Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini Review: The Thrifty Theragun Mini Twin

When we first opened the package, we found the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini intriguing. It’s essentially a reimagined Theragun Mini, or perhaps a simplified version of it… Instead of dwelling on the plagiarism vs. creativity debate, let’s get straight to what we’ll cover in this review.

How is the new Air 2 Mini massager? Is it any good? It sure looks like Theragun Mini, but does it offer what the latter does, or is it even a tad better?

Hang around for this and more, including whether you need to consider buying it.

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Bob and Brad’s Lineup

Bob and Brad’s^​1​ track record in the world of massage guns is nothing short of impressive. Their lineup boasts names like C2, T2, Q2, Uni, X6 Pro and D6 Pro – devices we’ve had the pleasure of putting through their paces.

• The D6 Pro won our hearts with its powerful specs and overall quality, firmly securing its place as one of the top alternatives to the Theragun Pro.
• The Q2 mini massager, on the other hand, carved a niche for itself as a pocket-sized powerhouse, proving that great things do come in small packages.

And now, we turn our attention to their latest creation, the Air 2 Mini massage gun. As we dive into this review, we find ourselves pondering where it fits in among its siblings and whether it can hold its own against the usual suspects like the Theragun Mini, Ekrin Bantam, and more.

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First Impressions and a Little Digression

(Feel free to skip to the Air 2 Mini Review section if high-level debating and dilemmas make you sleepy.)

The first thing that pops into your head, and trust me, it crossed our minds too, is what’s the deal with “Air 2”? Is there some elusive “Air 1” hidden in the shadows that we’re not privy to? It’s a fair question, right?

I mean, Hyperice and their whole naming strategy come to mind, but guess what? Bob and Brad don’t play by the same rulebook. They’ve got a thing for adding a “2” to their device names.

You’ve got your C2, your Q2, and T2. It’s like they’re on a quest to be the kings of the twos (except somehow for the X6 and D6, where they target number six)!

Now, let’s give credit to Bob and Brad for their creative product naming – they can call their devices whatever they please. We’re more intrigued by what this massage gun brings to the table.

What’s crystal clear is that the Air 2 Mini bears a striking resemblance to the Theragun Mini, and that triangular block shape screams Theragun from every angle.

So, brace yourself; you’re about to read “Theragun Mini” quite a bit in this review.

But hold on, the Air 2 Mini isn’t the only Bob and Brad creation that shares some Theragun DNA. That’s the same story we already know with their D6 Pro and Theragun Pro similarity – check out our D6 Pro review for the debate we had there.

So, is it a case of cloning, or is there more to the story? Well, we’ll leave that judgment to you. We prefer to assess performance and other nifty features, which you can explore further in this review.

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The Air 2 Mini on Video

Check out the video below where we unbox our unit, share first impressions, perform speed and stall force tests, and compare it with other mini massage guns. It’s a great visual introduction to what we’ll be discussing in detail in the following post.

TIP Feel free to subscribe to our channel for more comprehensive video reviews!

Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini Review

Specification

Feature	Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini (BB02) Specs
Stall Force	~20 lbs (our estimation)
Stroke Length	12 mm (verified)
Speeds	3
Percussion range	1750, 2100, 2400 RPM (verified)
Weight	1.16 lbs
Dimensions	5.1 x 4.9 x 2 inches
Attachments	5 included
Noise (decibel)	50.8 – 54.7 dB (verified)
Battery / Charging Time	4800 mAh / 3.5h (advertised)
Warranty	1-year default (+1 extra for our readers*)
Base Price & Discount	$89.99 before coupon Apply the MGAAIR2MINI code for the extra 10% off**
Where to Buy	Check at Amazon

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Package and What is Included

Ah, we’re all for a good package – it’s like a brand’s way of saying, “We care about your happiness!” And our Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini package? Well, it didn’t let us down.

The carrying case for the Air 2 really meets our expectations for practicality and durability. It’s a solid build case, aligning with the quality we’ve seen in other Bob and Brad products. Notably, it features a nicely embossed logo that adds a subtle but distinctive touch.

Now, inside the case, you’ll find the usual suspects that come with most massage guns. Remember, this is a mini massage gun, and they typically don’t pack the box with a ton of extras – usually just the device and one or two accessories.

And this Bob and Brad goes beyond the standard package, adding value to your purchase. Pop open the case, and you’ll see it all laid out for you: the massager, five attachments, a USB-C charging cable, spare gaskets, and a user manual.

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Design

Now, onto the design of this gadget – and since we’ve already thrown out the idea that it’s giving off Theragun Mini vibes, we’ll let you be the jury here.

But before you unleash your design critique, let’s establish one thing: Theragun Mini resembles more of an equilateral triangle, while this one leans more towards the right angle. Call it a case of “copy everything but with a twist.” Nonetheless, it’s undeniably an innovative shape, and we’ve got to hand them that.

Let’s zoom in on what this design brings to the table. In our review of Theragun Mini, we touched on the uniqueness of its shape and hinted that it might not be the pinnacle of ergonomic design.

Well, guess what? This one follows suit, so Bob and Brad aren’t getting any design accolades they don’t deserve. In fact, it might just be slightly worse due to a “subtle” modification. Hang tight; we’ll explain why in a bit.

The body has a concave shape, which does help with the grip. And it’s not just the shape; it’s also about the material they’ve used. While it may look like plastic, it certainly doesn’t feel that way. The body has this rubbery, smooth texture that’s quite pleasant to hold.

Now, for the control freaks – there’s a single button that does it all. It’s surrounded by three LEDs plus one in the button center, so you won’t be left in the dark about what’s happening. And hallelujah, there’s a USB-C port nearby, which is always a win in our book.

Plus, they’re letting you choose between a sleek black or a fiery red device. Your choice!

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Size

So, as the name suggests, the Air 2 Mini is clearly a small gadget, but how small is it, exactly?

Well, it measures up at 5.1 x 4.9 x 2 inches and tips the scales at 1.16 pounds.

Now, when we size it up against other minis we’ve put through the wringer, it’s roughly on par with Theragun’s Mini. The slight difference in shape might give you a smidge of parallax, but in essence, it’s the same size.

To give you a clearer comparison, it’s slightly larger than our favorite Ekrin Bantam. If you want a dead giveaway, just check out the weight – the Bantam is a few ounces lighter. And if size realy matter, you should look at the Q2 Mini, it’s playing in a different league, being the smallest massage gun we have tested so far.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are mini massage guns that are actually bigger than the Air 2 Mini. Take, for example, the Hypervolt Go 2, weighing 1.57 pounds, and the Renpho R3 Mini, both of which are much larger than the Air 2 Mini. In fact, the Hypervolt and the Renpho are edging towards the size of full-size guns rather than minis.

Massage Gun	Category	Size inches	Weight lbs
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini	Tiny	5.7 x 3.3 x 1.8	1
Ekrin Bantam	Mini	6.1 x 3.7 x 1.9	1.1
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini	Small	5.1 x 4.9 x 2.0	1.16
Theragun mini	Small	5.5 x 4.2 x 1.9	1.1
Hypervolt Go 2	Large	6.7 x 7.3 x 2.0	1.57
Renpho R3 Mini	Large	7.9 x 7.3 x 2.3	1.5

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Ergonomics

Now, when it comes to ergonomics, well, we’ve already given Bob and Brad’s design a bit of a tough love tap, especially in the comfort department. It’s not your typical massage gun design; it’s more like trying to hold the chunkier side of a kettlebell while giving yourself a rubdown. Not exactly the coziest grip for extended periods.

The “subtle” modification we mentioned earlier plays a role here. You see, the Theragun Mini places the gun’s head right in the center, making it easy to hold at the top and maneuver comfortably, even though it’s still a bit kettlebell-esque.

With the Air 2 Mini, the weight shifts slightly to the side. This might work better if it had something to hold onto. But because you can’t quite wrap your hand around anything, you might find yourself gripping the device a bit too tightly, and that can lead to hand fatigue rather quickly.

We had a bit of trouble giving our backs a good rubdown with this setup. It still works decently for massaging things in front of you, like your hands or if you’re working on someone else. And the material used does ensure a reasonably good grip, so no unexpected slips.

But all things considered, we’d give Bob and Brad a solid 3 out of 5 in the ergonomics department. In case you’re curious, Theragun Mini landed in the same ballpark.

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Controls

Operating this device is a breeze.

It’s a straightforward and intuitive process. And to help you save on battery life, there’s a nifty 10-minute auto-shutoff feature.

If it all sounds rather familiar, well, you’re not alone in that feeling – Theragun Mini’s controls and indicators share a striking resemblance (see on photos). Just a little food for thought.

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Attachments

Now, can we take a moment to applaud what might just be the crown jewel of this massage gun? The attachments are a real highlight here, and they’re beautifully done.

In fact, you’ll find a whopping 5 attachments in the case, which is more than we’ve ever seen accompany a mini massage gun.

Just to put things in perspective, the Ekrin Bantam is pretty awesome, but it only brings 3 attachments to the party. The Theragun Mini? Well, it’s also in the 3-attachment club, and don’t even get us started on Hyperice’s Hypervolt Go 2, which comes with a meager 2.

But it’s not just about the number – after all, plenty of Amazon devices toss in a bunch of attachments, too. What makes Bob and Brad’s Air 2 Mini stand out is that they’ve not only got the quantity but also the quality. These attachments aren’t just clones of one another.

Oh, it’s important to note that the attachments use a standard push-and-pull mechanism, which can wear out over time. Bob and Brad have thoughtfully included two extra gaskets in the set to address this. They’re clearly making sure to cover all bases when it comes to durability and long-term use.

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Performance

When it comes to recommending massage guns to our readers, we take our job pretty seriously. We invest a significant amount of time in testing a device’s performance, ensuring it meets our high standards. We’ve got our eyes on three critical parameters: Amplitude, Stall Force, and Percussions Per Minute. Now, let’s dive into how the Air 2 Mini holds up in these departments.

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Amplitude

Now, let’s talk about Amplitude, or in simple terms, the stroke length. It’s the distance that a massage gun head covers, measured from the base to the tip of the attachment.

In the case of the Air 2 Mini, we’ve measured it at 12mm, which aligns perfectly with the manufacturer’s declarations. It’s refreshing to see accurate specifications, as overpromising and underdelivering is a common issue we’ve encountered in various tests across our blog.

Wait just a minute, how does a mini massage gun manage to pack such a respectable amplitude?

Well, the not-so-secret answer is Theragun Mini – but shhh, we won’t tell anyone that the Air 2 Mini might be trying to follow in its footsteps. Yep, Theragun Mini is the only other mini massage gun rocking a 12mm amplitude. Most minis we’ve put through the wringer usually clock in at 10mm or even lower, and that includes the fancier Hypervolt Go 2.

So, what does a true 12mm mini device like Air 2 Mini offer you?

Well, it’s all about delivering a deep percussive massage. The device can delve deeper into your muscle tissue, helping to loosen those stubborn knots and leaving you feeling re-energized.

But hold on for just a second – there’s a caveat here. Often, devices with longer amplitude don’t vibrate as fast. It’s a trade-off that’s quite common, especially with most Theraguns. So, does this (cough, Theragun Mini clone, cough) device come with fewer vibrations? Well, let’s dig a bit deeper to find out.

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Percussions

You’ve hit the nail on the head. The percussions per minute here don’t quite reach the blazing speeds you might anticipate from a typical mini device (but hey, they don’t reach this amplitude level, right?).

You can expect a range between 1750-2400 RPM, across three speeds: 1750, 2050, and 2400 RPM. And these are verified by our measurements, so no trickery here, kudos!

Now, does anything seem oddly familiar here? Well, it does bear a striking resemblance to the Theragun Mini’s specs (wink). But in all seriousness, this range falls into the category of a decent percussion range. It may not break the sound barrier, but it’s more than capable of getting the job done.

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Stall Force

Now, let’s delve into what we call “Stall Force,” which is essentially the measurement of the pressure it takes to bring a device to a halt. 

Unfortunately, the stall force here doesn’t quite earn a standing ovation. If we’ve been singing praises for all the other aspects, this is the one that puts a little dent in the scorecard. In simpler terms, don’t go thinking this is packing the powerhouse punch of a full-sized gun – far from it.

We estimate the Air 2 Mini can handle about 20 pounds of pressure (it might just remind you of a certain someone – cough, Theragun Mini, cough). This is pretty par for the course in the mini massage gun category. Unless, of course, you’ve encountered the Ekrin Bantam, which boasts a stall force of up to 35lbs..

How does it translate to your everyday use?

Well, with the Air 2 Mini, applying more pressure might stop the device. We’ll still give it credit for being a user-friendly, everyday fatigue-busting device, but don’t expect it to go toe-to-toe with the Hulk.

If you happen to be a bulky muscular giant, this one might feel more like a tickle than a deep tissue massage (but in this case, you probably shouldn’t look at any mini at all).

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Noise Level

When it comes to mini devices, they tend to be the stealthy ninjas of the massage gun world – you won’t catch them making a lot of racket unless there’s something awry or you’re stuck with a low-quality knockoff.

Our trusty decibel meter clocked in at a range of 51dB to 55dB (as shown in the photo).

It’s a noise level similar to a refrigerator’s hum or the ambient noise in a quiet office, which in everyday use means the device is discreet enough not to be disruptive. You could comfortably use it while watching TV without the need to significantly raise the volume or even in a quiet room without disturbing others.

Compared to the Theragun mini (so also 12mm amplitude massager), the Air 2 Mini is noticeably quieter, registering 55dB versus the Theragun’s 60dB. This makes it a more discreet choice for those sensitive to noise or preferring a quieter massage experience.

It’s not just about decibels (dB) but also about the type of noise produced. The sound of the Air 2 Mini isn’t an annoying buzz; it’s more of a smooth hiss. No clattering or disruptive noises to contend with.

The vibrations are evenly distributed throughout the device, so your hand doesn’t feel like it’s taking a beating. All in all, it’s a stable and well-behaved device in the noise department.

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Battery and Charging

Now, the battery situation on this thing had us scratching our heads a bit. It’s a tad unusual because we know Bob and Brad usually like to be upfront about their device batteries.

We had to do some detective work, scouring their Amazon listing, and finally, we got a number: 4800mAh in terms of capacity.

That’s not just decent; it’s actually pretty darn impressive – nearly double what you’d find in most similar devices. However, we’re taking it with a pinch of salt for now, and we promise to update this post as soon as more information rolls in.

But aside from the tantalizing capacity, it charges up in a jiffy. You’re looking at about 3.5 hours to go from empty to full.

And oh, it’s packing a USB-C charging port (cable also included) – how convenient, right? Even iPhones have hopped on that bandwagon by now.

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Warranty and Price

You get a 1-year warranty when you buy this device. This is pretty much the standard coverage for most massage guns.

However, it’s worth noting that there are a couple of brands out there, Ekrin and Lifepro, that go the extra mile and offer a lifetime warranty. So, if an extended warranty is high on your priority list, you might want to consider the Ekrin Bantam as a contender.

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Now, let’s talk price.

The device is priced at $89.99, and this is yet another feather in Bob and Brad’s cap. It’s a fantastic deal and one of the reasons we believe this product is destined for success.

When you consider the overall package – from the Theragun Mini-like aesthetics, premium materials and build quality, impressive amplitude, and decent percussions – this is a product that delivers real value for your hard-earned money.

To sweeten the deal further, you can use our MGAAIR2MINI coupon code, which nets you a cool 10% discount. It’s a win-win all around. Use this Amazon link and apply the code at checkout.

TIP Bob and Brad often run sales. So, it’s worth checking our Best Deals page or Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale listing to see if there are any current offers!

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So, Is It Worth It and Who’s It Best For?

The Air 2 Mini is a portable device with decent performance features. The stall force may be a bit weak for those who need something aggressive, but it’s not bad if you need a portable, small solution that can give you a good rub down.

The high, 12mm amplitude makes it a better choice for those looking for a more punchy device, as it moves beyond typical vibrational therapy to more entry-level deep tissue massage.

Thanks to its size and design, the Air 2 Mini is also a good choice for women, runners, elderly folks, and anyone dealing with ailments such as plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow or knee discomforts.

It works well for neck and shoulder relief but is not the best for high back pain and aggressive large muscle massage, mainly due to its less ergonomic design.

Lastly, and importantly, it’s even approved by the TSA for carry-on^​2​, making it an ideal travel companion for your on-the-go adventures.

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Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini vs Theragun Mini

	Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini	Theragun Mini
Our Rating	4.5	4.4
Stall Force	~20 lbs.	~20 lbs.
Amplitude	12 mm	12 mm
Percussions	1750 – 2400 RPM	1750 – 2400 RPM
Attachments	5	3
Max Noise Level	~55 dB	~60 dB
Bluetooth + Mobile App	No	Yes
Retail Price	$89.99	$199
Where to buy?	at Amazon.com -10% off with MGAAIR2MINI	at Therabody.com -5% off with X8YZF10

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Other Air 2 Mini Competitors

When it comes to comparing this Air 2 Mini massager to others in the market, it’s a bit of a unique beast. Due to its nature and specs, there’s essentially no direct competition, excluding Theragun Mini (but we already know that). It’s not about being the best, but rather that there are no comparable devices.

We could throw Ekrin Bantam into the ring as a contender, and it’s undeniably great with a respectable stall force. However, it falls short of matching the Air 2 Mini’s impressive 12mm amplitude. So, it’s a bit like comparing apples to oranges – both excellent in their own right, but with distinct strengths.

Then there’s the Hypervolt Go 2, which is by category a mini device, but it stands in stark contrast to the Air 2 Mini. For one, it’s notably larger, boasting a 10mm amplitude, and an even weaker stall force. In this case, the differences are as clear as night and day.

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Conclusion

And there you have it, our Bob and Brad Air 2 mini review. We’ve said a lot about it being a Theragun mini from an alternative universe.

However, it has a lot to offer at a very generous price. Finally a Theragun mini competitor. And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini (if you had a chance to get it already). Feel free to share your comments below or join discussions on the MassageGunTalks Facebook group – join now!

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References

1. 1.

   Bob and Brad Official Website. About Us – www.bobandbrad.com. https://www.bobandbrad.com/about
2. 2.

   Massagers. TSA.gov An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/massagers