Roll Recovery R8+ Massage Roller

The Roll Recovery R8+ is a rehabilitation and restoration tool for runners. It is designed to help athletes manage inflammation and soreness after intense workouts.

MSRP: $169

Color: 3 options

I hate foam rolling. I know that it’s good for me. But there’s something about rolling around on the ground while encouraging my muscles to release that just makes me tense. This is one of many reasons why the Roll Recovery R8+ Massage Roller makes a great addition to my home. This recovery tool is an FDA registered medical device that accomplishes many of the same tasks as a foam roller. But instead of rolling around on the ground to use it, you can actively apply this device on problem areas of the body. 

The R8+ comes with a patented integrated mechanism that is hidden in the frame of the massager, and it’s unlike any other recovery tool on the market. It’s also compatible with interchangeable massage heads that provide different textures and feels during massage, which can make it more pleasant to use. 

Good for: Breaking up muscle adhesions and stimulating myofascial release

R8+ Cost & Value

The Roll Recovery R8+ costs $169, which could definitely push some buyers away from the product. Since foam rollers cost anywhere from $15 to $70, it can be hard for some people to justify spending double the amount of money on a tool that does similar things. 

But the R8+ offers users a greater range of applications. It also supports more of an active recovery process than a passive one, which makes it alluring. You can sit on the couch and roll your muscles out with this device, but you wouldn’t be able to do that with a foam roller. Nor could you adjust the pressure for a deep and consistent massage. 

Pressure Adjustability

Ideal for the IT band, quads, glutes, calves, hamstrings, and shins, this massager targets deep tissue by allowing you to adjust the pressure. To increase the pressure, you simply turn the knob on the top of the massager towards the plus sign. Or you can turn it towards the minus sign to lessen the intensity. Anyone who struggles with tight calves know how important moderating pressure can be. And the R8+ makes that part easy. 

Size & Shape

The R8+ weighs about 3 pounds, and measures 12.5 by 9.5 by 2.5 inches. As a TSA approved item, it’s fairly easy to tuck this product into your bag and take it on long trips. Headed to a race? No problem. Your R8+ will be waiting for you at the finish line. Worried about having access to recovery tools while you’re on the go? You don’t have to be with the R8+. One of this product’s many strengths is its compact design, because it can easily be stored in a carry on bag. It’s also durable to withstand the journey. 

Testing

I’ve owned the R8+ for several months. Over the course of time, I’ve used it after long hikes, runs, and weight lifting sessions. I’ve found that the R8+ is most impactful after I get completely obliterated by a hard workout. Applying this tool to the muscles that are most affected seems to enhance mobility, reduce stiffness, and quicken recovery times. 

This product also stands out because it targets adhesions and myofascial release—which typically is only achieved with massage. This means that it may create a greater depth of recovery than some competitive products by enhancing circulation and breaking up problem areas. Finally, I have yet to travel with the R8+, but I love knowing that I can.

Background

I've been (begrudgingly) using foam rollers for about a decade. But this is my first experience with a tool of this type. I've owned it for about 4 months, and used it a few dozen times.