A handheld massagers are excellent if you want to be in control of your massage. There are a lot out there, but two of the best are the Homedics HHP-350 and the Pure Wave CM7.
This review is aimed to help you understand that while it's a great massager with outstanding performance and results, and it's offered at a good price, the Pure-Wave CM7 wins the crown.
It's simply a better all-around massager. Here's how their benefits and features stack up head to head and why the CM7 from Pure-Wave comes out on top.
The Homedics HHP-350
There's no doubt that this handheld percussion massager is a good buy. A step up from the lesser vibrational massager HHP-250, which works well as a cellulite massager, it has two heads that pivot heads, and the percussion action massager with heat it delivers is outstanding for your entire body.
It's seriously soothing and therapeutic. If you have a hard workout, and your muscles are sore and tight, come home, plug it in, and in seconds, you can be working out the knots and stiffness in your legs, arms, back, shoulders, or wherever you feel it.
There are a lot of great features in this little package, but the standouts are handle design, percussion action handheld massage, and the optional heat.
Notable Features
The handle on this massager is well thought out, which gives it a leg up. Many handheld massagers just have a bar-type single handle, but this one has a true triangle handle that you can easily hold on to and maneuver because it's designed well and with intention.
It's ergonomically effective and usefully practical. While many hand-held units claim this, you'd be surprised by how many are hard to hold, too heavy, or just unwieldy.
You don't want to be massaging your back or shoulder and have the whole thing slip out of your hands. That defeats the purpose.
The HHP-350 has three levels of intensity, for the percussion, and you can swap out the head attachments to go from firm to gentle in intensity. The percussion works to go deep into your muscles and soft tissue.
So, if you have a knot behind your shoulder blade or in your neck, for example, you can get the heads right on the area, and the percussion will press out the tension and pain.
You'll feel both melt away, especially if you get into a good position on a couch or chair and let it work its magic.
The addition of heat works very well in combination with the deep penetrating massage heads. The heat loosens up whatever stiffness you have and increases the blood flowing through the area.
So, your tight, sore muscles can be smoothed out quickly. And this also helps muscles to recover faster. So, if you're using this for post-workout relief, you'll have a quicker recovery time.
The heat is also good to use on the back of your neck if you have stiffness or suffer from headaches.
Pros
It’s customizable. You can change the heads and vary the intensity for a deep, powerful massage that works out stress and soreness, or opt for a gentler massage, geared towards relaxation and the reduction of stress. It works incredibly well in both capacities and those in between.
Power. This powerful unit really packs a punch for a handheld. Due to the fact that it’s corded, you get the power that battery-operated massagers can’t deliver.
Heat.
Not only do you get the option of adding heat, but you can also turn it on or off with a button press, so you can turn it on and off throughout the massage as opposed to just on or off for the entire session.
Cons
It isn’t cordless. The payoff here is, of course, you get a more powerful massager, but the fact that you have to be near a power plug makes it less convenient and portable.
Attachments. It’s awesome to get the variability that comes with changing out the massage heads, but it isn’t a seamless convenience. You do have to stop what you’re doing and take the time to readjust with each selection. Something a bit more automated or controlled via a slider or switch would be more elegant.
Power. While this works to your advantage when working out a tough knot or decompressing from a workout, it makes it a challenge to hang on to.
The ergonomic handle definitely comes in handy in that regard. But just be warned that you have to hang on with a firm grip when you have the power turned up to 11.
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HoMedics Percussion Massager vs Theragun
I love the percussive sound the Theragun makes as it vibrates your groin, but I found the HoMedics massager a bit more pleasant and didn't feel like I was working against a piece of steel. For that reason, I decided to compare the two. Read on to see how the massagers stack up! HoMedics Percussion vs. Theragun.
We tested the Theragun and HoMedics percussion massager against each other by performing a set of simulated movements while holding the devices, but they did not attempt to grind into the thighs, thighs, or buttocks, both massagers are different in that regard. I have to admit that I was surprised to find that the Theragun was easier to use and felt like it was in a more natural position, while the HoMedics percussion massager felt oddly positioned and not in a natural position and had a bit more difficulty adjusting to. I did get used to the percussion massager after some trial and error, but I'm not sure I would continue using it given its inferior position.
Why Pure-Wave CM7 Takes the Lead
With all the excellent features and benefits of the Homedics HP-350, you have to really up the standard to outrank it. And the CM7 does just that. What makes it so great?
In short, it's versatile and cordless. It's two massagers in one, really. It's a powerful massager that relieves muscle and joint pain and the aches and tightness that come from working out or a stressful day at work (or let's face it, life).
And it's also a face and body massager. Oh, and it's small, light, and cordless, making it extremely easy to toss into your gym bag or carry-on luggage. Bonus points for needing to be nowhere near a plug for some fast relief.
Whether you're an athlete looking for a massage to speed recovery shows just 10 minutes of massage is all you need), or a busy traveler who can use a stress-relieving break whenever possible, you will more than happy with the power, massage types (deep tissue and acupressure), and ease of use.
It's small and light, and the attachments, known as sticks, make working deep into the muscle and soft tissue an absolute dream. You know that one massage therapist that's always booked and impossible to get in to see because of her strength and ability to work out those ridiculously tight muscles?
The point sticks are the best possible substitute, and you never need an appointment. They're incredibly effective at working out tight areas that benefit from the direct, targeted pressing of the deep tissue and muscle.
This is therapist-grade targeted massage pain relief. And the facial stick attachment delivers vibrational massage, which is ideal for keeping your face toned and tight.
Face massage is tricky, but when done right it can keep you looking younger and healthier for many years. The CM7 facial stick does it well.
The HHP-350 is a powerful home hand-held massager. The percussion technology works wonders for relieving stress and pain, and you really can feel it working throughout your entire body.
The design is sound and with it you can easily reach all the tight, sore muscles on your body. It's great for after a workout, and you will notice you recover much more quickly so you'll be ready to hit the gym again the next day.
The Pure-Wave CM7, however, comes out ahead due to its small, portable size and weight, and versatility. It's mighty powerful for a cordless unit, and with the stick attachments, you get an excellent facial massager to boot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Homedics Massage Gun Take to Charge?
The HoMedics massage gun, classified as a type of massage gun, boasts a battery capacity that allows for approximately 1 hour of continuous use. When it comes to charging, users should anticipate a charging time of 5 to 6 hours to reach full capacity. In terms of dimensions, the massage gun measures 235 millimeters in height, 190 millimeters in width, and 60 millimeters in depth. With a weight of 4 kilograms, this massage gun strikes a balance between portability and durability, making it suitable for both at-home and on-the-go use.
Why is My Massage Gun Dying so Fast?
The rapid depletion of battery life in your massage gun can be attributed to several factors, ranging from battery capacity and usage patterns to charging practices and environmental conditions. Understanding these factors can help diagnose and address the underlying reasons for the quick drain and optimize the performance of your device.
One of the primary factors influencing battery life is the capacity of the battery itself. Massage guns typically feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which offer a balance between power output and energy density. If your massage gun has a lower battery capacity, it may drain more quickly, especially when used at higher intensity levels or for extended periods.
Additionally, usage patterns play a significant role in battery consumption. If you frequently use your massage gun at maximum intensity or for prolonged sessions, it can accelerate battery depletion. Adjusting the intensity level and duration of use to match your needs can help conserve battery life and prolong the overall runtime of your device.
Furthermore, charging practices can impact the long-term health and performance of the battery. Overcharging or leaving the massage gun plugged in continuously after reaching full capacity can degrade the battery over time, leading to reduced runtime and performance. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding charging times and practices to preserve the battery's longevity.
Environmental conditions also play a role in battery performance. Exposing the massage gun to extreme temperatures, such as excessive heat or cold, can affect battery efficiency and lifespan. Storing the device in a cool, dry place when not in use and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can help maintain optimal battery health.
Lastly, the age and condition of the battery itself may contribute to faster depletion. Over time, lithium-ion batteries undergo natural degradation, resulting in reduced capacity and runtime. If your massage gun is experiencing rapid battery drain despite proper usage and charging practices, it may be worth considering replacing the battery to restore optimal performance.
In summary, several factors can contribute to the rapid depletion of battery life in your massage gun, including battery capacity, usage patterns, charging practices, environmental conditions, and battery age. By understanding these factors and implementing appropriate measures, such as adjusting usage intensity, following recommended charging practices, and maintaining optimal environmental conditions, you can optimize battery performance and prolong the overall lifespan of your massage gun.