FINGER ON THE PULSE

Pulseroll's premium massage gun is a smooth operator but does it do enough to sway Theragun fans? 

- Lee Bell

If there’s one thing the fit-tech industry doesn’t need, it’s more massage guns. These portable recovery gadgets gained mass appeal in the late 2010s, pioneered by the likes of Therabody and Hyperice, with claims they could improve muscle recovery and reduce post-workout soreness.

But in a crowded market, massage gun makers are now having to come up with innovative ways to offer users something different. The latest entry? The Pulseroll Ignite Pro: a device with a heated attachment to help soothe tense muscles for what Pulseroll claims will be ‘a more potent and efficient massage’. 

First impressions

Right out of the box, it’s clear the Pulseroll Ignite Pro isn’t just another run-of-the-mill massage gun. Its unusual, somewhat boxy design isn’t quite as stylish as, say, the Theragun Pro, but it is original. With a haptic touch control screen on top that boasts slick LED lights, switching between modes or speeds is easy, with a light touch all that’s required.

But appearance isn’t everything, and the Ignite Pro feels as solid as it looks. It’s clear the device has been designed to handle the rigours of intensive daily use. Ergonomics are up there, too. While it looks large and bulky, the handle is generally wellcontoured and fit the palm of my hand comfortably. That allowed me to keep going through those longer sessions without cramping up or feeling uncomfortable. That’s important when you’re trying to work out those deep muscle kinks.