Quick Verdict
What do you get when a group of like-minded athletes start a sports and wellness company? You get incredibly effective products that are specifically tailored to just that, the athlete. The PlayMakar MVP is a percussive massager that offers similar muscle soreness relief benefits of the big hitters, at a much more reasonable price.
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You hang out with anyone that’s serious about fitness, you’ll quickly realize they’ll do anything to get an edge. In recent years, massage guns like the PlayMakar MVP have quickly become an essential must-have.
Need proof? Next time you’re watching sports on TV, check out the players on the sidelines. It’s not uncommon to see professional athletes using a massage gun to warm up or relax their muscles in between playing. Just recently, Hyperice, another massage gun company just announced an exclusive partnership with the NBA to provide each player a massage gun for them to use courtside.
The Hyperice Hypervolt is nice and all, but if you’re wanting a massage gun that will offer comparable results for half the price, the PlayMakar MVP is a much better choice.
About PlayMakar
PlayMakar is all about helping athletes perform at their best. Actually, not only athletes, but anyone that has desires to be active and stay active. They offer a whole host of different FDA approved recovery devices like muscle stimulators, topical pain relief gels, and of course the PlayMakar MVP percussion massager to keep you functioning at your peak.
Based out of Texas, PlayMakar operates out of a 15,000 square foot facility that not only houses their administrative offices, but it’s also a full fledged training and testing facility too. They live and breath performance and have been doing so for over 20 years now.
PlayMakar MVP Massage Gun
So let’s introduce you to the PlayMakar MVP and tell you a little bit more about it.
The MVP comes with many of the features that medical professionals and therapists look for. They include:
6 high-grade massage heads.
Each attachment has a specific function and area of the body that it’s best for.
- Large and Small round head: Excellent for all areas of the body, particularly large to medium muscle groups. It is composed of a dense foam that’s not too firm nor soft.
- Bullet: Great for trigger points or if you’re wanting to target a very small, specific area
- Fork: Use this along the spine to avoid any direct boney contact. It’s also very handy to loosen a tight Achilles tendon.
- Spade: Designed to be used on the back and neck
- Flat: Also a general all-around attachment for all parts of the body
The versatility these attach heads provide allow you to treat a large variety of musculoskeletal complaints with ease.
Ergonomic Design
With any tool, the right ergonomics is key to maximize its utility. At just 2lbs, the PlayMakar MVP percussion massager has just the right amount of heft to it for long-term operation. Some massage guns on the market weigh up to 3lbs. That extra weight really adds to the fatigue you will feel in your arms pretty quick.
The MVP also has an extra long handle with a narrower circumference, making it much easier to hold (even two handed) and use with better precision. Those with smaller hands will especially appreciate that design decision.
The LED touch sensitive controls for the MVP are around back and are easily controlled with the extension of your thumb. Because of the proximity of the button to the placement of your hand, changing speeds is really quite comfortable.
Battery Life
With a built in 2400mAh Lithium-ion battery, you don’t have to worry about wires holding you to a wall plug. Battery life is estimated to last you 3+ hours depending on how you use it. Constant use on the highest setting might yield you less usage. After a week long test period, we have not had the need to recharge as of yet.
To maximize your battery’s long-term health, we do advise you to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to fully charge the battery before using it and never let it completely drain.
Warranty
A great warranty on a massage gun is one feature you should always look for. You may think that all massage guns are the same, but buyer beware, you oftentimes get what you pay for.
Known for their top-notch customer service, PlayMakar will always stand behind their products. The MVP percussion massage gun comes with a generous 2 year warranty. Should it ever fail in any way, they guarantee they’ll replace it free of charge.
Initial Impressions
If first impressions are everything, the PlayMakar MVP comes dressed to impress. Opening the box for the first time, we were immediately impressed by the fit and finish–assuming you like black. Yes, the MVP is only available in black, but nonetheless, it’s still a great looking massage gun.
The overall dimensions are a bit smaller than other massage guns we’ve tried and that’s a good thing. The last thing you want is any extra bulk.
To get started using it, simply choose one of the 6 massage heads and firmly attach it to the massager, slide the power switch on under the handle, press the speed selector on the LED screen, and you’re all set to go. You’re going to love the massage experience of the PlayMakar MVP!
Is Using A Massage Gun Effective?
The effectiveness of massage guns is a hotly debated topic. While science does in fact support the efficacy of massage to reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and improve recovery, many argue that it doesn’t specifically include the use of a massage gun.
So while not 100% scientifically conclusive at this time, one thing is for certain, people that use massage guns can’t stop praising them for reducing pain, increasing range of motion, or preventing soreness. Thousands upon thousands of reviews can’t all be wrong, right?
What Buyer’s Are Saying About The PlayMakar MVP Percussion Massager:
“I use this thing on my legs and my back (my weakest areas) all the time to either warm them up or get rid of all that tension from heavy weights. For real, this thing is a lifesaver. And as a plus, it’s actually pretty dang quiet.”
“There are a lot of these floating around on the internet, but I did some research and this offered all the features, without all of the price. Love it.”
Our Verdict
The massage gun from PlayMakar is certainly a compelling choice. It’s made well and offers plenty of percussive power to work out your aches and pains. It comes with more than enough massage heads to target any part of the body that may need it.
Your familiarity with massage guns will ultimately determine your satisfaction with the MVP. If you’re coming from a Theragun, for instance, you’ll immediately notice a difference in power. That’s because the high-end Theragun Pro is $600 and of course has a much stronger motor. However, if this is your first massage gun or you have used one in the same price range, the PlayMakar MVP will more than meet your needs.
Get $10 off with promo code “MGF10” at checkout.
