When shopping for a massage gun, you'll encounter a range of technical specifications that can seem confusing at first. Terms like "stall force," "amplitude," and "PPM" are thrown around by manufacturers, but what do they actually mean? More importantly, how do these specifications translate to real-world performance and effectiveness?
This guide will demystify the key technical specifications of massage guns, helping you understand what matters most for your specific needs and how to interpret the numbers you'll see in product listings.
Amplitude: The Depth of Penetration
Amplitude, sometimes called "stroke length," is one of the most important specifications to understand. It measures how far the massage head travels with each stroke, typically expressed in millimetres.
What Amplitude Means in Practice
Think of amplitude as the "reach" of each percussion. A higher amplitude means the massage head travels further into your muscle tissue with each stroke. This deeper penetration can be more effective for reaching deep muscle layers and fascia, particularly in larger muscle groups like the glutes, quads, and back.
- Low amplitude (6-10mm): Better for sensitive areas, lighter treatment, and beginners. Common in budget devices and mini massage guns.
- Medium amplitude (10-12mm): A good middle ground suitable for most users and muscle groups.
- High amplitude (12-16mm): Provides deeper tissue penetration. Preferred by athletes, those with dense muscle mass, and for treating large muscle groups.
Theragun popularised 16mm amplitude as the gold standard for professional-grade percussion therapy. This measurement became a benchmark that other manufacturers often compare against. However, 16mm isn't necessarily better for everyone—it's simply one option in the spectrum.
Choosing the Right Amplitude
Consider your body type and intended use:
- Leaner builds: May find high amplitude uncomfortable; 10-12mm often works well
- Athletic/muscular builds: Often benefit from 12-16mm for deeper penetration
- Facial treatment: Low amplitude (6-8mm) with soft attachments
- General home use: 10-12mm provides good versatility
Stall Force: Power Under Pressure
Stall force measures how much pressure you can apply to the massage gun before the motor stops (or "stalls"). It's expressed in pounds or kilograms of force and is crucial for effectiveness on dense muscle tissue.
Why Stall Force Matters
When you press a massage gun into your body, you're working against the motor. If the motor isn't powerful enough, it will slow down or stop entirely when you apply pressure—reducing or eliminating the percussion effect. A higher stall force means you can apply more pressure while maintaining consistent percussion.
- Low stall force (15-25 lbs / 7-11 kg): Fine for light treatment but will stall under moderate pressure. Common in budget devices.
- Medium stall force (25-40 lbs / 11-18 kg): Adequate for most users and applications.
- High stall force (40-60+ lbs / 18-27+ kg): Professional-grade; maintains performance under significant pressure.
Stall force is particularly important if you have dense muscles, want to treat larger muscle groups (glutes, quads), or prefer applying firm pressure. Budget devices with low stall force may work for light use but can be frustrating when treating tight muscles that require more pressure.
Testing Stall Force
Unfortunately, you can't always trust advertised stall force numbers—some manufacturers exaggerate or measure differently. The best test is hands-on: press the running massage gun firmly into a dense surface (like your quad) and see if it maintains consistent speed or noticeably slows down.
Percussions Per Minute (PPM)
PPM, sometimes called RPM (revolutions per minute) or SPM (strokes per minute), measures how many times the massage head impacts tissue per minute. Most devices offer adjustable speed settings with a range of PPM options.
Understanding Speed Ranges
- Low speed (1,400-1,800 PPM): Gentler, good for warm-up, sensitive areas, and recovery
- Medium speed (1,800-2,400 PPM): General use, suitable for most applications
- High speed (2,400-3,200+ PPM): Intense treatment, deep tissue work
More Speed Isn't Always Better
While manufacturers often advertise high maximum speeds, faster isn't inherently more effective. The relationship between speed and effectiveness depends on the specific application:
- Lower speeds may be more effective for relaxation and activating the parasympathetic nervous system
- Medium speeds often provide the best balance of effectiveness and comfort
- Higher speeds can be useful for quick activation before exercise
- Some research suggests moderate frequencies are optimal for pain reduction
Look for a device with multiple speed settings (at least 3-5) rather than focusing solely on maximum speed. The ability to adjust intensity is more valuable than an extremely high top speed you'll rarely use.
Motor Types and Quality
The motor is the heart of any massage gun, and not all motors are created equal. Understanding motor types can help you assess device quality.
Brushless vs Brushed Motors
- Brushless motors: More efficient, longer-lasting, quieter, and better at maintaining speed under load. Found in premium devices.
- Brushed motors: Less expensive, shorter lifespan, louder, and may lose speed under pressure. Common in budget devices.
Motor Quality Indicators
- Noise level: Quality motors run quieter. Anything under 60dB is considered quiet.
- Heat: Poor motors overheat with extended use
- Consistency: Quality motors maintain speed under pressure
- Longevity: Premium motors are rated for more hours of operation
Noise Levels
Noise is a practical consideration that affects when and where you can use your device. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB).
- Quiet (under 50dB): Conversational volume; won't disturb others nearby
- Moderate (50-60dB): Similar to a normal conversation; noticeable but not disruptive
- Loud (60-70dB+): Like a vacuum cleaner; can be disruptive in quiet environments
Premium devices typically operate in the 40-55dB range, while budget options often exceed 60dB. If you plan to use your massage gun at the gym, office, or early morning/late night at home, noise level becomes an important consideration.
Battery Specifications
Battery Life
Battery life is usually advertised in minutes of operation, but these figures often represent best-case scenarios (lowest speed, minimal pressure). Expect real-world usage at moderate settings to be 60-75% of advertised times.
- Basic (60-120 minutes): Adequate for personal use
- Standard (120-180 minutes): Good for regular users
- Extended (180-300+ minutes): Ideal for heavy users or professionals
Charging Time
Modern devices typically charge fully in 1.5-3 hours. Some premium models offer quick charging features that provide usable charge in 15-30 minutes.
Removable vs Built-in Batteries
- Removable batteries: Can be swapped for continuous use; replacement available when battery degrades
- Built-in batteries: Often more compact design; battery replacement may require manufacturer service
Putting It All Together
Specification Profiles
Here's how different user needs align with specifications:
Amplitude: 8-12mm | Stall Force: 25-35 lbs | Speeds: 3-5 | Priority: Ease of use, quiet operation, affordability
Amplitude: 10-14mm | Stall Force: 35-45 lbs | Speeds: 5+ | Priority: Versatility, durability, good battery life
Amplitude: 12-16mm | Stall Force: 45-60+ lbs | Speeds: 5+ | Priority: Maximum power, professional features, durability
Beyond the Numbers
While specifications provide useful comparison points, they don't tell the whole story. Factors like build quality, ergonomics, attachment variety, warranty support, and overall user experience also matter significantly.
Use specifications as a starting point for comparison, but don't get so caught up in numbers that you overlook practical considerations. A device with slightly lower specs that feels comfortable in your hand and comes from a reputable manufacturer may serve you better than a spec-sheet winner with poor ergonomics and questionable quality control.
Remember: the best massage gun is one you'll actually use regularly. Consider how the specifications align with your specific needs, and prioritise the features that matter most for your intended use.