Nobody wants to be sore.
Whether you are dealing with chronic muscle aches or soreness from a workout, you could probably benefit from some type of recovery product.
A few years back, we saw massage guns rise in popularity. Theragun kicked off the trend, popularizing similar devices from Hydragun, truMedic, and Ekrin.
Around this time, Chirp was also gaining popularity for its Chirp Wheel product (which was featured on Shark Tank!).
Chirp has since expanded its product line to offer a new muscle relief product called the Chirp RPM Rolling Percussive Massager.
Keep reading our Chirp RPM review to find out if this product is a good fit for you.
What is Chirp RPM?
Chirp RPM is a rolling percussive massager. If that term is unfamiliar to you, it’s probably because this product is very unique.
While we’ve reviewed many percussive massage guns, Chirp RPM is the first rolling percussive massager we’ve looked at.
Like massage guns, Chirp RPM is designed to provide muscle relief and recovery. We like to think of it as a combination of a percussive massager and a foam roller (the latter of which we compared to Chirp’s original product).
The Chirp RPM can be used as both a handheld device or it can be mounted using the provided base.
The product features rolling massage beads and percussive massage technology (think of it as a vibrating massage roller if you have never used a massage gun before).
What’s in the Box?
The Chirp RPM comes with:
- Chirp RPM Rolling Percussive Massager device
- A base/mount
- A charger
- A User Manual
Benefits of Chirp RPM
We tested out the Chirp RPM device to see how effective it is and how it compares to similar products.
Here’s what we liked about it.
Great for Recovery
The first benefit of the device is that it does what it says it does – it improves muscle recovery.
I tested the Chirp RPM after an intense lower-body workout and wasn’t sure what to expect. I have been using massage guns for years, and the massage guns are definitely more intense than the RPM. I wasn’t sure if the Chirp RPM would be powerful enough to provide recovery after strength training, but I was pleasantly surprised. I woke up the next day with little-to-no soreness after a workout that would otherwise leave me sore for days.
Consider me a believer.
Comfortable Massage
When compared to a massage gun, the massage from the Chirp RPM is more enjoyable. It’s less intense, feels a bit better, and is more relaxing overall. Per the previous point, it does all of this without sacrificing effectiveness.
There are multiple speeds available for the massage, but even the highest level is still comfortable.
Comes With a Base
The Chirp RPM comes with a base that is good for both storage and enhancing the effectiveness of the device.
You can mount the RPM on the base and target areas that would be more difficult to reach when using the device as a handheld device (i.e. feet, calves, glutes, etc.).
Great for Lower Body Massages
Overall, the Chirp RPM is excellent for lower body massages. The large surface area makes it a great device for targeting large leg muscles. The base makes it easy to use for harder-to-reach areas like hamstrings, glutes, calves, and feet.
The recovery is effective, making this device a great candidate for use after a leg workout, hike, or cardio routine.
Built Well
Last but not least, the device is built well. It feels like a quality product made with quality materials. It also comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
Downsides of Chirp RPM
While our view of the Chirp RPM was favorable overall, there were a couple small downsides worth noting.
It’s Loud
Once the device is turned on, it’s loud. It’s not so loud that you’re going to get complaints from neighbors, however if you try to use this device while watching TV with a significant other, you may get a few looks.
Noise is to be expected with any percussive massage device, so this doesn’t come as much of a surprise. That said, the Chirp RPM is louder than a few of the massage guns we tested in the past.
It’s Large
While the Chirp RPM isn’t massive, it’s larger than some other recovery products. It’s about the same size as a small/medium foam roller.
This isn’t an issue for home use, but it would definitely make it challenging to travel with the product (unlike small massage guns like the Hydragun Atom that can fit in your carry-on).
It’s Not Ideal for Upper Body Massages
Due to the Chirp RPM’s design, it’s not ideal for upper body massages.
It’s large surface area makes it difficult to target certain muscle groups with precision, and the two-handed design makes the logistics of targeting certain muscle groups near impossible (i.e. biceps, triceps, etc.).
I will likely use the Chirp RPM wheel for lower body recovery and stick with a massage gun for upper body recovery.
Is the Chirp RPM Worth It?
At $249.99, the Chirp RPM is priced similarly to most quality massage guns.
It’s not cheap, but it’s not overly expensive either.
If lower body recovery is your focus, the product is very effective and may definitely be worth it. It’s ideal for those with regular lower body soreness, runners, hikers, etc.
If you’re an intense weightlifter or someone who is looking for a recovery device that can target every muscle with pinpoint accuracy, you may be better suited for a massage gun.
If you’re undecided, it’s worth noting that the product comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you are unhappy with the product, you can send it back for a full refund.
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Chirp RPM
- Includes massaging device, a mount, a charger, and user manual
- Features multiple massage speeds
- Benefits recovery, provides a comfortable massage, and is built well
Chirp RPM vs. Massage Guns
We’ve compared the Chirp RPM to massage guns throughout the article.
It wouldn’t be fair to say that one is objectively better than they other. They both outperform in different areas.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros of each:
Chirp RPM
- Excellent for lower body massages
- Covers a large surface area, making it ideal for large muscle groups
- More pleasant massage experience overall
- Comes with a base that can help you target hard-to-reach areas
- Better priced than some high-end massage guns
Massage Guns
- More effective at precision massages that can target all muscle groups
- More versatile
- Easier to travel with
- Some cheaper options available.
Chirp RPM vs. Foam Rollers
The Chirp RPM may also be compared to foam rollers, although this comparison isn’t as direct.
While the RPM and foam rollers are both intended to support muscle recovery, they go about it very differently.
Anyone who has used a foam roller before knows that it’s not always the most pleasant experience (although some people may grow to like it). Foam rolling takes a bit of work, and it can be painful, especially if your muscles are already sore.
With foam rollers, you generally use your body weight to facilitate the massage. This can be painful for certain muscle groups and requires a bit of maneuvering as well.
The Chirp RPM provides a much more enjoyable experience and achieves very similar results. I would prefer to use the Chirp RPM over a foam roller any day of the week.
Of course, foam rollers are much cheaper, so if budget is your main consideration, you can save quite a bit by opting for a basic foam roller.
Conclusion
Overall, we were impressed with the Chirp RPM device.
The product is well-built, enjoyable to use, and, most importantly, effective.