Stiftung Warentest was not completely convinced of the devices in the last massage pistol test. A cheap model massages even better than the test winner and is already available from around 66 euros.
In issue 7/2024 from Stiftung Warentest, consumer advocates took a close look at eleven massage guns from various manufacturers, including known brands, but also cheaper models. The prices ranged from 40 to 270 euros. None of the models could achieve the quality judgment “good”. This cheap model from Beurer was a price-performance winner and currently only costs around 66 euros.
The top grade among the pistols was also “satisfactory” for the partial grade for the environmental properties. Particularly worthy of criticism: In the case of none of the devices, the battery can simply be exchanged by the users: inside. Many massage guns therefore die an early death together with their battery. After all, some manufacturers offer a paid change through their service. So also our environmental tip from orthomechanics.
From the point of view of Utopia, the best alternative to more sustainable consumption is therefore the purchase on the used market in this type of device.
Table of contents:
- Massage pistol test winner 2024
- So Stiftung Warentest determines the massage pistol test winners
- Buy massage gun: You can pay attention to that
- Effectiveness of massage guns: What is possible and what is not?
Massage pistol test winner 2024
General test winner Blackroll Fascia Gun
The relatively expensive blackroll fascia gun was the smallest massage gun in the test and emerged as a test winner with the top grade “satisfactory” (2.7). However, it only has a comparatively small hub with the massage and massages relatively gently. This model can therefore be perhaps too weak from competitive athletes: so inside.
The battery life was evaluated with “very good”, but the battery is not interchangeable. In addition, the Blackroll model only creates a “sufficient” with durability. This means that Utopia cannot recommend this pistol from a sustainability perspective.
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Overall grade (quality judgment): satisfactory (2.7)
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Massage: satisfactory
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Handling: satisfactory
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Shelf life: sufficient
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Environmental properties: satisfactory
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Security and pollutants: good
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Battery exchange possible: no
Buy: For around 150 euros at Sportscheck, Intersport or Amazon
Price performance tip: Beurer MG 99
With a larger hub and five performance levels, the Beurer MG 99 massages “good” according to Stiftung Warentest and thus better than the Massage pistol test winner from Blackroll. With around 70 euros, she was already one of the cheapest models in the test when the test was published. The battery life is “good” and also with the durability important from a sustainability perspective, it is one of the best devices in test with a “good”. Unfortunately, the battery cannot be exchanged here either.
The downer: in the spherical essay of the pistol, Stiftung Warentest found increased concentrations of pollutants, which led to devaluation. Otherwise, the Beurer model, the further test results, would have been the test winner. However, the other attached attachments are not burdened accordingly. The testers: Inside, recommend that they use them instead.
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Total grade (quality judgment): satisfactory (3.0)
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Massage: good
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Handling: good
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Shelf life: good
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Environmental properties: satisfactory
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Security and pollutants: sufficient
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Battery exchange possible: no
Buy: from around 66 euros from Beurer, Otto or Amazon
Environmental tip: Orthomechanics Orthomechanics 3.0
Orthomechanics 3.0 ends up in third place in the total field of the test with the overall grade. Like the test winner model, it massages “satisfactory”, but offers a larger hub in comparison. In terms of durability-here a “good”-she clearly beats the massage pistol test winner from Blackroll.
Even with the Orthomechanics model, the battery is unfortunately not interchangeable: inside. After all, the manufacturer offers to exchange the battery for a fee of 39 euros after the guarantee has expired. As a result, orthomechanics 3.0, from the point of view of Utopia, is currently the most sustainable choice among the massage guns in the test.
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Total grade (quality judgment): satisfactory (2.9)
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Massage: satisfactory
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Handling: satisfactory
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Shelf life: good
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Environmental properties: satisfactory
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Security and pollutants: satisfactory
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Battery exchange possible: yes (from the manufacturer service)
Buy: For around 180 euros at Shop pharmacy or Amazon
So Stiftung Warentest determines the massage pistol test winners
Stiftung Warentest has checked and evaluated the massage guns based on various categories. The most important aspect was massaging, which was simple at 40 % in the overall ranking. Experts assessed how well the pistols are suitable for self-and-external massage. Criteria such as the fit of the intensity levels to various muscle groups and the variety of application were evaluated. This results from the number of performance levels, the included essays and the possibility of using massage oil. In addition, the maximum contact power of the devices and the change in the temperature after longer use was measured. The battery life was assessed based on the number of possible 10-minute massages that reached the devices with a battery charge.
The handling of the massage guns followed with 35 % weighting. Here, the instructions for use were checked for intelligibility and completeness, as well as the simple operation of the devices, the change of essays and the readability of the charging status. The vibration on the handle and ergonomics during the massage were also evaluated.
The durability made up 10 % of the overall ranking. The durability was checked with a long -term test in which the pistols completed 500 cycles with loads, and with a case test from a height of 90 cm.
Another 10 % of the overall ranking accounted for the environmental properties, whereby the volume of the devices was measured at various frequencies and the possibility of changing the battery was evaluated.
Finally, safety aspects and pollutants still flowed into the evaluation with 5 %. In addition to checking the warnings, the devices were examined for different pollutants.
Test results that led to devaluations were, for example, the presence of pollutants and a lack of stability. Some models contained high amounts of pollutants, which led to devaluations when evaluating security and pollutants. For example, very high quantities of naphthaline were found in the Flow Recoverys model’s control panel-more than the GS sign. In the case test, the essay on the Lidl pistol broke off and could no longer be replaced. This was rated as poor and led to a devaluation in the area of durability.
Buy massage gun: You can pay attention to that
With the massage pistol test winners from Stiftung Warentest, it becomes clear: there is no perfect massage gun for everyone: n does not exist. Because people with different muscle mass and connective tissue require different massage guns. In general, people with more muscles should prefer a device with more hub and pressure.
It can be helpful to try different models before buying. Here we have summarized a few points from the test, which you can also pay attention to when buying:
Hub/amplitude: The amplitude with which the essays lift and lower is fixed for each model and an important purchase criterion. Devices with a hub of six to eight millimeters massage gently, while devices offer a stronger massage effect with 14 or 16 millimeters and are more suitable for competitive athletes.
Frequency: The frequency, ie the number of “strokes” per second, can be set for most models. Low frequencies below 30 strokes per second are suitable for muscle relaxation, while high frequencies can prepare the muscles for training.
Pressure/contact: In addition to the hub, the maximum contact power also plays an important role. This indicates how much strength you can press the pistol into the tissue without the engine stopping. The Blackroll Fascia Gun, for example, enables over 270 Newton to be printed, while the Lidl model already stops at 30 Newton.
Weight: The weight of the massage gun plays a role in handling and transport. Smaller, lighter models are better suited for the sports bag, while heavier models require more strength when holding.
Possibility to change the battery: Unfortunately, most massage guns do not allow a battery change by the users: inside. However, you can inquire with the manufacturer beforehand whether it is possible to change by its service staff. So you can ideally increase the lifespan of your massage gun.
Essays: Massage guns are supplied with various attachments that are suitable for different parts of the body and types of massage. According to Stiftung Warentest, ball, flat head and cone attachment are usually sufficient for the most common applications.
Effectiveness of massage guns: What is possible and what is not?
Whether massage gun test winner or not: the devices for self-massage and regeneration often advertise with the promise to have healing effect. According to Stiftung Warentest, scientific studies indicate that the use of massage guns before training, for example, can improve mobility at short notice. After training, you can help improve regeneration.
It is scientifically controversial whether massage guns can also increase muscle strength. According to the consumer magazine, there is also no clear evidence that massage pistols solve or relieve neck tension. In fact, the incorrect use of massage pistols can also recover injury risks- for example in the neck or face area. Therefore, you should pay particular attention to the following points when using:
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No application to injuries, bones, vessels or nerve strands.
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Stop application when pain occurs.
- Be sure to obtain medical advice on back and neck pain, unclear muscle problems or other unclear symptoms.
In summary, it can be said that massage guns can support regeneration after sport and improve mobility if used correctly. However, they are not a miracle weapon and do not replace treatment by medical specialist staff nor are they suitable for everyone.
Sources: Stiftung Warentest
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