Percussive massagers (also referred to as “massage guns”) have surged in popularity. While massage therapy has aided fitness recovery for decades, today’s fitness enthusiasts can now take recovery into their own hands (quite literally).
Massage guns range dramatically in both price and quality, with units starting at $100 and climbing to $600+. At Fitness Clone, we’ve embarked on a quest to find the perfect massage gun.
Today, we’re reviewing the ReAthlete DEEP4s massage gun.
About ReAthlete
ReAthlete is a relatively new player in the industry. The company has rapidly established itself as a leader in the massage recovery space.
The company offers two core products: the DEEP4s percussive massager and the Air-C + Heat. Our review focuses exclusively on the DEEP4S massager.
ReAthlete DEEP4S Massager
When I first started my search for the perfect massage gun, I felt overwhelmed. While I was familiar with companies like Theragun and Hypervolt, their products seemed prohibitively expensive. Spending $400-$600 on a recovery device represents a significant investment.
I expanded my search to Amazon, where I discovered dozens of “knock-off” brands offering massage guns at much lower prices. I found unbranded units ranging from $150-$300. However, “cheaper” isn’t always economical if you end up purchasing a subpar product.
While exploring alternative options, I discovered the ReAthlete DEEP4s, a product that appeared to offer exceptional value.
I decided to test it extensively and have been using the product consistently for the past several weeks. Let’s examine its key features in detail.
ReAthlete Features
Several key features demand consideration when purchasing a massage gun. Compromise in any of these areas may leave you with a subpar product that fails to deliver. Let’s examine how the ReAthlete performed.
Product Quality
The first aspect I evaluate when testing any new product is build quality. Nothing else matters if the product won’t withstand regular use. You can instantly assess whether a product uses cheap materials simply by holding it.
For instance, the inexpensive knock-off massage guns on Amazon clearly utilize inferior materials. In contrast, Theragun’s premium massage guns are constructed from high-quality components.
The ReAthlete DEEP4s is exceptionally well-built. Having tested devices across the entire spectrum, the DEEP4s feels sturdy and durable. The build quality rivals that of the Theragun G3PRO, which costs more than double the price.
Power
When I first began researching massage guns, their price points shocked me. Previously, my only experience with massage devices involved those handheld massagers found in stores like Brookstone and Sharper Image.
Massage guns command higher prices because they’re significantly more powerful. The percussive motor far exceeds the power of a handheld massager that merely vibrates. Naturally, not all massage guns deliver equal power.
I’ve experienced firsthand the limitations of underpowered massage guns. They simply can’t provide the deep tissue massage you’re seeking.
How did ReAthlete perform in this crucial category?
The ReAthlete DEEP4s excelled once again. This massage gun delivers impressive power, offering speeds between 1200-3200RPM (which we’ll explore in greater detail later).
The power is immediately noticeable. It penetrates deep into tissue and delivers a truly effective massage.
Amplitude/Depth
Next, I evaluated the ReAthlete DEEP4s on the amplitude/depth of the percussive head. Essentially, this measures the length of each stroke the massager produces.
Industry standard appears to be 16mm. TimTam, a competing massager, promotes a 32mm depth.
Initially, I was surprised to discover that ReAthlete only offered a 12mm depth. Based on my research, I assumed longer stroke length was superior.
I was mistaken.
The 12mm DEEP4s delivered more power than competing 16mm massagers. Beyond a certain point, additional depth becomes irrelevant (though the Reathlete massage gun significantly outperforms the truMedic massage gun which has a 10mm depth).
Speed Settings
Many people are startled by a massage gun’s power during first use. These devices can actually be too powerful for some users. Therefore, speed control is an essential feature.
The ReAthlete DEEP4s offers four convenient speed settings. While I typically use the highest setting, the lower speeds prove excellent for specific muscle groups and varying levels of soreness.
Battery Life
The ReAthlete DEEP4s boasts a maximum battery life of eight hours per charge. On the highest setting, the battery lasts approximately three hours.
This provides ample power for 1-2 weeks of regular use without recharging. Since I typically use the device for only 10-20 minutes daily, charging frequency remains minimal.
A complete recharge takes approximately 90 minutes.
Volume
With great power comes considerable noise.
The first percussive massagers I tested were extremely loud. You couldn’t use these devices while others were sleeping, watching TV, or enjoying activities where they’d prefer not to hear power drill-like sounds.
The ReAthlete DEEP4s operates surprisingly quietly. It’s much quieter than the Theragun I previously tested.
I can comfortably use it while watching TV without disrupting anyone.
Attachments
The DEEP4s massager includes 5 interchangeable heads:
- Large Ball
- Medium Ball
- Fork
- Flat
- Bullet
I use the medium ball 90% of the time but appreciate all the other attachments. The fork excels at massaging around the neck and spine, the flat head applies concentrated pressure to specific muscle groups, and the bullet precisely targets small areas.
Adjustability
Finally, a quality percussion massager must be adjustable. I didn’t realize this feature’s importance until I attempted to reach parts of my back with a non-adjustable massage gun.
Fortunately, the ReAthlete DEEP4s massager offers three adjustable positions. While I primarily keep the massage gun in the main position, I adjust it when massaging my own back.
Benefits of the DEEP4s Massage Gun
Massage guns offer numerous scientifically proven benefits. Rather than diving deep into the science, I’ll explain how I use the massage gun and the benefits I’ve experienced.
Recovery
My primary use for the DEEP4s massage gun is accelerating muscle recovery time. I’ve thoroughly tested this device’s capabilities.
I use the massage gun for approximately 5 minutes after intense lifting sessions. I’ve tested it after deadlifting, squatting, running, and more. The difference is remarkable.
While you shouldn’t expect to completely eliminate recovery time, you can significantly shorten it and reduce muscle soreness.
Increasing Blood Flow
My second use for the ReAthlete massage gun is less common but equally beneficial. This device effectively increases blood flow.
I’ve actually incorporated it into my morning routine. A quick full-body massage gets my blood flowing and prepares me for the day.
I also use it after prolonged sitting or immediately before workouts.
ReAthlete DEEP4s Price and Value
The ReAthlete DEEP4s sells for $299.99. This is significantly cheaper than the Theragun G3 PRO which retails at $599 and the Hypervolt Plus which retails at $399.
ReAthlete has discovered the sweet spot for pricing and quality. At $300, the DEEP4s represents excellent value.
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After testing numerous leading percussive massagers, the ReAthlete DEEP4s remains my favorite for two compelling reasons.
First, it’s competitively priced. At $300, the device costs considerably less than other leading brands. While slightly more expensive than some unbranded massagers found on Amazon, the quality is vastly superior.
Second, the DEEP4s delivers all essential features. The speed, power, and customization options are all present. Budget brands often sacrifice crucial features to reduce costs; ReAthlete maintained excellence across all categories.
Final Thoughts on the DEEP4S Massage Gun
If you’re seeking the best percussive massage gun, I can confidently recommend the ReAthlete DEEP4s as one of your top choices. If you’re comfortable investing $300 in a recovery device, this represents one of the finest options available. After incorporating the DEEP4s into my recovery routine, I’ve never looked back.
