When it comes to staying on track to meet your fitness goals, recovery is a key element of success. Many of us focus so much on the substance of our workouts that we forget how important it is to rest and restore afterward. Recovery becomes even more important if you're working out at a high intensity or very frequently, or if you are older.
Today we're reviewing the Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs, a battery-powered inflatable device that gives your legs the compression and massage they need to make a quick and full recovery. The Normatec Pulse 2.0 is trusted by athletes to provide the therapeutic benefits of massage at a lower total cost. Read on for more information about the device, how it works, and its benefits.
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A Quick Look at the Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs
The Normatec Pulse 2.0 is manufactured by a company called Hyperice. Hyperice makes professional-quality recovery tools used by athletes of all levels. Whether you're an amateur hobbyist in your sport or a professional training for high-profile competition, Hyperice has recovery technology to suit your specific needs. Their line of Hypervolt percussion massagers are some of the best massage guns on the market. They also offer a variety of heated, cooling, and massaging devices to help you recover at home or on the go. The Hyperice Core is a new addition, combining heart rate variability monitoring with interactive meditation programming.
The Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs is a specialty air compression massage device for athletes. It uses a small, battery-operated control unit to inflate the leg sleeves and pressurize them, which creates a comfortable massage sensation. Just as some folks use compression socks to increase blood flow and prevent blood clots from forming in their legs, athletes and bodybuilders can use inflatable air compression devices like the Pulse 2.0 to increase blood flow to their limbs after a tough workout. Maintaining good circulation is key to recovery, especially if you have a history of injuries or you experience soreness during workoutrecovery.
Hyperice's Normatec line offers variations on this theme, with air compression devices for legs, hips, arms, and full body. The Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs is battery operated for portability and, if you travel often, you can purchase a carrying case specifically designed for the purpose.
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The Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs
SPECS
- Display: Button controlled color display panel
- Control unit size: 4" x 4.5" x 8"
- Control unit weight: 3.4 lbs.
- Battery charge lasts: 2 hours
- Intensity levels: 7
- Attachments: Hip and arm attachments
- Key features: App compatible, ZoneBoost technology
- Warranty: Limited (1-year warranty for manufacturing defects)
Display
The Normatec Pulse 2.0 comes with a hand-held, battery-powered control unit. The color display shows intensity and focus options and lets you adjust them to your preference or turn the device on/off. The display is easy to use, but if you'd prefer, you can use the HyperSmart app to control the device instead of the manual display.
Control unit
The control unit measures 4 inches by 4.5 inches by 8 inches—a comfortable hand-held size for most users. The unit weighs 3.4 pounds. As previously mentioned, if you don't care for the size or weight of the control unit, you can download Hyperice's HyperSmart app to control your Normatec Pulse 2.0 device directly from your phone.
Battery charge
The Pulse 2.0 has a battery life of about 2 hours. Battery life is one of the primary concerns mentioned by users of this product. Some report that older versions of the Normatec Pulse had a longer-lasting battery.
Intensity levels
The Pulse 2.0 includes one mode (recovery flush) and seven levels of intensity. You can adjust intensity levels with the control unit or on the compatible app. If you want more than just the recovery mode, check out the Pulse Pro. The Pulse Pro is a more expensive version of the Pulse 2.0, with a few more features for users who want more options in their recovery treatment. The Pulse Pro also includes a recovery flush mode, as well as additional rehab and custom mode options.
Attachments
There are a number of attachments that are compatible with the Pulse 2.0. You can purchase any of Hyperice's other Normatec compression devices to use alongside the compression legs device. Normatec has device options for hips and arms in addition to legs. You can mix and match the devices you want, or purchase a set at a reduced price.
If you think you'll be traveling with the Pulse 2.0, you can purchase a carrying case or Hyperice backpack to make packing and storing easy.
Key features
Though the control unit works well on its own, we like how the Pulse 2.0 Legs and other Hyperice air compression devices are Bluetooth compatible. You can't beat the convenience of using your phone as a remote to control the devices as you use them. Also key is the ZoneBoost feature, which allows you to pick which areas you'd like the device to target the most. The personalization option can make all the difference for athletes recovering from injuries.
Warranty
Hyperice offers a one-year warranty which covers manufacturer defects on their Normatec products. It doesn't include damage due to user error or normal wear and tear. For more information about what's included in this limited warranty, you can visit their customer support page.
PROS
- 7 intensity levels
- Customizable focus with ZoneBoost
- Easy-to-use controls
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Great attachment options
CONS
- Only one mode (recovery flush)
- Expensive (though less than the Pulse Pro)
Final Thoughts on the Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs
The Normatec Pulse 2.0 can be a helpful tool for anyone looking to shorten their recovery time after a difficult leg workout. If you are a runner, triathlete, or other type of athlete who puts particular strain on your legs, this may be a good option for you. Its recovery flush mode provides air compression to the legs to increase circulation and aid in healing. You can customize the intensity of the compression with the control unit or the HyperSmart mobile app. If you have injuries or soreness in a particular area of your legs, you can direct the device to focus compression in that area with the ZoneBoost feature. And if you want even more of the therapeutic air massage sensation, Normatec has options for hip and arm massagers, as well.
That's not to say there aren't weaknesses to this device that may make it less appealing for some users. There are some reports among customers that the hose/pump system the Pulse uses to pressurize the leg sleeves is leaky or defective, or that they have difficulty reaching customer support for a replacement on one of those parts. The device seems to have become more affordable in recent years, and it's the more affordable option compared to the Normatec 2.0 Pro, but it is still pricey for a recovery device. Still, compared to the cost of repeated sports massages, which are comparable to the effects of this device, it should eventually pay for itself. If the price makes sense for you, the Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs could be a useful addition to your workout recovery arsenal.
Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Legs FAQs
What does the Normatec Pulse 2.0 do?
The Normatec Pulse 2.0 works by pressurizing boot-shaped leg sleeves. When the sleeves are sealed and pressurized, it creates a restorative compressive massage that can increase circulation in the legs and speed your workout recovery.
Does the Normatec Pulse 2.0 really work?
Yes, the Normatec Pulse 2.0 works. It's a recovery device that uses pressurized air to massage your legs. Your individual results may depend on your body, your workout style, and your other recovery habits, but most users find that using the Pulse 2.0 shortens their recovery time after a difficult workout and reduces pain and soreness.
What's the difference between the Normatec Pulse 2.0 and the Pulse Pro?
The Normatec Pulse Pro is also a leg massager that uses pressurized air to compress the legs and increase blood flow, but it has more features than the Pulse 2.0. Its control unit operates with a touchscreen (rather than buttons). It comes with three modes (recovery flush, rehab, and custom) and ten intensity levels. The key difference between the two models is that the Pulse Pro offers more intensity options as well as different modes for use. Of course, the Pulse Pro also comes at a higher price point.
Do I have to be a certain height to use the Normatec Pulse 2.0?
Because of the size and height of the compression boots, the Pulse 2.0 is best for users between 5-foot-3 and 6-foot-3.
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