The other day I had a stack of boxes at my door so big, that neighbors helped to move them so we could enter the house. The boxes were sent from physical therapists Bob and Brad, hoping I would try their new recovery tools and give an honest review!
My first thought was, “wow! I have made it!” Just kidding…my first thought was how to appropriately try and review these Bob and Brad recovery tools.
Thankfully, as they arrived, my training was ratcheting up—making my body a prime candidate for testing out the effectiveness of these recovery tools.
I had already received the Bob and Brad C2 massage gun earlier in the year for a review and fell in love with it—even more so than the much more expensive Theragun percussion gun. So, I was keen to try the rest of their products including the full line of their massage guns, leg compressor, and neck massager.
Related: How to Use a Massage Gun (+ 3 Reviews)
How I did this review
To review these products, I spent several days with just one recovery tool to get a sense of its efficacy. Then I rotated them to be able to adequately compare how they feel and my body’s response to them
I also had my family and friends try them and weigh in.
In this article, I share some information about the founders of Bob and Brad, plus a full review of each product including:
- Bob and Brad X6 Pro Massage Gun
- Bob and Brad T2 Massage Gun
- Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun
- Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
- Bob and Brad Back and Neck Massager
(Get my review of Bob and Brad’s leg compressor versus Normatec boots and the Bob and Brad neck massager!)
Okay, let’s go!
Who are Bob and Brad?
Bob and Brad are Minnesota-based physical therapists and YouTube sensations thanks to their pain relief videos.
Brad Heineck and Bob Schrupp have been dubbed “The Most Famous Physical Therapists on the Internet” with almost 4.2 subscribers to their YouTube channel.
They recently launched a company selling recovery tools such as massage guns and leg compressors to compete with popular brands like Hypervolt, Theragun, and Normatec.
Related: How to Use a Foam Roller
Are Bob and Brad doctors?
No, Bob and Brad are physical therapists. Some people ask if they are real physical therapists. Yes, Bob and Brad are real physical therapists who have been practicing for decades (a combined time of 60 years).
Where did Brad Heineck and Bob Schrupp go to college?
Brad Heineck is a 1996 Physical Therapy graduate of the University of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He became a Certified Strengthening and Conditioning Specialist in 2001. Endurance training, as well as resistance strength training, have been his primary interests.
Bob Schrupp concurrently received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State University and a degree in physical therapy from the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota. Bob then obtained his master’s degree from St. Mary’s Graduate Center in Winona, Minnesota.
Where do Bob and Brad live?
Bob and Brad live and practice physical therapy in Winona, Minnesota.
Where can you buy Bob and Brad products?
You can buy Bob and Brad massagers and other products off Amazon.
Okay, now, let’s get to the product reviews!
Bob and Brad Recovery Tools Review
Bob and Brad X6 Pro Massage Gun
The X6 Pro massager is heavy duty and well-made for durability. Instead of a plastic shaft like most other massage guns, this one uses Aircraft-grade Titanium Alloy which provides long-lasting performance and minimal unnecessary vibrations. The handle is made of engineered fiberglass coated with liquid silicone, making it soft and comfortable to grip.
My experience:
This massage gun is much heavier, larger, and more intense than the others. Its feel is most similar to the Theragun.
While it feels (and is powerful), I prefer the smaller Bob and Brad percussion guns which have as quick vibrations but feel gentler, and more relaxing. However, I do love the metal head that can be cooled in the freezer and heated in warm water.
Due to its weight and size, it is hard to use on yourself. If you have someone in your house that will massage you with this, I recommend the X6!
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PROs
- Deepest massage with 3200 percussions a minute striking 10.5 mm deep
- 5 interchangeable heads and 5 speeds
- Well-made
- Metal head can be used with creams or can be heated or cooled
- Longest battery life
- Portable in a beautiful carrying case
CONs
- No battery indicator light
- Changing speeds can sometimes turn the percussion gun off if you hold the button too long
- Most expensive of the massage guns
- Hard to use on yourself
- No USB port to plug in in the car
X6 Pro Massage Gun Key Specs:
- Weight: about 2 pounds
- Max power: 3,200 RPM and massage tissue up to 10.5 mm deep amplitude,
- Interchangeable heads: 5
- Metal design with high torque
- Power levels: 5
- Battery Life: 3.5 hours
Price: $169.99 marked down from $199.99
Bottom line: This massage gun is intense. Due to its intensity, size, and long battery life, it’s best suited for health professionals such as physical therapists.
Bob and Brad T2 Massage Gun
The T2 is Bob and Brad’s medium-size massage gun. This deep percussion massage gun is powered by a 25W high-torque brushless motor up to 3200 RPM to reach and massage tissue up to 10mm deep amplitude. It’s easy to use on yourself and definitely helps with muscle fatigue by boosting blood flow.
My experience:
I love this Bob and Brad massage gun. It is smaller than the X6 yet bigger than the C2. It feels like it penetrates to my sore muscles and trigger spots. After a long run with a pick-up at the end, my legs were tired. After using this massage gun, the trouble spots felt looser and recovered.
It is my second favorite of the massage guns.
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PROs
- Faster than Theragun, up to 3200 percussions a minute
- Automatic shut-off after 10 minutes
- Longest lasting battery of up to 6 hours with only 2-3 hours to charge
- 5 interchangeable heads and 5 speeds
- Portable in a beautiful carrying case
- Well-made
- Inexpensive $129.99
CONs
- Changing speeds can sometimes turn the percussion gun off if you hold the button too long
T2 Massage Gun Key Specs:
- Weight: under 2 pounds
- Max power: 3,200 RPM and massage tissue up to 10mm deep amplitude,
- Interchangeable heads: 5
- Power levels: 5
- Battery Life: 6 hours!
Price: $129.99 marked down from $169.99
Bottom line: This is a great mid-grade massage gun for someone who needs intense recovery after workouts. It’s also great for general massage on the neck and back for relaxation. This is my second favorite of the Bob and Brad massage gun series. For the extra price, I do not notice any difference as compared to the C2 gun reviewed below.
Related: 7 Steps to Recover Faster from a Marathon
Bob and Brad C2 Percussion Gun
The C2 massage gun has a brushless motor with super torque energy of 3200 rpms and output without interruption. It works great to reduce muscle pain and fatigue, and lactic acid build-up by promoting blood flow. Because of the stronger percussion of this massage gun, it’s suitable for competitive and professional athletes.
My experience:
This C2 muscle massage gun from Bob and Brad is my favorite of the four percussion massage guns I have tried. It is light, quiet, and gentler. However, while gentle, it is effective. I started using it on my healing plantar fascia which I tore in 2021.
The Theragun I already ad felt like too much brute force, irritating it. However, the C2 massage gun, helped it feel better after my runs so that I was ready to run the next day. It is my staple in both my warm-up routine and recovery.
PROs
- Quieter than the X6 and T2 massage guns
- Automatic shutoff at 10 minutes
- Can be charged in the car using a USB port
- Faster than Theragun, up to 3200 percussions a minute (same as Hypervolt)
- Longer battery life and quicker charge
- 5 interchangeable heads and 5 speeds
- Lightweight and portable in a beautiful carrying case
- MUCH cheaper at $109
CONs
- Changing speeds can sometimes turn the percussion gun off if you hold the button too long
Related: Achedaway Cupper: Does Cupping Work?
C2 Massage Gun Key Specs:
- Weight 1.5 lbs
- Max power: 3,200 RPM
- Interchangeable heads: 5
- Power levels: 5
- Battery Life: 3-4 hours!
Price: $119.99 marked down from $129.99
Bottom line: This is the best massage gun that is perfect for runners, athletes, or anyone. It is quiet, gentle and effective. The C2 is my favorite of the bunch and for the price, it makes a great gift to yourself or anyone you care about!
Related: My Experience with a Torn Plantar Fascia
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Incredibly compact and designed for ergonomic comfort and portability, this mini massager offers quick relief anywhere on the go. It is also a brushless motor and one of the most powerful massagers on the market for its size. It can dig deep and access tough-to-reach spots.
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My experience:
This massage gun is so little it’s almost cute. It is easy to throw in your purse or keep in the car and use on the go. While it’s not as powerful as the others, it still helps relax tight muscles. I especially like to use it for my neck, back, and calves because it is gentler.
PROs
- Small, light, and quiet
- Faster than most popular massage guns at 3,200 percussions a minute
- Longer battery life and quicker charge
- 5 interchangeable heads and 5 speeds
- Can be charged in the car using a USB port
- Compact size enables it to reach smaller muscle groups
- Lightweight and portable in a beautiful carrying case
- MUCH cheaper at $89
CONs
- Changing speeds can sometimes turn the percussion gun off if you hold the button too long
- Not as powerful due to its size
Q2 Mini Massage Gun Key Specs:
- Weight .95 lbs
- Size: 5.7” L x 3.4” W x 1.8” H
- Max power: 3000 RPM
- Interchangeable heads: 5
- Power levels: 5
- Battery Life: 3.5 hours!
Price: $89.99
Bottom line: This massage gun would make a great gift. It is perfect for anyone on the go (aka busy mother runners) who can recover whenever they have a spare moment like sitting in the carline or waiting for gymnastics to be over. I
It’s not as effective as a massager as the others, but it does feel like it helps. And it definitely relaxes you!
You can’t go wrong with any of these massage guns! If you were to invest in any, I recommend the C2 massager. It is effective, pleasant, and priced right! I love it more than the more expensive Theragun and Hypervolt.
If you want guidance with your marathon and other running goals, check out my run coaching services. Also, be sure to check out my free training plans:
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