Are you interested in getting your hands on one of these popular massage guns, but at the same time shocked by their high price tags?
If that is the case then reading this review should be worth your time!
In this comparative review, I am going to take a close look and compare a massage gun from one of the most expensive brands named Therabody with a much cheaper DIY-solution using a jigsaw.
By the end of this review, I am confident that you will be better informed and hopefully able to choose the best option for you.
As you may or may not know, there are a few companies doing these jigsaw massage adaptors and their pricing varies a bit.
I am going to focus on the adaptors from the company Mobility Bit.
The review format:
- Short summarizing comparison table
- Presentation of each product
- The product comparison (the Theragun vs Jigsaw part)
At no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through a link on this page and make a purchase.
- Slick ergonomic design and easy to bring with you
- Highly customizable and easy to do self-massage
- Very long battery life
- Huge value for money if you own a jigsaw
- Performance depends on your jigsaw
- Very budget-friendly, yet can deliver a powerful massage
If you are interested in checking out more Theragun alternatives, then you should read this lengthy review.
Theragun Prime: Essential Massager for Everyone
Theragun Prime is the among the fourth generation of the premium handheld percussion massagers from Therabody.
It is the invention of a chiropractor who is also an athlete, who after suffering from a motorcycle accident that caused a disc herniation spent 8 years developing the Theragun with the purpose to create a less expensive, more efficient and accessible product than its competitors.
The Theragun is made with professionals in mind but usable by anyone and on yourself.
It utilizes lithium-ion batteries that can power the device for 120 minutes of continuous use.
It has five different speed options ranging from 1750 – 2400 Percussions Per Minute (PPM). The adjustable massage speeds mean you can take a massage at whatever force you desire within the range.
The ergonomic design facilitates handling to hit hard to reach spots, such as your back.
Included in the purchase is:
- Theragun Prime.
- Four different changeable “massage heads” so you can customize the massage
- Power adapter for recharging
- Carrying case
The Prime comes with 1-year warranty and to see it in action, click the video below I found on Theragun’s Instagram profile.
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Jigsaw Massager Adaptor by Mobility Bit
Jigsaw massage adaptor is as the name implies a massage adaptor for your jigsaw.
You simply equip your jigsaw with this adaptor instead of a saw blade and its function should then be similar to a percussion massage gun.
There is a selection of three different massage heads that you can buy separately or in a bundle.
The speed and power you get as well as cordless or not obviously depends on which jigsaw you use.
If you don’t have a jigsaw already at home, a popular choice seems to be the Black & Decker BDCJS20C 20V MAX JigSaw with Battery.
That jigsaw has a powerful motor with variable speed control and can do up to 2500 RPM. It comes with one lithium-ion 20 volts, 1.5 aH battery and has a 2-year warranty.
Check out this video to get a good idea of the jigsaw massage adaptor.
Theragun and Jigsaw Features and Specs Comparison
The massage guns have been all the rage in recent years. It seems like anywhere you go online you can read or hear people talking about these amazing handheld percussion massaging machines and how well they work for muscle recovery or getting rid of aches and pains.
It is for a good reason because they truly work. There is an incredible number of anecdotal evidence, you can just go see for yourself on any of the major online retailers that show customer reviews.
Also, there is scientific evidence backing it up.
Even with the expensive Theragun, they can be a more convenient and cost-effective method compared to going to a sports-masseuse, physical therapist or chiropractor.
A bunch of top athletes and celebrities have been seen or reported to have been using these handheld massagers – and most of them swear by the Theragun.
However, you don’t have to be an athlete for these handheld massagers to be useful, because even though our modern lifestyle is alarmingly sedentary it is still putting a lot of strain on the muscles in the upper back, neck, quads, and thighs, etc.
The point I am trying to make crystal clear is that there are really good reasons for you to get one of these handheld massagers. They are nothing like any past disappointments you might have had.
No doubt that the premium Theragun can make your life better, but the interesting question is, of course, how does the much cheaper jigsaw massage adaptor compare.
Based on equipping a Black & Decker cordless jigsaw with the adaptor which I also mentioned above, I am going to do a rundown of the following aspects:
- Massaging “power” and versatility
- Batteries
- The design
- Price difference
The huge amount of time we spend in positions like this creates issues for the back, neck and even shoulders.
1. Massaging Power And Versatility
The Theragun Prime has 5 speeds: 1750, 1900, 2100, 2200 and 2400 RPM and a stroke length of 0.6″ / 16 mm.
That is a lot of power and it should be able to withstand up to 30 lbs / 13.6 kg of pressure. I have been unable to find any information the how much pressure the Black & Decker can withstand, but for the other stats, it compares well.
It has variable speed control and can do up to 2500 RPM. It has a stroke length of 3/4″ / 19 mm.
The Theragun Prime has had its noise reduced by 50 % compared to the previous model and I think you can assume that the Theragun should be significantly less noisy than most jigsaws incl. B&D mentioned here.
With a comfortable, ergonomic design and 4 different changeable heads compared to 3, the Theragun is the more versatile option regarding massage.
I think it is also safe to say that the Theragun is easier to navigate and can target tougher spots easier.
With that being said, a jigsaw can also do what it is supposed to do: saw. Here the Theragun can’t compare.
2. Batteries
The B&D is powered by easy-removable lithium-ion batteries, whereas Theragun Prime uses internal lithium-ion batteries.
The Prime’s battery lasts 2 hours, while the B&D included battery will probably last about 30 minutes.
Due to the powerful charger, the estimated recharge time for the Theragun is 80 minutes. This is very convenient if you plan to use it for long periods of time, e.g. if you are a therapist or want to buy it for your gym. If we are talking personal use it is probably not that big of a deal.
It should be mentioned that you can buy additional and more powerful B&D batteries or avoid the whole issue by using a jigsaw with a power cord.
These massages might be a cost-effective alternative solution than going to a professional regularly.
3. The Design
By using a jigsaw you get a much heavier unit. If you are one of those strong CrossFit guys or girls I am sure you can handle it, but if you have a smaller build you will probably tire in your arms faster.
Looking at the dimensions of the two units, the Theragun is also a more compact in size but nothing major.
Obviously, there are both lighter and smaller jigsaws on the market, but then you might be sacrificing the power output.
If you want to compare the visual design of the two products, it is clear that the Theragun is the winner. I think it is safe to assume that no matter what jigsaw you use.
The Theragun also comes with a handy carrying case, which the Black & Decker does not come with. But some jigsaws do come with a carrying case although arguably not as “cool-looking”.
4. Price Difference
The jigsaw massage adaptor is a cost-effective piece of equipment compared to both the Theragun, other comparable massage guns and/or getting treatments at a professional.
The massage adaptor is significantly cheaper than the Theragun G3pro. If you own a Jigsaw at home you will be paying a fraction of the price!
It might also be a good option for you to test this kind of massage on yourself due to the lower price.
But to make the comparison fair you do have to consider that more things are included with the Theragun and what kind of value those things represent for you.
Everyone would appreciate stronger batteries and having one extra, but if you are only going to do the massage 5-10 minutes per time a few times per week, then you don’t need it and you would be wasting your money.
Making The Buying Decision
If you want a cost-effective percussion massager and own a jigsaw then getting the massage adaptor is a no-brainer in my opinion.
It is definitely not as cool-looking and gimmicky as the Theragun, but it gets the job done. If a professional look is very important to you when using the massager, then it could be an issue.
You will probably get a weird and awkward vibe if you bring along a jigsaw to a sports event or for treating clients. Furthermore, you will have to use a heavier, noisier and less customizable unit. If that is a serious issue you might want to spend the money on the premium option.
A fair warning with the adaptor is that you will also have to overcome the initially uncomfortable feeling of “immediate danger”. A jigsaw is normally not supposed to be used on the body in that way.
