Solbasium S2 Massage Gun Review - Australian Designed Percussion Therapy For Athletes
Solbasium S2 Review
The Solbasium S2 massage gun is the sequel to the earlier S1 model by Solbasium. For those looking for a good massage gun to buy online, Solbasiums latest version massage gun, the S2 Massage Gun hits the mark for some important metrics that constitute a good massage gun for recovery.
Our Solbasium S2 Massage Gun review comes after using the massager over the space of 3 months including the lead up to an olympic distance triathlon and the training that it involved. During the course of the 12 week block of training for the triathlon, our team was able to test the Solbasium massager for its performance for athletes for an effective warm up and exercise recovery tool following endurance exercise.
We documented the Solbasium S2 massage guns performance in battery life, ergonomics, stall force, amplitude, speed, noise levels, weight, warranty, price and attachments included. See what we found and definitely read to the end before buying…
Why Choose Solbasium Massagers
Credit: Solbasium
Solbasium was started by an Australian who had a passion for science, entrepreneurial spirit and athletic performance. Originally, the CEO of Solbasium had heard about the benefits of red light therapy for recovery in his travels of looking for ways to improve his performance in the lead up to his first ironman. We thought it was fitting to do our Solbasium S2 review in the lead up to a triathlon.
After experiencing faster recovery from endurance exercise as a result of using red light therapy, he decided to branch out the Solbasium brand into percussion therapy. Carden admits that the driving force behind Solbasium is that, “My greatest satisfaction in this business is seeing my products help people. We are in the business of helping people, and that is why I am so passionate about the subject.
Not only is Solbasium designed in Australia, by an Australian, the products are well researched and developed in a way that ensures quality control and testing, with FDA approval included.
What Does A Massage Gun Do?
Massage guns are percussion therapy tools that are used to speed up muscle recovery, reduce muscle soreness and flush out built up waste as a result of exercise. Massage guns are used and endorsed by elite athletes all over the world for the ability to reduce the recovery time between training sessions and improve overall athletic performance.
The benefits of massage guns have been widely researched in multiple studies and the results conclude that percussive technology is as effective as massage therapy, can improve range of motion (ROM) and is a useful form of physiotherapy for alleviating delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Solbasium S2 Review
The Solbasium S2 massage gun is a standout massage gun as far as budget massage guns go. Admittedly, some of the more premium massage guns like the Theragun Pro include far greater technology and app integration for an intelligent approach to percussive therapy but for those looking for an entry-level massager the S2 should be high on the list.
Bottom Line: The S2 is ideal for both a pre workout treatment, to release stiffness/soreness and to improve mobility, or post workout to keep muscles working efficiently and to reduce overall downtime between the next workout or fitness goal. With six operating speeds, a built-in USB charger, 26kg stall force, and 13 mm stroke length, the S2 easily makes the list of best massage guns to buy in 2022.
Buy the Solbasium S2 Massage Gun online
Price: $349.99AUD
Warranty: 1 year
Amplitude: 13mm
Stall Force: 26kg
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
Speed: 6 speeds
Noise: 50db
Weight: 1kg
Attachments: 4 interchangeable heads
Pros
Long battery life
Lightweight
Quiet brushless motor
Price
Neat carry case
Cons
Only 4 attachments
What’s Included With The Solbasium S2 Massage Gun?
The Solbasium S2 massage gun arrives in a sleek and compact carry case, designed for convenience and portability. This case not only protects the massage gun during transit but also ensures that all accessories are neatly organized and easily accessible. Inside the carry case, you'll find the Solbasium S2 massage gun itself, crafted with ergonomic design for comfortable handling and effective muscle relief. The gun typically includes multiple interchangeable massage heads, each tailored for different muscle groups and therapeutic needs.
Alongside the massage gun, expect to receive a user manual that provides detailed instructions on how to use the device effectively and safely. This manual often includes guidance on selecting the appropriate massage head for specific areas of the body, adjusting intensity levels, and maintenance tips to prolong the device's lifespan.
Additionally, Solbasium usually includes a charging cable in the package, allowing you to recharge the massage gun's battery for continuous use. Depending on the model, some Solbasium massage guns may feature advanced functionalities such as multiple speed settings or a battery indicator for enhanced user experience.
Device
The Solbasium S2 massage gun stands out not only for its functionality but also for its aesthetic appeal. With a sleek black and white design, it exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication. The ergonomic handle is thoughtfully crafted to fit comfortably in the hand, allowing for a firm grip during use. This design feature not only enhances control but also reduces fatigue, making the massage gun a pleasure to use for extended sessions of muscle recovery and relaxation.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Solbasium S2 is engineered for effective muscle relief. The design incorporates quiet operation, ensuring minimal noise disturbance during use. This makes it suitable for home use, gym settings, or even office environments where discretion is valued. The intuitive control interface typically includes easy-to-access buttons for adjusting speed settings or switching between massage heads, empowering users to customize their massage experience according to their specific needs.
Furthermore, the build quality of the Solbasium S2 reflects durability and reliability. Constructed from high-quality materials, it withstands regular use without compromising performance. The massage gun's robust construction coupled with its ergonomic design ensures that users can experience consistent and effective muscle recovery benefits over time.
Attachments
The Solbasium S2 Massage Gun comes with 4 attachments which is quite standard across the market of entry level massage gun inclusions. Some massage guns include 6 or more varying attachments but personally we think 4 well designed heads do the job for being able to provide the appropriate density and pressure to a wide range of body parts/muscles.
The attachments included in the Solbasium S2 include the round head, flat head, cone head and fork head. The round head is the all round attachment that can be used on just about any area of the body that requires a massager. The flathead is suitable for larger muscle groups like the quads and also works well on the calves and feet. The fork head is ideal for massaging the spine as it allows the bony areas of the spine to pass through the gap in the fork and is great to massage the erector spinae. We also really like the fork head on the chest and neck area. The cone head is very good at pinpoint or pressure point massage and allows for a deeper tissue massage and to focus on any stubborn knots in the muscles to be released.
Carry Case
The Solbasium S2 massage gun carry case is not just a protective cover but a well-thought-out accessory in itself. Compact and tidy, it is designed to keep all auxiliary items neatly organized alongside the massage gun. This includes the various interchangeable massage heads, the charging cable, and any additional accessories that come with the device. The sleek design of the carry case ensures that everything fits snugly without unnecessary bulk, making it incredibly convenient for travel or transporting the massage gun in a bag.
Whether you're heading to the gym, returning home from work, or traveling on a business trip, the Solbasium S2 carry case provides peace of mind knowing that your massage gun and its accessories are securely stored and readily accessible. Its compact size allows it to fit into most gym bags, backpacks, or carry-on luggage effortlessly, making it an ideal companion for active individuals who prioritize muscle recovery on the go.
Moreover, the durable construction of the carry case complements the robust design of the Solbasium S2 massage gun itself. It offers protection against bumps, drops, and other potential hazards during transport, ensuring that your investment remains safe and functional over time. This thoughtful design feature underscores Solbasium's commitment to providing a complete and user-friendly experience, from the moment you receive your massage gun to its everyday use and storage.
Charger
The Solbasium S2 massage gun charger is designed for convenience and versatility. It comes with a standard plug that fits into a wall socket, making it suitable for use in various regions, including Australia and the US, depending on where the device is purchased. This universal compatibility ensures that users can easily recharge their massage gun without the need for additional adapters or converters, simplifying the charging process.
In addition to the standard wall plug, the Solbasium S2 charger also features a USB charging port. This dual charging option adds flexibility, allowing users to recharge the massage gun using a USB cable connected to a computer, power bank, or any USB-compatible charging device. This feature is particularly convenient for travelers or individuals who prefer charging their devices using USB ports for added flexibility and portability.
The Solbasium S2 massage gun is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh. This high-capacity battery ensures extended usage time, providing up to 7 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. Whether you're using the massage gun for quick recovery sessions after workouts or extended relaxation sessions at home, the long battery life ensures uninterrupted performance without frequent recharging.
Furthermore, the Lithium-Ion battery technology employed in the Solbasium S2 charger offers several advantages, including fast charging capabilities and a longer lifespan compared to traditional battery types. This ensures that the massage gun remains reliable and efficient over its lifespan, maintaining consistent performance and reducing downtime between charges.
Performance
Overall, the Solbasium S2 performs pretty well against its similar budget massage gun competitors like Healsage, Ekrin, Opove, Hydragun, Stryke and Renpho massage guns. We will break down how the S2 performs based on some of the important metrics to consider in a massage gun review or when buying a massage gun for sale online.
Stall Force
The Solbasium S2 Massage Gun has a stall force of 26kg. Stall force is the force that can be applied to a massage gun against the body or muscle before the motor literally stalls or pauses from being overloaded.
This metric is important as it determines the amount of pressure that can be applied and therefore relates to how deep and hard the massager is penetrating. You will see stall force usually measured in lbs or kgs in a massage gun description and in regards to stall force comparison in massage guns, the Solbasium S2 sits roughly at industry standard. The majority of massage guns sit around the 20-36kg of stall force. We would not recommend anything under 22kgs of stall force as you just won't be able to apply enough pressure to use your massage gun effectively.
Amplitude
The Solbasium S2 Massage Gun is equipped with an amplitude of 13mm, which refers to the distance the massage head travels with each rotation. While this amplitude is sufficient for general muscle relief and relaxation, it falls on the lower end compared to some of its competitors. High-end massage guns often feature amplitudes of 16mm or higher, which can provide deeper muscle penetration and potentially more effective relief for stubborn muscle knots and tension.
Amplitude, or stroke length, is a critical factor to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of a massage gun. A larger amplitude typically means the massage gun can cover a wider area and penetrate deeper into the muscles, making it more versatile for various muscle groups and therapeutic needs. Users who require intense muscle therapy or target specific areas with deep-seated tension may prefer massage guns with higher amplitudes for more impactful results.
Some massage guns compensate for lower amplitude with higher vibrations and stall force. Vibrations help enhance the percussive therapy by stimulating muscle fibers and promoting circulation, while stall force refers to the pressure applied to the muscles before the motor stalls. The Solbasium S2, however, does not appear to compensate for its lower amplitude with significantly higher vibrations or stall force, which may affect its ability to provide deeper tissue massage compared to models with more robust specifications in these areas.
Despite its lower amplitude, the Solbasium S2 is still effective for general muscle relaxation and recovery. Its ergonomic design, quiet operation, and extended battery life contribute to a positive user experience, making it suitable for everyday use. However, users with specific therapeutic needs or athletes requiring intensive muscle recovery may find higher amplitude massage guns more suitable for achieving deeper muscle penetration and relief.
Percussions
The Solbasium S2 Massage Gun has a percussion or rpm rate of 2000-3200rpm depending on the speed setting used. The percussion rate is simply how many times per minute the head hits the skin. This gives the massage gun it’s vibrational output. The rpm or percussions of the Solbasium S2 are average compared to its competitors.
Battery Life
The Solbasium S2 Massage Gun gives about 7 hours of battery life from its rechargeable lithium-ion 2000 mah battery. This is quite a long battery life compared to a large amount of massage guin competitors, most of which offer between 1-5 hours of battery life. 7 hours of battery gives you the opportunity to use the S2 for about 10-12 20 minute massage sessions before needing to recharge.
Noise
The Solbasium S2 massage gun is one of the most quiet massage guns on the market with a low operating noise level of 50db. To give you an idea of the minimal noise level, most electric toothbrushes operate at around the 50-75db level so the Solbasium won’t piss off the housemates or wake the baby while are doing some percussion massage at home.
Warranty
Solbasium offers just the factory standard 12 month warranty on its massage guns and other products which is ok but could be better to be honest. Some of its competitors are offering much longer warranty periods like 3-4 years which gives much more confidence to buy. Nonetheless, Solbasium has a huge number of positive reviews and chances are you won’t have to use the warranty.
Conclusion On Solbasium S2 Massage Gun
After using the Solbasium S2 massage gun in the lead up to the triathlon and in conjunction with a strict training regime, we found that, for the price, you really can’t go wrong. As we covered in the Solbasium review, their second edition massage gun has a low price, industry leading battery life, simple design, reasonable stall force and amplitude, industry average warranty and is backed by a brand with a good ethos for helping people.
As with all of our massage gun reviews, we recommend you check over other customer reviews of the S2 to see what others are saying about it. Generally, reviews don’t lie and you will see that from over 2500 reviews of the S2 massage gun the common theme is quality, reliability and value.
