If you are reading this, then you are most likely deciding whether Rapid Reboot or NormaTec is the better pneumatic compression recovery system for you. As far as compression therapy goes to enhance muscle recovery you cannot go wrong with either Rapid Reboot or NormaTec. Both of these companies remain at the pinnacle of engineering and have both dedicated their lives to helping athletes recover faster. By enhancing blood flow and flushing out toxins, both the NormaTec and Rapid Reboot systems will have you feeling fresh on and off the field.
Our team at Recovery for Athletes is composed of professional athletes who have tried and tested both Rapid Reboot and NormaTec devices. We truly want our customers to pick the best option for their daily routines so we are happy to provide some insight into both of these amazing products.
The Science
As the science into sports recovery equipment and rehabilitation tools skyrockets through the ceiling, both Rapid Reboot and NormaTec founders are creating and innovating fresh ways to making your body a better engine. Both of the products are pneumatic compression devices which means they consist of an inflatable garment for the arm, leg, trunk, or chest and an electrical pneumatic pump that fills each chamber in the garment with compressed air. The garment is intermittently inflated and deflated with cycle times and pressures that vary between devices. While they both technically do the same thing in regards to pneumatic compression therapy, their technologies are a bit different and we will highlight the differences below.
The Benefits of the Rapid Reboot Compression Systems
The team at Rapid Reboot has just added, not just one, but two brand new compression system control units to their quickly swelling list of high-quality compression therapy range.
The Rapid Reboot Regen and Rapid Reboot Genesis.
Both of these new control units not only complement the already well-known Rapid Reboot Classic but they also take all the best parts from their predecessor and step it up with a tonne of brand new features. Many that are now match or beat NormaTec’s control unit.
The Regen and Genesis now both have the ability to be taken on the road with the addition of lithium-ion batteries, they also have Bluetooth capabilities, and, to top it all off, have been fitted with features like Rapid Deflation, Chamber Control, Chamber Isolation, and power-saving modes.
But probably the biggest advantage that the Rapid Reboot systems still hold over the NormaTec Pulse System is they possess close to double the pressure level power the NormaTec does, 0-200mHg of pressure compared to NormaTec’s 110mmHg.
Although not to be outdone, the NormaTec System is still slightly lighter than both the Regen and Genesis. While also having 7 intensity levels at its disposal, a slight advantage over the Regen and Genesis.
And for those that already own a Rapid Reboot system but simply want to upgrade to one of the new control units?
Well, never fear, the Regen and Genesis still seamlessly fit with all the Rapid Reboot compression garments, including the chest and arm, leg, hip, and ankle wraps.
You can pick yourself up a Rapid Reboot Regen for just $1,000 or the Rapid Reboot Genesis for only $700.
Shop Rapid Reboot Recovery Systems
Rapid Reboot GENESIS Complete Compression Recovery Package
Rapid Reboot REGEN Complete Compression Recovery Package
The Benefits of the Normatec Compression Therapy System
Compared to Rapid Reboot, The NormaTec Pulse System does have a higher price tag, however, that number comes with a couple of perks. With a 27% more portable unit (3.5 lbs.), the NormaTec Pulse 2.0 is the newly upgraded, lithium-ion battery-powered unit that all athletes and users can take on the road or keep at home. The NormaTec Pulse 2.0 unit features 3 different key compression techniques including pulsing, distal release and gradients. The pulsing technique, rather than generic rolling compression treatment, creates a muscle pumping action to mimic the body’s natural responses to attacking damaged fibers. Meanwhile, the gradient and distal release aspects keep blood flow from heading in the wrong direction (“backflow”) allowing each segment of your targeted limb to gain maximum recovery without pausing between compression cycles. With a pressure setting of 110 mm/hg, NormaTec does have less pressure, but the ability to run it off a portable battery can definitely be a nice touch.
Shop NormaTec Recovery Systems
Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg Recovery System
Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg and Hip Recovery System
Hyperice Normatec 3 Full Body Recovery System
Who Benefits?
From Canadian League skaters, UFC fighters, Iron Man contenders, NFL players, and NBA superstars, both NormaTec and Rapid Reboot have taken over athletic training facilities and physio rooms to help athletes swing buy and get 20-30 minutes of compression therapy before pursuing their next challenge. If you’re a physiotherapist, a rehab specialist or a strength and conditioning coach, both the NormaTec Pulse 2.0 and the Rapid Reboot Recovery Unit should be on your athletes’ next Christmas list. As Indiana Pacers’ star Myles Turner explains,
“Rapid Reboot has played a tremendous role in my physical stability throughout the season. Being able to use it in the comfort of my home post-game has been amazing for me.”