How We Research
Every guide on Body Mends starts with one question: will this massage gun suit the person shopping for it? A gun that's right for a gym bag can be wrong for a gift or for daily use at home.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with how you'll use it
Some people want a light gun for a purse or a carry-on. Others want a heavier gun with more reach for the couch.
We note who each guide is for and check the size, weight and handle shape against that use.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at amplitude (how far the head travels), stall force, speed settings, battery life, noise, weight, the heads in the box and any heat or cold head. We also check whether a case and charger come with it.
Therabody, Hyperice, RENPHO and other makers describe their guns in their own words, so we name the brand for every claim. We also note the warranty terms each maker lists.
3. We read buyer feedback
We look for patterns in what owners report, like batteries that fade, heads that crack, rattles, chargers that fail and guns that are louder than expected.
One angry review doesn't sink a gun. A pattern does.
4. We score each gun
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A gun that scores high in a travel guide may score lower in a guide about the strongest models.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages current
Makers swap models often, and names like Mini, Go and Pro come in several generations. We check the exact model and generation before we link, and we only link new units.
We skip any model with a known recall. When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have used every gun we cover.
We don't promise that a massage gun will treat or fix anything. Follow the maker's manual, and ask a doctor first if you have a health condition, are pregnant or use a medical device.