No massage gun meets Stiftung Warentest's approval standards
Easing tense muscles or achy limbs: Feels fantastic and works great without any assistance. Stiftung Warentest didn't find any model "excellent."
Giving certain body parts a good rubdown can be quite delightful - not all areas are easily accessible. A solution to this conundrum are massage guns. They are designed to work out stiff muscles gently. They claim to relieve neck pain and muscle cramps.
Which massage models on the market are comfortable? How well do they operate? And do they contain harmful substances? Stiftung Warentest investigated these questions and tested eleven models. No model received a better rating than "satisfactory."
Ouch or ahhh? It's all in the handle
But first, a little theory, because massage gun isn't just massage gun anymore: The devices differ in their handle - that is, how deep the head penetrates the tissue. The strongest models in the test go as deep as a decent 14 and 16 millimeters. The verdict of the testers who massaged each other in the lab: intensity too high, hurts the skin.
But what intensity is pleasant? That depends on individual muscle mass. Stiftung Warentest gives the following advice: The more muscles, the higher the value should be. A person who is a performance athlete is likely to find a depth of six millimeters too soft. On the other hand, for more pain-sensitive individuals, it may be just right. The testers therefore recommend trying out different models.
Even the top picks massage softly
Even the top-ranked massage gun is quite gentle, with a depth of six millimeters: It is the "Fascia Gun" from Blackroll (Note 2.7), which costs around 150 Euro. It is not the model that, according to the testers, massages best. However, it offers the best overall package because it is not loaded with harmful substances and can impress with a long battery life and low noise level.
The model "MG 600" from Medisana (Note 2.8) is in second place, also a device with a depth of six millimeters. Six more models score "satisfactory."
However, three models fail with the note "poor." The "Silvercrest Massage Gun SMGB C210" from Lidl had the head break off in a fall test. Two contain the potentially cancer-causing substance Naphtalin in very high concentration ("Flow Recovery Flow Move" and "Hyperice Hypervolt 2").
Three tips for buying and use
Some things to keep in mind when using a massage gun:
- Weight: The heaviest pistol in the test weighs around 950 grams, the lightest only a little more than 500 grams. The weight can be a factor in choosing the device: Small, lightweight pistols can easily be stored in a sports bag. For heavy models, consider that they require more holding strength.
- Attachments: Massage pistols come with various attachments - up to seven pieces. According to Stiftung Warentest, three are sufficient. The ball is great for large-area massages, the flat head also, as it glides over clothing. With the cone, one can target deep-lying points precisely.
- Keep in mind during use: Do not use massage pistols on injuries, bones, blood vessels, or nerve channels. If it hurts, stop using it.
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Consumers seeking a massage gun to ease muscle tension might be disappointed, as none of the tested models received an "excellent" rating from Stiftung Warentest. When considering a purchase, consumers should keep in mind the importance of a comfortable handle, as too much intensity can be harmful to the skin. The top-ranked massager, the "Fascia Gun" from Blackroll, offers a gentle 6-millimeter depth, making it suitable for individuals with more muscle sensitivity.
