Bob and Brad might not be the name that pops into your head when it comes to massage guns or sport’s medicine. In fact, it sounds more like a YouTube channel or a blog than a therapeutic recovery hardware company.
Well, that’s because it’s both. What started over 10 years ago by two physical therapists looking to provide information on pain relief and physical therapy for anyone needing it has boomed into a multifaceted digital wealth of information and resources for physical therapy. Today, they have nearly 4.7 million subscribers on YouTube (click here to check them out). One of those resources to help people are their physical products, including the C2 Massage Gun.
Design & Performance
The C2 massage gun, commonly found on Amazon, is a well designed massage gun with a plethora of accessories. The C2 comes in a hard-shell case that felt more durable than other carrying bags and cases I’ve tested with massage guns. Inside the case are five easy to use head attachments. The massage gun’s manual comes with a muscle targeting guide. The helpful guide recommends which attachment should be used for which application. Five attachments is more than massage guns from competitors like Roll Recovery and Hyperice which only offer three or so attachments for comparable devices.
The device itself is hefty. Weighing in at 1.5 lbs, the weight is a bit more than I’m used to and prefer. However, it still feels fine in the hand and I got used to it. The buttons are familiar and very simple to understand. The motor operates at five different rotating speeds up to 3,200 RPM. Each click of the main power button increases the motor speed. The gun is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery which charges fully within 2-3 hours. Not great charging speed but it makes up for it in battery life. After multiple weeks of intermittent use I never needed to charge it. Sure, if you turn it on and keep it running for hours on end the battery will run out. But for most use cases, you should expect to get plenty of 5-10 minute uses out of this device before needing to think about recharging. Also, USB-C charging, which I love!
Overall, the design of the massage gun is well constructed and feels like a solid machine with adequate performance to match it.
Pros & Cons
This massage gun gets it right with its ease of use. Hold the power button to turn on. Tap the power button to change speed. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Particularly, in Bob and Brad’s case, their target demographic appears to be older folks and this design caters well to them. There is one small gripe I have about the power button design however. When on the fifth and top speed, there was not way to drop down to the first speed without turning off the motor. You hold the power button to turn on the device but you only need to click the power button once to turn off the device. Minimal, but confusing nonetheless.
Another note was the lubricant used on the reciprocating shaft. If you’re not careful, you can get the oil on your hands if you handle the head too much. Nothing detrimental to the user experience but worth mentioning.
The C2 offers great instructions for use and operation which is a win for those getting into massage guns for the first time. In addition to the resources provided, Bob and Brad’s Youtube channel serves as a propriety resource for the device. Also, the C2 is TSA-approved and that’s another win! I also would consider its sale value at the current price point to be a strength. Typically, the under $100 range is reserved for compact or mini-massage guns but the C2 sneaks in at $100.00 on sale from its original $169.99 to present itself as a clear contender.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun is a solid choice for those looking for a handheld percussion massager that can provide effective relief for sore muscles. The device’s five different attachments and powerful motor make it a versatile tool for targeting different areas in muscle recovery. While the motor noise is a bit louder than I prefer and the gun is a bit heavy, this massage gun is a good value for those looking for a quality muscle recovery tool without paying the premium for brands like Theragun and Hyperice. While Bob and Brad still might not be the first name that pops into your mind, while it’s on sale for $100 the C2 percussion massager is a solid choice for anyone looking for relief to sore muscles.
Note: Our reviews are always 100% independent but Gearadical receives a small affiliate amount if you purchase the product on Amazon.