Are you an athlete looking for relief from muscle pain and soreness? The Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun could be what you need. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features of this powerful massager and cover how it can help improve your performance on the field or in the gym. We’ll also discuss some of its potential drawbacks to give you a better understanding of whether or not it’s right for you. I am a runner, so my guide will be tailored around my sport of choice. However, I’ll explain other instances where it should or should not be used.
Table of Contents: Bob and Brad C2
Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun Review
First off, the Bob and Brad C2 massage gun’s compact size makes it easy to carry and stow away in your bag for post-run recovery. It comes with five massage heads, each tailored to a specific muscle group, so you can precisely target your sore spots and work on your recovery. This is incredibly important for endurance runners because we put so much strain on our muscles that they must be treated specifically to maximise our recovery.
But what sets the C2 massage gun apart is its powerful motor which rotates at a staggering 3200 RPM. This provides you with deep tissue massage at an unattainable level using foam rollers, massage balls and plastic rollers, allowing the C2 to work in deep and around your sore muscles, helping you recover faster.
When I've Used The Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun
Before getting the massage gun, I researched and read several studies into percussive therapy and its effectiveness (we’ll discuss these later). The consensus is that they are good to use after a workout. However, my research found that they can be effective pre-workout. So, before I run, I will use the Bob and Brad C2 for 5 minutes on my thigh and calf muscles to loosen them up.
I am currently training for an ultramarathon in the Lake District, so I have increased my running time and distance. Doing so can leave my legs feeling stiff the next day, and they won’t loosen up for the first few miles. Using the Bob and Brad C2 gun, I have improved flexibility, and my legs feel much lighter when running.
Charging Up The Massage Gun
You can charge up the massage gun using the USB-C cable provided. You will need to insert the USB-C plug into the port on the back of the device and then plug it into a power source or wall outlet. Once the device is connected, a small blue LED light will show you it’s charging and the more it recharges, the additional lights will turn blue.
Bob and Brad C2 Intensity Settings & Attachment Heads
One of the things I love about the C2 massage gun is how customisable it is. With 5 different intensity levels, you can adjust the massage gun to your preferred pressure level. This is especially important for ultra runners who are used to high levels of discomfort and pain! Changing the intensity level is super simple; all you have to do is press the power button again, and the intensity will increase.
It’s not just the intensity settings, though. You also get a selection of head attachments for specific muscles and soreness. These include a ball head, bullet head, flat head, two-pin forkhead and air-filled head. Each attachment offers a different massage style to get the most out of your recovery time. We’ll cover each one in the following sections.
Bob and Brad Big Round Head Attachment
The Bob and Brad Big Round Head Attachment can help provide a deeper, more focused massage. This attachment helps target those hard-to-reach spots around larger muscles like your glutes or quads, relieving areas that may be too sore for a standard massage.
Bob and Brad Air-filled (Pneumatic) Attachment
The Bob and Brad Air-filled (Pneumatic) Attachment can deliver a deeper massage. This attachment is filled with air, which helps to target deep muscle tissues, providing a targeted massage that gets into those hard-to-reach spots. It can also be used for trigger point massage to relieve muscle tension. I have to say this is one of my favourite heads to use on the gun.
Bob and Brad Bullet Head Attachment
The Bob and Brad Bullet Head Attachment are designed to supply a more focused massage on smaller muscle groups such as the shoulders, back, arms and calves. It is excellent for pinpointing knots or tight areas that other massage heads may be too big to reach. The Bullet Head is one of the most aggressive attachments, so you might want to start on a lower-intensity setting.
Bob and Brad Plastic Flat Head Attachment
The Flat Head Attachment offers a moderate massage and is good for the IT band because of its flat surface. The flat head is also useful for targeting Plantar Fascia on the bottom of your foot. This attachment provides a softer massage than the Bullet head attachment, making it ideal for relieving tension in sensitive areas.
Bob and Brad Field Goal Attachment
The Field Goal can be used on both sides of the spine – you might need some help with that. Also, some have recommended using it on the Achilles tendon to help improve flexibility. This attachment is designed for flat surfaces. No my favourite attachment, but you might get on well with it.
Which Attachment Is Best For Runners?
The Round Head Attachment is considered the best for runners. This attachment provides a deeper, more focused massage, perfect for targeting hard-to-reach spots around larger muscles. Runners will also benefit from using the Bob and Brad Air-filled (Pneumatic) Attachment to target deep muscle tissues and relieve tension. The Field Goal attachment can also improve flexibility in the Achilles tendon (I don’t tend to have issues there, though). All of these attachments can help runners feel less muscle soreness and fatigue after a tough workout, aiding their recovery.
Easy To Use Out The Box
The attachment heads fit onto the end of the C2 massage gun with little effort, and once charged up, press the power button on the rear. The attachment heads push onto the end of the gun with very little effort and are also easy to remove. If you want to increase the intensity level, press the power button again. The intensity is displayed on the back by a series of blue lights, so you know your level. The C2 massage gun also has a 10 minutes timer feature and will automatically turn off after this time, so you don’t have to worry about overworking yourself. If you need to go again, press the power button again.
Easy To Carry To A Race
Another massive benefit of the C2 massage gun is its portability; everything fits into a nice little carry case. If you’re an ultra runner, you know how important having all your gear with you during a race is. The C2 massage gun is compact and powerful, making it a great addition to your race day gear. If you have a support crew meeting you at aid stations, they can use the massage gun to help you recover and feel fresh for the next leg of your race. The model we’ve tested is different from the lightest model at 1.5 lbs, and you can also get the T2 which is a more lightweight model at 1lb, although it is slightly more expensive.
Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun Pros & Cons
Pros
- The powerful motor rotates at a staggering 3200 RPM that won’t stall or make too much noise.
- Five different intensity levels to tailor the pressure to your comfort level.
- Variety of head attachments so you can target specific muscles before or after training.
- Long-lasting battery life (up to 3 hours) when fully charged and using a medium setting.
- Compact size, carry case for easy portability, allowing you to take it to run races.
- Super easy to charge with the accompanied USB-C cable – you can plug it into any phone charger, laptop, power bank and on newer cars.
- Far more effective than manual foam or plastic rollers and massage balls.
- Using it 5 minutes before a workout can increase flexibility – ideal for runners and stride length.
Cons
- Heavier at 1.5 lbs compared to the Bob and Brad T2, a lighter model at 1 lb.
A Runner's Summary Of The Bob and Brad C2
If you’re a runner or ultra runner, you need the C2 massage gun. Its powerful motor, customisable features, and ease of portability make it a must-have recovery tool. Not only will it help you recover and prevent injury, but it’ll also help you perform at your best during races when you have a support crew to assist you with recovery. So, invest in the C2 massage gun, and have peace of mind knowing that you’re taking care of your body as you conquer those long-distance races.
8 Key Benefits From Bob and Brad C2
- Improves range of motion and flexibility before and after physical activity.
- Increases muscle blood flow which transports vital nutrients to the muscle aiding recovery.
- Relieves tightness, soreness and fatigue.
- It promotes the relaxation of the muscles and relieves mental worry over muscle tightness.
- Reduces muscle tension, spasms and cramps.
- It boosts energy levels because of better circulation and relaxation.
- Enhances recovery time after workouts or strenuous activity.
- It improves mental clarity to focus on the exercise ahead.
The Science Behind Massage Guns
A massage gun provides the target area with percussive therapy (PT) or vibrational massage. The motor in the gun sends rapid pulses of energy that hit the muscles and tendons, causing them to contract and relax, increasing blood flow and loosening tight knots. As well as relieving muscle soreness, this massage can help reduce inflammation, improve range of motion and flexibility, and promote overall muscle recovery. This improved blood flow also helps deliver more nutrients to the muscles, aiding in faster recovery.
Massage Gun/Percussion Therapy Studies Prove They Work
If you can do a casual search online without too much planning, you be bombarded with articles by physios and massage therapists stating that there is no scientific proof that massage guns work. However, that is not true! I guess we can’t blame them for bad-mouthing a provide, which might impact their income, but if you look at the research done into massage guns, it is clear there are proven benefits.
One study into the Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device measured the effects of 5-min percussion treatment of the calf muscles on the range of motion (ROM) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The study found that ROM increased significantly following the massage treatment by 5.4° compared to the control group. In conclusion, one suggestion was using massage guns (percussion treatment) in a warm-up regimen to optimise the athlete’s flexibility level.
Another study examined the Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Pain Experiences in 2023. They concluded that PT delivered by massage guns help improve acute muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility and reduces musculoskeletal pain experiences. These devices may provide a portable, cost-effective alternative to other interventions.
All Bob and Brad Percussion Therapy Massage Devices
Percussion Therapy Massage Guns Vs Traditional Foam Rollers
When it comes to muscle recovery, massage guns have become a popular alternative to traditional foam rollers. While both tools are designed to provide relief and help with recovery, they have some key differences. Foam rollers work by applying pressure along the length of the muscle, which can be helpful for larger muscles like quads or hamstrings. However, foam rollers are less effective at targeting smaller muscles or located deeper in the muscle tissue because they rely on gravity to apply pressure.
Massage guns, however, can provide a much deeper and more targeted massage as they use rapid energy pulses to hit the muscle tissue directly. This makes them much more effective at targeting specific areas and relieving those hard-to-reach spots using specific attachment heads that come with the kit.
Massage Guns Popular At Ultra Marathon Races
Having a massage gun at ultra marathons is becoming increasingly popular. When I participated in a 100K Ultra last year, I noticed a few runners were using them with their crew at aid stations. I had to make do with my traditional roller on my thighs and calves. This type of race often requires athletes to push themselves beyond their limits – especially for first timers. So having a massage gun on hand can make all the difference in recovery and injury prevention.
The Benefits of Massage Guns for Runners
Runners put their bodies through a lot of stress when training and competing. The repetitive running motions can lead to tight muscles, soreness and fatigue. A massage gun in your recovery arsenal can help reduce muscle pain, improve range of motion and flexibility, and increase muscle blood flow. The increased blood flow can help deliver more nutrients to the muscles, which helps with faster recovery.
Bob & Brad C2 Massage Gun Can Prevent Injury
But it’s not just about the pain relief; the C2 massage gun also helps prevent injury. It’s easy to get tight muscles and muscle imbalances when continuously training and competing. However, a massage gun like the C2 can help you identify and address these issues before they escalate into injuries.
The Bob and Brad C2 Is Not Just For Runners Though
Although the Bob and Brad C2 massage gun is an outstanding tool for runners, it can benefit any athlete or active individual looking to relieve soreness, tight muscles and fatigue. The deep and targeted massage provided by the C2 can benefit anyone looking to improve their performance or help with muscle recovery. So, whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, climber or any other type of athlete, the C2 is a great tool to have in your running race kit bag.
Final Thoughts On Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun
Overall, massage guns can significantly benefit any athlete or active individual. They are easy to use and effective at relieving tight muscles and soreness and can help prevent injury by identifying potential muscle imbalances. Since using it, this device has become a key part of my training routine and we’re happy to feature this guide in the Injury & Recovery section of our website.
The Bob and Brad C2 massage gun is an excellent choice for athletes looking to improve their performance. It helps with range of motion and flexibility, increases blood flow to the muscles, and targets those hard-to-reach spots. The Bob and Brad C2 is also incredibly cost-effective compared to other interventions, making it an excellent choice for anyone on a budget.
So if you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient way to improve your performance, look no further than the Bob and Brad C2 massage gun! With just one use, you’ll feel the difference and be on your way to better performance and faster recovery.
Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. This, however, does not change my opinion; I always do my best to provide the facts and suggest products that will benefit my users. You pay no more and no less for using these links. It does, however, help to sustain my blog.
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