When it comes to foam rollers, I’ve tested out the traditional, the spiky, the vibrating, the soft, the hard, the short, the long – you name it, I’ve tried it (and probably have it). However, when it comes to foam rollers that can heat up, there are not a lot of great options.
At least outside of the HotRock Foam Roller.
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Hyperice, the company behind the popular Hypervolt Massage Gun, Normatec Compression Boots, and a variety of other high-tech recovery tools, has recently released a new version of the Hyperice X. Designed for your shoulder, Hyperice X provides both hot, cold, and contrast therapy. Instantly. On demand. No ice and wires needed.
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Therabody, a leader in wellness technology, has just released three new handheld massage guns – Theragun PRO Plus, Theragun Sense, and Theragun Relief. All come with scientifically-proven benefits ranging from reducing tension, better sleep, and faster recovery. Continue reading below the fold to see what each massage gun has to offer.
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Hyperice, the recovery tech company behind the Hypervolt Line of Massage Guns, has released a first-of-its-kind Heated Massage Gun Head Attachment. After using it for a few weeks now, I have to say that this is the biggest game changer for massage guns over the past five or more years.
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I spent over two months testing out a Redwood Outdoors Sauna. During this time, I worked up to taking sessions at over 200°, experimented with various weekly routines, and tracked biometrics like HRV every step of the way.
The results are in, and I am impressed!
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When it comes to following a mobility and stretching routine, there are a lot of options available. From Peloton, to GOWOD, to piliability, The Ready State and more, it can be hard to know which is best for you. But don’t worry, because I have tested all of the most popular mobility apps and have ranked them in the video below to help you make the right choice.
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Bob and Brad massage guns tend to be a lower-quality, less expensive alternative to more recognizable brand names like Theragun and Hypervolt. However, this cannot be said about the new D6 Pro Massage Gun. While still at an affordable price, the D6 Pro turns out to be one of the highest-quality massage guns we have tested.
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From the massage guns to smart mattresses, there is a lot of sleep and recovery tech already on sale for Black Friday. Here is a list of the best 2022 Black Friday deals we’ve found so far!
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The Theragun Pro (5th Gen) has pretty much everything you could ever want in a massage gun. It comes with six high-quality attachments, an unmatched 16mm amplitude, and the strongest stall force I have ever tested.
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The new Venom Go by Hyperice is one of the most unique and most versatile heat therapy products ever made. I have never seen anything quite like it.
But is it worth the $149 price tag?
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This review is all about the Hypervolt Go 2: the smaller, lower-priced, and definitely best-looking percussion massage gun in the Hypervolt lineup.
But is it any good? And who is it for? This in-depth review of the Hypervolt Go 2 will tell you our answers to all those questions.
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I spent over six weeks testing out The Plunge, an always-on cold plunge ice bath. During this time, I worked my way down from 50° to 39°F cold baths, experimented with both morning and nighttime routines, and tracked various biometrics every step of the way.
The results were far and above my expectations.
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After recently releasing the upgraded Normatec 3, Hyperice is launching a brand new recovery tool called the Normatec Go. The new Normatec Go is not only smaller and more portable than the original, but also more accessible. At $399, this is by far the lowest price of any product in the Normatec lineup.
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The Eight Sleep Pod 3 is the latest iteration of its thermoregulating sleep technology. I have spent more than a year using both the Eight Sleep Pod 2 and Pod 3, as well as both the Eight Sleep Mattress and cover versions. So in this review, I will share both my experience with Eight Sleep as well as the differences between each product.
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Of course, the idea of sleeping with a robot is pretty strange. However, the SOMNOX 2 is based on solid sleep science, and the tech here is first class. While expensive, the SOMNOX 2 can provide huge benefits for those with sleep or anxiety issues.
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Here at Connect the Watts, we love tech. We love tech so much, you’ll be hard pressed to ever catch us away from a screen … even when we are working out. All this screen time takes a toll. The RENPHO Eye Massager is meant to relieve the eye strain and alleviate the tension that screen time can cause. Read on to see if it really does.
By all appearances, the RENPHO Eye Massager is a relaxation device, but it is touted by the company as a recovery device. The 15 minute cycles of massage, vibration, and heat are meant to alleviate tension and relieve eye strain.
| Charger | USB to micro USB |
| Charging time | 2-3 hours |
| Working time on full charge | 120 minutes |
| Modes | 5 |
| Heated temperature | 107ºF |
| Massage modality | Air compression |
| Bluetooth | Device pairing capable |
| Sizes | Adjustable strap |
| Remote control | Available option |
| Rated Voltage | 5V/1A |
| Device Noise | <55 dB |
When first unboxed, the RENPHO Eye Massager seems like something far from comfortable. There is a hard plastic outer shell, and it feels heavy for something you wear on your face. But when put on, the RENPHO Eye Massager is actually very comfortable.
The synthetic PU leather that lines the inside is soft to the touch and not slick or sticky. I’ve been using the Eye Massager for a little over a month, so I can’t remark too much on the durability of the lining, but I’ve had no cracks or flaking of the PU yet.
For fit, the RENPHO Eye Massager relies on an adjustable elastic strap. This is a quality strap. It is 1.75″ inches wide, so it’s comfortable, and there is no exposed rubber even when it’s stretched to its max. The strap’s adjustability allows you to set it for a very secure fit, and its elasticity makes it easy to get on and off.
The hard plastic outer is available in white, black, pink, and limited-edition rainbow. For storage and travel, RENPHO employed a clamshell design that keeps the device very well protected. However, it doesn’t snap closed or have anything like a hook or strap to secure it when folded. This is a shortcoming if you want to throw it into a bag for travel.
The RENPHO Eye Massager is capable of four different massage functions (referred to as ‘Air Pressure’ on the device) plus vibration, heat, and/or soothing music. The five modes it boasts are five unique combinations of those offerings:
The device’s selection of soothing music will not play when Bluetooth is enabled, allowing the user to stream their own audio or have silence.
When the RENPHO Eye Massager is first powered on, it starts the first mode listed above. Each tap of the power button takes the user to the next mode, in the order of listed above. The device always gives verbal confirmation of which mode it is in.
There is no control over the length of the selected mode. The RENPHO Eye Massager will finish after 15 minutes, verbally instructing you to wait a minute before opening your eyes.
The massage function is controlled by six air compression bags. They inflate and deflate to massage across 10 acupressure points found around your temple, forehead, eyes, and sinuses. RENPHO Eye Massager air compression is able to give you a deep massage gentle enough for your face (as opposed to a device that uses rollers).
You’re able to select between soft and strong pressure when in a massage mode. There is a noticeable difference between the two. I prefer the strong pressure, but I imagine if I were using this when I had a headache or some other issue, I might prefer soft.
The vibration is not continuous but short bursts of light vibration. I tried this once and decided it’s not for me. I’m sure there are people out there who’d like it, so it’s good the Eye Massager offers it.
I’m just glad I’m able to use the device and avoid vibration. It gave me an uncomfortable feeling in my teeth and tickled my nose.
RENPHO Eye Massager heats to between 104 and 107 degrees. The numbers sound high, but it is not an uncomfortable temperature for a heating pad.
I am a long-time user of heating pads as an aide in relaxation and headache care, and this is probably the most comfortable I’ve ever had on my face. It’s snug, temperature is consistent, and the material is soft and smooth against your skin.
The music is canned relaxation music with some subtle nature sounds (I think?) in the background. For me, this is in the same camp as the vibration: someone may like it, so it’s nice they offer it, but it’s just not for me.
The RENPHO Eye Massager is able to connect to your devices via Bluetooth. If I choose to listen to anything during the 15 minute cycle, I play my own content. The sound quality isn’t superior, but it’s fine.
Using the RENPHO Eye Massager couldn’t be easier. And there isn’t much more you would ever want from an eye massager than what this offers.
After spending a lot of time looking at one screen, like the computer for work, it can be hard for me to want to move onto another screen, like the Peloton for a ride. Using the RENPHO Eye Massager for recovery between the two screens has been very helpful.
Personally, I wish there were more padding across the nose bridge. I’m much smaller than the average person, so I’d be interested to hear if others have the same complaint, or maybe it’s a “small face” problem.
The air pressure and vibration functions make a significant amount of noise. For me, it’s white noise that I actually find very relaxing. When using the Eye Massager, I will usually forego playing my own content via Bluetooth and zone out to the dulcet tones of the device.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the RENPHO Eye Massager has a purchase option to include a remote. The Eye Massager I used was one without the remote.
I do find navigating the buttons on the device a little difficult and could see a lot of value in having a remote. The price difference is less than $5, so I would absolutely recommend choosing the with remote option.
Overall, I’m a big fan of this device. It’s a piece of recovery equipment that I can use passively, and for me, that means I’ll actually use it.
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Normatec has updated its popular compression boots with the newly released Normatec 3. The Normatec 3 features a refreshed design, reduced weight, increased battery life, and professional level customization. Best of all, the price has been lowered as well.
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I have tested and reviewed over 50 pieces of home fitness tech this past year. From smart wearables like the Apple Watch, to indoor bikes like Peloton, there are a ton of great options to choose from. With so much to choose from, it can sometimes be hard figuring out which should take a priority.
To help you out, I have created tier list for the best fitness tech in 2022.
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Hyperice, a leader in the fitness recovery tech, has launched their newly upgraded Normatec 3 compression system today. Not only does the new Normatec 3 have several improvements, but it also is being released at a lower cost than the previous model. You can get the base model (which includes the compression boots) for $799.
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Apple has recently started selling HidrateSpark water bottles within their stores. These smart bottles automatically record your water consumption and track it within an app, which can also be displayed on an Apple Watch.
I put a lot of value on the benefits of staying hydrated and have been happily using HidrateSpark Smart Bottles for several years. For others, the $60-$80 price tag has been harder to justify. The newest bottle, the HidrateSpark TAP, is a much more budget-friendly option – though the savings do come at another cost. Read our review below to learn more.
HidrateSpark TAP, the company’s newer line of smart water bottles, gives a lot of the company’s beloved tech to customers at a much lower price point. There is a great app-watch integration and glowing reminders. Water consumption tracking has been changed here to a simple smart device tap to the bottle via an NFC tag. This replaces the automatic bluetooth synching used by the more expensive HidrateSpark Pro.
| Size/Material Options | Stainless steel 20 oz. Tritan Plastic 24 oz, 32 oz |
| Lid options | Chug, straw |
| Item weight varies by lid type | 20 oz bottle: 393-398g 24 oz bottle: 213-218g 32 oz bottle: 238-243g |
| Item dimensions varies by lid type | 20 oz bottle: 2.99”w x 10.51-10.79” h 24 oz bottle: 2.99”w x 10.51-10.79” h 32 oz bottle: 3.50”w x 10.55-10.83”h |
| Battery | 1 Lithium Metal (included and replaceable) |
| Compatibility | Apple Health Fitbit Garmin Connect Google Fit Under Armor Map My Fitness Withings Health Mate |
The HidrateSpark TAP comes in a variety of colors and sizes. You can choose from a stainless steel version at 20oz, or a Tritan (BPA-free) plastic at 24 or 32oz. I ended up choosing the 24oz plastic since I already own HidrateSpark smart bottles in stainless steel (HidrateSpark Pro) and silicon (HidrateSpark 3). You can read/watch my review on those here.
You can also choose between a chug or straw top. If available, I would suggest getting both tops as the each are useful in different situations. For this review, I went with the straw top, which I find easier to use when running.
I think the design of the 24oz HidrateSpark TAP looks great and is well designed to fit into almost any bottle holder. I had a few issues with the straw coming loose on occasion, but it wasn’t often enough for me to be too annoyed and only takes a few seconds to fix.
At the bottom of the HidrateSpark TAP is a light which you can set to glow throughout the day to remind you to drink more water. The TAP doesn’t connect to the app directly like the PRO (or Apple Water Bottle), so you’ll need to change the settings via buttons on the smart bottle itself.
Since there is no app control, the options here are very straight forward. There are several colors to choose from, and the glow reminders can be set to repeat once per hour for 12 hours on a daily schedule. You can choose to “snooze” an hour, which can extend the schedule a bit if you’d like.
In order for the HidrateSpark TAP to track your water, you’ll need to tap your smart phone to the NFC tag after you finish a bottle.
While this tap only takes a second or two, it feels like a big step back from HidrateSpark’s other smart bottles. I loved the fact that with the other versions, I didn’t have to think about tracking the water. I feel like it is more convenient to just manually track the water on my Apple Watch (with the free HidrateSpark app) than to take out my phone to tap it.
That’s really the only issue I have with the HidrateSpark TAP. Yes, it is a lot cheaper than the PRO, but at the cost of what I feel is its best feature.
Regardless of how I feel about the HidrateSpark TAP, the app itself is great. Here you can see your daily hydration progress, as well as where you should be if you want to stay on track.
If you have friends who also use a HydrateSpark smart bottle, you can add them to see their daily progress as well to create more accountability.
There are badges to earn, monthly challenges to complete, and a very solid tracking system. You can set you daily hydration goal or follow HidrateSparks’ recommendation based on your activity level, weight, and local weather.
You can have all of this connect to Apple Health, FitBit, Garmin, Under Amour, and Health Mate as well which is great.
And best of all is the Apple Watch app integration. This allows you to add a visual reminder of your daily hydration progress to the face of your Apple Watch – likely a big reason Apple is now selling HidrateSpark in their stores.
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I personally struggle with staying hydrated, and using HidrateSpark Smart Bottles has been a huge help to me for many years now. That said, the feature I enjoy most is having my water consumption tracked automatically. Unfortunately, this is what has been cut from the HidrateSpark TAP to bring its cost down.
Truthfully, tapping the bottle to your phone a few times a day doesn’t take a lot of effort. Maybe I am just spoiled from using HidrateSparks’ more expensive options. Then again, maybe that is what makes the bottle so useful compared to just tracking hydration manually via an app.
It’s a nice bottle at a very budget friendly price. But, if you can swing the cost of the HidrateSpark 3 or PRO versions instead, I strongly suggest doing so.
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In this review, we are taking a look at the Bob & Brad X6 Pro Massage Gun. Bob & Brad are the self-proclaimed “Most Famous Physical Therapists on the Internet.” With currently over 4 million subscribed to their YouTube channel, that title is likely fairly accurate. That being said, how does their premium X6 Pro Massage Gun hold up? Read below to find out.
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Hatch is known as the company that uses technology to help kids and families get better sleep. The Hatch Restore smart alarm clock is an all-in-one sleep solution similar to the popular Hatch Rest, except designed for adults. In this review, we dig into what Hatch Restore has to offer and test it out for ourselves.
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Today, Hyperice introduced the Hypervolt Go 2, a newly improved version of one of its most popular massage guns. With a brand new minimalistic design, arctic-grey finish, and more ergonomic handle, it now looks as good as Hyperice’s massage guns feel.
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Smart mattress company Eight Sleep is planning to launch a new health coaching service after acquiring the app Span Health. Span connects users to a performance coach who can make training and diet recommendations. The recommendations are based on data tracked from various fitness and health trackers, including the Eight Sleep smart mattress.
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