent stall force, but this one isn’t too far off either.

It weighs just 1.9 pounds, which is more less the same as the Hypervolt 2. It has the same handle configuration as the Hypervolt 2 and the ergonomics are similar.

However, it’s better equipped with a nice carrying case. Bob and Brad included 5 awesome attachments and made one a bit special. Instead of going with a generic flat attachment, they chose to include a metallic one that can be heated or frozen for a hot or cold massage.

The battery capacity is standard and charges pretty fast. The X6 Pro will also be quieter than Hypervolt 2.

It costs less than Hypervolt 2 and comes with the same 1-year warranty. Check it at Amazon here.

More Info Read our Bob and Brad X6 Pro Review for more details.


Review Bottom Line

As we end our Hypervolt 2 review, we hope you have been well educated about Hyperice’s new device.

We believe it’s a decent entry-level massage gun that is best for personal use. It’s designed with women and people with small hands in mind. We like the improved ergonomics from what the previous Hypervolt had, the reduced weight, and, the slightly improved amplitude.

However, we have our reservations about the low stall force. Even though the non-removable battery isn’t much of an issue, we still believe the older device was more versatile with this feature.

Overall, we are not complaining too much, but we expected much more from what is supposed to be the successor of the previous massage gun.


[wp-review id=”7755″]

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Hypervolt Vs Hypervolt Plus: In-Depth Comparison https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-vs-hypervolt-plus/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-vs-hypervolt-plus/#respond Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:50:37 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=6038

Important Update

Hyperice has replaced both the Hypervolt and the Hypervolt Plus with their second-generation models, so they’re no longer available. For insights on the new models, we invite you to read our Hypervolt 2 Review and Hypervolt 2 Pro Review.

We are keeping the content below as a reference and future knowledge source.

Welcome to our in-depth Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus comparison. If you’ve been following our blog, we recently did comprehensive reviews of both Hypervolts – Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus.

Even though we covered as much as we know should be covered, we’ve had questions from readers who want to know the differences between the two.

We decided to write this Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus post to answer some of these questions because we also believe that there are some fundamental differences that need to be highlighted.

We’ll try our level best to cover all the nitty gritty details about these two devices and highlight all the important differences. Also, since we are massage gun experts – we have bought and tested tens of these devices – we’ll mention – just in passing – some really good alternatives to both these devices.

Stay tuned!

hypervolt first hypervolt plus side by side


Key Difference Between Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus

We highlighted in our Hypervolt Plus review that it’s almost an exact copy of the original Hyperice Hypervolt – except instead of a bit of silver at the top, it’s all black.

Key Difference Between Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus

However, in the grand scheme of things (so to speak), these two devices are actually quite different.

They don’t do the same thing. Here’s what makes a key difference between Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus


Hypervolt is a vibrational therapy device.

The original Hypervolt is a vibrational therapy device. While it does percuss, it does so only on the surface. It only hits about 10mm deep into the muscle tissue. However, the hits happen at a high frequency – up to 3200 hits per minute. This means that the device can ease muscle tension, heal soreness, get the blood flowing better, and generally improve recovery.

What it won’t do though, is provide deep tissue massage (these massage guns will do), which is the main reason why people buy percussion massagers. At least not on those large muscles (think quads, glutes etc.).

Hypervolt vibrational therapy device

Hypervolt Plus is a percussive therapy device.

Hypervolt Plus on the other hand is a percussive therapy device (the real thing if you like). That actually now makes it a direct rival to Theraguns.

It has a more powerful motor (we’ll talk more about this later) and the head travel is about 40% longer. What that means is that this device is capable of providing a deep to the bone massage even on larger muscles.

Hypervolt Plus percussive therapy device

As you can see, these two devices may look the same but they actually do very different things. If you have these key differences down, then you have pretty much mastered what the Hypervolts are all about. It’s especially important to know the differences if you are a serious athlete or a bodybuilder looking for a good recovery tool.


Detailed Comparison

Specs Comparison

difference between hypervolt and hypervolt plus
FeatureHypervolt Hypervolt Plus
Device typeVibrational Therapy DevicePercussive Therapy Device
Stall Force~35 lbs~45 lbs
Stroke Length10 mm14 mm
Percussions / min1800-2400-32001800-2400-3200
Weight2.5 lbs3 lbs
Dimensions9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
Battery Life2.5 hours (2400mAh)2 hours(2400mAh)
Attachments5
Noise55-67 dB62-69 dB
Power Output60 W90 W
Speeds33
Bluetooth/App ControlYesYes
Our Rating3.4 / 53.8 / 5
Full reviewRead it hereRead it here
Hypervolt Bluetooth vs. Hypervolt Bluetooth Plus Specs

Related: Visit our Hypervolt comparison post to get to know all the current Hyperice massage guns.


What Each Hypervolt Comes With

Carrying Case

We still can’t figure out why Hyperice won’t include a carrying case with any of these two devices.

Everybody else is doing it – even the so-called cheaper brands have the courtesy to include one with their devices. We’ve often wondered how much it would cost them to include a carrying case. We are not going on a rant here, just expressing our disbelief.

The only way you get a case from Hyperice is by parting with $49. There is however, a small pouch to store the attachments – meh!

TIP The only case you get with Hypervolt is the head attachment pouch.


Attachments

Both devices have the same set of attachments. There are 5 attachments for each device and we applauded them when we did our Hypervolt vs Theragun comparison.

The 5 include: the ball, flat, bullet, fork, and the cushion head attachment. We explained in detail what each one of these does in our respective reviews.

hypervolt attachments set 5 heads
Both Hypervolts come with 5 attachments.

It suffices to say though, we have absolutely no complaints about the attachments. Every box ticked, as far as those go – the hard ones are hard and the soft are soft. The cushion head one is the softest, followed by the ball, which has a slight give to it. Also, the plastic quality is great.

There is also a charger. Similar looking in both devices as well – a detachable cord and a 24V brick.


Design Differences

You might recall if you read our Theragun individual reviews or comparison articles our high praise for Theragun’s tenacity to keep all 4 of their new generation devices unique.

From materials used, texture, grips, simple fine-tunings, and even the color options, everything is curated so carefully that even though some of those devices look similar from a distance, you’d easily tell one from the other once you get a closer look.

hypervolt and hypervolt plus

Hyperice on the other hand has been the complete opposite. Their 2 full-sized massage guns look the same. The only thing that isn’t the same, if you care to look, is the difference in color. 

  • The original Hypervolt has a silver top covering with the rest of the body being black.
  • Hypervolt Plus is all black.

From the look of things they took the easiest route for their second device – took the original Hypervolt body and packed it with new and improved hardware. The best scenario for never changing a winning formula. That is always the best route to use – we are entrepreneurs we know.

The only problem however, especially for the customer, is that you don’t get anything new even if you choose Hypervolt Plus.  

These two products are the same size; measuring 9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 (inches). The ergonomics aren’t different as well. It’s the same T-shape design that we have always complained about. The jack-hammer design may have been cool when the first Hypervolt came into the market, but it’s not as cool and can be a pain as well. Using it for too long also causes tension in the wrist.

We prefer what Ekrin does with its devices – the angled handle allows for a more natural grip. But we will appreciate the rubberized handle on both devices – it’s not something you see with many other devices.

Both Hypervolt 1st gen handle diameter

The back panel is identical as well, with very simple controls (as we like it). There is the main switch button used to put the device on standby mode, and then there’s the main operation button used to turn on the device and change speeds.

hypervolt plus vs hypervolt controls
Both Hypervolt back panels are identical.

There are different LEDs that indicate different things:

  • Ring LED round the bottom end of the handle indicates battery power. It changes color to indicate different battery charge levels (red = depleted, green = fully charged).
  • 5 LEDs that also indicate the battery charge level. They complement the ring LED.
  • There are 3 LEDs above the main button to indicate speeds.
  • There are 3 LEDs below the main button to indicate the pressure applied – pressure sensor.
hypervolt vs hypervolt plus led indicators controls

Both devices feature a battery push-release button on the side of the gun but it takes a bit of force to detach the battery. We wondered why at first but then quickly figured it was probably a good thing, probably to prevent the battery from falling off during a massage session.

No carrying case, even though both devices are considerably heavy. The Plus weighs 3lbs, 0.5lbs more than the Hypervolt. This may not be such a huge difference but you start to feel it after a while during a long session. Both devices are also somewhat bulky. The plus may be heavy but it packs better hardware.


Performance

This is where the difference in these two devices becomes clear.


Amplitude (Stroke Length)

Juts to remind you, amplitude is the distance covered by the massage gun head as it moves back and forth percussing over your skin. It’s an important parameter in percussive therapy. The longer the distance covered, the deeper into the muscle tissue the massage gun can hit. Shorter amplitudes tend to be vibrational rather than percussive.

How do these two Hypervolts compare here?

The first Hypervolt has about 10mm amplitude – we did our own measuring because Hyperice doesn’t disclose that information anywhere. In the percussive world, 10mm amplitude is simply inadequate. It may be good for surface level massage but not deep tissue massage. The latter requires a few more millimeters (12mm or more) and power.

Hypervolt Plus has about 14mm amplitude – again this is not officially from Hyperice, we did our own measuring. The 14mm is closer to Theragun standard (16mm) which is great because now it’s the biggest selling point for the Plus over the regular Hypervolt. It can hit deep into the tissue, not as much as a Theragun may, but an almost similar experience. They also added more power to the Plus device.


Stall Force

Stall force is the pressure it takes to stall the motor of a massage gun. Sometimes when you want to hit deep into the muscle tissue, you will need to exert pressure to the area of concern. Depending on the amount of force used, you may stall your device. Some devices are easier to stall than others. The harder it is to stall a device, the better that device can perform a deep percussive massage.

So how do these two Hypervolts compare here?

Hyperice increased the stall force in the Hypervolt Plus massage gun. This is a major improvement, and as a result, the Plus is a decent percussion massager.

The regular Hypervolt has only about 35lbs. stall force, which isn’t that bad actually if you take into account that some percussion massagers don’t even go beyond the 30lbs. mark (Theragun Prime is an example). However, with the 10mm amplitude, it falls short of what is required for a stronger and deeper massage.

Hypervolt Plus has a 30% more powerful motor – 90W over the original’s 60W. Again we had to do our own tests to determine the stall force for the Plus because Hyperice just wouldn’t disclose that information. We mentioned in our Hypervolt Plus review that the stall force feels like the upper 40s, maybe even 50lbs.

With that it is safe to conclude that with the increased amplitude and a major boost in stall force, the Hypervolt Plus is a truly strong massage gun. While it may not hit the heights of some giants out there, it has all the features needed even for demanding users (Pro athletes and bodybuilders). NBA players love the device now (learn more why in this post)!

That means that this is your go-to percussive device if you love Hypervolt. The regular gun is for users who want to take it slow and tender and are okay with surface level massage.

hypervolt massager vs hypervolt plus massager

Percussions, Speed Levels and Pressure Sensor

Both devices hit the skin at a rapid pace. They both go up to 3200rpm. However, they only have 3 speeds ranged 1800, 2400, and 3200 (which correspond to the frequencies 30, 40 and 53Hz).

We pointed out in our Hypervolt comparisions how the range is too wide. 4 or 5 speeds would be more appropriate.

We also pointed out in our Plus review how even though the amplitude is increased, the hits per minute were not reduced. We know that devices with longer amplitudes tend to have reduced intensity. We saw this with Theragun, whose devices only rev up to 2400rpm. That means there is whooping 800rpm more with the Hypervolt Plus.

There are 3 LED indicators for speed but you can also hear and feel the speed gear changes as you tap the main button. The pressure sensor is included in both devices and indicated by 3 LEDs.

In our opinion this simplistic execution is not the best. Especially when rivals like Theragun and Ekrin have way better visualization here. Ekrin B37S has one of the best executed pressure sensors we have ever seen (check why here, in our review).


Noise Level

Hypervolt is synonymous with quiet, at least in the percussion massagers industry. They don’t only claim this fact, it is true even in reality.

But the two devices differ slightly in the amount of noise they produce in operation. The regular Hypervolt is the quieter of the two devices largely due to the shorter 10mm amplitude and a less powerful motor.

Hypervolt Plus is still quiet. However, the Achedaway Pro is quieter. But it’s still quieter than most Theraguns. We measured the noise levels:

  • Regular Hypervolt 55-67dB
  • Hypervolt Plus 62-69dB

We did also notice that both devices rattle quite a bit when pressed hard against the body. There are also some vibrations transferred to the handle on top speed. But that isn’t unusual at all. In fact, most massage guns do this.

hypervolt noise measurement

Battery

Both devices have the same 2400mAh capacity battery, which is slightly surprising given the additional weight in Hypervolt Plus.

We figured the extra weight could be as a result of the more powerful motor. This powerful motor however, has a negative effect on the battery. The battery will drain faster in Hypervolt Plus than it will in the regular Hypervolt. That said, the regular Hypervolt will run out of juice after about 2.5 hours, while Plus’s battery will be depleted after 2 hours.

The batteries will drain faster when the intensity is high and also when the device is pushed a lot.

That said, we still think the time on battery is still poor for both devices if you consider what other brands (Ekrin, Urikar and Achedaway) have been able to achieve with the same capacity battery – their devices have 4-5 hours time on battery without sacrificing on performance.

hypervolt plus detached battery
Hypervolt Plus with battery detached.

The only positive thing here is that both devices have a removable battery, which means you can charge one as you use the other. However, you’ll have to buy the extra battery separately. 

We couldn’t confirm whether both devices use batteries from the same manufacturer, but we’d expect that they do. We have seen the very first Hypervolts still working at optimum with their very first batteries (since 2018).

As we already mentioned, there are 5 LEDs that complement that ring LED around the handle. There is also a blue LED that indicates whether the device is connected via Bluetooth. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge their batteries.


Hyperice App

Both devices on sale in 2021 are Bluetooth enabled, which means that they can both connect to the Hyperice app. We did elaborate in detail on what the app does in both our individual reviews.

However, it suffices to say:

  • The app has how-to instructions, guided routines and can take over the operation of the devices, i.e. automatically change speeds.
  • The Hyperice app is a great way to learn how to use your Hypervolt devices if you are novice in massage gun use. You can see how professional athletes use the devices on themselves.
  • The experience is pretty much the same with both devices.
hypervolt Bluetooth connectivity app
Both devices can connect to the Hyperice app via Bluetooth.

Hypervolt Discount, Price, Warranty

Hypervolts are great devices loved by many customers and embraced by professional sports personalities. But as we have already mentioned, one is a vibrational therapy device, while the other has all the qualities of a percussive device.

But what about their prices?

One answer, it’s a lot of money! Well, we could give a pass to the percussive device, but there’s absolutely no excuse for the vibrational therapy one.

What about discounts, are there any?

Hyperice recently reduced the prices of both devices by $50. The regular Hypervolt was previously $349 but now it’s $299, while Hypervolt Plus went from $399 to $349.

We aren’t sure whether this is a permanent change in pricing or whether this is just a temporary move. We’ll have to wait and see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

TIP It’s worth checking out current prices on Amazon to see if anything changed since we posted this Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus comparison. Links: original Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus.

But are these devices worth it? Well, our view hasn’t changed since we last published the individual reviews for both devices;

  • Hypervolts are great devices, no doubt. However, the aspect of value for money simply knocks the original Hypervolt off our recommendation list. There are way too many options that offer so much more at almost 3 times cheaper than the Hypervolt.
  • Hypervolt Plus is a beast we can keep. It’s powerful and reasonably quiet. It could be a worthy investment if you can afford it. Even so, there are still better devices that compete fiercely with it. These offer value for money.
  • The key disadvantages for both Hypervolts is the poor ergonomics, added weight, poor battery performance, a lot of upsells (carrying case, spare battery), the high prices, and the poor warranty on both devices (just the 1-year warranty for both devices).
  • The new Hypervolt 2 and 2 Pro have been improved in some areas (like ergonomics). However, they are not as strong as their predecessor (stall force) and they don’t rev as fast.

Comparison Summary

Similarities

  • Same T-shape design and ergonomics
  • Same Dimensions
  • Same Back panel, Controls
  • Same Pressure sensor
  • Same battery capacity (2400 MAh)
  • Both have 3 speeds and same percussion range (1800, 2400, 3180 ppm)
  • Both have 5 Attachments
  • Both have Bluetooth for Hyperice app connectivity;
  • Both have a detachable battery

Differences

  • Hypervolt made for vibrational therapy, Hypervolt Plus for percussive therapy
  • Amplitude: ~10mm in Hypervolt vs ~14mm in Hypervolt Plus
  • Stall Force: ~35 lbs in Hypervolt vs. 45-50 lbs. in Hypervolt Plus
  • Noise: maximum 67 dB in Hypervolt vs 69 dB in Hypervolt Plus
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs in Hypervolt vs 3.0 lbs in Hypervolt Plus
  • Time on battery: maximum 3 hours with Hypervolt, 2.5 with Hypervolt Plus
  • Color: Hypervolt is black/silver,  Hypervolt Plus is all-black
  • Price: $349 for Hypervolt, $359 for Hypervolt Plus

Both Lack

  • Carrying case
  • Longer warranty (just 1 year)

Full Reviews to Read:


Exploring Alternatives – Give Them a Chance

Despite Hypervolts being very nice devices, it’s been a while since they were probably the best devices to have. They are not as unique as when they came out.

Also, Hyperice didn’t iterate as fast as the competitors (Theragun and others) did. We have listed some noteworthy alternatives that are similar or even more powerful, are quieter, better equipped, with better warranties, but also cheaper.

We will later have a dedicated post on best Hypervolt alternatives, but here is a sneak preview.


ekrin b37s percussion massager
Ekrin B37S percussion massager.

Ekrin B37S

In our opinion this fantastic massage gun is probably the best Hypervolt Plus alternative. If there is anything lacking in your Plus, then this device has got you covered.

For starters, it has more power (confirmed by Ekrin and our tests). 56lbs. of stall force is more than you will ever need from a percussive device. It has a 12mm amplitude. That is 2mm less than Hypervolt Plus but with more than enough power, you probably won’t need anything more.

It has better ergonomics, it’s lighter and very well balanced. It has the best executed pressure sensor we have ever seen.

There is 8 hours of battery life, a lifetime warranty and lifetime customer support.

Deal Alert: It is reasonably priced. It normally costs about $250, but if you apply the Amazon coupon and the MGAD6PRO code at checkout, it’s cheaper than our top pick.

Check it out here at Amazon.

It usually costs $329 but with our MGA20 coupon you get 20% off so you can get it here at only $263.99.

Read our full Ekrin B37S review for more.


achedaway pro shape design
Achedaway Pro

Achedaway Pro

An even more amazing massage gun with power and discretion. The advertised stall force is over 80lbs. It has a 16mm amplitude, which is even better than both Hypervolts.

It’s an incredibly powerful gun but way quieter than both Hypervolts. It has a detachable battery as well, and better still you can buy it with two batteries.

The ergonomics are great, similar to what we saw with Ekrin B37S. It has a 2-year warranty.

If you decide to buy the Achedaway Pro, use our MGA60 coupon to get $60 off the $299 retail price. That makes it $239 instead!

Or, if you buy it with the spare battery, instead of paying $369, you will pay $309. That means that for the price of Hypervolt Plus, you get the Achedaway Pro with two batteries and a travelling case for free!


Opove M3 Pro Massage Gun New Version 2022
Opove M3 Pro 2

Opove M3 Pro 2

We recently just found out about this T-Shaped gun. It is a more simplistic, but even more affordable choice.

The device looks very similar to Hypervolts in terms of ergonomics and general look, maybe a bit more “Pro”. It’s an affordable choice, not the strongest one out there, but very decent.

It has a 12mm amplitude and 40-45lbs. of real stall force. We say real, because we found at least a few massage gun brands that overstated their product’s specs. Not here, fortunately.

The M3 Pro has 5 speed gears as well and a reasonable percussion range of 1300 – 2600 ppm (percussions per minute).

The battery is non-removable but there is better time on battery – 4 hours is doable. It comes with a 30-day free money-back guarantee and friendly customer support.

It usually costs $199.99 but you can now get it for $119.99.

TIP Read our full Opove M3 Pro 2 review →


Need more options? Then check out our Best Hypervolt Alternatives article


Conclusion

We have come to the end of our Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus article. Hopefully by now you have everything you need to know the difference between these two devices.

There isn’t much difference at first sight but there is more inside the Hypervolt Plus than the regular Hypervolt.

In 2021, we would choose Plus over the regular one. However, there are very good alternatives that compete very well with Hypervolt and even beat them. We have listed some of them in our article for you.

If you have any further doubts, feel free to write in the comment below!

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Hyperice Hypervolt Plus Review – Good or Overrated? https://massagegunadvice.com/hyperice-hypervolt-plus-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hyperice-hypervolt-plus-review/#respond Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:23:40 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=5875 Welcome to our Hyperice Hypervolt Plus review. The second device from Hyperice (chronologically that is) after the first Hypervolt which is also called Hypervolt Bluetooth (we did a sought of revamped review of it recently and we discussed where it ranks in today’s market).

The Hypervolt Plus on the other hand is closer to a percussive massage gun as it can be. It’s a premium device, priced at a premium and loved by the sports recovery tools space. But is it all that it’s hyped to be?

Important Update

Hyperice has replaced both the Hypervolt and the Hypervolt Plus with their second-generation models, so they’re no longer available. For insights on the new models, we invite you to read our Hypervolt 2 Review and Hypervolt 2 Pro Review.

We are keeping the content below as a reference and future knowledge source.



Hypervolt Plus – Hyperice’s First Percussive Device

Hypervolt Plus came a long way after the first device was introduced back in 2018. It was released in mid 2019. In our opinion, this is the first percussive device from Hyperice.

There may be other hypervolt reviews that call the first Hypervolt a percussive device but that’s not the case. This second gun however, is a percussive device. Unveiled to take advantage of the rising popularity of such devices.

It’s also partly an answer to rivals Theragun whose huge success in propagating percussive therapy cannot simply be ignored.

The device targets athletes and more demanding fitness enthusiasts. We’re taking another look at this device just to see how it fairs in 2021 where many brands are coming up with simple, affordable and yet very effective devices. Come along and find out!


Hypervolt Plus Review

First, let’s take a look on the Hypervolt Plus’ specs, along with some high-level pros and cons (discussed later in details):

Hyperice Hypervolt Plus Specifications

hypervolt plus specifications

FeatureHypervolt Plus Specs
Stall Force~45 lbs (our estimation)
Stroke Length14 mm
Percussion range1800 – 3200 ppm
Speeds3
Attachments5 included
Weight3 lbs
Dimensions9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
Noise (decibel)62-69 dB
Battery Life / Capacity2 hours (2400 mAh)
Bluetooth Yes
ProsDifficult to stall
Good stroke length
Low noise
Varied attachments
Detachable battery
ConsSo-so ergonomics
Time on battery
Only 3 speeds
No carrying case
Warranty1 year
Current PriceCheck at Amazon
Hypervolt Plus Specifications

First Impressions

It’s almost an exact replica of the original device. In fact, the only thing that seems to have been tampered with is the top silver casing. Here it is black. Everything else seems to be the same.

Key Difference Between Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus
Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus looks almost identical.

The T-shape design, the straight handle, and the visible green LED ring. It’s almost incredible that nothing else has been altered to tweak things a bit given how long ago this device was unveiled.

For starters, we mentioned recently in our Hypervolt review how the T-shape design has been the most copied in the industry. Yet Hyperice apparently hasn’t done much to deal with this (or at least we’re not aware of it).

Theragun, which we consider to be rivals with Hyperice given what’s happening in this space, has patented their triangular design to deal with copycats.

They even recently sued and successfully took down similar-looking devices from the market. Some examples include, Kraftgun, and Lifepro Pulse FX.

That said, we still believe Hyperice has had enough time to try and come up with something a bit more interesting than what we have seen for a while now. It’s getting a little boring!

We highlighted in our Hypervolt vs Theragun post how Theragun was able to release 4 generations of devices since 2016. That includes two major changes between 2019 and 2020.

Maybe Hyperice isn’t interested in changing their winning formula. That’s understandable to some extent but, given how new brands are being innovative with their products, we missed the same here.

UPDATE
In September 2021, Hyperice unveiled new pair of Hypervolts. Read our Hypervolt 2 Review and Hypervolt 2 Pro vs Hypervolt Plus post for more information.

hypervolt plus vs hypervolt 2 pro- side by side

Nonetheless, we still like the top notch build quality, and the rubberized firm handle. Elsewhere, it’s matte plastic and black. In our opinion, this one looks sleeker than the original device, but that’s our perspective. Its operation is simple with no extras – no OLEDs and LCD screens.

Hyperice Hypervolt Plus Percussion Massage Device review
Hypervolt Plus – finally a true percussion massage device from Hyperice.

Operation

  • There is a main switch at the base of the device next to the charging port. Similar to what is on the original device. We have seen similar configurations from other devices – a good example is the Opove M3 Pro Max .
  • There is also the main operation button. Once the switch is turned on, press the main button to turn it on first gear.
  • The second press switches on to the 2nd gear, third press turns on the 3rd gear, while the fourth press shuts off the device.
  • You can also shut it off via the main switch.

LEDs 

The main highlight is the ring LED at the rear end of the handle. It illuminates different colors to indicate the battery charge level. It’s the same thing we saw with the former device (Hypervolt Bluetooth).

Other LEDs include the 3 above the power button that indicate speed gears.

There are 3 more just below the power button; these indicate the level of pressure applied, and then there are 5 LEDs also at the base that indicate the battery level. These double up with the ring LED around the handle.

Hypervolt plus controls panel

Other Features

There is a battery release push-button at the side of the device. We noticed that it takes a fair bit of force to detach the battery, which we are guessing is a good thing – perhaps to prevent the battery from falling off.

Another thing we have always complained about whenever we mention any Hypervolts is that none comes with a carrying case. There isn’t even a small pouch to carry the device. There is only a simple and small pouch for the attachments. You can buy a case for $49 at their store – feels like a rip-off after spending so much on the device.

hypervolt plus package include
Hypervolt Plus & accessories – there’s no carrying case to carry all of this

There is also a dedicated wall charger – regular, made of brick and a detachable cable. We also found a pack of cards (somewhat customary for Hyperice to include with all their devices) which they call a welcome pack.

There is a quick-start guide, attachment choosing tips, information on the Hyperice app, customer service details and an instructional manual.


Attachments 

Just like the original device, the Hypervolt BT Plus has 5 attachments. In our Theragun vs Hypervolt post we praised them over those from Theragun because they are nicely varied among other things. Here is a bit more on these;

  • Ball: If you need a quick massage, this is the go-to attachment. It’s good for large muscle groups but can also be used for a general massage. 
  • Flat: This is one of our favorite massage gun heads, it’s also used to hit large muscle groups and comes in handy when you need a general massage.
  • Fork/ Spinal: Works specifically along the spine. It can be used to massage the neck and the Achilles. It has the two prongs that glide either side of the spine to prevent injury. 
  • Bullet: This is used for targeted deep muscle treatment – think ligaments. It can also be used on hands. 
  • Cushion head: This one is almost a hybrid between the flat head and the ball attachment. The cushion at the head helps to prevent injury when you massage sensitive or bony areas.
hypervolt attachments set 5 heads
Hypervolt BT Plus has 5 attachments

Unlike the attachments on Theraguns, the ones here lean more on the harder side. They are mostly made of hard plastic. Apart from the ball and the cushion head attachments, the rest are hard material.

The fork attachment has markers on it that have to be properly aligned as you push it in. This prevents it from spinning around as you massage away.

There is nothing special about the other attachments – they are all push-pull with no alignment needed.

Another improvement or upgrade we had hoped for was at least a special attachment like we saw with the Supersoft on Theragun Pro. Unfortunately there’s none, but that’s OK, we still like what we got.


Size, Weight and Ergonomics

Just like the original device, the Hypervolt BT Plus measures 9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 (inches). Like we mentioned in our revamped review of the Hyperice Hypervolt, the size here isn’t too bulky, but it’s not the smallest device we have seen. Hyperice must love their original device that they saw no need to tweak the size here.

That said, this new device weighs 3lbs. We don’t see that a lot with many other devices. That’s because many rarely go over the 2.5lbs mark. In fact, the original Hypervolt is 0.5lbs lighter than this new one.

Hyperice Hypervolt Plus massage gun

However, when you get to actually hold the device in your hand, it doesn’t feel that weighty. I guess you get used to it after the first few moments.

However, it’s still too heavy compared to what other brands are doing today. Many try to keep the weight of their devices within 2-2.3lbs. They do that without compromising the battery quality or the device’s performance and strength. 

Ergonomically, it’s the same old Hypervolt. Just as we noted in our recent review of the original Hypervolt, Hyperice hasn’t tweaked anything with the design of this new upgrade.

The device still has the T-shape configuration that is getting old and boring in the percussive massagers market (or maybe it’s just us). Sure enough it’s wise to stick to a consistent design language across products, but they should’ve tweaked it slightly.

Compared to Theraguns, this device may present a slight difficulty when using it. Plus, with the added weight, the tension on the wrists is even worse. The 90-degree handle makes it a hassle to reach the difficult spots – lower back or middle back. 

Our verdict for the ergonomics of this device remains so-so, especially in 2021 where many brands are working to make simpler more ergonomic devices. Apart from Theragun, who are doing a marvelous job so far, other brands like Ekrin and Achedaway are also leading the way with angled handles for a more natural grip and better weight balance.


Performance    

This is where things take a different turn from what we saw with the original Hypervolt device. What has changed?


Amplitude

Also known as the stroke length, this is the distance traveled by the massage gun head as it hits your skin to give you the percussions. As we have discussed in many of our posts, amplitude is a very important aspect in percussive devices. A good amplitude combined with enough stall force makes the best percussion massager.

So what does the Hypervolt BT Plus have to offer here?

Well, historically Hyperice didn’t seem to pay much attention to this aspect. They don’t disclose the amplitude information. What we know is that the very first device only had about 10mm of amplitude.

Fortunately, Hypervolt Plus is significantly improved. We did our own measuring again with this device – it has a 14mm amplitude. Now that is percussive device territory, and a good one at that. We are guessing that with this Hyperice officially entered the percussive therapy market.

hypervolt plus Measured Amplitude

While 14mm is not as good as the 16mm on Theraguns, it’s a good place to start. 14mm can dig deep into the muscle tissue and give you an awesome percussive massage. But this only happens when the stall force is good enough.


Stall Force

Stall force is the amount of pressure it takes to stall the motor of a device. If it takes more push to stall the device, it’s probably a good percussive device. Sometimes when moving large muscles, a little more pressure can go a long way in soothing the muscle. 

Again we couldn’t readily find the information on the stall force of this device. The only thing they admit however, is that Hypervolt Plus’s motor has 30% more power compared to the original device. The original device has a 60 Watt motor, this one has a 90 Watt motor. That says strong motor but it doesn’t give us the magic number in pounds of force. 

We did our own testing by comparing it with other devices that we have and we can confidently say that this gun’s stall force is in the upper 40s – likely 45-50lbs. To be more precise, we’ll say 45lbs.

We say this because when we pitted it against Theragun Elite, we felt a few more pounds that we missed on Elite. This is perfect force because even though it’s 2mm shy of Theragun’s long amplitude, it can still penetrate deep into the muscle because it can be pushed slightly harder against the skin without stalling.

With this we can now say that this is a proper percussive device. It’s not just the right device, it’s a versatile percussive device. Ergonomics and weight aside, this device can serve literally anyone who is looking for a strong percussion massager.

Demanding athletes and bodybuilders as well as NBA players, who are actually now using this device during their games, and any average Joe who wants to treat muscle soreness or get the blood flowing. 


Percussions / Speeds

Even though the amplitude and power on this new device has increased, we’re glad the intensity hasn’t changed. Often when the amplitude is long, the intensity also reduces, for instance, Theraguns only rev up to 2400rpm.

The BT Plus still revs up to 3200rpm (they actually put it as 3180rpm). This is great, especially with the added punch. However, many brands in 2021 have devices with this kind of intensity or even more. It’s really nothing new. 

However, one thing that we still don’t get is why Hyperice has stuck with only 3 speed gears even with this upgrade. We always feel that with that kind of percussion range, 4 to 5 speed gears will increase the options you have with the device.

It’s not really criminal to have only 3 speeds, you actually get used to it over time. But, their 1800, 2400, 3200, partition doesn’t give you the option for a delicate massage. 1800rpm for a start seems a little too intense.

There are 3 LED indicators that show what speed gear you are on. You can also feel and hear the speeds as you press the main button.

Glad to see they kept the pressure sensor feature in this device as well. However, it’s still the same simplistic approach. There are 3 LEDs that light up to indicate how much pressure is applied. We feel this should’ve been improved. Rivals have better visuals for this feature – Theraguns and especially Ekrin B37S.


Performance Comparison: Hypervolt Plus vs. Competition

Let’s see how the Hypervolt Plus looks against its key competitors.


Stall Force (lbs.)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#63ffff:#63ffff:#63ffff,#11ccff:#11ccff:#11ccff,#0765c2:#0765c2:#0765c2,#152560:#152560:#152560″ legend=”false” titles=”Hypervolt Plus,Hypervolt,Theragun Elite,Ekrin B37s,Achedaway Pro” values=”50,35,40,56,80″]

Stroke Length (mm)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#63ffff:#63ffff:#63ffff,#11ccff:#11ccff:#11ccff,#0765c2:#0765c2:#0765c2,#152560:#152560:#152560″ legend=”false” titles=”Hypervolt Plus,Hypervolt,Theragun Elite,Ekrin B37s,Achedaway Pro” values=”14,10,16,12,16″]

Our Take

Hypervolt Plus is a true percussive therapy massage gun. With the stall force at respectable 45lbs. (our estimation) and the amplitude of 14mm, the Plus is capable of reaching the deepest of muscles to give you a true deep tissue massage.


Noise  

Handling noise has never been a problem for Hyperice. At least as far as that first product goes, the noise wasn’t a problem at all.

But you may argue that the device had a very meager amplitude and it’s expected the noise levels would be quite low. What about the Hypervolt Plus with a much longer amplitude?

Well, this new device is just as hushed. It’s pretty quiet. To be honest it’s louder than the original Hypervolt and the sound is slightly different but we are not complaining. 

We did the decibel test on our own and we came up with 62dB at the lowest speed and 69dB at the highest speed. Those are acceptable noise levels. Another thing we noticed is that, just like many other devices we’ve had, it rattles when pressed harder against the body.


Battery

It’s the same 2400mAh capacity battery as the previous device, which is a bit of a surprise if you consider the extra 0.5lbs on this device. We figure, however, that it may be due to the improved and powerful motor.

That said, the battery will last for 2 hours of continuous use on a single charge. That is 30 minutes less than the original device. This is understandable given the upgraded motor. More power means more battery consumption.

The battery drains faster on higher speeds and when the device stalls (happens a lot). This means that sometimes you don’t even get the 2 hours on battery.

That may sound like a bummer given how other brands like Ekrin, Opove, and Achedaway have been able to get 4-5 hours from the same capacity battery despite being stronger than Hypervolt Plus sometimes.

But one advantage that the Hypervolt Plus has over the others is the removable battery. That means you can charge one as you use the spare. 

When the battery fully charges, the ring LED illuminates to bright green and all the 5 LED indicators light up. The battery takes about 3 hours to fully charge.

hypervolt plus detached battery
The Hypervolt Plus has a removable battery.

App 

The Hyperice app came into full effect with respect to the devices in mid-2020, for both Android and iOS.

There is a lot to discover within the app, from how-tos, guided routines and a possibility of the app taking over the operation of the device.

Only two of three Hyperice massage guns are compatible with the app. Hypervolt BT and BT Plus. Hypervolt Go still doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.

hyperice hypervolt bluetooth app
Hyperice App and Hypervolt massage gun.

Armed with your Hypervolt Plus, you can learn how to operate it by watching professional athletes use the device on themselves. You can watch a video of an athlete doing a particular routine and simply copy what you see.

A few things to note here:

  • The app can automatically adjust the speed of the device.
  • The app doesn’t tell you how much pressure to apply for a particular routine. At least that feature hasn’t been there since we last checked. We saw it when we looked at the Therabody app. 
  • You will not be able to add your own customized speeds other than the 3 built in the device. We enjoyed the Therabody app because we could include our own speed apart from the usual ones on the device.

Having said that, we have a feeling that Hyperice has something up their sleeve concerning their app. We have seen them add new routines and new content to their app. We therefore believe that they are going to improve their app once all their devices are Bluetooth enabled.


Is Hypervolt Plus Worth it in 2021?

You will still have to pay a premium to buy the Hypervolt Plus. Hyperice recently lowered the price to $299 from $399 (following the launch of the new Hypervolt 2 Pro). You can check here if the reduced price is still available.

One would argue that makes the price a bit fair, but that is still quite a hefty price tag.

Our Take:

  • The best part about Hypervolts is that they are proven products. The earlier version of the original still works – even after 3 years. We have a feeling this new Hypervolt Plus is also going to last even longer. 
  • As far as performance goes, this is a good device with plenty of power and finally a longer amplitude. It can perform a deep to the bone massage with such features. Most Pro athletes and bodybuilders will find it useful. It ticks all the important boxes.
  • But the key downsides are also quite clear. For starters the ergonomics are not improved with this new device. In fact, we could argue the added weight has made things even worse. The battery performance doesn’t help, and the fact that it’s still expensive is a major put-down. Also, you have to pay for everything extra – the carrying case and the spare battery.
  • The 1-year warranty is also disappointing for a device that goes for such a hefty price.
  • So, while we have to agree that the Hypervolt Plus is a much more powerful device this time, after looking at some awesome alternatives, we wouldn’t pick it over these other choices. That’s because the value for money is simply too good to ignore. They have similar or far better performance aspects, better battery power, more accessories, better warranties and above all, very affordable prices. 

Best Hypervolt Plus Alternatives:


ekrin b37s percussion massager
Ekrin B37S percussion massager.

Ekrin B37S

The obvious number one alternative because it has everything that’s missing on the Hypervolt Plus.

For starters, the ergonomics on the B37S are greatly improved with the 15-degree angled handle. The device is more compact and weighs much less – 2.2lbs compared to 3lbs on the Hypervolt Plus. It also feels better balanced in comparison.

When it comes to performance, the B37S has a lot more power than the Hypervolt Plus. For instance, it has an awesome 56lbs. stall force (Hypervolt Plus only has about 45lbs.). What’s even better is that the device is even harder to stall at lower speeds. That makes it punch harder and deeper even though it only has 12mm amplitude. 

Even though it has the same percussion range (2000-3200rpm), the speed gears are better spread out. It has 5 speed gears. The 5th gear is a dynamic one that automatically shifts the intensity.

The B37S also has one of the best executed pressure sensors we’ve ever seen. The battery isn’t removable but it can last up to 8 hours of continuous use (it’s a Samsung branded battery). The noise levels are similar. It has 5 attachments and also comes with a carrying case. 

Ekrin will offer you a lifetime warranty in case you choose to buy the B37S. Hyperice only has a 1-year warranty for the Hypervolt Plus.

Deal Alert: It is reasonably priced. It normally costs about $250, but if you apply the Amazon coupon and the MGAD6PRO code at checkout, it’s cheaper than our top pick.

Check it out here at Amazon.

The price is normally $329.99 but with the MGA20 coupon (gives you a 20% discount), it’s only $263.99 – get it right here.


achedaway pro shape design
Achedaway Pro

Achedaway Pro

If you want even more power (think Theragun Pro-like power) then this is the best alternative out there.

This gun doesn’t compromise on performance. It has a 16mm amplitude, the same thing with Theraguns and 2mm more than what you have with Hypervolt BT Plus. That is a deep to the bone massage assured.

To add to the deeper punch, this device has an advertised 80lbs. of stall force. Realistically though, it has about 60lbs. of stall force. Again this is similar to what we saw with the top Theragun.

Because of the long amplitude, the intensity isn’t as high as that of the Hypervolt Plus or the B37S. As a result, it has a percussion range of 1700-2800rpm. Even so, the percussions are well distributed through 5 speeds.

Ergonomically, this is a much better device because it has an angled handle just as Ekrin B37S. It’s also lighter than the Hypervolt Plus – it weighs just 2.6lbs even though it carries a more powerful motor.

The battery has 3200mAh capacity and will last for 2-4 hours with a single charge. It’s a removable battery as well and the spare can be bought separately. 

It has 4 attachments. That is one less than the Hypervolt Plus but these are well done with aluminum finishes. It also comes with a carrying case. It has a 2-year warranty.

Normally it goes for $299 but with MGA60 discount code that slashes the price by $60, you can get it for $239.

If you buy it with the spare battery using the coupon, the total price is $309 – still less than the Hypervolt Plus! Check it out here.


Which Theragun as Hypervolt Plus Alternative?

Hypervolt Plus is somewhere between Theragun Elite and Theragun Pro. However, it’s much closer to Elite. Elite is a few pounds short on stall force and as a result we rated the Hypervolt Plus over Theragun Elite in our Theragun vs Hypervolt comparison.

Elite, however, has a longer amplitude, 2mm more than the Hypervolt Plus. We noticed, however, that in practice, the difference in how these two devices punch isn’t much. Both can perform a deep to the bone percussive massage.

hypervolt plus vs theragun elite
Hypervolt Plus vs. Theragun Elite

Theragun Elite still costs the same hefty price, while Hypervolt Plus’s price was recently lowered after the new Hypervolt 2 Pro hit the shelves. That makes Hypervolt Plus a compelling option.

However, you will have to forego the ergonomics and fancy embellishments on the Elite. We still feel the Ekrin B37S and the Achedaway Pro provide more bang for the buck than both Elite and Hypervolt Plus.

You can read our in-depth Hypervolt vs Theragun comparison to find out more.


Review Conclusion

We’ve come to the end of our Hyperice’s Hypervolt Plus review. In our opinion, Hyperice finally has a percussive device. Finally this is something worth comparing to anything offered by Theragun – their main rivals.

It’s a powerful enough device that will satisfy even demanding users – the improved motor power and a long amplitude. It’s still rather disappointing that the battery isn’t as powerful as other devices out there (but you can get a spare one).

Also, the fact that the ergonomics haven’t been improved, and the extra few added pounds in weight, makes it a less desirable gun. It’s still the best choice among Hypervolts but in our opinion, there are far better devices out there.

If you want to buy it, check out the current price at Amazon.


[wp-review id=”5875″]

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Hyperice Hypervolt Review – Is it Still Worth it? https://massagegunadvice.com/hyperice-hypervolt-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hyperice-hypervolt-review/#respond Sat, 12 Jun 2021 21:49:54 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=5776 Welcome to our Hyperice Hypervolt review in which we’re going to take an in-depth dive into Hyperice’s first massage gun. What’s important, we’ll do from the perspective of 2022.

In September 2021, Hyperice announced their new lineup of percussion massagers. It’s probably best to read our Hypervolt 2 Review and Hypervolt 2 Pro Review to learn more about them. Alternatively, visit our Hypervolt comparison post to get to know all the Hyperice massage guns.



Hypervolt – Hyperice’s Maiden Product

Hyperice Hypervolt, as it was initially called (back in February 2018) was the brand’s maiden product. A lot has happened since then including the addition of the Bluetooth feature that the original device did not have.

Since then Hyperice has made great moves into the sports recovery tech industry. Their Hypervolt Bluetooth device has received commendations from top celebrities in the sports world.

They have also secured some lucrative deals including a sponsorship agreement with the NBA. They have also unveiled two more massage guns; Hypervolt BT Plus and the Hypervolt Go.

all hypervolt massage guns
Hypervolt product line-up – first and second generation

Why a Hypervolt Review in 2022?

But why another Hypervolt regular (if you like) review in 2022? Simple answer would be: because it’s 2022, and a lot has happened since 2018 when the regular Hypervolt was unveiled.

Hypervolt Percussion Massage Gun
Hypervolt is a vibrational therapy device.

For starters, back then not many people knew about percussive therapy (apart from Theragun of course). Vibrational therapy was the recovery method that everyone was talking about.

So, while Hypervolt hasn’t done much to alter their original product (except add Bluetooth connectivity to it, as far as we know), the market has changed significantly.

The vibrational therapy cake has been depleted and everyone is trying to dig into the new percussive therapy one.

The problem is that the regular Hypervolt isn’t a true percussive device – it was never intended to be in the first place, it was advertised as a vibration therapy device. Even so, everyone else seems to have moved on to percussive therapy and there are literally hundreds of brands out there selling percussive devices.

Some of these brands are really innovative and if not for the lack of exposure enjoyed by Hyperice and Theragun, these brands have quite a lot to offer. We have talked about some of them extensively in our posts.

In light of these changes in the market and everyone else moving on from vibrational therapy, we thought we’d write a new Hyperice Hypervolt review.

We are also aware of what their main rivals (Theragun) have been doing since they also unveiled their first Theragun. Seeking to bring something new and interesting to their clientele every year.

But is the Hyperice Hypervolt still worth it in 2022? Does it bring anything unique to the table? These are some of the questions we’ll be trying to answer in this post.

But first let’s take another (enlightened) look at the Hypervolt device.


Hypervolt Review

Hyperice Hypervolt Specifications

hyperice hypervolt
FeatureHypervolt Specs
Stall Force~35 lbs (our estimation)
Stroke Length10 mm
Percussion range1800 – 3200 ppm
Speeds3
Attachments5 included
Weight2.5 lbs
Dimensions9.7 x 7 x 2.5 inches
Noise (decibel)55-67 dB
Battery Life / Capacity2.5 hours (2400 mAh)
Bluetooth Yes
ProsDurability
Battery life over time
Low noise
Varied attachments
Detachable battery
ConsLow amplitude
So-so ergonomics
No carrying case
Time on battery
Warranty1 year
Current PriceCheck at Amazon
Hypervolt Bluetooth Specifications

First Impressions and Build Quality

It’s the same old same old with the Hyperice Hypervolt design. Nothing has really changed from the original design. It’s the once novel but now boring T-shape configuration. Many brands have copied this design and sometimes anything that isn’t T-shaped is unique in the massage gun world.

Ironic enough though, when Hypervolt first came out in 2018, it was indeed unique. However, it didn’t take long before everyone else copied it and made it a very common configuration. In fact, as far as design and first impression goes, no other massage gun has been copied more than this one. 

hypervolt first hypervolt plus side by side
Hypervolt is still a T-shaped device (here pictured with Hypervolt Plus, right)

But every major brand knows this and sometimes patents protect them from knockoffs. Other times a company just gets innovative with what they do to keep their opponents guessing.

For example, despite being the pioneers in the percussive therapy market, Theragun have stayed fresh and innovative (someone might argue differently). In our Hypervolt vs Theragun post we mentioned how they have stayed on point since 2016, releasing 4 generations of devices. That is one generation of devices every year.

Hypervolt on the other hand has been almost the complete opposite. They have two new devices (Hypervolt Plus and Hypervolt Go) since their maiden product. However, nothing significant has changed about the look of that original device.

They did add Bluetooth to it later on, made some tweaks to attachments, but that’s about it. No major design alterations, no significant visual tweaks either.

But some might argue, why change a winning formula? It may have been a winning formula when they kicked off but with new brands coming up with superb innovations, we’re a bit disappointed by the lack of change in the Hypervolt BT device.

That said, however, we still like the top notch build quality, the rubberized handle, and the silver plastic (which feels hard for a covering but not premium, not a bummer though).

It has just one color option. It’s also simple to use with the one main button operation. There are no OLEDs and LCD screens on it.


Operation

  • There is a main switch at the base of the handle, right next to the charging port. We have seen similar switches from the knockoffs – Opove M3 Pro is an example. 
  • Once you switch the device on, press the main button to start the device.
  • The first press starts the device on first gear. 
  • 2nd press switches to the second gear, 3rd press to the 3rd gear and the 4th press shuts the device. 
  • You can also turn it off instantly using the switch button. 

LEDs

The highlight LED is the ring around the handle that illuminates in different colors to indicate different battery charge levels.

Above the power button there are 3 LEDs that indicate the speed gears. There are 3 LEDs below the button that indicate the pressure applied.

Finally there are 5 more LEDs right below that indicate the battery charge level. These double up with the ring LED but as a 5-level indication.

Hypervolt control panel
Hypervolt control panel.

If you want to detach the battery, there is a battery release push-button to the side of the device. It takes a fair bit of force to detach the battery, which we guess is good (the battery won’t fall off when the device is in use).

There is a small case that carries the attachments and that’s it. There isn’t even a pouch to carry everything else.

hypervolt package include

This is disappointing for a $299 device. Hyperice will sell you one for $49 if you want, or you can get a good replacement from Amazon.

There is a wall charger as well. It looks similar to many others that we’ve seen with many other devices. It’s made of brick and detachable cable. The charger looks glossy and stylish.

There is also a Hyperice pack of cards (they do this with all their devices). The cards consist of a quick-start guide, tips on choosing the right attachment, information about the Hyperice app, customer service information, and an instructions manual.


Attachments

The Hyperice Hypervolt has 5 attachments and we had a lot of praise for them in our Hypervolt vs Theragun Comparison post. But here’s a bit more if you don’t mind;

  • Ball: Often the go-to attachment, it’s used on large muscle groups and for a general massage.
  • Flat: This one is our favorite massage gun head, able to hit most parts of the body as it’s very versatile. You can also use it for a general massage.
  • Fork: Used to massage specifically the area around the spine and the neck area. It’s unique and has two prongs that go either side of the spine as you massage. We’ve also found that it works perfectly around the Achilles as well.
  • Bullet: A must-have massage gun head that is used for pinpoint treatment and deep tissue massage.
  • Cushion head: Usually the hybrid between the flat head and the soft ball. The cushion tweak allows it to be used along sensitive areas – bony parts.
hypervolt attachments set 5 heads
The Hyperice Hypervolt comes with 5 attachments.

Hypervolt’s attachments tend to lean on the harder side (hard plastic) compared to Theraguns’s.

The flat, fork, and bullet attachments here are all hard plastic. The ball attachment is slightly squishy, but we love the cushion head because it’s the softest. The fork attachment has markings that have to be aligned properly when inserting to prevent it from rotating during the massage. The other heads however, are simple push-and-pull with no special alignment required.

We saw the Supersoft attachment on Theragun Pro and we thought it would’ve been a great addition to the Hypervolt set of attachments. But maybe that’s just us being super imposing. Either way we like the attachments on Hypervolt.


Size, Weight and Ergonomics

The device measures 9.7 x 7 x 2.5 (inches) which in our opinion is not too bulky but not too small either. It must have been the perfect size since it’s the blueprint for many massage guns that copied its design and shape.

It weighs 2.5lbs. Again this is not too heavy but it’s also not the lightest device we have seen. To be fair, most devices from rival brands don’t go over the 2.2lbs mark. We saw that with Theraguns (Prime and Elite). We’ve also seen it with other brands like Ekrin.

Even so the device still feels well balanced.

hypervolt and hypervolt plus
Hypervolt’s T-Shaped design

The one area that we have been utterly disappointed with the Hypervolt is the ergonomics. It’s really sad that they haven’t done anything to improve the device in this aspect.

The T-shape 90-degree handle doesn’t help to easily maneuver the device during a massage.

Compared to what Theragun have been doing with their devices over time, Hypervolt has disappointed big time! Massaging the back and other tough to reach spots is still not easy with this device.

The jackhammer-like shape causes tension in the wrists during a massage and can result in fatigue real quick.

We also have to mention that the handle diameter is not the best fit for those with small hands. However, we thought since the first adopters were NBA players, then maybe Hypervolt didn’t have to worry about this being an issue. 

With the extra weight (slightly more than its peers), large handle, and the T-shape design, we believe the ergonomics for this device is so-so.

Especially since it’s 2021 when everyone from Theragun and other brands like Ekrin and Achedaway have chosen to design their products with improved ergonomics (angled handles). This provides a more natural grip and offers great balance during a massage session. 

Lastly, we are hoping Hyperice will upgrade their original device soon and improve its ergonomics as well. If their new device (Hypervolt Go) is anything to go by, then we are certain that we’ll soon see an angled Hypervolt Bluetooth device.


Performance

How does the Hyperice Hypervolt perform?


Amplitude

Also known as the stroke length, this is the distance travelled by the massage gun head as it hits the skin to give you the percussions. The stroke length is an important parameter that determines whether a device is percussive or just vibrational at best. The longer it is the harder it can punch deep into the muscles.

Unfortunately Hyperice have never been stroke length fans like their counterparts Therabody have. In fact, they don’t even disclose the amplitude information. Theragun have always made the amplitude their number one selling point. We have always been delighted with brands that have copied Theragun in this aspect. 

Even though they don’t disclose the amplitude, we did our own measuring and determined that the Hypervolt device has only 10mm amplitude. This, unfortunately, is nowhere near the acceptable stroke length for a full-scale massage gun.

hypervolt amplitude

In fact, that is mini massage gun territory. Those can only get the blood moving smoothly, break lactic acid accumulation or treat muscle soreness and nothing more. This, to be honest, is what this device was intended to do. 

Usually such devices can rev at a high intensity to help with the vibrations over the skin surface. It therefore cannot penetrate deep into the muscle to provide a percussive massage. But that’s ok if what you are looking for is vibrational therapy. Don’t expect it to go deep tissue though.

That brings us to the stall force. Just how hard is it to stall?


Stall Force

Stall Force is the amount of pressure it takes to stall the motor of a device. The harder it is to stall a device’s motor the better it can perform a percussive massage. 

Again, from our observation, Hyperice doesn’t seem to care so much about this aspect because they don’t even advertise what the stall force for this device is.

In 2022 it’s absolutely important to know the stall force of a device. Many brands are improving so much in this aspect that in some of our posts we have recommended them over the so-called high and mighty (Theraguns and Hypervolts). Achedaway is a good example of a brand that has focused on making sure the stall force is good enough.

hypervolt Stall Force Stroke Length
Hypervolt Stall Force is about 35 lbs.

That aside, however, we have seen and tested many such devices and we estimate the stall force is somewhere in the mid 30s – let’s say 35 lbs.

That sounds like more than enough for a vibrational tool. Indeed 35lbs. is more than enough for a vibrational tool which means you can press it slightly harder against the skin to sink the vibrations a bit deeper.

However, when it comes to serious stall force for a serious percussion massager, 35lbs. is entry-level at best.

We complained when we reviewed Theragun Prime because it had less than 35lbs. stall force. It actually means that the first Hypervolt is harder to stall than the entry-level Theragun. Not to exaggerate it so much though, the difference is not very big.

Even so, you still won’t be able to dig deep into the glutes and hamstrings with the Hyperice Hypervolt device. It can warm the muscles, treat them after a workout or running or get you to relax at best.


Percussions

Hypervolt revs up to 3200rpm. This is pretty intensive. However, that is not the best in 2022. It may have been the most intensive gun when it came out in 2018, but there are more intensive guns today.

However, it seems many devices borrowed from them in this aspect – many rev up to 3200rpm. 

Something else that we thought Hypervolt would at least change is the speed gears. The device has 3 speed gears and that is it (1800, 2400, and 3200 – or rather 3180 to be precise). While this may be okay, and you actually get used to it, we think a device of this kind should have at least 4 to 5 speeds.

There are 3 LEDs that indicate the current speed. You can also hear and feel the speed change – it’s pretty spaced out. 

Another awesome feature that Hypervolt added is the pressure indicator. It’s simple enough and depicted by 3 LEDs that show how much pressure is applied. Sadly though, that is another thing that Hyperice haven’t touched since they launched this device. Their rivals (Theraguns and Ekrin B37S) have done it way better with more precise visuals.


Performance Comparison: Hypervolt vs. Competition

Let’s see how the Hypervolt compares against it’s most popular competitors.


Stall Force (lbs.)

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Stroke Length (mm)

[wpcharts type=”horizontalbarchart” bgcolor=”#ffbb00:#ffbb00:#ffbb00,#63ffff:#63ffff:#63ffff,#11ccff:#11ccff:#11ccff,#0765c2:#0765c2:#0765c2,#152560:#152560:#152560″ legend=”false” titles=”Hypervolt,Hypervolt Plus,Theragun Prime,Ekrin B37,Lifepro Sonic LX” values=”10,14,16,12,12″]

Our Take: Hypervolt is a vibrational therapy massage gun, so it lacks high amplitude when compared to percussive therapy guns. With just 10mm of amplitude, it won’t be able to provide a deep tissue massage. The stall force, however, is actually quite decent for a device of this type.


Key Difference Between Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus
Both previous generation Hypervolts.

Noise

Hyperice has always known how to handle the noise business. They may not have the aspects of a percussive massage gun (long amplitude and enough stall force as Theragun), but their device is very quiet. It was quiet back then, it’s still quiet in 2022.

Expect 40 to mid 50s decibels. It won’t disturb your conversation. Theragun have their 4th generation of devices but they have been unable to keep them hushed. But it can be argued that Theragun has a long amplitude which tends to make the device noisy.

That said, the Hypervolt device rattles quite a bit when pushed hard against the skin.

hypervolt noise measurement

Battery

Hypervolt has a 2400mAh capacity battery that will last up to 2-2.5 hours on a single charge, as advertised by Hyperice.

However, that number may vary depending on how you use the device. When used on higher speeds and stalled often (tends to happen a lot), the battery drains faster.

One thing with large capacity batteries is that it adds weight to the device. Hypervolt’s battery is more average than large capacity which makes us wonder why it’s over the average 2.2lbs threshold. 

That said, 2 hours on battery is good enough. Also, since the battery is detachable, you can easily replace the drained battery with a fully charged one to keep the session going.

Another thing is that since the Hyperice Hypervolt happened in 2018, batteries in massage guns have evolved. Brands now promise up to 6 hours on a single charge (similar capacity).

The LED ring on the handle will light bright green when the battery is fully charged. The 5 LED indicators will also light up. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge the device.


App

Mid last year (2020) Hyperice added Bluetooth to their main device and it became compatible with their Hyperice smartphone app.

The app has how-to guides, guided routines (videos) and can take over the operation of the device. You can learn how to use a massage gun as you watch professional athletes use it on themselves. You can watch the athlete using the device and you can then apply what you see on yourself.

Hyperice App Routine Guide
Hyperice app on iOS

What else to know about it:

  • The speed automatically adjusts.
  • We didn’t see the pressure applied last time we checked for an update. We are used to it when using our Theragun devices with the Therabody app.
  • You will not be able to add any custom speeds like you can with the Therabody app. There are 3 built-in speeds and that’s it.

That said, we have a feeling Hyperice will be updating their app to include more features as time goes by. We have seen them add new routines and new content. We believe once they have all their devices hooked to the app then there will be more added to it.

hypervolt Bluetooth connectivity app
Hyperice App and Hypervolt massage gun.

Is Hypervolt still worth it?

In September 2021, Hyperice announced their new lineup of percussion massagers. It’s probably best to read our Hypervolt 2 Review and Hypervolt 2 Pro Review to learn more about them.

Hypervolt still charges a premium on their regular Hypervolt device. Until recently it was $349 on Hyperice’s website, but now, once the new Hypervolt 2 has been unveiled, it’s $249. The old one is still available on Amazon, you can check the price here

We could argue that now at least the price is appropriate but still very expensive for a vibrational therapy device.

Our Take:

  • We know that Hypervolt is already a proven device. The early units are still operational since the device came out in 2018 – 3 years on. That means it’s a quality and durable product.
  • But when it comes to what really matters, the hardware feels outdated. If Hypervolt was novel when it came out, it no longer is. Many brands caught up with them and went a step further. The only major upgrade we have seen with Hypervolt is the Bluetooth addition. 
  • The market has shifted towards percussive devices – offering longer amplitudes and more stall force. These are lacking in Hypervolt and make the device, to say the least, obsolete. However, they do have a percussive device in Hypervolt Plus.
  • Hypervolt Bluetooth is still a solid device for what it does. However, for $299 there are many far better devices that offer more for less. We have shared some of them in our review below.
  • Warranty is also still wanting – it’s a 1-year warranty when brands like Ekrin and Lifepro offer a lifetime guarantee and superb customer care. 

Check out what actual customers think of Hypervolt Bluetooth – read Amazon reviews here.


If not Hypervolt then What?


b37 massage gun
Ekrin B37

Ekrin B37

Ekrin B37 is definitely the best Hyperice Hypervolt alternative because it has everything that is lacking in it.

For starters, the ergonomics on this device are greatly improved with the angled handle. The device is compact and weighs 2.2lbs (vs 2.5lbs on Hypervolt). It also feels very well balanced. 

It has more power and better performance stats compared to what we get with the Hypervolt BT device. For instance, the amplitude is 12mm – good enough to punch deeper into the muscle tissue and offer percussive therapy.

It also has nearly twice Hypervolt’s stall force – 56lbs. compared to approximately 35lbs. It has the same percussion range (up to 3200rpm) but starts at a way lower intensity (1400rpm compared to 1800rpm on Hypervolt). This means you can have a delicate massage with it.

It doesn’t have a pressure sensor but if you want one you can go for the slightly expensive Ekrin B37S – it has one of the best executed pressure sensors we have ever seen.

The battery can’t be detached but it’s a Samsung branded battery that can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. It has similar noise levels and comes with 4 attachments (nicely varied) with a carrying case.

Ekrin offers a lifetime warranty and amazing lifetime customer support.

Normally the price is $229 but with our MGA20 (20% OFF) coupon you can buy it here at only $183.99.


Lifepro Sonic LX Professional
Lifepro Sonic LX Professional

Lifepro Sonic LX Professional

Here’s a Hypervolt alternative that resembles it. We are talking about the shape and design. Sonic LX Professional has the same T-shape long handle design as Hypervolt.

It however, has very interesting performance features. For instance, it has a 12mm amplitude – same as Ekrin B37 and definitely more than Hypervolt’s meager 10mm.

The stall force is not as good as Ekrin B37 but it’s somewhere in the mid 30s. It has a 72 watt motor compared to Hypervolt’s 60 watt. Because it has a better amplitude, even though the stall force may be somewhat similar, it can actually perform a percussive massage.

Surprisingly it’s more intense than Hypervolt. It revs up to 3400rpm. It also has 9 speeds compared to Hypervolt’s 3. We wouldn’t say it’s necessarily better, but it’s a different setup nonetheless. 

It’s lighter than Hypervolt – weighs 2.2lbs compared to Hypervolt’s 2.5lbs. It has 7 amazing attachments including 2 metallic ones. It has a better battery that can last 3-4 hours of continuous usage. A carrying case is included.

Lifepro is a well-known brand that offers great massage guns at reasonable prices and offers lifetime warranties for their products.

Normally the device costs $199 but with our MGA10 you get 10% OFF which then makes it $179 only. Get it here.


Which Theragun Model Compares to this Hypervolt?

For the regular Hypervolt Bluetooth, the best Theragun to match it will be the entry-level Theragun Prime.

theragun prime vs hypervolt
Hypervolt vs. Theragun Prime

They have nothing similar in terms of design, but we can compare the performance stats. Theragun Prime has the long 16mm amplitude (synonymous with Theragun) which makes it a full-scale percussive therapy device. It however, has a slightly weaker stall force compared to what Hypervolt offers.

It costs the same as Hypervolt – $299. In our opinion, however, both Ekrin B37 and Lifepro Sonic LX Professional offer the best bang for your buck and include lifetime warranties and customer support.

If you are thinking of going for Theragun, read our in-depth Theragun vs Hypervolt comparison where we provide all the details.


Review Conclusion

It is 2021, and what was hot in 2018 when the Hyperice Hypervolt came into being is cold and stale. During this time, Hyperice likely hasn’t bothered to iterate on their product design in more than just the one way (added Bluetooth).

Our initial Hypervolt review covered the product as it was back then; a great vibrational device, capable of warming up the muscles, treating soreness, breaking up lactic acid accumulation and for a soothing massage.

However, today, Hypervolt Bluetooth seems to lack what it takes to compete authoritatively in the percussive therapy market. While it’s still a very high-quality product, there are simply better devices that offer more value for money.

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Hypervolt GO Review – Does It Have What it Takes to GO the Distance? https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-go-review/ https://massagegunadvice.com/hypervolt-go-review/#respond Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:21:23 +0000 https://massagegunadvice.com/?p=4689 Hyperice gave us the Hypervolt and the Hypervolt Plus, their full-sized (regular) massage guns. Those were unique percussion massagers by their own standards. But, in this Hypervolt Go review, we take a look at their latest addition.

Important Update

Hyperice has replaced the Hypervolt Go with its second-generation model, so it’s no longer available. For insights on the new model, we invite you to read our Hypervolt GO 2 Review.

We are keeping the content below as a reference and future knowledge source.

Hypervolt go mini massage gun
Hypervolt Go. A mini massage gun by Hyperice.


Meet The Hyperice Hypervolt Go

The Go serves a different niche – portability and convenience, for those always on the move. It’s a mini massage gun. These have become the latest trend in the massage gun world and different brands have been up and about trying to get the mini versions of their mainstream devices into the market.

However, some brands have rushed these and as a result the market is flooded by devices that are simply not good enough, even for convenience. But was the Hypervolt Go rushed, or did Hyperice come up with a well thought out mini massager?

Hyperice as we know is one of the industry pioneers along with the much famed Theragun (recently Therabody). Some might argue that they have been long-term rivals. 

Theragun launched their Theragun mini device back in May 2020. We got a hold of the device, tested it and gave you our thoughts about it in our Theragun mini review.

The Go came in late in 2020 (November to be precise). Maybe Hyperice took too long to introduce their mini-gun. Was it worth the wait? Let’s find out!

2022 UPDATE: The new Hypervolt Go 2 has been released recently. The Go 1 is now 20% discounted at Amazon. Is the new device worth purchasing? Is it better than the Go 1? Read our in-depth, hands-on Hypervolt Go 2 review to find out!


Hypervolt Go Review

Hyperice Hypervolt Go Specs (Verified)

hypervolt go features
FeatureHypervolt Go Specs
Max. Stall Force~15 lbs (estimated)
Stroke Length10 mm (verified)
Speeds3
Percussion range2200 – 3200 ppm (verified)
Weight1.5 lbs
Dimensions7.25″ x 5.5″ x 2″
Attachments2 included
Noise (decibel)55 dB (on the top speed, verified)
Battery Life2 – 2.5 hours
Bluetooth No
ProsLow noise
Good Ergonomics
ConsVery Low Stall Force
Lacks USB-C charging
Poor Accessories
High Price
No innovativeness whatsoever
Warranty: 1 year
Current Price:Check at Amazon
Hypervolt Go specifications measured and verified according to our testing process.

First Impressions and Build Quality

First let’s mention (as we always like to do) that the Go doesn’t come in a carrying case.

We are not really surprised that they didn’t choose to include one. After all their regular sized massage guns don’t come with a carrying case.

It’s always a nice thing to have a carrying case to put your device in. Plus, the Go costs quite a lot and it wouldn’t hurt (in our opinion) to include at least a soft pouch for the device.

Either way, the device is in a nice box with the attachments and the charger as the other accessories.

hypervolt go what set include
International plug adapters included, but no carrying case.

The Device

At first glance the Go is smaller than the two regular sized Hypervolts (we’ll say about 30% smaller than the large device). It’s definitely not the smallest mini massage gun in the market, perhaps Hyperice should’ve cut the size a little further.

That aside, it’s a fairly standard shape and size. It’s not really innovative (not very unique) but in all fairness it looks really well put together.

The body is matte plastic and not metal. It comes with just the one color option – black. We would’ve loved a color variation from Hyperice though given their esteemed reputation. It’s a negligible thing but it takes things up a notch.

It’s a simplified device – we have come to expect this from mini percussion massagers – no bells and whistles. In fact the only thing of note is the ring LED battery indicator on the bottom end of the handle that we’ve come to associate with Hyperice devices.

Another embellishment is the speed LED indicators found underneath the handle right around the charging port. An odd place to have those, but you probably won’t need them because there are only 3 speed gears that you can hear and feel as you use the device.

To turn the device on/off press and hold the power button for 2 seconds until the ring LED lights up. Something worth mentioning is that the power button is located nicely along the device’s handle. Feels like a real gun trigger. To change the speeds, quickly press the power button.

The charger is a normal wall charger, which doesn’t help for convenience in our opinion. However, we noticed Hyperice included 3 adapters for their international clientele.

We also found a bunch of card-like brochures that Hyperice have made their custom to include with all their devices. They included a quick-start guide, information on how to choose the right attachment, information about their app, customer service info and a full instructions manual.

hypervolt go manual user instructions

The device is designed in the USA, but assembled in China.


Attachments

The Go comes with only 2 attachments:

  • Flat Head
    This is important if you want to hit large muscle groups like the quads and hamstring. You can also use it on your back and chest area.
  • Bullet Head
    This is used for trigger points in muscles (shoulder blades, ligaments, muscle knots). It’s perfect for use on feet and hands.

It’s a bit disappointing that a highly priced massage gun only comes with two attachments. We have reviewed several mini devices that come with at least 3 attachments, some even 4.

But perhaps Hyperice did one better than the Theragun Mini which has only 1 attachment.

It’s also important to note that it’s compatible with other Hypervolt attachments. So if you already own a full-sized Hypervolt this shouldn’t be a cause for worry.

Perhaps just like what Theragun did with their Mini, Hyperice’s main goal is to upsell the Go to their existing clientele. 

Also, there was an option to purchase an attachment set from Hyperice for $24.99 but last we checked they had run out of stock. 

hypervolt go 2 attachments
The Go comes with only 2 attachments.

Size, Weight and Ergonomics

The Go is small, portable and compact, but it’s a tad shy from being the perfect mini-gun. Compared to mini massage guns like the Ekrin Bantam or the Addsfit Mini Pro, the Go is noticeably larger.

However, compared to a full-sized Hypervolt, the Go is less bulky – about 30% smaller. It’s also worth noting that it’s TSA approved for carry-on – it’s within the 22” x 14” x 9” range. 

It weighs 1.5lbs. That’s light enough and we have no bone to pick here. However, that might not sound as impressive when you compare it to similar devices. Consider the following, for example:

  • A lot of mini massage guns weigh less than or slightly over a pound, which is 50% lighter than the Go even though some are more powerful (Ekrin Bantam, Addsfit Mini Pro, or Wodfitters Mini).
  • Also, compared to its rival – Theragun Mini – which weighs 1.4lbs. the Go is still heavier. 

The Go gets a nod from us because of its angled handle. This greatly improves the device’s ergonomics and reduces the strain on the wrist. Ekrin were the first to come up with the angled handle concept and it’s nice to see other brands that prefer the traditional T-shape design actually follow suit.

We also love that the handle is fully rubberized which makes the device even more comfortable to use. 

The handle diameter is the same as the full-sized Hypervolts. The handle offers a comfortable and firm grip for most people. However, it presents a bit of a challenge for those with smaller hands who may actually wish for a narrower handle.

Overall, the Go has good ergonomics for a mini massage gun. However, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. A lot more devices on the market with even better ergonomics.

RELATED Article: Theragun Mini vs Hypervolt Go


Performance

Our Hypervolt Go review wouldn’t be complete without measuring the Go’s mettle. Here we go.


Stroke Length (Amplitude)

Amplitude, or sometimes known as the stroke length, is how far the gun’s head moves back and forth to deliver the punch (percussion).

Most mini guns don’t boast a long amplitude and the Hypervolt Go doesn’t defy this either. But it just may have an edge over most devices.

Even though Hyperice aren’t known for long amplitudes like their rivals Theragun (we didn’t think the Go would match the Mini’s 12mm amplitude), its 10mm amplitude is more than enough for its purpose.

Hypervolt GO Measured Amplitude
Verification: Hypervolt GO measured amplitude is 10.6mm. More than enough.

Most mini guns we have tested have 7-8mm head travel. With 10mm the Go actually falls under the elite category of mini massage guns.

There’s just one problem, a good enough amplitude is nothing without enough stall force. And this is where the Go falls terribly short.


Stall Force

Stall force is the amount of pressure it takes to stall a device’s motor. The harder it is to stall a device, the better it can perform.

Hyperice have a statement on their website that reads; “ultra-lightweight with surprising power”, and boy were we surprised when we decided to check out the Go’s stall force!

In our opinion, that statement is outrageously blasphemous and the gods of stall force, we’re sure are not impressed.

It takes a surprisingly very low amount of force to stall this device.

They don’t disclose the stall force information on their website but we tested it and it feels like 10 or maybe 15lbs. stall force. And this happens on the highest 3rd gear.

As a result, the Hypervolt Go is not a deep tissue percussive therapy device.

hypervolt go mini massager
The Go feels more like a vibrational massage gun rather than a percussive therapy gun.

If you were thinking of hitting your glutes, quads, or hamstring with pressure in hope for a deep percussive massage, this device will disappoint you.

We advise you consider the Go a vibration therapy massage gun that will serve you well when you want to warm up your muscles before running, treat your neck as you work at your desk, get the blood flowing well, or maybe get you to relax. If you want something deep, then perhaps you should consider its alternatives (see below ↴).

We must admit that it is unbelievable – having tested many mini massage guns – that the Go, bigger and heavier than most guns in its category, can be so underwhelming in performance.

We have shared below the Ekrin Bantam as an alternative. Unlike the Go, it actually delivers up to 35lbs. stall force – twice as much – even though it’s smaller and lighter.


Hypervolt Go Review – Performance Comparison

This is how the Hypervolt Go compares against the most popular competitors.


Stall Force (lbs.)

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Stall Force: The Go massively underperforms when it comes to stall force. It is the largest, the heaviest one of all mini guns we’ve tested, yet the easiest one to stall. Expect a more vibrational rather than a percussive therapy from it.

Stroke Length (mm)

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Stroke Length: Hypervolt Go doesn’t bring much to the table when it comes to the amplitude. Its 10mm stroke length is good, but that’s about it. Actually, anything larger than that would be a waste because of the device’s low stall force.


Percussions and Speed Levels

Just like their main rivals Theragun, Hypervolt chose to keep the percussion range the same for their small massage gun. It’s 2200-3200rpm. With 3 speed gears to cycle through, the speed will shift from 2200 to 2750 and finally to 3200rpm.

Even though it’s just the 3 speed gears, for a mini massage gun you probably will not require more.

There are 3 blue LED indicators at the base of the device that will show what speed you’re on. However, you can still hear how the speed changes as you quickly press the power button. That means you won’t need to check the LEDs that much.

hypervolt go 3 speeds led indicator
3 blue LED speed indicators.

The percussion range may be impressive, but this is more vibrational than percussive therapy. The best combination for a top massager (or a best mini massage gun in our case) is always a long amplitude and powerful stall force.

We feel the Go is an entry-level mini massage gun at best. The low stall force doesn’t do justice to the fairly impressive amplitude and the high intensity that this device is capable of delivering.


Noise

When the attachments are mounted appropriately, this gun is decently quiet. Just like the bigger Hypervolts, the Go is impressively hushed. In this respect, the Go outshines the Theragun Mini which is considerably loud.

We measured the sound with the attachments fixed properly and we got 45 to about 54-55 dB.

hypervolt go noise measurement speed level 3
Hypervolt Go noise measurement (around 55dB at top speed).

On a side note, there was a noise issue that earlier users reported. Apparently there was a gasket on the flat head attachment that appeared to be loosely stitched.

The result was a rattling sound that felt pretty annoying. We believe this problem has been fixed with the current model.


Battery

The battery has 2350mAh capacity and will last for 2-2.5 hours per charge. We noticed that the battery drains faster when you are using it on the highest speed.

The battery will also quickly run out of juice if you keep stalling it. The problem is this may happen quite often. The battery indicator will keep flashing as the device charges.

When fully charged, the flashing stops and the indicator turns solid green. Is the juice enough? Yes, the device can last for several days before you may need to charge it again. 

Is it the best battery in its category? Not really. It’s good enough, yes, but it delivers half the power that devices like Ekrin Bantam and Addsfit Mini Pro can actually deliver.

The biggest drawback however, is that it is not USB-C compatible. Most mini massagers these days come with an USB charging for convenience.

hypervolt go charging port
Charging port at the bottom of the handle.

Hyperice App

Hyperice have their own dedicated app for their range of devices. The app is an awesome feature and will show you how to massage, provide guided sessions and also offer the possibility to auto operate the device (auto-speed).

Unfortunately the Go doesn’t have Bluetooth connection which means some features won’t be accessible.

Still, you can use the app with your device to learn different massaging techniques – what to do and what not to do.


Is Hypervolt Go Worth it?

We might recommend the Go to you if you already own either the Hypervolt BT or the BT Plus as a complimentary device. This is because the attachments are interchangeable.

But, as much as we had a fierce debate over the Theragun Mini’s value for money, we had no arguments over this device. For its steep price, this is a disappointing hardware. The low stall force gives it away. Compared to other devices in its category, it’s simply not good enough.

Besides, the Go doesn’t come with USB charging capability which is a feature for many devices of its kind. It falls short comparatively in terms of size and weight (it’s bigger and heavier), has only 2 attachments, and generally brings nothing unique to the table.

Unlike Ekrin or Lifepro which offer a lifetime warranty and amazing customer service, Hyperice will only give you a 1-year warranty. 

It may work for you if you are looking for something light and simple. Even so there are better devices that go for half that price and can offer even more.

Percussion therapy with hypervolt go
Percussion therapy with Hypervolt Go

Hypervolt Go Alternatives: If not the Go then What?


bantam 10mm stroke length
Ekrin Bantam

Ekrin Bantam

By far the best alternative to the Hypervolt Go. It offers everything that is missing on the Go. It may have the same design, similar shape, and even the same angled handle, but it’s much smaller in comparison.

It’s also the lighter massage gun between the two weighing in at just 1.1lbs. This makes it even more portable.

As we proved in our full Ekrin Bantam review, it has a superb battery that can last up to 6 hours with a single charge. It is USB-C compatible making it much more convenient to carry with you as you travel. The Go failed us here.

But perhaps the Bantam comes in handy where it matters the most. It performs rather impressively. It has the same 10mm amplitude – impressive for a mini gun – but adds power to it.

With 35lbs. stall force, the Bantam is capable of a deep percussive massage despite being small.

The Go doesn’t even offer half this kind of power. The percussion range is 2000-3200rpm which gives you an even wider range – you can start lower than what you get with the Go.

Other features include 3 speeds (similar to the Go), a carrying case and 4 quality and varied attachments.

It has a lifetime warranty and a lifetime customer support if you register after you make the purchase.

It usually costs $159.99 but with our MGA20 promo code you get 20% off – that makes it only $127.99 when bought in the Ekrin’s store.

Hypervolt Go vs. Ekrin Bantam
FeatureHypervolt GoEkrin Bantam
Size CategorySmallMini
Stall Force15 lbs35 lbs
Stroke Length10 mm10 mm
Speed Options33
Battery Life3 hours6 hours
Noise~55 dB~55 dB
Weight1.5 lbs1.1 lbs
Attachments24
Warranty1-yearLifetime
Price / CouponCheck at Amazon$159.99 $127.99
(20% off with MGA20 promo code)
Hypervolt Go vs. Ekrin Bantam Comparison
hypervolt go and ekrin bantam mini massage gun
Bantam and Go side by side.

Review Conclusion

We chose to do this Hypervolt Go review to show you how Hyperice’s mini massage gun performs.

We couldn’t help but feel unsatisfied with what we got from this device. It doesn’t bring anything new to the table and the low stall force is a huge bummer in our opinion.

We can, however, recommend it to those who already own any of the regular sized Hypervolts just as a complimentary gun. The heads are interchangeable, so it makes sense to get one if you need something smaller and more portable.

However, even if you want something truly small and light, the Go is not the best percussion massager. There are better alternatives, some of which we have recommended here, with more to be found in our best mini massage gun reviews.


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