Top 10 Back Massagers Under $100
If you are unfamiliar with percussion massagers, you should first know that just as with a deep tissue massage given by a therapist, these units stimulate blood flow to the muscles. This can cause redness and even swelling with extended use. My suggestion is to use them for only brief periods of time until you can gauge what a suitable exposure time is.
While there is little clinical evidence, it is likely that using such machines can also cause the soft tissue to release certain toxins (such as lactic acid) into the blood stream (the same way a professional deep tissue massage does). It is therefore highly advised that if you’re using these percussion massagers for long periods of time, you should drink plenty of water to assist the body in flushing these chemicals out of your system.
Advice for the novice shopper: durability is a big factor. Most consumers will be subjecting these units to considerable stress. I personally have broken more than my share of massagers while trying to get “the spot.” I’ve always believed that the manufacturers of percussion massagers have a poor concept of just how much people put these things through. Specifically, I would shy away from the HoMedics PA-100. Nowadays, this model can be found at large Housewares retailers such as Bed Bath N’ Beyond.
I listed other HoMedics units because I’m not quite ready to rule the brand out completely yet. I would just urge caution-if you intend to beat your massager up, I would advise a better brand.
Below are the ten best units (readily available online) under $100. Based on personal experience, I’ve found that there truly is a direct relationship between price and quality. Online shopping can skew this benchmark though, since many online retailers buy in lots and can offer prices below normal MSRP. Still, when choosing the best unit, you should assume that the $29 model will either not work as well, or not last as long as the $89 machine.
10) HoMedics Hydragel Infrared Massager HG-2
Available at www.drugstore.com for $19.99
This model has a single massage head and uses infrared heat as an extra boost for muscle relaxation. If aesthetics are your main drive, I would say this is the most attractive looking model of the bunch.
9) Conair Quiet Heater Percussion Massager
Available at www.target.com for $29.99
I would have rated this model higher but if Conair’s back massagers are built anything like their hair dryers, I doubt the mechanism inside this unit will last very long. The price is good though for a dual-head massager and it does offer heated heads. Also note that this model is only available online.
8) LifeWise� Percussion Massager
Available at http://www.radioshack.com for 39.99
This is a basic unit that offers heat along with massage. It only comes with 2 sets of removable heads but it has a 10-foot power cord. The longer cord may come in handy if you’re trying to use the unit at your desk.
7) Relaxor Percussion Massager with Heat
Available at www.overstock.com for $27.99
Similar to the Conair, this model is on the lower-end of the price spectrum and from analyzing the specifications it looks like the weakest component may be the variable speed dial. I’ve had very bad luck with such dials on different electronic products. From working at Radio Shack for a few years when I was younger, I know that such dials (called “potentiometers”) can fail very easily. Otherwise, it seems like a nice model.
6) Panasonic Reach Easy Percussion Massager
Available at www.pagecomputers.com for $38.76
Another single-head unit, this one looks like it may reach across your back easier than the HoMedics. Panasonic is also a well-trusted brand with a good track record for using reliable parts. If you’re looking for a single-head unit, this is my recommendation.
5) HoMedics Discovery 6-Way Percussion Massager with Heat
Available at shopping.discovery.com for $89.95
Unique to the 2-head units, this model offers 6 removable heads. While it is more expensive than some of the higher-ranked models, my past history with the HoMedics PA-100 reduces my confidence that this unit will stand the test of time.
4) Obus Forme Hand-Held Back and Neck Massager
Available at http://www.comfortchannel.com for $79.95
As the website notes, this product is made in Canada and as a result, may get tied up in Customs. This is about the only downside with this particular unit. The Obus Forme offers a 3″ handle extension, something unique among the group. It looks like a solid unit and I wouldn’t expect it to break with intense use.
3) Sharper Image Programmable Percussion Massager with Heat
Available at http://www.sharperimage.com for $59.95
As one would expect, Sharper Image and Brookstone are the leaders in this market. Anyone who has visited one of these stores has inevitably tried their massagers out of curiosity. This particular model offers heat and has a LCD display. Since the unit normally retails for $99, an added investment of $19.95 for the 3-year Replacement Guarantee would give peace of mind.
2) New Health 1519 XTC Back Massager
Available at http://www.comfortchannel.com for $89.99
Offering unique customized head attachments, this percussion massager has an ergonomically designed handle-great if you have someone to help you use the unit on your back. It also has a sleek design and only weighs 3 lbs.
1) Brookstone TheraSpa� 15-Speed Professional Percussion Massager
Available at www.brookstone.com for $99.99
There are two things that set this unit apart from all the others: 1) you can adjust the width of the pulsating heads by turning a large knob on the back, and 2) there are three preset functions that modulate the frequency of pulsation. The adjustable width is especially helpful to get different parts of soft tissue.
No matter what model you decide to go with, you’ll surely enjoy the relaxation and pain suppression that these massagers offer. You may find it easier to purchase from a brick-and-mortar retailer, as you can likely return the unit if you’re not satisfied but the online retailers typically offer lower prices.
