Theragun Wave Roller Review – Foam Rolling the Therabody Way

In today’s review, we’ll give the massage guns a rest and explore a new tool (maybe not quite new) in the sports recovery market – the Theragun Wave Roller.

Interestingly, it was actually the first product by then-Theragun (now Therabody) that wasn’t a massage gun. But even a few years later, it still feels like a very solid proposition.

hat’s right; it’s an innovative recovery tool. We really like it, and we think you will too. Read on to find out more. We’ll try to make this review as detailed as possible.

Vibrating Foam Roller Benefits – Are They Worth It?

Foam rollers have been a staple for fitness and recovery enthusiasts for some time now.

There are a number of foam roller benefits: they help with warming up, cooling down, muscle relaxation, and pain reduction, amongst others. Specifically, they target soft tissues, helping the muscle stay loose, healthy, and pain-free.

The hype lately is with vibrating foam rollers. But are vibrating foam rollers taking over, or can the two be used in tandem? Well, it’s safe to say that both types of foam rollers have their benefits.

Generally, foam rollers are cheap and easy to use in the comfort of our homes. They take a few seconds to learn and use and can be used for as long as necessary. You can choose what you want to treat, the length of the treatment, and the intensity.

Vibrating rollers, however, add a bit more to the overall effectiveness of foam roller therapy. They offer vibrational therapy ^​1​ in addition to traditional foam rolling. Vibration therapy can be whole-body ^​2​ or localized, and a vibrating foam roller falls into the localized category.

Vibration therapy enhances blood flow to muscles and significantly improves oxygen flow to these tissues. It reduces DOMS ^​3​, and helps manage muscle pain in commonly affected areas like the calves and glutes.

We know from working with massage guns that vibration therapy helps speed up muscle recovery by breaking up fascia, enhancing mobility, increasing blood flow, getting more oxygen to tissues, facilitating lymphatic drainage, and more.

However, for vibrations to be effective, a proper intensity is needed, and this is where most brands fall short. Most brands do not specify what frequencies they use, and even if they do, they often overpromise and underdeliver.

We, however, found a way to measure it, and as you will see, the Theragun Wave Roller is the real deal in that aspect.

It can vibrate extensively, as we proved by measuring it. Its frequency ranges from 1300 rpm to 3400 rpm, making it a powerful device that provides relief and enhances recovery.

Wave Series by Therabody

The Theragun Wave Roller is part of Therabody’s Wave Series family of devices designed to help with post-workout recovery.

Along with the Wave Roller, the series includes the Wave Duo and the Wave Solo. While the Wave Roller features a classic foam roller shape, the Wave Duo and Wave Solo have a rounded design.

All three devices come with built-in vibrations and Bluetooth connectivity, providing an innovative approach to rolling and recovery process at all.

In this post, we focus on the Theragun Wave Roller.

Theragun Wave Roller Review

Now, on to the review. What can we expect from this Theragun wave roller?

Theragun Wave Roller Specification

First Impressions

First impressions are important, and the Theragun Wave Roller definitely delivers on style. It comes in a sleek box, just like every other Therabody product. The box measures about 13.2″ x 8.5″ x 5.9″, so it’s a decent size.

One interesting thing to note is that the roller is still called the “Theragun Wave Roller” despite the company’s recent rebrand from Theragun to Therabody. It’s an interesting decision, given how much they’ve been promoting the Therabody brand name.

When you open the box, you’ll notice that some plastic is still used in the packaging. This is a departure from the trend of reducing plastic in packaging that we’ve seen in other products. However, the packaging is still protective enough to keep the roller safe during transport.

Inside the box, you’ll find a pouch with the Wave Roller inside. The material is thick fabric, and while we wouldn’t call it premium, it’s definitely protective enough. We really like the additional zippered front pocket and the drawstring on top. It’s great for storing small items like a phone or keys while you’re using the roller.

We also appreciate the adjustable strap that allows you to carry the roller on your shoulder or in your hand. It’s a nice touch that makes it easy to take the roller with you on the go.

Device

From the moment we laid our hands on the Theragun Wave Roller, we knew we were in for a treat.

The size is just perfect – not too big, not too small – and the texture is incredibly soft and luxurious, which gives it a premium feel. We’re not sure if it’s matte black or satin, but it looks absolutely fabulous.

And yes, there’s a bit of smell, which actually reminds us of the scent of a brand new car inside – we’re not complaining! 

Controls

The control panel is surrounded by a cool blue ring and is very basic and easy to use.

It’s just three buttons: one for activation (at the center, with an LED of different colors depending on the state of the battery), and two for adjusting the speed (– and +).

Additionally, there are five white LED indicators to show which speed you’re on.

Size and Weight

The Theragun Wave Roller is a great size for a roller, measuring 11.65″ x 5.1″ (Therabody advertise it as 12″). It’s a universal, full-body size that feels just right for most people. Don’t let its size fool you, this is not a small product by any means.

Despite being a fairly heavy roller at 1736 grams or 3.82 lbs (again, Therabody spec says it’s 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg), the extra weight has its benefits. The roller feels more stable, rolls better, and doesn’t “escape” easily when under the body.

So, unless you plan to carry it in your bag every day, the weight is actually a plus!

The Foam

Let’s talk about the star of the show, the Wave Roller. It’s not your typical hard-surface foam roller, folks! This one has a thick layer of high-density EVA foam that feels similar to most Theragun massage gun attachments.

The roller is softer than harder, so when you press down on it, you can sink in about an inch deep. This is where things get really interesting.

Therabody claims that the foam used in the roller is specially designed to dampen sound from the vibrating motor, making your rolling experience both quiet and powerful. We can attest to this claim – it’s not often that you can use a vibrating foam roller without waking up your entire household.

The foam also has a reasonable amount of give, making it a comfortable experience overall. Plus, Theragun claims that the surface material is hypo-allergenic, which is great news for anyone with sensitive skin.

The signatory wave texture of the roller is what really sets it apart. The waves are not aggressive, so there are no ridges, bumps, or points. Instead, the waves are what Theragun calls “penetrative,” meaning that it’s the vibration that does the work rather than the shape of the roller.

And the wave contour itself is the reason behind the name “Wave Roller.”

All in all, the Theragun Wave Roller looks like an excellent addition to your recovery arsenal, providing a unique and effective way to roll out your muscles.

Vibrations

If you’re looking for a massage roller that really delivers, the Theragun Wave Roller might just be the one for you.

This clever little device packs a serious punch, thanks to its impressive vibration technology and wide range of speed settings.

At first glance, the Wave Roller might not look all that different from other rollers on the market. But don’t be fooled by its unassuming appearance – this is a roller that means business. With five different speed settings to choose from, you can customize your massage experience to suit your needs.

So, just how powerful is the Wave Roller’s vibration technology?

We put it to the test with our trusty laser tachometer and the results were impressive.

The range is very wide, and that’s amazing. The roller starts at 1200rpm, but at the top end, it can achieve an incredible 3400 verified rpm, making it one of the most powerful non-wired devices out there.

Compare that to the Theragun massage guns, which offer a maximum of 2450 hits per minute – albeit at a highly percussive amplitude of 16mm.

So what does all that vibration mean for your muscles?

Well, it turns out that high-frequency stimulation can actually help to override pain signals to the brain, leading to a release in muscle tension. And if you’re dealing with sore or tired muscles, the soothing effect of the vibrations can be a real game-changer.

But what really sets the Wave Roller apart from other rollers on the market is its effective motor. With 3400 vibrations per minute, this roller can really get to work on those stubborn knots and trigger points.

And thanks to the wide range of speed settings (also controlled by Bluetooth and Therabody App, more on that in a moment), you can customize the intensity to your liking. At 1200 rpm (speed 1), the roller feels gentle and soothing, while at the top end it gets seriously intense.

Of course, the real test of any massage roller is how it feels in use. And we have to say, the Wave Roller doesn’t disappoint. Even by simply holding it, you can feel the power of the vibration technology. And when you roll it over your muscles, you’ll feel the vibrations penetrating deep into the tissue.

Rolling on the Wave Roller

So how does it feel to roll on this thing?

Rolling on the Theragun Wave Roller is a pretty good experience, actually. It’s a nice addition to a typical hard-foam roller, and working on this thing is much more relaxing.

The vibrations certainly help a lot, but the surface of the roller is just so pleasant to roll onto. Trust us, you’ll love it!

Now let’s discuss how to use it.

How to Use the Theragun Wave Roller

If you’re looking to up your foam rolling game, this device is the way to go.

While it works just like a regular foam roller (it works on large muscle groups e.g., quads, hamstrings, and glutes; you can also roll over it on your back or the sides), it also has a unique feature that sets it apart: Bluetooth connectivity.

That’s right, this foam roller can connect to your phone and the Therabody app, which can provide you with built-in routines, guidance, and customization options to enhance your rolling experience.

To get started, simply install the app and pair the roller with your phone. From there, the app takes over, adjusting the speed and guiding you through each step.

You can choose from warm-up, recovery, and wellness routines, and the app can even suggest specific rolling exercises for different ailments, such as shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, or shin splints.

One of the most interesting things about the Wave Roller and the App is the different types of movements it suggests.

The app can guide you through “dynamic movement”, where you anchor a part of your body and move the adjacent joint to adjust the tension on the spot you’re focused on.

You can also try “lateral movement”, where you anchor a part of your body and move the corresponding limb back and forth in a rocking motion.

And of course, there’s the “standard movement”, where you roll parallel to the muscle fibers for maximum tension relief.

Customization is also a key feature, so you can adjust the time intervals, intensity, and other settings to suit your individual needs.

And as you become more experienced, you may find that you don’t even need the app anymore. However, for beginners, it can be a goldmine of ideas and guidance for using the Wave Roller to its full potential.

Noise

Ok, there are still a few aspects that we need to touch on to close this Theragun Wave roller review. Let’s start with the noise level.

First off, there’s nothing to worry about with this one. We purchased ours in 2023, so it could be a newer version, but we’ve heard that older ones were loud, but not this one. If you’ve ever used a massage gun, this is way nicer to hear. 

TIP In fact, there are some really quiet massage guns worth checking.

Since it’s vibrational rather than percussive, the sound is smooth and non-aggressive. You can tell that the thick foam layer does a good job insulating the motor.

The noise level ranges from 48 to 66 dB on our noise meter, but it’s perfectly okay. You can even use it in the evening while watching TV without disturbing your sleeping loved one or pet.

The only problem is that if you use it on a solid floor, it will develop more noise and shake the floor, so using it on a yoga mat, carpet, or other soft surface will absorb the vibrations. But, if you want, you can always turn it off and use it as a regular foam roller.

Battery

Let’s talk about the battery life. While we don’t know the exact capacity, after it’s weight, it’s safe to say that you can get up to 180 minutes of use on low speeds.

However, if you crank up the intensity, the battery will drain faster and you’ll likely get closer to 120 minutes of use.

Charging the roller takes about three hours according to the Therabody manual, but we’ve managed to charge ours in just over two hours.

One of the coolest features of the Wave Roller is the battery indicator, which is located in the middle of the power button.

Here are the possible states:

• A solid green light means the battery is fully charged.
• A flashing green light indicates a high charge.
• A flashing blue light means you’re halfway charged.
• A flashing red light means it’s time to charge up.

Interestingly, the Wave Roller can also be charged wirelessly via a wireless stand charger (to be purchased separately), which also works with the Theragun Elite and Pro models.

Unfortunately, there’s no USB-C port here, so you’ll have to make do with the included 12V wall charger.

Cleaning the Wave Roller

Cleaning the Wave Roller is a breeze! With its unique shape, it’s easy to wipe down with a cloth, and there are no complicated cleaning instructions in the manual.

However, we do suggest avoiding water since the roller has electronics inside and we don’t have any information on its IP rating. So, stick to using a cloth to keep it clean, and you’ll be good to go!

Pricing and Warranty

Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic – pricing!

The Theragun Wave Roller is priced at $149, but if you use our exclusive X8YZF10 code, you can get 10% OFF and snag it for just $134. Buy it at therabody.com here.

We think that’s a very reasonable price considering how effective and versatile this product is. Although it does have many competitors in the market, not many of them can vibrate as fast and as widely as the Wave Roller.

In terms of warranty, the device comes with a 1-year warranty, which is pretty standard for a durable product like this one. But let’s be real, with how well-built the Wave Roller is, you probably won’t even need to use the warranty.

All in all, we think the pricing and warranty are both solid and make for a great investment in your overall wellness.

Theragun Wave Roller Review Summary

There you have it, our Theragun Wave Roller review. The Wave Roller from Therabody is an excellent product from a trusted brand.

For those who have not yet tried vibration therapy, this roller is a great way to experience its benefits. We have confirmed that the Wave Roller can vibrate extensively, with a range of 1200 RPM to 3400 RPM, providing ample intensity to relieve tension and enhance recovery.

The combination of a foam roller with smart features is a winning combination, making this device more than just a gadget. It is a powerful tool that does what it says.

Overall, the Wave Roller is a good choice for amateur and professional athletes, gym goers, and active people in general. It is a product that we highly recommend for anyone looking to enhance their recovery and relieve tension.