Liz lives and works in the Inland Empire of CA. She was a multi-sport athlete in her youth, competing in softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and swimming. Liz swam collegiately at Webster University, where she earned her B.A. degree in Communications. She is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with an A.A.S. degree from St. Louis Community College – Meramec. Liz has advanced training in orthopedic physical therapy through NextGen PT and movement analysis through Movement Links. She is also a certified NASM-Performance Enhancement Specialist. Liz is passionate about providing parents and coaches with the knowledge and resources necessary to create a safe and enjoyable environment for young athletes.
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Welcome to this hands-on Ekrin B37 review. We’re excited to share our personal experience with this surprisingly great Theraggun alternative massage gun.
We’ve been incorporating this sports massager into our daily routine for the past 6 months, and it has proven to be an excellent addition to our muscle recovery regime and as a full body massager.
We were drawn to the Ekrin B37 due to its popularity, and after using it ourselves, we understood why it garnered so much attention.
Turns out, the gospel about this massage gun is not all hype. It’s not only the spost massager that put Ekrin Athletics out there, but it packs a lot of features that impressed us.
And since we love massage gun talk, this one carries power and aesthetics (we loved it at first sight) and offers real value for money. In fact, we’ve listed it as the best value massage gun for 2023.
If you’ve been reading our massage gun reviews, you’ve probably noticed how we’ve had to explain in some cases that we really don’t know about the company but we liked the massage gun anyway.
Well, here’s one of those reviews where we can comfortably say that we know about Ekrin Athletics. Unlike many other brands, they’re not a private label that only exists at Amazon.
In fact, they are one of the few USA massage gun brands! Take it from us; most brands out there are Chinese brands. They just pretend to be American.
Ekrin Athletics is a relatively young company. It was founded in 2019 by two former student-athletes who wanted to share their knowledge of being fit and healthy with others. They saw the need to emphasize muscle recovery and the prevention of injury to athletes.
In our research phase, we discovered that the name Ekrin has a unique significance, further piquing our interest in the product.
It’s a combination of two Greek Words (it’s Greek, so bear with us here) that mean “Explosive Movement.” We got excited to check out what else they had to offer, but we found out that, for now, they only sell massage guns, which is perfect for us!
Our experience with the Ekrin B37, Ekrin Athletics’ flagship product, has been remarkable. The customer praise we read about aligned with our own experience.
They followed it with the strongest massage gun, the Ekrin B37s, later they introude a portable massager, the Ekrin Bantam mini massage gun. After that, they released their third full-size massager, the Ekrin 365 model, and now the most recent sports massager, their elite performing and one of the most powerful massage guns, the Ekrin Kestrel.
The Ekrin B37 and its siblings: the bigger Ekrin B37S, the slightly smaller Ekrin 365, and the Ekrin Bantam mini massage gun.
When we contacted Ekrin Athletics with questions about warranties and return policies, their prompt and efficient responses added to our positive experience.
We had a few things to ask about their massage guns. No, we didn’t have any problems with it; we just wanted to get clarification on a few things. Like what their return policy is like, and also find out the conditions for their LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Sometimes, you just want to get answers directly from company representatives about their product, and we are glad that the response was quick and efficient.
So, let’s get into the Ekrin B37 massage gun review, shall we?
Ekrin B37 Review Video
But before we dive into the written review, how about we start with some moving visuals?
In the video, we walk you through the unboxing process, examine the design and ergonomics, demonstrate the various attachments, and test the speeds and stall force. We even give you a close-up look at the charging process.
This video doesn’t just tell; it shows, giving you a complete understanding of the Ekrin B37 in action.
So, hit the play button for an exclusive look at the Ekrin B37, and then continue with the in-depth details we have discussed below. Let’s make this review journey as informative and engaging as possible!
So, first things first. You can tell that Ekrin Athletics means business with the quality of the Ekrin B37’s carrying case. It’s nicely built, and straightaway tells you that whatever’s inside is not a toy.
The Ekrin B37 massage gun comes in a high-quality hard case.
We’ll call it a nice little travel case. When we unboxed it, we discovered two zippers, which again made us feel like we were opening a premium package. Enough about the case, though.
The contents are pretty well organized inside. We noticed the massage gun attachments were arranged nicely. The sports massager, which kind of sticks out in the middle of the case, and then the charger are also included.
Very convenient carrying case to keep this ful body massager organized in one place.
The sport massager itself is impressive, both visually and to the touch. The satin paint gives the Ekrin B37 a stylish, glossy look.
Holding it gives you the impression that it’s well thought out. It feels sturdy and durable when held. It’s not one of those percussion massagers that when holding it for the first time, straightaway you can tell that it won’t go the distance.
Click/tap to enlarge.
In our day-to-day use, we appreciated the simplicity of the single button for power and speed control. It’s intuitive and easy to use, making it hassle-free.
We found this straightforward design a real advantage. There’s no need to fumble mid-massage trying to figure out which button does what—simple is often better.
To operate the device, simply long press the button to turn it on or off. Quick presses allow you to cycle through the speed settings.
This muscle massager doesn’t include an LCD display because it is designed for simplicity. Some might argue that modern devices should offer this level of sophistication, and that’s a fair point. However, we appreciate the minimalist approach.
More importantly, the lack of an LCD doesn’t compromise its performance, which is ultimately what matters most.
Massage Gun Attachments
In our experience, the attachments follow industry norms, but their premium build quality stood out during our sessions. The Ekrin B37 includes four of them: a bullet head, a ball head, a spine/fork head, and a flat head.
Here is a bit of what we think about the massage gun attachments on the Ekrin B37:
Round / Ball Head
We use the ball head to get more of a general massage. If you have used a massage gun before, you know this is the go-to attachment. It’s always the lazy massage gun head because 90% of the time, it’s the one always attached.
The Ekrin B37 one is a bit special, we might say. It’s made with a higher-quality EVA foam that we liked—not like the cheap foam we have seen in low-end massage guns. It felt really smooth on sore middle back, for glute muscle pain and hamstrings.
Fork / Spine Head
You guessed it: The fork or spine head is used around the spine. The two prongs go either side of the spine and activate the muscles around it. It also helps with lower back pain.
The Ekrin B37 one was perfect again for us. It’s made of tough plastic. We actually enjoyed using it around the calves as well. Some of the bigger guys have had fun with it.
Flat Head
The flat head is what we call a must-have. It’s multipurpose and our favorite. It works on diverse sets of muscles, but we love using it for our larger muscles: the pecs, glutes, tight calves and plantar fasciitis.
The Ekrin B37 one is made with hard plastic. It still looks rather new, considering how long we’ve used it.
Bullet Head
The bullet head is the one to focus on a muscle. We use it especially when we have pain in specific muscles and need a trigger point massage. Our team has heavy lifters, and occasional shoulder sprains are common.
For this, Ekrin also chose hard plastic, and we had fun with it.
The massage gun attachments can be easily set and removed. Actually, apart from the fork head which has a little guide that indicates where it needs to go in, the other heads just require you to do tiny bits of push and pull.
The line on the fork head prevents it from spinning around as you massage the spine area. We did notice, though, that the smaller guys appeared to use some force to try to pull the heads off, but the bigger guys had no such problem.
Other things, we found a user manual in the carrying case. It contains accurate information on how to use the massage gun heads and general information about using a massage gun (so, no need to worry if you’ve never used a massage gun before).
Our case also included a nice EKRIN sticker, which we felt was a nice touch from the company. It shows they do care, and we love small details.
A well-detailed user’s manual is a big plus. The Ekrin logo sticker is a nice add-on.
Size, Weight, Ergonomics
The Ekrin B37 itself is pretty light. At 2.2 lbs., it feels pretty standard.
While there are lighter percussion massagers on the market, this one strikes a good balance in weight. We’ve tested heavier muscle massagers that didn’t meet quality standards, but this device feels solid and reliable. The weight likely comes from its powerful motor and the high-quality Samsung battery built into the design.
It’s just about the perfect size we might say. For a full-scale massage gun, it doesn’t feel as bulky as some of the industry massage guns we’ve used before. We’ve tested some power-drill shape muscle massagers that are way heavier (Hypervolt 2 Pro and Theragun Pro feel a bit dense in comparison).
We’d say it’s just about the perfect size. Despite being a full-size massage gun, it doesn’t feel as bulky as some of the industry-standard models we’ve used before. In comparison, muscle massagers like the Hypervolt 2 Pro and Theragun Professional tend to feel much denser and heavier.
For a full-scale massage gun, B37 doesn’t feel bulky at all.
We were really impressed by the handle on this gun. Instead of sticking to the industry-standard T-shaped design, Ekrin opted for a unique 15-degree angled handle.
This design choice stands out as a stroke of genius. Unlike the straight or T-shaped massage guns we’ve used in the past—which often strain the wrists to the point where a 3-minute session becomes a challenge—this angled handle significantly reduces wrist tension, making longer sessions far more comfortable.
15° angled handle.
The 15-degree angled handle on the Ekrin B37 is a standout feature for ergonomics. It allows you to target nearly 90% of your body’s muscles without straining or awkwardly positioning your arm.
We also noticed that this design allowed us to use the massage gun for extended periods, longer than with many other models we’ve tested over time.
While Ekrin doesn’t explicitly highlight this, the handle’s design also supports a comfortable two-handed grip, thanks to the small extension at the top—ideal for giving a massage to someone else. Some might argue that Theraguns offer superior handle designs, but Ekrin has done an excellent job here, especially for an affordable massage gun.
The downer here though (not catastrophic) is that the handle’s diameter felt a little large for some people with smaller hands.
But Ekrin Athletics more than makes up for it with a nicely done silicone rubber grip. If your fingers are a little short, don’t worry—the rubber grip ensures the sports massager doesn’t slip from your hand when you use it.
For users with smaller hands, Ekrin Athletics introduced the entry-level Ekrin 365 model. It’s lighter and slimmer, making it easier to handle, though it’s not as powerful as the Ekrin B37. For a closer look, check out our detailed hands-on Ekrin 365 review.
The Ekrin B37 is comfortable to hold and operate, though its handle is thicker. The Ekrin 365 offers a more compact design for a slimmer option, but it’s not as powerful as the B37.
Massage Gun Performance
We initially had some doubts about how the Ekrin B37 would measure up, especially after testing industry giants like Theragun and Hypervolt. However, we decided to evaluate it based on the features and performance that matter most in a sports massager.
Here’s a closer look at what the Ekrin B37 has to offer…
Stroke Length / Amplitude
Amplitude refers to how deep the massage gun attachment can go.
This muscle massager offers what Ekrin says it does.
At 12 mm, it offers the right punch to penetrate the muscle deep enough to improve blood flow, reach the sore middle back, and break up the lactic acid accumulation.
12 mm is not nearly enough to rival Theragun’s 16 mm highest amplitude massage gun or Opove Apex’s 14 mm, but to be fair, it offers just enough. Plus, the high stall force and much faster percussions compensate for this.
Verdict: In our opinion, it has the right amplitude to give deep muscle massage.
Stall Force
People like to get their muscles massaged to reduce soreness after workout. Sometimes, to get really deep into, say, the pecs, we have to press the muscle massager really hard onto the body. This can sometimes stop the massage gun.
That force needed to stall or stop a device’s motor is known as the stall force.
For a massage gun under $200, the Ekrin B37 really shines with its 56-lb stall force. This is impressive, as its peers don’t even come close.
We’ll not get over our heads here, especially when it’s a couple of pounds behind Theragun Professional and the Bob and Brad D6 Pro, but considering its size, we would be pretty fair in declaring it’s a powerful massage gun.
We noticed that the stall force is progressive with speeds.
At the slowest speed, it stalls with 28 lbs.; at the second speed, 32 lbs.; at the third speed, 40 lbs.; and at the fourth speed, 52 lbs. Finally, it’s hardest to stall at the highest speed, with 55 lbs. We tried stalling it and had to apply a fair amount of pressure.
Verdict: At higher speeds the Ekrin B37 can provide a deep tissue massage.
Performance Parameters Comparison
Let’s see how the Ekrin B37 compares against other popular competitors.
Stall Force (lbs.)
Our Take: Ekrin B37 offers a lot of stall force. 56 lbs. is more than the top-range Hypervolt 2 Pro. It’s well enough to break through those knotted muscles and tissues.
Stroke Length (mm)
Our Take: A 12 mm amplitude is in the sweet spot, which is more than enough for deep tissue massage (especially when paired with 56 lbs. of stall force)
Percussions and Speed Levels
The Ekrin B37 revs between 1400 – 3200 RPM. They advertised this, and we found it accurate—our laser tachometer gave us the same result.
You might say it’s a pretty standard range. That’s fair enough, but what impressed us was how low you could start. Even industry giant Therabody Theragun starts at 1750 RPM.
It allows precise muscle penetration, especially when applying more pressure. It has simple LED indicators that light up as you change the speeds. It has a five-speed range.
See, most (like 90% or so) percussion massagers are not powerful enough to keep revving under pressure. Press them slightly, and they slow down, so you don’t even get close to advertised percussions — This Ekrin is different. Thanks to the high stall force, it just keeps revving, regardless of the force applied and speed selected.
Battery
The battery is a Samsung lithium-ion (Li-On)with a 2550 mAh capacity. We were a little surprised how EkrinAthletics managed to pack a powerful battery into a relatively small device.
Kudos to Ekrin for specifying the kind of battery inside the Ekrin B37. We’ve tested devices for percussive therapy that use poor-quality batteries that deteriorate in less than three months and degrade performance (look at you, Toloco massage gun).
This Samsung 2550 mAh battery provides between 5-8 hours of use.
In our test, a single charge gave us 5-6 hours of use, depending on how long we tested it and how much pressure we used during a full body massage.
If you have 10-minute daily sessions, it should last for 10 days or more. Four LEDs below the power button indicate the charge level.
Left: one button to operate. Right: charging port; this has been upgraded to USB-C for convenience.
Noise
We wouldn’t say it’s too noisy, and we also wouldn’t say it’s the quietest gun we’ve tested, but it’s quiet enough. It’s one of those things you have to use and judge.
We didn’t have to raise the TV volume when using it. Ekrin says it’s 35 – 55dB depending on the speed, but it goes from 49 dB to just over 60 dB, with background noise at 35 dB.
We noticed that it doesn’t rattle much when pressed against the body. The vibrations also don’t transfer to the handle, making it quite comfortable.
You can purchase it directly from the company’s website and benefit from their top-notch customer service. They offer a lifetime warranty and lifetime customer support.
Also, while there, you can check out the reviews from satisfied customers.
Who is it Best For?
Based on our experience with the Ekrin B37, we can attest to its versatility and appeal to a broad spectrum of users.
Professional athletes and bodybuilders will find this sport massager impressive. We’ve tested its ability to deliver deep tissue massages, even on larger muscle groups and relaxing percussive therapy.
If you’re seeking a reliable home remedy for muscle pain that offers more than a gentle rub, the Ekrin B37 can handle the job. During our testing phase, we experienced its power firsthand.
If you’re new to percussive therapy, the Ekrin B37 could be an excellent starting point. We found it intuitive to use, and its premium build quality stood out, even though it doesn’t command the same price tag as the Theragun Elite.
Therapists and chiropractors seeking a versatile, powerful massage gun will appreciate the Ekrin B37, but they should also consider the top-of-the-line Ekrin Kestrel.
The one drawback we noticed during our hands-on use was the absence of removable batteries, an option offered by Therabody Theragun. However, this didn’t detract from our overall positive experience with a muscle massager with a long-lasting Samsung battery.
Ekrin B37 in Action
We found the Ekrin B37 a perfect all-rounder. Its long, angled handle gave us about an inch or two more when reaching to treat a sore middle back. It is also easy to maneuver, weighing only 2.2 lbs, and has a lot of rubber on the handle.
Ekrin B37 vs Theragun
When it comes to the Ekrin B37 vs. Theragun, we would choose Theragun Pro or Theragun Elite to compete with or, in this case, compare to the Ekrin B37.
We checked out Theragun Prime, but its specs are too weak to compare with this. The Theragun Mini is a whole different category. It’s a mini massage gun, a portable massager, and comparing it to the Ekrin B37 would be unfair.
Ekrin B37 vs Theragun PRO
Theragun advantages over the Ekrin B37:
Theragun punches harder with its 16 mm amplitude than Ekrin B37’s 12mm.
Theragun Pro and Theragun Elite have OLED screens (you can read speeds and pressure indicators). Ekrin B37 doesn’t have any screen.
Theragun Pro has replaceable batteries (although the new Theragun Pro 5th Gen no longer includes two batteries. There is just one.)
Both Theragun Pro and Theragun Elite have built-in reactive force meters.
Both Theragun Elite and Theragun Professional have Bluetooth connectivity and work with a dedicated App. However, we’ve heard rumors that Ekrin is also developing an app.
However, the Ekrin B37 stands out with these points:
Ekrin B37 has a powerful stall force of 56 lbs. Only Theragun Professional has a higher force at 60 lbs. Theragun Elite is way short at 40 lbs., and to mention that the Ekrin B37 has a stall force twice that of Theragun Prime.
The Theraguns’ percussion is between 1750 and 2400 PPM, whi, while the Ekrin B37’s speed ranges between 1400 and 3200 PPM. Apart from the short 12 mm amplitude, we would argue that the Ekrin B37 can provide a more intensive massage than the Theragun Relief, Theragun Mini, and the Theragun Sense.
The Ekrin B37’s battery can last up to 5 hours, compared to Theraguns’, which can last about 2 to 2.5 hours before running out of juice.
Ekrin B37 is less noisy (lower by 7-9 dB). In our testing, Ekrin’s sound was smoother, too. We found Theragun’s a bit harsh.
Ekrin offers a lifetime warranty. Only the Theragun Professional offers a 2-year warranty; the other models each have a 1-year warranty.
Both Theraguns have 5 defined speeds, just like the Ekrin B37.
Theragun Prime and Theragun Elite weigh 2.2 lbs, but the Theragun Professional is noticeably heavier (2.8 lbs.)
Verdict: Therabody have made a name for themselves because they offer premium quality devices. However, you’ll also have to bear with their premium pricing.
Ekrin Athletics may be the “who’s he” of the industry, but with excellent customer service and specs that go toe to toe or even beat Theragun we’d opt for it over the giants. The 50-70% lower price here is the deal breaker, and the cherry on the cake, LIFETIME WARRANTY!
Ekrin B37 vs Theragun PRO 5th Gen.
Ekrin B37 vs Hypervolt
Ekrin B37 vs. Hypervolt Plus
Hypervolt is a well-known industry massage gun. We can use Hypervolt 2 Pro as Ekrin B37’s peer. Here’s our input for the Ekrin B37 vs Hypervolt comparison:
Similarities, not many of them:
Ekrin B37 and Hypervolt 2 Pro have 5 speed levels each.
They also have a similar size.
Both have similar noise levels, meaning they are quiet massage guns.
Differences:
Hypervolt 2 Pro is a high-amplitude device (14mm), while Ekrin B37 is in the middle-amplitude category (12mm).
The Ekrin B37 revs much faster than the Hypervolt 2 Pro. It maxes out at 500 RPM more (3200 vs. 2700 PPM).
Ekrin B37 also starts at a lower PPM. At its first speed, it produces 1400 percussions per minute, while Hypervolt begins at 1700.
Ekrin B37 betters all Hypervolts in the stall force category. It has nearly twice as much power as the regular Hypervolt (56 lbs. vs. ~25 lbs.) and is much more powerful than Hypervolt 2 Pro, which has about 35 lbs. (Hyperice doesn’t disclose this; it is our estimation.)
Ekrin B37 has better ergonomics with a 15° tilted handle. The Hypervolts have uncomfortable T-shaped handles.
Ekrin has a more substantial battery (5-8 hours compared to 2-3 hours), but Hypervolt 2 Pro offers a removable battery option.
Hypervolts have 5 attachments, one more than the Ekrin B37, which has 4.
You get Bluetooth with Hypervolts. Not so with the Ekrin B37.
You get the force meter (pressure sensor) with the Hypervolt Plus. There is no such in Ekrin B37 (but the more advanced Ekrin B37s has one)
Ekrin B37 has a nice carrying case. Hypervolts don’t even offer you one.
Warranty: Hypervolts have 1 year, and Ekrin B37 has a lifetime warranty.
Verdict: If you like the Bluetooth that comes with the Hypervolts or are just into their fancy badge then by all means go for the Hypervolts. However, in our experience, and in terms of real performance specs, the Ekrin B37 outperforms all Hypervolt percussion massagers by a large margin.
On top of that you get a lifetime warranty and also get to save almost half of the price. Yes, Ekrin B37 is our pick here.
Ekrin B37 next to Hypervolt 2 Pro.
Review Final Thoughts
After thoroughly testing the Ekrin B37 for our in-depth review, we can confirm it lives up to its promise.
The device delivered the quality and performance we anticipated. The Samsung battery reliably powered our sessions, and the motor provided the ideal power level for various muscle groups.
What caught our attention was the device’s balance. It felt comfortable in our hands during prolonged use, and the 15-degree angled handle made it easy to reach tricky spots. Its lifetime warranty is a testament to its durability and a significant advantage.
In our opinion, the Ekrin B37 is a worthwhile alternative to renowned industry giants like Theragun and Hypervolt. It provides an excellent blend of quality and value.
Plus, this opportunity is hard to ignore, with a current offer of $183.99 (a 20% discount on the regular price).
Our Ekrin B37 Rating
Quality
Effectiveness
Usability
Accessories
Price Value
4.8
Summary
Ekrin’s B37 percussion massager is a powerful, yet slick-looking device that outperforms some of the biggest names in the business. It holds confidently, comes with the right set of accessories, features a lifetime warranty and, perhaps most importantly, it is able to provide the deep-to-the-bone massage.
Sending
User Review
4.03
(96 votes)
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Post Update History
Here's a quick rundown of all the tweaks and edits we've made to this article to keep it accurate and up-to-date!
Current version.
February 9, 2024: Minor editorial adjustments and text edits made. (Author: Greg)
September 11, 2023: Small editorial tweaks and text corrections. (Author: Greg)
June 19, 2023: Added our Ekrin B37 Massage Gun video review. (Author: Greg)
June 6, 2023: Several sections were revised to better describe our first-hand experience with the B37S. (Author: Luke)
February 9, 2023: Updated for 2023: new photos added; minor editorial changes. (Author: Luke)
Published on:
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Written by:
Greg Szostak
Greg Szostak
Hey, I'm Greg, co-founder of MassageGunAdvice.com, with four years of experience in testing over 50 different massage guns. As an avid marathon runner interested in sports tech, I ensure our product reviews are accurate. My responsibility is to verify device specifications and maintain review consistency, simplifying product comparisons for our readers. With a web and graphic design background, I snap the photos and videos you see and keep our site looking sharp.
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