ConsFirst / Massage guns / Compare
Ekrin Athletics B37 vs Bob and Brad Q2 Mini
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Ekrin Athletics B37 ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on power & depth, battery, durability. Bob and Brad Q2 Mini wins on quietness.
The biggest complaint about the Ekrin Athletics B37 is not true deep tissue; for the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini it's shallow, light massage. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Ekrin Athletics B37 | Bob and Brad Q2 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in massage guns | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $ |
| Type | Full-size | Mini |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 5% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.5 |
| Power & depth | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| Quietness | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Ergonomics & weight | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Battery | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Ekrin Athletics B37
- Not true deep tissue
Garage Gym Reviews says that if you want a true deep-tissue treatment you'll want a 16 mm gun; the B37 has 12 mm. It also says the round attachment could be denser.
Source: Garage Gym Reviews - Awkward button and top-heavy feel
Wirecutter says the power/speed button sits on top of the gun, which is less convenient than a thumb button, and the gun felt a tad top-heavy. Garage Gym Reviews says the handle could be longer.
Source: Wirecutter, Garage Gym Reviews - Loud at top speed; auto shut-off
Wirecutter found it quiet on low but had trouble hearing TV on the highest setting. It shuts off after 10 minutes (you can restart it), and the motor warmed slightly in a 15-minute run.
Source: Wirecutter
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini
- Shallow, light massage
GGR's tester says it only feels legit at the top two speeds and isn't the most powerful mini; amplitude is 7 mm. FitnessVolt says it has the lowest power ceiling and isn't for deep glute or quad work.
Source: Garage Gym Reviews, FitnessVolt - Charging and battery gripes
Amazon's review summary says battery life is mixed, with some owners having charging issues. GGR lists slow charging (1.5–2 hours) as a con and scores battery 3/5.
- Short handle
FitnessVolt lists the short handle among its cons.
Source: FitnessVolt
Who should pick which
Pick the Ekrin Athletics B37 if
Buyers who want the longest warranty (lifetime)
Rare charging (8-hour rated battery)
Reaching the upper back or calves with an angled grip
Skip it if: You want the deepest 16 mm stroke; You want speed controls under your thumb; You need it silent at top speed
Pick the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini if
Office or TV-time use
Travel on a budget
Feet, forearms and calves
Skip it if: You want deep glute or quad work; You need a long handle for your back; You hate slow charging
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