In this Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun Review, we will dive into the specifics of why it is the absolute best portable recovery solution, endorsed by dozens of professional athletes.
Our review of the Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun delves into this compact yet powerful device. The Ekrin Bantam Mini massage gun, despite its small stature and lightweight build, demonstrates that size doesn’t limit performance. Known for quality, as seen in their Ekrin 365 model, the Bantam Mini stands out in the world of portable massage guns.
The Ekrin Bantam Mini challenges its competitors, including the Blackroll Fascia Gun, Theragun Mini 2.0, and Hyperice Go 2, proving itself as a formidable option. Its size and portability are comparable to others, but it excels in delivering powerful, precise massage therapy. With impressive intensity, accuracy, a solid warranty, and overall efficiency, the Ekrin Bantam Mini confidently leads its category.
Ekrin, a name synonymous with quality in the wellness industry, has been crafting superior massage guns since 2019. They’ve carved a niche by offering high-value products with a lifetime warranty. The Ekrin Bantam, a compact version of their flagship Ekrin B37, continues this trend of excellence among small massage guns.
Available for $149, the Ekrin Bantam is Ekrin’s smallest, lightest, and most affordable model, weighing just 1.1 lbs. Upon unboxing, you’re greeted by a sleek, compact carry case, exemplifying smart, space-efficient design. Inside, it holds everything essential for a massage gun, proving that added features like app connectivity, often inflating prices, aren’t always necessary for functionality.
The Ekrin Bantam has become a staple in my gym bag, providing around 7-10 days of use on a single charge. Conveniently, it can be charged via USB in my car. Having tested every model in Ekrin’s lineup, the Bantam stands out for travelers or those needing a compact solution without sacrificing battery life. It offers a battery life slightly more than the Ekrin 365 and just below the Ekrin B37, which lasts for 8 hours.
Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun Review – Performance
Just like its larger siblings, the Ekrin B37 and B37S, the Ekrin Bantam doesn’t skimp on quality. It boasts a luxurious feel with its premium matte plastic body, available in eye-catching colors. The first thing you notice is its solid build, indicating a durable design that’s evident from the get-go.
What really stands out is the power button’s placement at the bottom of the handle. It’s a bit unexpected, as many might prefer it at the top, but this design choice doesn’t detract from its overall functionality. The Ekrin Bantam keeps it simple and effective, with just one button to control everything. I appreciate this minimalist approach. There’s no need for complex LCD or digital displays on a massage gun – the Bantam is proof that simpler can be better.
Using the massage gun is straightforward. A long press on the power button turns it on or off, while successive presses cycle through its various speed settings. This design allows for easy switching between speeds, catering to different muscle groups and levels of soreness with minimal effort.
Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun Review – Battery Life
The Ekrin Bantam’s battery life is quite impressive for its size and price, boasting up to 6 hours of usage. Our real-world tests showed it can handle 15-20 massage sessions, each lasting about 10-15 minutes. This endurance makes it a reliable tool for semi-frequent use. Personally, I find myself recharging it only about once a month, which is convenient.
Of course, battery life can vary. It depends on how often and intensely you use it. Higher speeds and more pressure will drain the battery faster. But even with moderate use a few times a week, the battery holds up well.
Charging the Ekrin Bantam is straightforward and quick, taking about 2 hours to fully power up. The LED indicator at the bottom is a practical addition, showing the battery level: blue for 80% full, purple for 60-80%, red for 20-60%, and flashing red when it dips below 20%. Plus, the 1m long charging cable is versatile, compatible with standard phone chargers, computers, or even car chargers, making it easy to power up wherever you are.
Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun Review – Price
The Ekrin Bantam stands out in the crowded massage gun market as a remarkably cost-effective option. While you can find cheaper models on platforms like Amazon, they often fall short in quality and safety certifications, areas where Ekrin excels. With the Bantam, you’re not just paying for a massage gun; you’re investing in reliability and safety.
This model offers incredible value. For its modest price, you get four massage head attachments, impressive battery life, a USB-C charging cable, a convenient carry case, and performance on par with more expensive models, boasting up to 3200rpm. Plus, the lifetime warranty is a testament to Ekrin’s confidence in their product. In terms of value for money, it’s challenging to find a massage gun that matches the Ekrin Bantam’s blend of affordability, quality, and features.
Ekrin Bantam vs Hydragun Atom
When comparing the Ekrin Bantam with the Hydragun Atom, several factors come into play. The Hydragun Atom, a newer entry in the mini massage gun category, bears a resemblance to the Blackroll Fascia gun in design. However, it’s priced significantly higher than the Ekrin Bantam, almost $120 more.
Battery life is a crucial aspect where the Ekrin Bantam takes the lead, offering slightly more than the Hydragun Atom’s 5 hours. Additionally, the warranty offered by Ekrin is more appealing – a lifetime warranty compared to the 1.5 years provided by Hydragun.
Despite the Hydragun Atom’s attractive design and material quality, my personal preference leans towards the Ekrin Bantam. Its combination of longer battery life, more attractive price point, and a lifetime warranty makes it a more compelling choice overall.
Ekrin Bantam vs Blackroll Fascia Massage Guns
The Ekrin Bantam and the Blackroll Fascia gun, both considered top-tier in the mini massage gun category, have some noteworthy differences. Our extensive testing of both models revealed key distinctions.
Battery life is a significant factor. The Ekrin Bantam offers a respectable 4-6 hours, but the Blackroll Fascia Gun leads with an impressive 15 hours. This difference is quite substantial for those prioritizing longer use without frequent recharging.
In terms of design, the Blackroll Fascia Gun boasts a superior aerospace-engineered aluminium exterior, giving it an edge over the plastic design of the Bantam. When it comes to stall force – the pressure a massage gun can withstand before its performance is hindered – the Bantam excels with 35lbs, slightly more than the Blackroll’s 33.5lbs. However, this difference is barely noticeable in a head-to-head comparison.
Overall, if I had to choose, my choice would be the Ekrin Bantam, considering its better price, premium material, and comparable performance features.
The Bottom Line
The Ekrin Bantam massage gun emerges as an ideal choice for those seeking a compact yet potent massage therapy tool. All in all, its design brilliantly balances a small size with considerable strength and a substantial battery life, making it perfect for on-the-go lifestyles.
In our thorough testing, this little powerhouse impressively met our expectations in all key areas. It’s particularly suitable for post-workout recovery, striking an excellent balance between portability and efficacy. While it may not match the sheer power of its larger siblings like the B37 or B37S, the Bantam’s charm lies in its combination of size, convenience, and surprisingly robust performance. For those prioritizing a lightweight, travel-friendly massage gun without compromising on quality, the Ekrin Bantam stands out as an exceptional option.
