Gary Tanchak, DC, is a Chiropractor who takes a comprehensive approach to spinal and extremity injuries. He takes the entire body’s biomechanics and lifestyle into account when addressing injury to help rid the patient of their pain and keep it from returning in the future. Dr. Tanchak addresses the patient’s injuries through a combination of passive modalities, such as spinal and extremity manipulations, Active Release Technique, and non-surgical spinal decompression.
The Ekrin Bantam is a compact massage gun built around an 8mm amplitude and 35 lbs of stall force. It runs from 2000 to 3200 RPM on three speed levels. For a device that weighs just 1.1 lbs and stands about six inches tall, it is genuinely easy to carry around.
Ekrin carried over the 15-degree angled handle from its full-size lineup, which reduces wrist strain compared to straight T-shaped designs. The build feels solid and well put together. The single-button interface keeps things simple, although it means you rely on sound and feel to know what speed you are on rather than a visual display.
Battery life is one of the standout features. The 1600 mAh Samsung cell delivered between 4 and 6 hours of runtime in our testing, which translates to roughly a week of daily 15-minute sessions before needing a charge. Four attachments and a compact hard case are included, making it a more complete package than many devices in this size range.
The 7.84mm amplitude works well for general recovery on calves, arms, and shoulders. It is not designed for aggressive deep-tissue sessions on large muscle groups like quads and glutes. If you understand that limitation going in, the Bantam performs consistently within its intended range. Some compact devices prioritize amplitude instead of stall force, such as the Theragun Mini that focuses on deeper stroke length in a smaller body.
Ekrin Bantam Mini Massage Gun- Video Review
We tested the Ekrin Bantam in our video review to show its compact design, attachment quality, and performance across speed levels.
Our Deep Honest Ekrin Bantam Mini Massage Gun Review
Our Ekrin Bantam Rating
Quality
Effectiveness
Usability
Accessories
Price Value
4.9
Summary
Our comprehensive, hands-on experience with the Ekrin Bantam confirmed it as a standout mini massage gun – lightweight, powerful, and superior to well-known competitors like Theragun Mini and Hypervolt Go. With its affordable price and lifetime warranty, it represents exceptional value. It’s a fantastic choice for those on-the-go, and we highly recommend it.
Sending
User Review
4.22
(36 votes)
Unboxing, Build Quality, and First Impressions
The Bantam comes in a compact two-zipper carrying case that fits easily into gym bags or backpacks. The case feels durable and well-organized inside, and it holds up well for regular travel use.
Inside the case, you get the massage gun, four attachments, a USB-C charging cable, an instruction pamphlet, and an Ekrin logo sticker. The manual clearly explains attachment use and covers the basics of percussion therapy.
The device itself uses high-quality matte plastic similar to Ekrin’s full-size models. It feels solid in hand, not flimsy or hollow. The power button sits at the base of the handle instead of near the top, which feels slightly unusual at first, but quickly becomes second nature.
Build Quality & Design Improvements
Let’s take a look at the build and design of this model.
Frame and Grip Design
Ekrin kept the 15-degree angled handle from its larger models. That angle helps reduce wrist strain compared to standard T-shaped compact designs and makes the Bantam more comfortable during longer sessions.
The handle has enough texture to feel secure without adding a separate rubber coating. A silicone layer would have improved grip even more, but in normal use, the surface does not feel slippery.
Weight and Balance
At 1.1 lbs, the Bantam is lightweight without feeling fragile. It is easy to use for extended periods without noticeable arm fatigue.
The compact size, around six inches tall, makes it comparable to most smartphones in height. It fits easily in gym bags, carry-on luggage, and even larger jacket pockets.
Materials and Build Quality
The housing uses the same matte plastic found on Ekrin’s full-size devices. There are no metal accents or premium overlays, but everything feels durable and well assembled.
Ekrin Bantam Mini Massage Gun Attachments
Four attachments come with the Bantam: a ball head, flat head, fork head, and bullet head. This is a more versatile set than many mini massage guns that only include two or three options.
The ball head uses hollow silicone instead of foam, which should hold up better over time. The flat, fork, and bullet heads are made of hard plastic.
Attachment Compatibility
Attachments use a simple push-and-pull system. The fork head includes guidance to ensure proper orientation, while the other three install without needing alignment.
They slide in and out easily and stay secure during sessions. We did not experience loosening or rattling under pressure.
Standout Attachments
The flat head has a silicone top cover that softens impact while the firm plastic base keeps its structure. That makes it useful across a wide range of muscle groups and pressure preferences.
The fork head, made of hard plastic, works well along the spine and around the Achilles tendon. Its shape helps keep it from rotating during use.
Controls and Display
A single button at the base of the handle controls all functions. There is no LCD display or LED speed indicator beyond a simple power light. The minimalist approach keeps the design clean and uncluttered. A long press powers the device on or off, and quick presses cycle through the three speeds.
Speed Indicators
There is no LCD screen and no dedicated LED speed indicators. The only light shows that the device is powered on.
The difference in intensity between the three levels is clear enough that you can identify the speed by feel and sound. Users who prefer visual confirmation at a glance may miss having a display.
Battery Indicator
An LED at the base shows battery level through color changes. Blue indicates 80 to 100 percent charge, purple shows 60 to 80 percent, red indicates 20 to 60 percent, and flashing red signals below 20 percent.
This setup gives you enough information to manage charging without complicating the simple interface.
Stall force reaches 35 lbs at maximum speed. We measured about 28 lbs at the lowest setting, 32 lbs at mid-level, and 35 lbs at the highest speed. For a compact device, that is a meaningful pressure capacity.
Stall Force
The combination of 7.84mm amplitude and 35 lbs of stall force makes the Bantam effective within the realistic limits of a compact device. It handles calves, arms, shoulders, and lighter leg work well. You can use it on larger muscle groups like quads and glutes, but heavy sustained pressure will eventually slow the motor.
We brought the Bantam on a two-day hiking trip covering 30 miles with 8500 feet of elevation gain. We used it every 6 to 8 miles and again at the end of each day. It noticeably reduced next-morning soreness, and its light weight made it easy to carry without adding bulk.
Under moderate pressure, percussion stays consistent. It takes more force to stall it than most mini devices, though heavy-handed sessions on large muscle groups can still reach its limit.
Speed Range and Control
We measured 2000 RPM at the lowest setting, 2600 RPM at mid-level, and 3200 RPM at maximum using a laser tachometer. That matches Ekrin’s published range and is strong output for a compact unit.
Three speeds cover most practical needs. The steps between levels feel well spaced and not overly abrupt. A fourth level would give finer control, but the current setup works for most recovery routines.
Noise Level
The Bantam runs at around 50 dB during typical use and climbs slightly above 60 dB at maximum speed. For a compact massage gun, it is fairly quiet. If low noise matters during recovery sessions, it may also help to look at some of the quieter massage guns we have tested.
We did not need to turn up the TV during evening sessions. There was no rattling under pressure, and vibration transfer to the handle remained minimal, both of which are common issues in this category.
Battery Life
The 1600 mAh Samsung battery delivered between 4 and 6 hours of runtime in our no-load testing, depending on speed and pressure. With daily 15-minute sessions, you can expect one to two weeks between charges, or 95 minutes of moderate use, as measured.
The fact that Ekrin specifies a Samsung cell matters. We have tested compact devices with unbranded batteries that showed noticeable degradation within months. Samsung’s track record makes the long-term battery claim more reassuring.
The Bantam charges via USB-C using the included three-foot cable. No wall adapter is included, so you will use a standard phone charger or laptop port.
The LED indicator shows charge status in real time without turning the device on. At 1.1 lbs with its compact case, the Bantam remains highly portable for travel, gym use, or daily commuting without feeling bulky.
Who Should Buy it?
The Bantam is a great fit for users who want real portability without sacrificing too much performance. Frequent travelers, gym-goers, and anyone who needs something that fits easily into carry-on luggage or a jacket pocket will appreciate its size and consistency.
Active users looking for post-workout recovery on the go will find enough power for lighter muscle maintenance and soreness management. The 35 lbs stall force and 3200 RPM top speed handle that role well. Our hiking test confirmed it performs reliably under daily use away from home.
The lifetime warranty is also a strong advantage at this price point. Most compact massage guns offer one year of coverage. Lifetime protection significantly improves long-term value.
Who Should Skip it?
Skip the Bantam if you want aggressive deep-tissue work on large muscle groups. The 7.84mm amplitude and compact motor are not built for sustained heavy pressure on quads, glutes, or back muscles. A full-size device is better suited for that.
If you prefer four or more speed levels, the three-speed system may feel limiting. It handles most general use cases, but it does not offer fine-grained control.
Users who rely on visual speed confirmation may also miss having a display. The Bantam offers no speed readout beyond the basic power light, so you depend entirely on sound and feel.
Final Verdict
The Ekrin Bantam delivers performance that stands out in the compact category. With 35 lbs of stall force, a 3200 RPM ceiling, and 4 to 6 hours of battery life, it performs above what most devices this size can manage. The four attachments, hard carry case, and lifetime warranty round out a thoughtful and complete package.
The 7.84mm amplitude does limit deep-tissue potential, and the three-speed system will not suit everyone. The lack of a display takes some getting used to. These are expected compromises in a truly compact device.
If portability is your top priority and you still want consistent recovery power on the go, the Bantam is a well-executed and dependable option.
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.
Jun 6, 2023 A video review/overview of Ekrin Bantam has been added to the article. It provides a visual companion to the comprehensive written review above. (Author: Greg)
Jan 20, 2022 Refreshed and updated for 2023, including the new photos. (Author: Greg)
Oct 2, 2022 Updated with the comparison to the latest Theragun Mini G2, following our extensive testing. (Author: Luke)
Jul 2, 2022 Added new information following our long-term test, where we tested the device on several hikes. (Author: Luke)
May 30, 2022 Updated with the head-to-head comparison to the newly released Hypervolt Go 2 (Author: Luke)
Jan 10, 2022 Updated for 2022. More than doubled the amount of photos from our hands-on testing in the article. (Author: Greg)
Dec 9, 2022 Added comparisons to Theragun Mini, Hypervolt Go. (Author: Luke)
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