I’ve used Garmin products like their Approach R10 launch monitor and Z82 Rangefinder for years.

I’ve even reviewed watches like the Approach S42 and the fantastic S62.

But for as good as all of those products are, none of them were life-changing for me.

Life-changing, that’s a bold statement.

I review golf products, nothing should really be life changing.

But when I first used the Approach S70 watch – I found myself wanting to continue wearing it.

As a golf watch, it’s arguably the best on the market.

But it was all of the additional health and fitness features that hooked me.

In-depth running analysis. Sleep Tracking. Body Battery. Stress levels.

It was giving me real data about my body in real time, in a way that was far more useful than the “rings” I’d become accustomed to on my Apple Watch (which I wore daily for over 3 years).

Fast forward 8 months later.

I’ve upgraded from the S70 to the Epix Gen 2, which is even more feature-heavy.

I’ve ditched my Apple Watch completely, and I’ve begun making the Garmin Connect app a core function of my daily life and fitness journey.

The habits, routines, and products in my life have all changed because of Garmin. So yeah, you could say, it’s been life-changing.

This leads us to today and the next step of that journey: The Index S2 scale.

What is the Garmin Index S2 Scale?

At this point, I’m committed to giving Garmin as much data as I can about my health and fitness.

I’m all in.

For months, I’d weigh myself at the gym and manually update it in the Connect app.

That works, but in terms of getting as much data as possible on a regular basis, I knew it was time to invest in the Garmin Index S2.

This is Garmin’s smart scale. Once set up, it will automatically connect with your Garmin Connexct account and update each time you weigh in. What’s great is that it provides far more than just weight. The metrics it will give you each time you step on the scale are:

• Weight
• Weight Trend
• Body Mass Index
• Body Fat Percentage
• Skeletal Muscle Mass
• Bone Mass
• Body Water Percentage

Will most of us really need to know all of this on a daily basis? No. But is it helpful to have that info to track long-term trends? Definitely.

But the real question here is how well does it work? At $149 it’s certainly not the cheapest scale, so is it worth the money? I’ll answer all these questions and more in this Garmin Index S2 Review.

First Impressions of the Garmin Index S2 Scale

Out of the box, the scale is presented exactly how I would have expected.

Garmin is very consistent with their packaging, and nearly every Garmin product I’ve used has the same grey motif on the box, and the same high-quality presentation inside.

Nothing is over the top or particularly noteworthy. It’s not necessarily an Apple-like experience, but when you first open it, it feels like you’re getting a high-end product.

The scale itself is very good-looking as far as scales go. I’m not sure there is such a thing as a “sexy-looking scale,” but I think this is about as close as you’ll find to that.

While I opted for the black motif, it also comes in white as well.

In the box, you’ll find the scale, instruction manual, 4 batteries, and 4 risers in case you want to use your scale on carpet.

Setting Up the Garmin Index S2

Once I had the batteries in and turned the scale on, I found the setup process to be super seamless. I followed the prompts on the scale and in the Garmin Connect app to connect it to my phone – and it worked exactly as it should.

In less than 5 minutes I was paired and ready to weigh in.

I’ve read some other reviews where people had trouble setting up additional Garmin users on the same scale.

My wife is not a Garmin user, but I created an account for her just to test this out.

And personally, I didn’t have the same experience as others. It was pretty straightforward, and I was able to get her going in about as much time as it took me to get setup with my info.

Best Smart Scale

Garmin Index S2 Smart Scale

$139.99

If you're in the Garmin Eco-system and want to capture as much data as possible, then the Index S2 is a no-brainer. I've had a wonderful experience and have found it to be worth the premium price tag.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Garmin

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06/12/2025 08:01 pm GMT

Using the Index S2 Scale

One cool feature is that the scale can automatically detect who is using the scale.

So when you step on it, it will provide your weight and then show your name in big text after. It confirms it’s you, and then will display all of your additional data metrics.

If you don’t care about seeing, say, your skeletal muscle mass on a daily basis, you can set it to just show weight, which I imagine many people will do.

The screen isn’t huge, but it’s plenty bright, and is clear enough easily read. The fact it’s a color screen is a nice touch.

One feature I’ve found oddly useful is after weighing in and showing my weight metrics, it will also show the day’s weather.

Considering I weigh in first thing in the morning after I get out of bed, it’s nice to know what to expect for the day.

I’ve only been using the Index S2 for about 3 weeks, so I can’t properly speak to the 9-month battery life – but as long as it gets somewhere near that, I don’t have any concerns about battery life.

Accuracy of the Index S2 Scale

One of the big questions you’re likely going to ask about the Garmin Index S2 scale is “is it accurate?”

Weight should be a no-brainer. If a scale can’t get weight right, then there are larger issues at play.

But when it comes down to the science and tech of accurately measuring things like body fat % and muscle mass, that’s where things get trickier.

As far as weight goes, on 3 separate days I’ve weighed myself and then gone to the gym and weighed myself on their far more expensive commercial scale – and it’s always been within .2 pounds every time.

So as far as weight is concerned, it feels very accurate.

But how does it get data for things like body fat? In Garmin’s words:

“The Garmin Index smart scale uses bioelectrical impedance to calculate your body composition. The device sends a small amount of electrical current (which you will not feel) from one foot through your body to the other foot. The device measures the electrical signal after it passes through your body to estimate aspects of your body composition.”

I can confirm you don’t feel anything. It feels just like you’re standing on every other scale.

To be perfectly honest, I haven’t gone and gotten professional measurements for any of these additional metrics – so I can’t truthfully tell you if these are accurate or not.

What I will say is that my body fat % is exactly where I expected it to be based on where I’m at from a weight and fitness perspective.

While I’m making health a priority in 2025, I’m not an elite athlete. I don’t need to know these numbers week in and week out with extreme accuracy.

I’m happy to use them as benchmarks, and hope to improve upon them relative to each other.

So if the body fat percentage is a little off, but I can see the trend moving in the right direction? Great, that’s what I personally need.

To be clear, from everything I’ve seen and used with this scale, I have no reason to believe the Index S2 isn’t giving me very accurate numbers. I just know this happens to be a discussion point for all scales like this, and wanted to address it.

At some point soon I plan to get some more professional tests done, such as a DEXA scan, so when I do that I’ll update with how those numbers compare to what I’ve gotten from the scale.

The Garmin Connect App

I love how easy the Connect app makes it easy to see your weight, additional metrics, and trends.

You can easily see graphs for the day, week, month, or year.

If you’re actively trying to lose weight, you can set a “weight goal” for a visual reference of where you’re trying to get compared to where you are.

One thing I personally like about the scale itself, is when it displays your weight it also shows you the +/- difference compared to where you were during your last weigh-in. You can turn this off, but I’ve found it to be helpful and motivating from a diet and exercise standpoint.

You can also see this within the app for each weigh-in.

Final Thoughts on the Garmin Index S2 Scale

The bottom line is the Garmin Index S2 scale has been fantastic for me, and it’s done exactly what I bought it for.

It allows me to track my weight more consistently and conveniently within the Garmin app and eco-system.

It gives me even more data points which enable me to track, measure, and improve my health and fitness.

While yes, the Index S2 has been out for a few years now, it still feels just as relevant and up-to-date as ever in 2024. So I wouldn’t let the fact it’s not a “new” product deter you. After all, it’s a scale – it’s not like you’re going to see revolutionary new product features on a super regular basis.

As I enter into middle age, this is something that is on my mind more and more – and I’ve been excited by how many features I continue to discover with my Garmin products.

Are there scales that can offer more for less? Yep. There are plenty of scales out there that give even more metrics for much less money.

But if you’re in the Garmin eco-system, and it’s important to track your body composition over the long term, there’s simply no better product out there that will allow you to do it. 

Update December 2024: Yep, Still Fantastic

I’ve been using this scale daily for about a year now, and it does everything I’d hoped it would do.

Every morning I step on it, and it automatically sends my weight, BMI, bone density etc. straight to the Garmin connect app. 

It’s made it much easier to track trends overtime, and I really enjoy how it factors in to my “Fitness Age” as it gives me a bit more of a fun goal to work on when it comes to my fitness.

Are there other scales out there that can do more, for a lot less money? Yes.

But if you’re a Garmin user and convenience and connectivity is your primary goal? This is the only scale you should consider.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

Recent Updates:

December 2nd, 2024: Added a one-year long term use update. Updated dates and pricing for accuracy.

Best Smart Scale

Garmin Index S2 Smart Scale

$139.99

If you're in the Garmin Eco-system and want to capture as much data as possible, then the Index S2 is a no-brainer. I've had a wonderful experience and have found it to be worth the premium price tag.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Garmin

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

06/12/2025 08:01 pm GMT

The post Garmin Index S2 Review: Is this Smart Scale Still Worth it in 2025? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Now at almost 30 years of age with increasingly tight muscles (no thanks to years of me neglecting them), I’ve begun to care a little bit more about this obviously important part of my health, mainly utilizing both my Theragun Mini and foam roller, and even booking the occasional massage.

Still, I was on the hunt for something just a little more than what my trusty tools had to offer.

Enter the Chirp RPM.

When I heard about how it was essentially all of the best parts of a massage gun and foam roller in a more robust package, I knew I had to try it.

What is the Chirp RPM?

While Chirp is probably best known for their innovative massage wheel that gained initial popularity on Shark Tank for being extremely effective while utilizing no technology whatsoever, the Chirp RPM signifies the company’s sizable step into the automated muscle recovery tool space.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who initially thought that the “RPM” in the name stands for the usual “Revolutions Per Minute”, especially given the unit’s unique shape/design that is akin to an oversized futuristic kitchen rolling pin with eight additional beaded rollers that make up the middle of the body. 

In this case, the “RPM” actually stands for “Rolling Percussive Massager”, which is a much more adequate descriptor for the unit.

When the unit is on, the beaded rollers in the middle of the unit spin freely, while the larger main cylinder that houses them also rotates on a motor at differing speeds. It has five separate speeds in which it spins, with 1 being the least intense and 5 being the most intense. It also has a switch that can reverse the direction that it spins.

Simply turn the power on, press and hold the Start Trigger, select your speed, reverse the direction if you’d like, and apply to where you need it. 

That’s it. It’s really as simple as that.

Chirp RPM Percussive Massager

$249

The Chirp RPM is a unique blend of percussive massager and foam roller in one. The power behind it is nuts, and we've found it especially therapeutic on our feet and quads.

Buy from Chirp

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

First Impressions of the Chirp RPM

Presented in simple, neat, and attractive light blue packaging, the Chirp RPM was incredibly easy to unbox and get rolling (pun intended).

The directions for use are fairly simple and are printed inside the packaging itself for quick and easy reference. It takes next to no time to get the hang of using it, but since I naively thought the stand was simply part of the packaging initially, it took me visiting the Chirp website to see that the stand is actually meant be used in conjunction with the unit to stabilize it while on the ground. 

I’ll chalk that one up to user error.

The unit itself is fairly cumbersome, measuring just about 20 inches long, 5 inches wide in the middle, and 7 inches tall when propped up on its stand. It’s also not exactly the lightest recovery tool out there, weighing in at a fairly hefty 3.7 pounds without the stand and just about 5 pounds with the stand.

While I likely won’t be taking this with me on any ski trips to recover after long days on the slopes, it’s a great addition to my home recovery regimen.

My initial thought upon unboxing the Chirp RPM was that the handles, buttons, and casing felt high quality and worthy of the price point, but the plastic beaded rollers in the middle left a little to be desired. 

That said, once I started actually using the unit it became clear that the plastic is indeed high quality and well-made, albeit a little hard (more on that later).

Now it was finally time to see if this thing could really loosen up these tight muscles of mine.

Using the Chirp RPM – Does it Really Work? 

The main knock on traditional massage guns is their effective area of impact, usually only offering a few square inches of area to work with. 

The Chirp RPM has you covered there. Literally.

With the rollers being just a hair over 7” long and the main cylinder offering an aforementioned diameter of 5”, the Chirp RPM does a masterful job of covering larger swaths of muscles – mainly your back, calves, quads, forearms, and feet. 

Oh man does it work well on your feet. More on that in a bit.

My quads tend to be one of the areas that need the most help loosening up, so it was a natural spot to start with the Chirp RPM. Using the unit in the same way that I would if I was trying to roll my upper leg into dough for a pizza, I cranked the setting up to the third level of intensity and began rolling.

Okay, the third level is indeed powerful. A little too much so for an initial introduction. I bumped it down to the second level, which gave me more of the ideal hurts-so-good effect. 

Yeah, this thing works and works well.

I continued to free-wheel with it more on my quads and eventually moved onto my calves and the back of my neck. 

I attempted to use it on more of my upper body, but due to the nature of the unit I found it a little difficult to apply the right pressure in some of the harder-to-reach spots, especially when having to use one hand.

As I had previously mentioned, it took some digging for me to discover that the stand works in conjunction with the unit (again, user error. Duh!), but once that discovery was made, it led to one of my favorite uses for the Chirp RPM.

Hands-free foot massage. 

To get the unit into hands-free mode, place it on the stand with the Start Trigger facing down so that the stand compresses the button, then simply hit the Power button and the rollers will automatically start spinning.

For me, this is almost worth the price of the unit alone.

As someone who has high arches in their feet and who will almost certainly struggle with plantar fasciitis at some point down the line, my feet tend to take a beating. One of my main uses for my Theragun Mini is for my feet, but if that’s all I used it for, then I could almost throw it away entirely for the Chirp RPM. 

After a few minutes in hurts-so-good foot massage nirvana, my feet were feeling looser than they’ve been in months. 

As good as it feels, I did find to use the Chirp RPM for this sparingly, as it can make your feet pretty sore if they’re not used to it (I found that out the hard way). That said, this will be part of my weekly recovery routine, as it’s entirely too easy to simply place my feet on the unit for a few minutes while watching TV or reading a book.

The hands-free aspect of the Chirp RPM also works well for calves, back, and forearm recovery, but as I said, the way it works on feet is almost worth the price in and of itself. 

Chirp RPM vs. Theragun Mini

As I had mentioned earlier, my main home recovery tool for years now has been the Theragun Mini – something we’ve actually reviewed on the site before. 

While the Theragun Mini may be more akin to the Chirp RPM Mini (which I have not seen in the metal yet), it’s still worth comparing the Theragun Mini to the full-sized Chirp RPM.

First things first, there will obviously be a big size difference here. I find that the Theragun Mini is great to travel with, as it comes with me on just about every golf or ski trip that I go on (unless I forget it by accident, which does happen!). 

Contrarily, it wouldn’t be an easy task to pack up the Chirp RPM and lug it through TSA or even pack it in a suitcase, so it will stay as the keystone part of my home regimen.

Coming with the territory of simply being a larger unit, the Chirp RPM is also considerably louder than the Theragun Mini. The Theragun isn’t necessarily quiet either, but I would feel a little more comfortable using it in a more public space than the RPM.

The main thing that the Chirp RPM has going for it vs. the Theragun Mini is the pure surface area of muscle that it can cover. Just one bead on one of the rollers on the Chirp RPM is about the same size as the effective area of the Theragun Mini, so for widespread relief and recovery, the Chirp RPM beats the Theragun handily. 

While I think it would be more fitting to compare the Chirp RPM to the full-sized Theragun and then compare the Mini versions of each, but since I haven’t properly used a full-sized Theragun or the Mini RPM I’m simply working off what I have.

That said, any athlete would have a lot of their recovery needs met between the Chirp RPM as a home unit and the Theragun Mini for travel. I know that’s how I’ll continue to use my dynamic duo going forward.

Final Thoughts on the Chirp RPM

While the Chirp RPM will no doubt become a mainstay in my weekly home recovery regimen, that’s not to say it’s without a few factors that could be improved upon.

As mentioned earlier, it’s relatively clunky compared to other massage guns. Its weight and size can make it seem a little unwieldy, which may be a detractor for some looking to use it to travel with or get some hard-to-reach spots on their upper bodies. 

It is worth noting again that Chirp makes a more compact RPM that I’m sure provides a nice complement to its big brother, and I would think would be worth checking out if the size of the standard RPM is a worrying point.

It’s also a little on the noisier side, which is not necessarily a detractor for me but worth pointing out. It’s nothing cranking the TV up a notch or two while using can’t nullify, though.

Finally, the plastic beaded rollers are made of hard plastic. They’ll have no issue digging through the deepest of tissue (especially on the higher intensity settings), but part of me wonders what the unit would be like if it utilized a firm rubber similar to the tips on other massage guns instead of the hard plastic.

That said, once your comfort zone with the intensity and pressure levels, the s really works wonders on muscles past the extent that traditional massage guns or foam rollers do.

At $250, the Chirp RPM is certainly on the more cost effective side of recovery tools and for me, the price feels right here. 

I’m hard-pressed to think of a recovery tool that provides relief for large swaths of muscle with ease, and I envision the Chirp RPM being the perfect tool for hardcore athletes who are consistently logging lots of miles, lifting lots of weight, or otherwise straining muscles on a weekly basis. 

If you’re serious about your muscle recovery or, in my case, want to squelch plantar fasciitis symptoms before they become too big of an issue in the future, I would highly suggest picking one up and getting rolling. You won’t regret it.

Chirp RPM Percussive Massager

$249

The Chirp RPM is a unique blend of percussive massager and foam roller in one. The power behind it is nuts, and we've found it especially therapeutic on our feet and quads.

Buy from Chirp

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, we may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post Is the Chirp RPM the Best Recovery Tool Under $300? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

For the last five years or so I’ve made comments about how “I really need to start stretching more.” 

Or “I should work on my posture to avoid back problems later on.”

And for the duration of those five years, I’ve promptly ignored all of the advice I’ve continued to give myself on the topic.

This year, however, things are different.

Since having my first kid a couple years ago, I’ve noticed some fairly significant back pain.

I don’t know if it’s due to carrying her around, my hideous golf swing, or just getting older, but for the first time in my life, I’ve been legitimately concerned about it.

For the past month, I’ve built a great daily stretching routine that has helped, but I’ve also had numerous people tell me: “You should get a Theragun.”

I’ve talked to a number of people who swear by their Theraguns for recovery, and I’ve always been intrigued. 

There have also been a number of blog readers who have asked if I thought it was worth the investment, so the time seemed right to give it a shot for myself.

Today we’re doing a Theragun Mini review. We’re going to look into what it is, who it’s for, and if it does what it says it’s going to do.

Sound good? Let’s dive in.

What is a Theragun?

So first off, what is a Theragun? A Theragun is a percussive therapy device that is supposed to help penetrate deep into your muscles in a way that helps your muscles recover faster, while reducing soreness in the process.

Ok….so then what is percussive therapy exactly?

Basically, imagine a jackhammer going to work on your muscles. Essentially it’s using a pounding, vibrating device (ahem, like a Theragun) to reach deep into your soft tissue to aid in recovery. It’s thought that this works better than typical methods like human hands or foam rolling because it can penetrate deeper than those can.

To me? It simply looked like a very powerful massage tool. But honestly? That’s exactly what I was looking for, so I’ve been very excited to try it out.

First Impressions: Theragun Branding is Spot On

The Theragun currently comes in 5 different models. The Pro Plus, Sense, Elite, Prime, and Mini. With the Pro being the most feature-heavy, most powerful, and also the most expensive.

They then go down the line in cost, while removing some power and a feature or two from each one.

For my first foray into percussive therapy, I got a Theragun Mini.

This is one of their latest models, while also being their smallest.

The Mini was appealing to me, as it seemed like something I could travel with, or when I was having particularly bad back issues, I might even consider throwing it in the golf bag.

The first thing I noticed when the box arrived was that it was heavier than I expected to be. While the Mini is certainly smaller than its siblings, it’s still a pretty beefy device.

The packaging is very well done, and you definitely feel like you’re getting a high-end tech product as you open the box.

In the box, they kept it to the essentials:

• Theragun Mini
• Padded Case
• Power Cord
• Instructions

The Theragun Mini itself feels very well made, and as I mentioned, has a nice weight to it. Just by holding it, you get the sense that it will have no issues going to town on your muscles.

It only weighs in at 1.4 pounds, but it feels more substantial than that.

The Mini comes with the standard ball attachment, whereas more expensive models come with a variety of other attachments. For what I’m using it for, I don’t necessarily see a huge need for the other attachments, however.

Best Recovery Tool

Theragun Mini - Portable Muscle Treatment Massage Gun

$199.99

I wasn't sure I believed the hype of the Theragun until I used it for a few weeks myself. For the price of a single massage at a fancy resort, you get nearly all the benefits, in a portable package that will last you for years.

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

06/12/2025 11:01 pm GMT

Theragun Mini Performance: This thing works.

When I first started using my Theragun, I honestly wasn’t entirely sure where to start. I’ve never used a device like this, so I downloaded the Therabody app, which was recommended in the instruction packet.

They renamed their company a while back to better align with their goals and increased product scope moving forward.

The app is great if you’re new to percussive therapy, and it has a wide range of timed routines you can use in order to make sure you’re getting the most out of your device, and you know, not hurting yourself in the process.

The Mini has three speeds and can do 20lbs in applied pressure without slowing down. 

As a comparison, the other models can do 30 for the Prime, 40 for the Elite, and 60 lbs of applied pressure for the Pro.

The directive is to “Float” the device around the body in order to loosen the muscles and have it do its thing. I did notice that with the Mini you do notice it slow down a bit if you really try and apply a ton of pressure. So if you’re looking to truly do deep tissue work with the device, you may want to opt for one of the more expensive models

For my first foray with the Theragun I did a 4 minute “Work from Home” routine, that had me working my forearms, traps, and lower back.

Within seconds of putting this thing on my back, it was clear the hype was real: this “little” thing is powerful.

I had it on the lowest power mode, and even at that, I felt like my muscles were getting the attention they’ve been needing for years.

Over the past week, I’ve used the Theragun daily. I’ve done the “Golf Warm-up” and “Golf Recovery” courses, and done the same for swimming. 

The courses all start to feel a little similar after a while, but I do appreciate the direction and the timer that the app provides when using the Theragun.

After a week of use? I truly feel as though I’m able to perform better and with less pain after using it.

Now, I’m making myself sound more frail than I actually am. But combining regular stretches, with 5-10 minutes of the Theragun into my day, I’m finding myself feeling less sore and more flexible than I’ve been in years.

Battery Life is Great

The Theragun Mini is rated for a 2.5 hour battery life, and in my experience, it gets at least that. This is great because you’re never using it for more than 10-15 minutes at a time, and when using it around the house, it’s very easy to plug back in.

But the battery life is good enough that if I did want to take it with me to the golf course, or on a long weekend – I could legitimately do that without needing to bring the charger (more on that below.)

Related: Chirp Back Roller Review

Best Recovery Tool

Theragun Mini - Portable Muscle Treatment Massage Gun

$199.99

I wasn't sure I believed the hype of the Theragun until I used it for a few weeks myself. For the price of a single massage at a fancy resort, you get nearly all the benefits, in a portable package that will last you for years.

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

06/12/2025 11:01 pm GMT

A Few Notes About My Real-Life Experience

I’m legitimately a fan of the Theragun, and it’s lived up to all of the expectations I’ve had for it. I’m looking forward to trying one of their more expensive models sometime soon to see if the added price is actually worthwhile for the average person.

But I figured I’d take a minute just to give you some quick bullet-point thoughts about my experience.

Good Vibrations

It doesn’t take long to realize that this thing packs a punch. But along with that, the entire device can be quite aggressive with its vibrations when you’re using it. I haven’t dropped it yet, but I could see a scenario where you’re on one of the higher settings, and it’d be possible to lose your grip due to the vibrating.

This is where the Mini is a double-edged sword. Its smaller size makes it more versatile, and likely easier to help reach certain spots, but since it doesn’t have a dedicated handle, it isn’t quite as easy to hold on when at full power.

Certain Areas are Hard to Reach

Even with its compact size, there are still areas that are awkward or difficult to reach. If you’re trying to massage the square of your upper back, it can be a little tricky to find the right spot. If you have a significant other who can help with this, it certainly makes things easier.

90% of areas are no problem on your own, but the heavy vibrations and lack of a handle can make getting to those tougher spots on your back a challenge.

I Would Have Preferred USB-C

This isn’t a huge deal, but I’d prefer to see a USB-C wall charger, rather than the dedicated power charger it comes with. It’s worth noting, the more recent Theragun Mini 2.0 does have USB-C, but if you’re getting the older model, this is missing.

Power Only an Issue for the Deepest Work

Let’s get one thing straight: the Theragun Mini is powerful. The more I use it after workouts, you realize just how beneficial it can be on your muscles.

But like I mentioned above, if you’re really trying to push it deep into your back, it can hang up with its power rating of 20 applied pounds. I think even the prime at 30 would be just enough more to keep this from being an issue for most people.

And the Pro at 60 is overkill, but I could see this being the one area where someone might feel disappointed if they bought it specifically for that really deep work.

It’s Quiet

Up to this point, the Theragun Mini is the only massage gun I’ve used. But I’ve heard that many of these devices can be quite noisy.

While this isn’t dead silent, I certainly wouldn’t call it loud. I’d have no issues using it around other people without fear of them getting annoyed.

I’ll update this as a I review more products and get a better sense of how it compares, but the noise level is not an issue with the Theragun Mini.

Final Impressions of the Theragun Mini

The Theragun Mini was everything I hoped it would be. If you’re someone who wants the recovery benefits on a regular massage, without having to break the bank – a Theragun is absolutely something you should consider.

Golf is considered a sport you can play for your entire life. That’s true, but if you really want to be able to play it pain-free for years to come, you have to take care of your body in the process.

I’m just now starting to do that. Tools like the Ooler for sleep recovery, and the Whoop for tracking my recoveries have been excellent.

But the Theragun is hands down the most directly beneficial yet. The $200-600 price tag is expensive on the surface. Yet, the price is justified when you think about how much money it has the potential to save you in the long run.

If you’ve been considering a massage gun, I absolutely think it’s worth giving the Theragun Mini a serious look.

November 2023: Long Term Update – It’s Still Great

It’s been over two years since I initially reviewed the Theragun Mini, and I’ve good news: it’s still great.

I wanted to do a quick update about my experience with this device.

28 months later?

I’m still just as much a fan of this as I was when I first started reviewing it – in fact, probably more so.

There are many more expensive and powerful products in the Theragun lineup, but for me? The Mini does everything I need.

I’m able to keep it in my suitcase and travel with it on long golf trips. The battery life is great.

And I still use it 3-4 times a week to help with recovery and relaxation. As I continue to get older percussive therapy with a device like this will continue to be a part of my routine – and I honestly haven’t found myself wanting (or needing) any of the fancy additional features other more expensive models have.

It’s been extremely durable and reliable, which would be my hesitation for other similar products from lesser-known brands.

Moral of the story? Still great, highly recommended.

But to make it even better, Therabody has updated the Theragun Mini to have a new 2.0 version. It’s mostly the exact same device but it has USB-C, as well as it now comes with 3 different foam attachments for some additional flexibility. 

That said, if you’re looking for something a little bit different and has the ability to provide a different type of massage, you might consider the newer Chirp RPM. And if you like more of an analog product, the Chirp Wheel system is also super effective as well.

Best Recovery Tool

Theragun Mini - Portable Muscle Treatment Massage Gun

$199.99

I wasn't sure I believed the hype of the Theragun until I used it for a few weeks myself. For the price of a single massage at a fancy resort, you get nearly all the benefits, in a portable package that will last you for years.

Buy on Amazon

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06/12/2025 11:01 pm GMT

Recent Updates:

October 19th, 2024: Added comparisons to Chirp RPM as well as Chirp Wheel. Lowered score 1 point each for personal affinity and price, after reassessing other products on the market.

The post Theragun Mini Review: The Best Massage Gun for Most People? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

I ended up investing in the Ooler Sleep System by Sleep.Me, and I used it every night for 3 years.

Overall, I had a good experience with it.

Sure it never quite got as cold as I wanted it to, there’s been some reliability issues, and it’s a little louder than I’d prefer – but it did a pretty good job of helping aid my sleep.

About two years ago, I started hearing more and more about the Eight Sleep System. I’d been considering upgrading my Ooler for a while to their Dock Pro system, but the more I heard about Eight Sleep the more curious I became.

I decided to pick up an Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover, and I’ve used it consistently at home ever since.

I feel like this is where I should add a little bit of mystery to keep you engaged, but honestly, I can’t. 

This product is SO good. 

SO SO good.

It legitimately blows away my Sleepme product in nearly every category.

BUT, it’s not perfect.

If you’ve been in the market for a temperature-regulated sleep system, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know in this Eight Sleep Pod Cover review.

I’m going to tell you what I love about it, what I don’t, and I’ll make some direct comparisons to the Ooler and BedJet systems which are among the biggest competitors to Eight Sleep.

Ready to get going? Me too, I’m excited for this one.

What is the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover?

The Eight Sleep Pod Cover is essentially a super high-tech mattress pad with two main functions.

The first is it regulates temperature using water. The pad has tiny tubes built into it that will send water throughout the entire pad. This can be set to as hot as 110 degrees, as cold as 55, and anywhere in between.

There’s a single dock that controls this, and each Eight Sleep has dual side controls. Meaning, you and your significant other can each have totally different temperatures on your own sides of the bed.

The second major feature of the Eight Sleep is non-wearable sleep tracking.

For the last year I’ve been wearing my Garmin watch to bed because the sleep tracking is so impressive on the watch (I’ve found this to be the case regardless of whether I’ve used the S70, Epix 2, or now, Fenix 8.)

The Eight Sleep has sensors built in throughout the entire pad to garner all of the same information as my watch, without having to wear anything.

Data like wakeup times, sleep cycles, HRV, breathing rate, and more, are all calculated while you sleep.

If you’re trying to optimize your recovery, get deeper sleep, or simply be more comfortable in bed? There’s a very good chance the Eight Sleep Pod was made for you.

Choosing the Right Eight Sleep Product for You

Similar to the SleepMe Ooler I had before, you have a few options when purchasing an Eight Sleep product.

First off, there’s the Eight Sleep Mattress. This essentially has all of the same functions and features as the cover we’re talking about today, but is an entire mattress.

I’m perfectly happy with my mattress, so I didn’t feel the need to go through the extra hassle or expense of buying this.

There are currently 3 different cover options:

• Pod 3 Cover – The last generation cover and dock, and is what I’ve personally been using for 2 years.
• Pod 4 Cover – This features 2x more cooling power over the 3, is quieter, is more comfortable, has a tap-to-control feature on the side of the cover.
• Pod 4 Ultra – Everything in the Pod 4, but includes an adjustable base for snoring mitigation and reading

This review is based on two years of using the Pod 3 cover, but I have a very good sense of what the Pod 4 brings to the table and will be able to help you figure out if it’s right for you.

Depending on your bed size, you can save $300-400 if you go with the Pod 3, over the newer 4. But if you want the Ultra, the price jumps up significantly.

Personally, I look at this system as an investment in my long-term sleep health. So while saving a few hundred bucks is nice, and I’m perfectly happy with my Pod 3, I’d opt for the Pod 4 cover if I were buying it now.

Best Sleep System

Eight Sleep Pod System

$2,295+

Quite simply, this is the single best investment you could make for your sleep - it's that good. It's expensive, but worth it.

Buy Now from Eight Sleep

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

First Impressions of the Eight Sleep Cover

My Eight Sleep Pod 3 arrived very quickly, just a few days after ordering it. It showed up in two separate boxes, one for the dock, and one for the cover itself.

I never really thought my Ooler felt cheap, but I think this was partly because I’d never used any other similar product.

As soon as I took out both the dock and the mattress pad, I was legitimately surprised by how high quality it is.

Especially the cover itself. It is night and day better than the Sleepme system I had previously.

The Sleepme pad goes over the top of your existing mattress pad and uses elastic straps to attach around the corners of the bed. One of those broke immediately upon installing it.

The Pod 3 cover with PerfectFit is a full cover that fits over the entirety of your mattress. It’s softer and the dark grey color feels much classier than with my Ooler. 

The hoses that attach to the dock are way more robust than I expected them to be as well.

The Pod 3 is an expensive product at over $2,000. But my first impression of it was that it truly looks and feels the part.

My Ooler was close to $1500 when I bought it, so not that much cheaper. And the Eight Sleep blows it out of the water in terms of fit and finish.

If you’re on a budget, then check out our BedJet 3 review.

Setting Up the Eight Sleep: Easier than Expected

I’d read a few other reviews of the Eight Sleep before I received mine, and a number of them talked about having a pretty nightmarish setup process.

So I was prepared for the worst, and made sure I gave myself ample time to do it.

Honestly? The hardest part was getting the boxes open! They packaged those things really well…

The first thing you’ll do is download the Eight Sleep app and sign up for your account.

The app walks you through every single step of the process, and doing it is very intuitive and easy to follow.

Getting the cover on my bed was super easy. You put the hoses behind your headboard, and then place it on the bed just as you would any other mattress pad. It fits very snug and was easy to get all the wrinkles out and get it totally flat. This is necessary both for comfort as well as to ensure proper sleep and biometric tracking.

From there, everything was pretty obvious: Plug in the power to the dock, attach the hoses, connect to WiFi, and fill the tank up with water.

From the time I entered my room to the time it was setup probably took about half an hour.

It does take a few hours to properly prime the Pod 3 with water to be ready for sleep, so for optimal results do it earlier in the day.

When you set up your account, you can add the email of your significant other, and it will allow them to setup an account so they can control their side of the Eight Sleep and get tracking info.

Using the Eight Sleep Pod 3

Overall I’ve been really impressed with the app experience of the Eight Sleep system – and they’ve continued to make updates which have enhanced the usability and added features.

For instance, I now have snoring detection with my Pod 3. A feature I thought was only going to be reserved for the newer Pod 4.

As with any app, it can take a little bit of time to understand where everything is and how it works, but the learning curve is minimal.

One thing I love about the Pod 3 vs. the Ooler is the fact it’s WiFi rather than just Bluetooth.

There were so many times I wanted to turn on my Ooler to get it ready to go, but I was out of Bluetooth range and couldn’t.

With the Eight Sleep, I can turn it on and set the temperature from anywhere I want.

Eight Sleep Pod 3 AutoPilot

That said, to get the most out of the system you can set it up with timers and alarms.

This will set your bed to your perfect temperature an hour before your regular bedtime.

The scheduling works very well, and is easy to use. You can even set the Pod 3 to switch temperatures throughout the night to encourage the best sleep possible.

For instance, I like getting in a cool bed during the Summer. But I know sleeping in a cold bed will promote deep sleep. So I can set my schedule to go from say 62 degrees at bedtime, down to 55 degrees an hour later.

Then as I get closer to my desired wakeup time, I can have it warm up the bed to gently wake me up.

There’s also a subtle alarm vibration function built into the mattress as well which is far less jarring than waking up to an alarm clock.

But where the magic really lies is in the ‘AutoPilot” system.

After 7 days, the system begins to understand your body and sleep routines.

When you turn on AutoPilot, it will automatically adjust the temperature throughout the night to help you sleep deeper, and stay asleep.

You can do schedules with the Ooler, but I found the system cumbersome to use, and mostly just did everything manually.

The Eight Sleep scheduling and AutoPilot systems work extremely well, makes the system truly enjoyable to use, and has made a noticeable difference for both me and my wife when it comes to sleep quality.

They’ve also updated the app to add increased visibility to the changes Autopilot makes, and the result of those changes.

Best Sleep System

Eight Sleep Pod System

$2,295+

Quite simply, this is the single best investment you could make for your sleep - it's that good. It's expensive, but worth it.

Buy Now from Eight Sleep

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

How Well Does the Eight Sleep Pod Cover Work?

Ok now to answer the biggest question: how well does the Eight Sleep Pod 3 work?

This is the part that caused me to wake up the next morning and say “OMG, this thing is so good.”

The Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover works so well when it comes to heating and cooling your bed.

For some context, I started testing this in July in Portland. We’ve had some days consistently get up above 90 and stay there for a few days. I don’t have AC in my house.

With the Ooler on really hot days, it would struggle. It would certainly keep you cooler, but even at its coldest setting it never felt cold when the ambient temperature was hot.

Even when it isn’t hot, it’ll get very cool, but not extremely cold.

With the Eight Sleep System? It gets cold.

With the Eight Sleep you can have it use actual temperatures, but by default it’s a scale from -10, which is 55 degrees, to +10 which is 110 degrees.

Setting it at -9 for the night, I’d wake up in the morning and the entire side of my body that I’d slept on would be legitimately cold.

It heats and cools LIGHTYEARS better than my Ooler ever did.

And it’s the first sleep system that has made me ok with not having air conditioning.

My wife is notorious for not caring or noticing whenever I get a new toy or gadget at the house.

Sonos surround system?

“Why’d you spend so much money on that? It’s gonna wake up the baby.”

New TV? 

“Does it really need to be that big?”

But with the Eight Sleep, at least 3 times she has said “I love this thing, it’s so much better than the Ooler!”

So for all of the cool features, sleep tracking, ease of setup etc. if there’s one thing you take from this, it’s that the heating and cooling of the Eight Sleep Pod 3 is truly best in class and has exceeded all of my (our) expectations.

Sleep Tracking with the Eight Sleep Pod

But the heating and cooling is just one of the features of the Pod 3 cover.

The other side of it is the sleep tracking.

The idea of getting accurate sleep tracking without a wearable device seems, well, not possible.

So I didn’t exactly have super high expectations for it.

But after a few weeks of sleeping on the Eight Sleep Pod Cover, I’ve been shocked at how well the sleep tracking works.

Without any wearable, the Pod 3 and Pod 4 can track:

• Which sleep stages you’re in and for what duration
• When you fell asleep and when you woke up
• Heart rate
• Heart rate variability,
• Breathing rate

It then takes all of that data and gives you easy-to-understand scores for all of this, as well as your overall night of sleep.

The data has been very close to the same as what I get with my Garmin. The company will tell you some of these differences come down to a wearable being on one extremity vs. the sensors in the Pod 3 which span the entirety of your bed.

Regardless, they’ve been close enough that I trust it all.

You can add tags to the app each day for things like “watching TV late”,”exercise”, “alcohol” and a few dozen more.

For me personally, I’ve found that on evenings where I take a bath or sauna before bed – my sleep improves dramatically. So I’ve added tags to track those. It’s that and alcohol I’ve found has the greatest impact on my sleep quality. But you don’t always understand just how much of an impact it has until you see the numbers.

It’s been eye-opening to both see (and feel) how much better my sleep is on nights where I don’t drink.

One thing I do wish I could do is tell it if I’m in bed reading. So if I go to bed an hour early and read, it has me as being “awake” which can throw off all of the data for “routine” because it’s thinking it takes me over an hour to fall asleep.

But aside from that one minor issue, the Pod 3 sleep tracking is a game changer. It truly takes the Pod 3 from nice to have, to something I can’t sleep without.

Other Eight Sleep App Features

Aside from temperature regulation and sleep-tracking features, the app goes a step further.

You’ll also find an entire section for Sleep Tools that feature:

• Breathwork exercises
• Meditations
• Sounds and music to aid sleep
• Stretching and workout exercises for before bed and after waking up

The Ooler felt mostly just like a fancy way to heat and cool your bed.

The Eight Sleep Pod 3 system feels like a sleep health ecosystem, that provides you with all of the tools you need to truly improve the quality of your sleep and routines.

Downsides of the Eight Sleep Pod 3

By now, you can tell I am a huge fan of this system.

But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are a few drawbacks that I’d be remiss not to talk about.

Let’s go in order from minor to major.

Occasional Water Sounds Coming from Dock

One of the things I’ve appreciated about the Eight Sleep Pod 3 vs the Sleepme Ooler is just how quiet it is. Even on the “silent” setting, the Ooler made a fair amount of noise. On top of that, the fans were constantly going, which caused the room to heat up even more.

The Pod 3 is generally very quiet. 

BUT, occasionally I’ll hear what sound like dripping noises as I’m trying to fall asleep.

It doesn’t happen all the time, and I haven’t noticed it as much this past week. But it kind of sounds like water dripping into a puddle. I think it happens more when the Pod 3 is actively heating or cooling, but every time I hear it, it makes me think there’s been a leak or something (there never is.)

While the Ooler fans were basically just white noise, this is a little more acute, so when it happens I tend to notice it more.

This is one area I know they’ve really improved with the newer Pod 4. So considering the Pod 3 is already very quiet, I believe them when they tout the “Silent Performance” of the Pod 4.

The Eight Sleep is Expensive

The Pod 3 Cover with PerfectFit in size Queen currently costs just shy of $2,300. The newer Pod 4 is $2,599.

I don’t care who you are, that’s a lot of money for something that no one really needs. 

The build quality, performance, and features all make that price much more justifiable than I expected it to be.

But, being so expensive will definitely push it out of the realm of affordability for a lot of people.

I do suppose it’s about perspective though. The bid to get AC at our home was $23,500. That’s not happening. So for 10% of the price to have something that makes the Summer heat much more bearable makes it seem like a downright bargain.

That said if you’re really interested in a temperature-controlled sleep system and can’t justify this price. You might take a look at the original ChiliPad. It won’t have any of the fancy features of the Eight or Dock Pro, and won’t get as cold, but for around $500 you can get a lot of the same benefits.

The BedJet 3 is another option at a more budget price point.

The Subscription Fee Feels Like a Gut Punch

Finally, the biggest downside of the Eight Sleep is that in order to truly take advantage of everything mentioned here, you have to pay for the $1990/year “Standard” subscription. 

You can also pay $299/year for the “Enhanced” subscription which just adds an extended warranty.

If you want access to any of the sleep tracking, scheduling, autopilot, vibration/thermal alarm, and sleep health reports – you’ve gotta pony up.

I get it. This is the way of the world.

Arccos, Bushnell, Rapsodo – these are just a few of the products we’ve reviewed here that have annual subscriptions.

It’s getting out of hand, and this is where these companies make the bulk of their money.

But this one really hurts. To drop over $2k and have to pay the extra each year feels a little over the top.

Is it worth it? In my experience, yes, it absolutely is. And if you’re planning to buy an Eight Sleep, I’d build the subscription into your budget. Otherwise, you’re missing out on the bulk of what makes this product so great.

Unless all you care about having something that will make your bed stay really cold all night.  That is truly the best feature of the Pod 3, and you can do that without the subscription fee.

Best Sleep System

Eight Sleep Pod System

$2,295+

Quite simply, this is the single best investment you could make for your sleep - it's that good. It's expensive, but worth it.

Buy Now from Eight Sleep

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover vs. SleepMe: Which Product is Better?

First the easy answer.

When it comes to the Eight Sleep Pod 3 vs the SleepMe Ooler system, it’s not even close: The Eight Sleep wins in a landslide.

However, this information most likely won’t be super useful for you considering for some reason SleepMe is no longer selling the Ooler.

The most direct competitor to the Pod 3 and Pod 4 is the SleepMe Dock Pro. I haven’t used this personally, so I can’t definitively say which is better.

But I’ll comment on a few things I do know.

Instead of one dock, the Dock Pro has two – one for each side of the bed. This is how it was with our Ooler.

Generally, it’s nice just to have one main hub. 

That said, the Eight Sleep Dock is much taller, so it doesn’t fit underneath the bed, which is a bit of a bummer.

The Dock Pro will slide under most beds, and it also has a manual control on the device itself – which I wish the Eight Sleep had.

Sometimes you just want to quickly change the temperature of the bed and not have to deal with getting your phone out. The fact the Dock Pro allows you to do this is nice, and it’s a feature I do miss on the Pod 3.

Good news though, the Pod 4 does have this easy adjustment. It’s built into the side of the cover.

The Eight Sleep app is a huge upgrade from the last SleepMe app I used. I assume the Dock Pro will get colder than my Ooler did, but with the design of the PerfectFit cover which goes all the way over your mattress, it’s a nice upgrade over the topper the Dock Pro has.

As far as customer service, I’ve reached out twice over the last few months to the team at Sleepme regarding my Ooler – and have yet to receive a response. I’ve heard from other readers that they’ve had a similar experience.

Compare this to Eight Sleep which had immediate live chat support within the app while I was setting up my unit.

So if you’re concerned about customer support moving forward, in my experience, it seems as though Eight Sleep is the clear winner here.

One final thing that we’ve gotta touch is the price. Depending on which version you get, you can get into a Dock Pro for around half the price of the Eight Sleep. So despite the fact that my experience with Eight Sleep has been better in every way compared to my SleepMe experience – you’re paying for the privilege.

So again, if budget is a concern, then the Dock Pro is definitely worth considering.

Final Impressions of the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover

I’m not even trying to hide how much I love this product. 

If you’re looking for a system to aid your fitness recovery, track your sleep, and sleep deeper and more comfortably? I’m not sure there’s a better product on the market than the Eight Sleep Pod Cover.

If it weren’t for using a Sleepme system for 3 years, I might not be quite as impressed.

But since I have used one of these sleep systems for so long, the fact that the Pod 3 is so much better caught me off guard.

Yes, it’s very expensive. 

Even more so when you throw the subscription on top of it.

But considering you spend 30% of your life in bed, and the quality of that time directly relates to the quality of your life outside of your bed – this is an investment that is well worth it…if you can afford it.

Have any questions about the Eight Sleep, SleepMe Ooler, BedJet 3, or anything else? Drop a comment and I’ll do my very best to answer every single one!

Update October 2024: This is Still One of the Best Investments I’ve Made

I recently went through and updated this post to better reflect the newer Pod 4 that was released earlier this year.

But I wanted to add a little more direct commentary based on over two years of using the Eight Sleep on a nightly basis.

This is one of the single best products for my health I own. 

It heats and cools remarkably well.

It truly does help me both fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer throughout the night.

And all of the sleep tracking and health data it provides is the cherry on top.

I still sleep with my Garmin Fenix 8 every night, because I want that data in my Garmin Connect app to provide a more holistic snapshot of my health.

I do wish that I could just import the Eight Sleep data into the app, since the data is generally very similar to the Garmin data.

For me, unless you’re going with the Ultra, I think the biggest update for me to the newer Pod 4 is the controls on the side of the bed.

Yes, 2x cooling power sounds great, but the Pod 3 cools great as it is! To be able to quickly adjust the temperature of the bed manually in the middle of the night without having to get my phone – would be very nice. So I’m happy to see that on the Pod 4 unit.

In over 12 years of reviewing products on Breaking Eighty, this is one of my all-time favorites. It’s very expensive, but if it’s in your budget, it does everything just as well as advertised and I can’t imagine not having it in my life.

Best Sleep System

Eight Sleep Pod System

$2,295+

Quite simply, this is the single best investment you could make for your sleep - it's that good. It's expensive, but worth it.

Buy Now from Eight Sleep

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

Recent Updates:

October 4th, 2024: Major update. Updated all references to include the new Pod 4 cover. Updated pricing data for product and Autopilot subscription. Added a long term usage update.

The post Eight Sleep Pod Cover Review: OMG This is So Good. appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

It’s one thing to work out regularly. And for as much as I want to do that, I typically make every excuse in the book as to why I can’t stick to a routine.

Time is my favorite go-to reason. And golf is a huge part of where all that time goes.

But a golf workout program?

Something that can help me get in better shape and help me play better golf, all at the same time?

Now that has my attention!

If I can improve my golf swing speed, strengthen my core to better maintain my balance and posture, increase my flexibility for a fuller shoulder turn and better backswing and avoid injury so that I can play pain free and for longer… All of the sudden, I’m motivated as a mo-fo.

In a nutshell, that’s what the GolfForever program promises. It’s marketed as a golf fitness program that helps you improve strength, conditioning, flexibility and balance in ways that benefit your game and your overall health and fitness.

But does it work?

And is it worth the price?

And if it does work and is a good value, how much work do you have to put in to see results?

I’m now 18 workouts into my GolfForever training program. While that may not be enough of a foothold to guarantee I won’t fall off the wagon tomorrow, I do think it’s enough of a taste for me to give some well-informed answers to those important questions.

So, if GolfForever and all of their slick commercials featuring guys like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Leonard have caught your attention, this GolfForever swing trainer review is for you.

GolfForever Training System | Use Code "BE15" to save 15%

$199

Looking for a golf training program that really works? This is without a doubt one of the best out there. Save 15% with the code BE15!

Buy from Golf Forever

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What Is the GolfForever Program?

The GolfForever fitness program is quite simple, really. There are two main components.

You’ve got a package of equipment. And you’ve got a video library of workouts.

Just as you’d expect, the equipment is the physical things you’ll need to do the various exercises prescribed in the video workouts.

And the video library of workouts are made available through a membership to the GolfForever app, available for both iOS and Android.

You can buy the equipment and the membership separately, or you can purchase them as a bundle.

To buy just the equipment, called the GolfForever Swing Trainer, will cost you $199.99. With that, you’ll get:

• A 44.5-inch premium resistance training bar
• A light and medium resistance band with nylon safety sleeves
• Two detachable resistance band handles
• A D3 swing weight ball attachment
• An overloaded (i.e. heavier) ball attachment
• Two polymer carabiners
• A door anchor
• A carry bag
• A 30-day free trial to the GolfForver app

Or you can buy what’s called the Birdie Training System, which retails for $398.99 but is typically on sale for $348.99 (or about $320 after the BE10 discount) and comes with all of the same equipment but also a one-year membership and daily workout routines that are customized just for you based on information that you share with GolfForever upon purchase.

Then there’s the Eagle Training System, which retails for $468.98 but is always slashed to $403.98. That gives you all of the same equipment, the same one-year membership, and the same customized training program. But you also get a wall anchor set that includes:

• 3-pack set that includes high, mid and low anchor positions
• Stainless steel construction for rust-resistant performance
• Integrated storage port for the Swing Trainer
• 6 lag screws

And finally, for a full retail of $538.96 or the usual price of $453.96, you’ve got the Albatross Training System. That includes everything we’ve mentioned so far plus:

Mini Bands+

• Pinchfree fabric construction for comfort and durability
• Light/Medium/Heavy resistance levels
• Non-slip, non-roll design for consistent fit and function

Stability Ball+

• 1,000-pound burst-resistance rating and PVC membrane for commercial-grade durability and performance
• 65cm diameter
• Includes dual-action hand pump for fast inflation

After the initial trial period, the GolfForever app costs $24.99 per month or $199 per year.

As you’ve likely guessed, the way this all works is you use the equipment for the workouts that are made available to you in the app. Each workout is presented as a video with a trainer giving you instructions on each exercise and then doing the physical workout with you on the video.

Can you use the GolfForever swing trainer without the app? Yes, you’d essentially have nice resistance bands, the training bar and the other accessories, all of which could be used for rigorous workouts.

But the real magic of the GolfForever system is in the workout library. That’s where all of this comes to life. That’s how you learn all of the exercises that are going to help you get in better shape and play better golf.

How Does the GolfForever App Work?

As I mentioned, the GolfForever app is the hub of this whole system. It’s where all of the workouts are stored. And there are a lot of them — more than 500!

The app also keeps track of your progress, showing you how many and which workouts you’ve completed and giving you an overall Golf-Fit score and a weekly score to help you stay on track.

You’ll get eight points for each workout you do with an extra five points for every extra workout you complete in a given day. Your goal is to get to at least 70 points each week. Scores reset every Sunday evening.

The coolest thing about the app is that every day you’ll get “Today’s Workout.” And it’s tailored to you specifically.

When you create your account and purchase your membership, the app will take you through a series of questions. It will ask you things like your age, gender and weight. And then it will have you perform a series of exercises and ask you to provide your honest answers on whether or not you were able to properly perform the exercise.

All of this information gives GolfForever an idea of what kind of range of motion you have, what kind of cardio intensity you might be able to handle, and your overall strength levels.

The app will also ask you what kind of basic exercise equipment you have on hand. Things like a medicine ball or dumbbells. If you don’t have it, you just tell them that you don’t have it. And that way, they won’t ever feed you a workout that requires equipment that you don’t own.

So far, in my 18 workouts, all but one have been exclusively with the GolfForever Swing Trainer. I had one workout that was with dumbbells. I’d imagine as we progress, they’ll start to incorporate some other equipment, but I think the Swing Trainer bar and the resistance band will always be the core of the system.

Golf-Specific Exercises Customized for You

Once it has all of your information, GolfForever builds a program tailored to your level that will gradually ramp up in intensity each day.

It’s actually two workouts in two separate videos.

The workout library includes multiple workouts under the headings of:

• Pre-Round Warmups
• Fundamentals
• Rotational Power
• No-Equipment Workouts (meaning you don’t need the Swing Trainer; a great option if you’re traveling)
• Injury Prevention
• Cardio
• Stretching
• Education & Pain Relief
• Golf Performance
• Lessons with Justin Leonard

Each Daily Workout feeds you a video from two separate categories.

In my experience so far, my workouts have all started with a Fundamental video, which lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes and includes a lot of stretching, flexibility work, some light cardio, and a lot of general warming up.

Then, most of the time, it’s taken me into a Rotational Power video that lasts for another 20 to 25 minutes. Again, it’s set to your strength and fitness level. This is where the more intense workout begins.

There’s a lot of work with the resistance bands and swinging the bar with the weighted balls. There’s quite a lot of core-strengthening exercises and a lot of work that promotes better shoulder strength and flexibility for a fuller backswing and follow through.

As I’ve progressed with the system, I’ve noticed recently that they are mixing in more Injury Prevention and Stretching into my personalized curriculum. My expectation is that as I continue to move forward, I’ll eventually be getting workouts that cover all of the categories.

In case you’re wondering, the Lessons with Justin Leonard section of the library are videos that are not fitness related but rather focus on game improvement with topics like “Fundamental Course Management” and “Breaking 80 with Justin Leonard”. I think it’s cool that they mix in a bit of non-workout material, and of course, ya gotta love a Breaking Eighty reference!

If you want to choose your own curriculum, you can go to the workout library and choose whatever suits you best.

I’ve poked around in the library to get an idea of its scope and what some of the workouts in the other categories are like, but so far, I’ve really enjoyed having a Daily Workout that the GolfForever algorithm has decided is right for me.

And the workouts have all felt very appropriate for my level.

GolfForever Training System | Use Code "BE15" to save 15%

$199

Looking for a golf training program that really works? This is without a doubt one of the best out there. Save 15% with the code BE15!

Buy from Golf Forever

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How Intense Are the GolfForever Workouts?

The short answer to this question is that they are as intense as you want them to be.

At the conclusion of each day’s workout, you’re asked a series of questions that essentially are inquiring about whether or not the workout was too easy or too hard. So, if it’s not intense enough, you can tell the system that. Presumably, they will use that feedback to challenge you more aggressively going forward.

Remember, the system is set up so that the personalized Today’s Workouts will gradually increase in intensity over time.

For me, the workouts have been about right. I’ve had many workouts that have left me drenched in sweat and with a sore set of abdominal muscles the next morning. Most of these workouts have definitely challenged me.

However, I’ve had a few that, for whatever reason, just seemed really easy and almost kind of lacking.

There are multiple different instructors in this library of videos. They all have different styles and some of them are more amped up than others.

I do think that if someone who was in excellent shape and was working out regularly was on my GolfForever program, they would want something a bit more. Then again, if the system is working correctly, that person in better shape than me would be getting a more intense workout as part of their daily curriculum.

As far as what these workouts are like, it’s a lot of pushing and pulling on the straight bar that is attached to a resistance band. You can make the exercises easier or harder by changing your hand positions on the bar and by stepping closer to or further away from the anchor point. So there is a lot of opportunity to dial in the intensity to your own taste.

The majority of the exercises, though definitely not all of them, are very relatable to something having to do with golf. There’s a lot of work that mimics a golf swing. And there’s a lot of core-strengthening work that promotes better balance and better golf posture.

There’s also a lot of exercises that don’t include a resistance band but instead use just the Swing Trainer bar. With a weighted ball that attaches to the end of the bar, you do a lot of work swinging the bar just as you would a golf club. But because it’s heavier, it’s of course harder and promotes more of a workout.

The point here is that as you’re doing these workouts, you definitely get a clear understanding of how this might translate into better golf performance. That’s what I really love about it, and that’s what’s kept me motivated to keep doing the program day after day.

I want to get in shape. But let’s face it: Above all else, I want to play better golf!

How Much Space Do You Need for the GolfForever System?

I mentioned earlier that the GolfForever equipment includes a door anchor. It’s a simple but durable piece of nylon with a hole on each end. You slide one end of the anchor piece into an open door, just above one of the hinges. Then you close the door, attach a carabiner to the hole in the anchor, and then the other end of the carabiner attaches to the resistance band.

Most of the exercises I’ve done call for a mid-anchor point, meaning the middle hinge. But I’ve also had a few that ask me to anchor it above the bottom hinge.

Because the majority of the workouts do include using the bar and the resistance bands, I think that you’ll want at least 10 feet of space beyond the anchor point. And probably at least 6 feet of width.

With that amount of space, you should be able to comfortably move, even with the resistance band completely stretched, for any of the workouts that the library might throw at you.

You can also wrap the anchor and carabiner setup around something solid like a tree or the post on a golf cart. And, GolfForever sells a wall-anchor system if you want a more permanent fixture.

So, you’ve certainly got options. And the included carrying case makes it very convenient to take your GolfForever system wherever you go.

I do wish that the Swing Trainer bar were somehow collapsable. I was recently packing for a flight and wanted to bring my GolfForever system with me on my trip. But the bar was too long to fit into my suitcase.

As I mentioned, the workout library does have a No Equipment section, so you can still keep grinding even if you don’t have all of your gear with you.

My Personal Experience With GolfForever

So after a few weeks and 18 workouts with the GolfForever program, I’m definitely noticing some differences.

First of all, I’ve lost a little bit of weight. I don’t consider myself grossly overweight. But, like a lot of us, I could stand to lose a few. And thanks to my regular workouts with GolfForever, I’ve done exactly that. Nothing major, but it’s starting to become pleasantly noticeable.

The next thing I’ve noticed is that I am far more balanced over the golf ball. This one isn’t even open for debate. I am so much more secure and stable in my posture all the way through impact. Again, it’s only been a few weeks. I am very excited about this development.

I really think balance, flexibility and injury prevention will end up being the most long-lasting benefits. That’s my hunch after the workouts I’ve completed so far. The increased balance and stability is very noticeable to me.

Now, I am not a long hitter. If I hit a drive that’s over 250, I’ve really popped one. Make fun of me in the comments if you must.

It may very well be a coincidence, but I’ve had three drives of more than 250 yards (as measured using my Garmin Approach S70) in my past three rounds. I can go many, many rounds without hitting a drive of that length. To pull off three of them within my last three rounds is huge for me!

And I’m not talking about a wild pull that, of course, always goes longer. I’m talking about fairways hit or just into the rough.

Is that all because of the Golf Forever program? I really can’t say for sure. Yes, I do feel stronger. But it’s not like I’ve never hit drives of that length before. It’s entirely possible that I’m just on a bit of a good run with my driver. But, like I said, my typical M.O. would have me going multiple rounds without anything like that. So, you tell me…

GolfForever Pros and Cons

I think by now you’ve got a pretty good idea of what I consider to be the pros of the GolfForever system.

Mostly, I think it’s a great option for golfers who want to get in shape but need something golf-specific to get them motivated. That’s me to a T. And if that’s you too, I think this might be an excellent solution.

I haven’t used competing products or systems like Fit for Golf, TPI training or the Stack System, so I can’t speak to how those fitness programs might compare to GolfForever. But again, I think the big key for maintaining a routine for many of us golfers is that the workouts give us a sense of working on our golf games as we get in shape.

As for cons, I mentioned that for as portable as the system is, I wish it could pack down to a smaller size for things like air travel.

One thing that is both a pro and a con is that there is an extensive roster of training instructors and so many different workouts. That’s a great thing on the surface, and I especially love that you can mark workouts that you like as favorites so that you can easily find them when you want to repeat them.

The con of that, in my experience, is that not all of the instructors and workouts are as good as others. Some instructors don’t do as good of a job of explaining the specific moves in the exercises. It can occasionally be frustrating when you’re not quite sure if you’re doing it correctly.

But the biggest con for most people is likely the cost. I think some people are going to see this as a resistance band, a bar and a couple of weighted balls for $199.99. And they may not see the value in that.

But more likely, I think, will be complaints about the ongoing subscription cost. I think it’s fair to call $24.99 per month or $199 per year a bit steep.

Then again, think of what it would cost you to hire a personal trainer and have them customize a plan specific to your golf goals. When you look at it that way, I think you’ll start to see the value.

Bottom line is, you’ve got to use the system to get your money’s worth. The more you use it, the more reasonable that monthly or annual subscription becomes.

Is the GolfForever Program Worth It?

For me, that’s a resounding yes.

Even if the system tricks me into thinking it’s helping my golf game while all it’s really doing is helping my health, it’s of course worth it to me. I really needed something to motivate me to exercise regularly. What better way to do that than with something golf specific?

But I actually do think GolfForever is going to help my golf game. As I said, the increases in balance and stability that I’ve felt after just a short time using the product are undeniable.

Maybe the increased driver distance is psychosomatic, or maybe it’s real. Over time, I think doing these workouts will unquestionably help me increase my swing speed. So, I do think that benefit will ultimately be a real one.

As for the somewhat steep ongoing subscription, I choose to look at it as an investment in myself. If I’m paying good money, I’m much more apt to try to get some benefit out of this. And by using it, I do think I’ll get that benefit.

If you’re like me, a golf nut who traditionally shuns fitness in favor of more golf, GolfForever just might be that rare product that has the power to change your life (and game!) for the better.

GolfForever Training System | Use Code "BE15" to save 15%

$199

Looking for a golf training program that really works? This is without a doubt one of the best out there. Save 15% with the code BE15!

Buy from Golf Forever

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This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post Golf Forever Review: Is it the Ultimate Swing Trainer? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Up until about a year ago, in my 38 years of life, I’d not spent a single second thinking about “skin care.”

I mean, I’d wash my face in the shower using, well, soap…

But I didn’t have a skin care routine, and I definitely wasn’t considering spending a bunch of money on dedicated skin care products.

And then…I realized I was right on the cusp of middle age.

I’ll be 39 in a few months, and as much as I hate to admit it, that feels solidly in the “middle age” camp.

So as I’ve begun to think about longevity, vitality, and how to live a high-quality life for decades to come – I began to think of all the ways I could, or should, be taking care of my body.

Whether it’s a daily supplement like AG1, regular fitness routine, healthier eating – or gasp, skin care.

I’m at a point where it’s never going to get easier to do any of these things, so now is the time to finally be considering it.

As I continue to make YouTube videos and 4k is a very real thing – I’ve become more aware that I don’t look like I’m 25 anymore.

So, despite feeling ridiculous to spend a bunch of money on a skin care regimen, it’s time to give something a shot.

I’ve been getting ads for Caldera + Lab for months now.

It’s a bunch of rugged middle-aged-looking dudes with, not surprisingly, great skin.

Well, this was the rare occurrence where those Instagram ads worked on me.

During Black Friday I picked up 3 products, known as “The Regimen”

But here’s the question? Was it worth the $150 I spent on it after shipping costs? Is a proper skin care routine any better than just using soap and water?

To be honest, I’m not sure yet. But I’m in the process of finding out.

What is Caldera + Lab Skin Care?

Caldera + Lab makes skin care products targeted for active men. Watching the ads makes you want to run out and climb a mountain, swim in a river, and oddly enough, wash your face.

They promote all of the same talking points every other skin and beauty company like to tout: aluminum-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, gluten-free (?), no animal testing, and so on.

I’ve gotta admit, the branding is extremely well done. It’s hooked me. It’s been more memorable and pervasive than any other skincare brand I’ve come across.

So when it came time to actually buy and start using something – it was top of mind.

But are the products, specifically?

The Caldera + Lab Regimen

Caldera + Lab has a number of products, but their flagship package is known as The Regimen. It’s a twice-daily skin care routine that they say will guarantee younger skin after 60 days of continuous use.

The Regimen consists of The Clean Slate, The Base Layer, and The Good. You use The Clean Slate in the morning and evening, and afterward you use the Base Layer cream in the morning and The Good serum in the evening.

The packaging is well done and fits perfectly with the ads and branding on their site. Each of the three products I picked up are in sturdy glass bottles that feel like high-end products. Certainly, more so than the $5 shampoo and bar soap I’m used to buying.

Let’s go through these one by one and I’ll give you my initial impressions after two weeks of use.

The Regimen | Caldera + Lab

$180

The Regimen is a twice-a-day, high-end skincare routine for men. It ain't cheap, but I've been very pleased with the results after close to a month of regular use.

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The Clean Slate

The Clean Slate is the general face wash from Caldera + Lab. This is the one aspect of The Regimen that you use both morning and night. One pump from the bottle doesn’t seem like it emits a ton of cleanser, but it’s more than enough to get a thick lather going on your face.

I’ve never been a fan of washing my face, because the soap I’ve used previously has always severely dried my skin out.

I think this is one of my biggest hesitations in building a regular routine.

I’m happy to report that The Clean Slate has not dried my skin out at all.

In fact, every time I use it my face feels less oily, yet healthier than it did before. 

If you look at the list of ingredients on the sales page, honestly a lot of it sounds very marketing-heavy.

Like what do glacial minerals, nelumbo lotus, and fireweed actually do for my skin?

I have no idea.

But I’ve genuinely enjoyed using this product over the last two weeks, and my skin does feel healthier because of it.

It doesn’t have an overly strong fragrance, but I appreciate that they clearly aren’t using a bunch of chemicals or artificial ingredients to heavily alter the smell.

It’s $37 on its own or it’s a bit less if you get a membership or purchase it along with the rest of The Regimen.

The Clean Slate | Caldera + Lab

$37

A twice-a-day balanced cleanser using plant-based ingredients. Best used as part of the 3 product "Regimen" from Caldera + Lab.

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The Base Layer

The Base Layer is the moisturizing cream that you use in the mornings after cleaning your face.

I’ve never in my life used any cream or moisturizer on my face outside of sunscreen, so this is new territory for me.

Unfortunately, because of this I don’t really have anything to compare it to. But I imagine a lot of the people reading this are in the same boat as me. Hitting middle age, beginning to think about skin care long term, got hit with a snazzy-looking Instagram ad, and are curious if the product is legit.

I use about a dime-sized amount of this each day, and sure enough, my skin feels super moisturized afterward. I’ve never liked using skin lotion because I don’t love the fact my hands and body can feel oily for a while afterward.

With The Base Layer there’s none of that. It rubs in quickly and completely, and my skin feels great afterward.

I’ve had zero itching, reactions, dryness, or irritation of any kind using the Caldera + Lab products and that was one thing I was concerned about.

The Base Layer | Caldera + Lab

$55

A fortifying moisturizer best used after using "The Clean Slate" to wash your face each morning. Really dig the fact this is matte, doesn't dry out my face, and doesn't leave a heavy lotion feeling.

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The Good

The Good is a serum you put on your face nightly after washing your face with The Clean Slate.

I’m not gonna lie, I’m still not sure I totally buy into this.

It’s essentially an oil that you take a dropper full of and rub onto your face before bed.

Over time The Good is supposed to help moisturize, tighten the skin, reduce lines, and improve skin tone.

It has a smell faintly reminiscent of lemongrass, and the other night when my wife walked by me while I was putting it on she said “oh that smells good.”

I’ve genuinely enjoyed the routine of using it each night, and whether it actually is doing anything, it feels like I am. I do like the way my face feels after going through The Regimen both during the morning and evenings.

Again, you’ll find a bunch of other new-age buzzwords here like astralagus root, dandelion, spilanthes, and apricot kernel oil.

I’m only two weeks in, so after 60 days I’ll report back with some before and after photos to see if there’s truly been a noticeable difference in my skin from using the Caldera + Lab Regimen.

Buying it on its own at $97 feels like a lot of money – especially if you’re not used to spending money on skincare.

It also makes buying The Regimen package for $189 feel like a slightly better deal. Or if you get the 60-day recurring membership, it drops the price down to $150.

The Good Face Serum | Caldera + Lab

$97

It ain't cheap, but using The Good every night before bed is supposed to promote younger looking skin. It smells good, and I can't say I look any younger yet, but I've enjoyed using it each night for the past 3 weeks.

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Caldera + Lab Questions You Might Have

I wanted to do a Caldera + Lab FAQ section to basically answer all of the questions I personally had before buying, so hopefully this is useful.

Do Caldera + Lab products dry out your skin?

No. In nearly 3 weeks of using The Regimen daily, I’ve had zero issues with dry skin, irritation, or any other issues commonly found in skin care products.

How long does a bottle of Caldera + Lab Product last?

If using The Regimen as directed, it should last you about 60 days. One pump of The Clean Slate is plenty to get a rich lather, and I’m two weeks in and it barely feels like I’ve touched it.

The Base Layer cream is the one that you’ll likely go through the fastest depending on how liberal you are with your application.

Can you get free shipping on the Regimen?

Shipping on Caldera + Lab products is $10-15 per order. This is a little disappointing, and would love to see them offer free shipping – especially if you sign up for a recurring membership.

You can buy some of their products on Amazon at the same price they offer on the website. If you’re a prime member, you can get free shipping as well. This is actually how I originally ordered it.

The downside, is as of this writing in January 2023 the Clean Slate isn’t available on Amazon – so you can’t properly do “The Regimen”. And until it’s back, it’s worth paying the shipping cost, ordering from Caldera + Lab, and properly doing the routine.

Does Caldera + Lab have discounts?

You can get 15% off your first order when you sign up for their email list on the Caldera + Lab site.

Does Caldera + Lab have a guarantee?

Yes, and a good one at that. Caldera + Lab has a 60 day guarantee. So if you go through The Regimen and don’t have noticeably better skin at the end, you can contact them for a full refund. This is also might be the biggest benefit to ordering directly through them on your first go around.

Final Thoughts on Caldera + Lab Regimen

Overall, I’ve been extremely pleased with the Caldera + Lab products.

Perhaps, surprisingly so.

While I can’t say definitively if they’re actually going to help me look 10 years younger, I can say that it’s given me a great way to build a genuinely helpful habit and routine in my life.

I’ve been happy with the way the products make my skin feel, and it does feel healthier than it has in years – even just a couple weeks in.

Does that mean I couldn’t do the same thing with a series of products costing a fraction of the price? Of course not.

But if you’re looking for a premium product, that feels premium while you’re using it, and you don’t mind the high price tag – then so far, I’ve been very happy with my Caldera + Lab purchase, and I think you likely will be too.

The Regimen | Caldera + Lab

$180

The Regimen is a twice-a-day, high-end skincare routine for men. It ain't cheap, but I've been very pleased with the results after close to a month of regular use.

Buy from Caldera + Lab

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post Caldera + Lab Review: A Middle-Aged Man’s Best Friend? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

About 3 years ago I picked up a Sleep.Me Ooler. It was far from perfect, but definitely helped lead to more comfortable and more restful sleeps.

Fast forward to about 4 months ago when I had the chance to upgrade to an Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover.

It blows the Ooler out of the water.

It isn’t even close in terms of features, functionality, and most importantly its ability to warm and cool.

But there’s a third major competitor in the space: BedJet.

I’ve been familiar with the company for years, but had never had a chance to use their product.

BedJet has set itself apart from Sleep.Me and Eight by both having a less expensive product, and using air to regulate temperature rather than water.

The question is, does it work?

In this BedJet 3 review I’m going to share all of the details about what it’s like to setup and use a BedJet system.

I’ll also be directly comparing it to both Eight Sleep and Sleep.Me since I have experience with both and there’s a good chance if you’re thinking about buying a BedJet, you’ve considered one of the others as well.

So ready to see if BedJet is the “budget” sleep climate system of your dreams? 

Let’s do this thing.

First Impressions of the BedJet 3

One thing I want to make clear right up front: it’s a little bit unfair to compare the BedJet 3 to the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover. 

Why?

Because one costs about 4 times more than the other.

The Eight Sleep has both style and substance – it works wonderfully.

But considering most configurations of Eight can easily eclipse $2,000 – it’s going to price out a lot of people.

But guess what? You can snag a BedJet 3 and Cloud Cover sheet for just over $500. That is a really attractive option – assuming it works anywhere near as well as the Eight.

Out of the box, you definitely notice the price difference between the two products.

While Eight is a very sleek setup, the packaging for the BedJet does feel a bit cheap in comparison.

The plastic components don’t scream “high end,” and the cardboard packaging doesn’t do it any favors either.

When I first took all of the components out of the box, I was a little overwhelmed with all of the different pieces it came with.

Not to mention the instruction book is definitely bulkier than I’d anticipated.

However, despite some reservations with my first impressions, I’ve got good news: setup is actually very easy and in less than 15 minutes I was up and running with my BedJet 3.

For comparison’s sake, it took me about twice as long to setup the Eight Pod 3, and an extra 3 hours of “priming” before I could use it.

What is a BedJet?

Before we go any further, let’s make sure we’ve established exactly what the BedJet 3 is and what it does.

The BedJet is a sleep system that helps regulate the temperature in your bed from a low of around 67 degrees up to 109 degrees on the warm end.

As mentioned, instead of using a water-regulated mattress pad, it instead uses an air-filled top sheet to achieve this goal.

You can get it with a remote control or there’s a smartphone app you can download to heat and cool your bed, as well as set schedules based on how you sleep.

For best results, you can get the $99 “Cloud Sheet” which has discreet openings for the air tube to ensure optimal heating and cooling.

Similar to Sleep.Me climate systems, if you sleep with a partner, you’ll need two separate BedJet units if you want to have dual climate control. 

BedJet 3 Setup: Easier than Meets the Eye

When I first opened the box, I was a little overwhelmed with all of the plastic parts of the BedJet, and then equally as overwhelmed by the beefy instruction book and 14-step process for getting everything set up.

However, once I jumped into it, I realized setup was much less intense than I expected it to be.

You can use BedJet 3 with your existing sheets, but for the best experience, it’s recommended you pick up a Cloud Sheet, which is what I’ve done.

One thing I like about the BedJet compared to the Ooler or Eight is the fact they recommend you put it under your bed. The Eight is too big to fit under your bed, and Sleep.Me recommended not to put it under the bed due to overheating issues.

So the fact that the BedJet is meant to go under there is great.

The downside is that because of the larger hose necessary for the right amount of airflow, the hose does protrude out more than the other two systems.

It’s not a huge deal, but if you love the look of a perfectly made bed, the slight bump from the hose may bother you.

I picked up a single zone system with the cloud sheet. With this configuration, it’s recommended the hose be attached in the center of the sheet. There are also openings on either side if that ends up being more convenient for your bedroom setup.

Once you understand how the hose mount works, it’s very simple to assemble and size based on the height of your mattress.

The only hiccup I had was getting the hose vent into the sheet itself. When you unbutton the sheet to reveal the opening, at first glance the opening isn’t big enough to accommodate the vent. After a minute of finagling and trying not to tear the sheet, I was able to get it in.

You then attach the hose to the mount on one side, and to the BedJet unit on the other and you’re basically ready to go.

I downloaded the BedJet control app and had it paired to my unit in less than 2 minutes.

But I’ll talk more about the app experience in a little bit.

Best Air Sleep System

BedJet - Air Based Cooling & Warming Sleep System

$429+

Looking for a sleep system that heats and cools with air instead of water? This is absolutely the one to buy.

Buy from BedJet

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BedJet 3 Performance: How Well Does it ACTUALLY Work?

The first time you turn the BedJet 3 on, it’s a bit of a surreal experience as you watch your comforter literally start hovering as the sheet fills with air.

When you climb into bed it provides a distinctly different experience from the water-based systems.

When using the Eight Sleep, for instance, the feeling of hot or cold is very acute. If you turn it on while you’re in bed, you’ll immediately notice your back getting cold (or warm) as the water permeates the mattress pad.

With the BedJet it’s less dramatic. 

I’ve found myself really enjoying having a bit of airflow under the covers, and it can change temperatures from cold to warm much faster than water-based systems. 

However, in my experience sleeping with the BedJet 3 for a week, it doesn’t do quite as good of a job of either heating or cooling as the Eight or Ooler.

Don’t get me wrong, having warm air blowing through your covers on a cold day is downright delightful.

But on its most extreme settings, if you set the Eight to its hottest or coldest settings before you get in bed – you’re getting exactly what you want: either an icy cold or burning hot bed. And obviously, you can set it anywhere in between.

Also, if you don’t have air conditioning and are in a warm bedroom (above 75-80 degrees), the BedJet will struggle to combat the heat and won’t get you much in the way of cold air.

The Ooler has similar struggles, while the Eight Sleep handles this much better.

Despite these critiques and comparisons to a different style of system, guess what?

Under normal conditions, the BedJet 3 absolutely does what it says it will do: heat or cool your bed to make sleeping conditions much more comfortable.

The fact it is more subtle and uses air versus water is definitely something some people will prefer as well. And if that’s you? Congratulations, you’re going to get exactly what you want and save a whole bunch of money over other systems in the process!

Is the BedJet 3 Loud?

After using the Eight Sleep for the last few months I’ve gotten really accustomed to a sleep system that is very quiet.

The Ooler is still fairly noticeable even on “silent” mode, and when you turn it up to high it’s borderline obnoxious.

The BedJet 3 is somewhere in between.

After having the very quiet Eight Sleep, when I turned the BedJet on to 100% for the first time I was taken aback by how loud it was.

You definitely notice it when it’s cooling the bed.

Even when you drop it down to 30% power, it’s still pretty loud.

However, when you’re heating the bed, the sound is significantly less intrusive. It seems the fans really only kick into high gear when you’re trying to make the bed colder.

But here’s the thing, the sound isn’t as bothersome as it is on the Ooler.

The Ooler has an annoying whirring fan.

The BedJet sounds exactly like a white noise machine.

I’ve traveled quite a bit with our toddler in close quarters this year, so I’ve gotten used to having a noise machine.

The BedJet 3 just sounds like that.

While it’s a little jarring at first if you’re not expecting it, after a few night’s sleep I’ve actually found it to be rather soothing.

So while yes it’s pretty loud, if you’re okay with white noise, it’s not as intrusive as other systems.

And if you’re primarily planning to use the BedJet to hear, rather than cool, the noise isn’t an issue.

BedJet App: Is it User-Friendly?

The BedJet app is pretty straightforward and user-friendly.

The downside is it looks like it was designed about 15 years ago. 

Compared to the very sleek and modern Eight Sleep app, this one is looking pretty long in the tooth.

But the good news is that it still works very well.

You can easily turn your BedJet 3 on, set the temperature to whatever you want, and create schedules for your hot and cool programs.

The app uses a Bluetooth connection, which is fine, but I would have really liked to see WiFi support.

The BedJet does have a WiFi connection, but as far as I can tell it’s just for updating firmware, rather than actually being able to control the unit.

For people who don’t always have their phone near them when they sleep, or those who want some extra versatility, there’s an optional remote control you can pick up.

The remote allows you to do everything the app does, and is generally very responsive. That said, it feels like a remote you might find on a high-end AV receiver. It does all kinds of stuff when all you really want it to do is turn the device on, off, and adjust the temperature.

Using the BedJet 3 with a Partner

My wife and I are similar to many couples in that we have vastly different temperature preferences when we sleep.

I like it as cold as possible, even in the Winter. 

She likes it as warm as possible the majority of the time.

We have a single BedJet unit, and the first night I had it on, I had it set to it’s coldest setting. That lasted about an hour before she made me turn up the heat.

As I mentioned earlier, in order to have dual zones with the BedJet you need to have a separate unit. 

If you’re single, this is great since you’re not paying more for a second zone you won’t need. But if you sleep with someone else, then the cost goes up dramatically for the second unit.

It’s also a requirement to have a Dual Zone Cloud Sheet if you’re using a BedJet 3 for couples.

The fact the Eight Sleep has dual zones built-in is really nice, but again, you’re paying for that convenience.

So when considering which BedJet 3 solution is right for you, just consider you’re significant other, and if you generally prefer vastly different climate settings when you sleep.

-More expensive to buy second unit

-You’ll run into issues if you prefer different temps

-Eight is nice as while the unit is expensive, you’re not paying any more for dual zone control

BedJet 3 Review: Final Thoughts

Overall, I’ve found the BedJet 3 to be a solid sleep system that does exactly what it says it’s going to do.

It may not have quite the performance and flash that the Eight Sleep system does, but you shouldn’t expect it to at a fraction of the price.

There’s something about the airflow the BedJet 3 provides that makes sleeping using the system feel a little more…luxurious.

Regardless of whether you’re choosing warm or cool air, it feels great, even if I wasn’t able to get it to feel quite as hot, or quite as cold, as water-based systems.

While $500 is still a lot of money to spend, if you’re considering it, I think you’ll absolutely be happy with the purchase. It definitely helps you sleep better, and compared to its competitors, it won’t totally break the bank in the process.

Best Air Sleep System

BedJet - Air Based Cooling & Warming Sleep System

$429+

Looking for a sleep system that heats and cools with air instead of water? This is absolutely the one to buy.

Buy from BedJet

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Best Sleep System

Eight Sleep Pod System

$2,295+

Quite simply, this is the single best investment you could make for your sleep - it's that good. It's expensive, but worth it.

Buy Now from Eight Sleep

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This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post BedJet 3 Review: Is it a Worthy Budget Competitor to Eight Sleep? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

For years now I’ve been on the fringe of some of the biohacking communities out there. I’ve had some friends that have gone deep down the rabbit hole into things like red-light therapy, infared saunas, nootropics, and much more.

I haven’t done that much with those things, but there’s one recommendation I’ve continually seen come up that has intrigued me:

The ChiliPad Sleep System. (Now also known as the Cube Sleep System).

You might be wondering, “what the hell is a Chilipad?”

And more than that you might be saying, what does this have to do with golf??

Well in this ChiliPad review I’ll answer exactly that.

Imagine it’s a cold night and you climb into your bed and it’s already warmed to a perfect 110 degrees, and it feels like slipping into a heated massage bed?

Or how about a summer night where you’ve been sweating all day, and you can climb into a bed that feels like the cold side of a pillow, all night long?

And all the while it helps you get more deep sleep, and recover from hours spent on the golf course faster?

That’s what a ChiliPad does.

And let’s just say, I received my Ooler Sleep System by Chilipad about a month ago, and within two days I could tell you: it’s absolutely game-changing.

What is a ChiliPad and How Does It Work?

So how does all of this actually work?

In basic terms, A ChiliPAD is a water-powered mattress pad that you put under your sheets to heat and cool your bed.

There’s a control unit fits under your bed, and you fill it with water. It then connects to the mattress pad which has radiator tubes that feed water throughout the entire pad to quickly heat or cool the pad.

You can set a ChiliPad to anywhere from 55 to 115 degrees, so no matter if you’re a hot or cold sleeper – you can adjust it to find the perfect temperature for you.

Depending on which version you get, you can have separate controllers for both sides of the bed – so you and your significant other can each set your bed to your desired temperature.

Benefits of a ChiliPad and Better Sleep

On the surface, it seems kind of silly. You might have a standard heated blanket, or maybe you have AC at your house – so why would you need something like this?

There are a lot of different sleep systems out there that work to varying degrees of effectiveness. 

The ChiliPAD is water-based, which means it regulates temperature much better than electric, or air powered options.

For instance, with an electric blanket you can turn it to high or low, but you’re going to have a tough time getting it down to the exact temperature you want.

Air based systems also have less concentrated temperature, so good luck maintaining a specific temperature over the course of the night.

I’ve been using my Ooler by ChiliPad for the last month now, and it’s helped me fall asleep faster, wake up feeling more refreshed, and even improved some of the sleep stats that I track on my Apple Watch. 

I’ve been using it on the coldest setting, and it’s dropped my average sleeping heart rate by about 5 points.

I wake up feeling more refreshed. 

We live in an old house with no AC, and it’s made the last week where temperatures have creeped up towards 95 degrees much more manageable.

What is the Ooler Sleep System?

As I mentioned, I decided to get the Ooler Sleep System rather than the standard ChiliPAD.

If you’re looking at buying a ChiliPAD, this is one of the most important decisions that you’ll have to make.

The Ooler Sleep System is the follow up to the standard ChiliPad and was released in 2019.

In 2022, Sleep.Me released it’s latest sleep system, the Dock Pro, which I’ll talk about at the end of this review.

The Ooler does the same thing as a regular ChiliPAD in that it heats and cools your bed in the exact same way.

However, the Ooler has some extra features that make it worth the extra cost for my needs.

With a standard ChiliPad you have a controller where you can turn the dial and set the temperature. No major customization, and it can’t change anything in the middle of the night.

It also only has one fan speed for the controller, which can be pretty loud at night.

The Ooler however, takes things a step further.

Features of the Ooler vs ChiliPad

There are a few major differences between the Ooler and Chilipad, let’s at what they are.

The Ooler Has an App

The most obvious difference between the Ooler and ChiliPAD is the fact the Ooler is app based. It has both Android and IOS apps that you can use to control the device.

I’ve found this alone to be worth the upgrade.

It’s bluetooth based, so when I’m sitting in my living room directly below my bedroom, I can turn it on half an hour before I go to bed, and when I get up there my bed is already the perfect temperature.

The only downside is if you want to manually change the temperature in the middle of the night it can be a little bit more of a pain with the Ooler. There are controls directly on the unit itself, but no remote or easy access to them if it’s under your bed.

So you have to pull out your phone and the app in order to make a change. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning.

The Ooler Allows You to Create a Schedule

What might be the most beneficial differences between the Ooler and the Chilipad is the fact that you can set a schedule with the Ooler.

Let’s say for example, you know about the benefits of sleeping with your body temperature being a little bit colder, but you also love the feeling of crawling into a warm bed.

You can create a schedule that says to have your bed heated to 105 degrees at 10pm, then lower it to 65 degrees at 11pm, and back up to 100 at 7am in order to wake you up.

In practice, I’ve found this to work really well, and my wife and I can have completely separate temperatures or schedules for our individual side of the bed – more on that in a minute.

The Ooler Has Three Speeds

Another upgraded feature with the Ooler vs Chilipad is the fact there are three fan speeds: Silent, Normal, and Boost. 

If you need to adjust the temperature quickly, boost will turn everything up and cool down or heat up your bed in a matter of minutes, but it can get pretty loud.

Silent isn’t quite completely silent, but much less noisy than the standard ChiliPad.

Frankly, I’ve fallen asleep with my Ooler on Boost pretty much every night, and it’s never once bothered me or kept me awake. It turns into white noise very quickly.

Ooler Has Better Design than ChiliPad

Finally the last major difference I’ve found between the Ooler Sleep System and a standard ChiliPAD is the design. 

The Ooler is a little bit sleeker and slightly shorter making it easier to fit under your bed. The Ooler looks more like a sleek gadget, and the Chilipad looks a little more utilitarian. Almost like a CPAP machine or something similar.

Despite both devices essentially performing the same function, the Ooler really is a level above and beyond in terms of flexibility, options, and aesthetics. 

How Much Does an Ooler Cost?

When I decided I wanted a ChiliPAD I told my wife that’s what I wanted for my birthday. It didn’t start out as that extravagant of an investment.

I just wanted the half-queen ChiliPAD. This comes with one controller, and a pad for one side of the bed – since at the time she didn’t seem that interested.

When using the code SLEEPME which saves 25%, you can find one of these for just a touch over $400.

If you decide you want an Ooler or Chilipad for both sides of the bed – it’s essentially double the cost. You get two separate controllers, and then a pad that is double the size.

So now you’re getting up into the $800 range. Not exactly chump change.

But then you have to make a decision between the ChiliPAD and the Ooler (and now the Dock Pro, which I talk about at the end of this review).

For any given size or combo the Ooler is around $300-400 more.

So now all of a sudden my sub $500 birthday gift is going to be over $1k – since my wife decided that she did in fact want one for herself.

Retail price on the Chilipad ranges from $549 to $1299 depending on if you want the “me” or “we” and the size of your bed.

The Ooler ranges from $799 to $1799.

But again, you can take 25% off any of those using the SLEEPME code.

If you’re on a budget, then I’d take a look the BedJet 3. If you’re not on a budget, then consider the Eight Sleep. It’s more expensive than the Ooler, but a significantly better product as well.

Best for Sleep Health

Ooler Sleep System by Sleep.Me

$600-1400

Unfortunately, the Ooler has been discontinued. I'd recommend checking out the Eight Sleep Pod 3. It's fantastic, and has provided a better experience in nearly all aspects over the Ooler.

Learn More at Sleepme Check out Eight Sleep Pod 3

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Ooler and ChiliPAD FAQs

Here are some answers based on my experience to some of the biggest questions I personally had before buying the Ooler.

How Well Does the Ooler Work with Two People?

As mentioned we decided to get a “we” version of the Ooler, and I’ve been extremely impressed with how it works.

It only took about 15 minutes to have both sides of the bed up and running after getting it out of the box.

I was able to pair both controllers to the app and easily switch back and forth from one to the other.

As my first test I set one side to 115 degrees and the other side to 55.

WOW.

I couldn’t believe how well it worked and how dramatic the difference was. My wife prefers to be warm, and I prefer to be cold when we sleep, so there is often a 40+ degree difference, and it works even better than I expected.

She’s able to set the perfect temperature for her, and me the same.

I’m not gonna lie though, when I first get in bed, I’ll often find myself creeping over to her side to get some of that “warm blanket” feeling before returning to my side to fall asleep.

Is the Ooler Sleep System Loud?

Even on silent mode there’s still a low fan noise. So, while it’s not completely silent, I certainly wouldn’t call it loud. 

If you have it on Boost, however, it’s definitely louder. But again, it just feels like a white noise machine, and hasn’t been nearly as much of an issue as I expected it to be.

So if you were considering buying the less expensive original ChiliPad but were worried about noise, I wouldn’t be.

How Well Does the Ooler App Work?

After buying the Ooler I went to the App Store to download the IOS app and started reading some reviews that were negative about the app – which was making me worried if the Ooler really was the right choice.

I’m happy to report that after a month I’ve found the app to work great.

I’ve never had any issues connecting to the device, the schedule always works the way it should, and changing the temperature or switching from Boost to Silent is incredibly easy.

It sounds like they’ve made a lot of the requested updates since it first launched, and now I’m happy to report that the App works great.

Can You Feel the Cables in the ChiliPad?

One of my biggest concerns before purchasing was whether or not sleeping on a bed with radiator cables going through it would be uncomfortable.

They advertise it as not being able to feel the cables in the pad at all, which isn’t entirely the case.

As you lay down on it or rub your hands across it, you can definitely feel the cables. But I generally only notice them when I’m actively trying to feel them.

While laying in bed and sleeping, you don’t notice them and I certainly wouldn’t call them uncomfortable by any means. But they’re definitely there.

Ooler Review: Is It Better than a Regular ChiliPad?

So, is the Ooler better than the ChiliPad?

While I haven’t personally used the original ChiliPad, I’m very happy with the decision to get the upgraded Ooler version.

The flexibility of having the app gives you has made using the device incredibly easy and unobtrusive. I do think it looks better, and having the flexibility of fan speeds is definitely worth the extra money.

This is a system that is very much an investment. We paid just over $1,000 for ours which seems like a lot – and well, it is! But I’ve already noticed an increase in my sleep quality, and having a way to stay cool in the hot summers while sleeping has made a huge difference.

I don’t think you can go wrong with either the ChiliPad or the Ooler, and despite the high price tag, it’s a product I’m more than happy to recommend based on my personal experience.

Buy the Ooler on the Sleep.Me Website here.

Buy the Cube Sleep System on the Sleep.Me website here.

Use the code “SLEEPME” to save 25% on any of the Sleep.Me sleep systems.

October 2022 Update: 30 Months In, How is the Ooler Holding Up?

I pretty much kept my original review which was published in early 2020 the same, as it all still holds true. 

But I did want to give a little update on my experience with the Ooler, and if I’d still recommend it. 

Here are a few specific thoughts about it.

How Does the Ooler Do on Really Hot Days?

First off, I absolutely still recommend the Ooler or ChiliPad. My wife and I use ours every evening, and regardless of what season it is, it has helped us to sleep deeper and more comfortably. 

We don’t have air conditioning in our house, and it happened to be a particularly warm summer here in Portland, Oregon. 

On really hot days, it can only do so much.

It struggles to get below 60 degrees on days that get up into the mid-90s or more.

That being said, having your bed cooled at all when it’s that hot out is super useful. The only downside is you generally want to turn the fan to high in order to really cool it down, and the heat put out by the fans at that point, can sometimes make the room even hotter.

If you have air conditioning? This is a non-issue.

And honestly, this was only a concern for about 10-15 days in the last 18 months.

How is Ooler Durability and Customer Support?

Both the Ooler and ChiliPad have a two-year warranty, and unfortunately, we’ve had to take them up on it.

The fan on one of our units started making a weird noise, and the unit stopped heating or cooling.

Upon reaching out to customer support they promptly offered a few options to fix it, and sent us some cleaning solution to see if that solved the problem.

It didn’t, so we sent it back and they had our unit fixed and shipped back out to us within about 3 weeks.

Working with the customer support team was great.

This happened in June of 2020, and we’ve been using both our Oolers nightly ever since. In over 2 years, we’ve had zero issues with our devices since then.

Would I Buy the Ooler Again?

Despite the warranty issue, I would absolutely purchase the Ooler Sleep System again.

I currently have mine set to warm the bed around 9pm, and then cool it all the way down to 55 degrees at around 11. 

So when I get in bed it’s nice and warm, but then I get the benefits of a low temperature while I’m sleeping.

My wife doesn’t like it cold, so she keeps hers at a higher temperature, and the dual controls work great. 

The app is easy to use, and while there are times I wish I could control the fan speed on the unit itself – overall it’s had all of the features I’d hoped for and expected.

Despite the high price tag, it’s definitely been worth the investment, and one that has absolutely made me more well-rested over the past year and a half.

In fact, it’s so good that I’m considering upgrading to their newest system, the Dock Pro.

What is the Dock Pro Sleep System?

Ok, for the second part of our October 2022 update, I wanted to introduce the newest sleep system from Sleep.Me: the Dock Pro.

This is the follow-up to the Ooler System I mentioned above, and it genuinely seems like a step up in almost every way.

A few of the differences between the Dock Pro and the Ooler:

• More Powerful – It has “double the cooling power of previous systems.” This is fantastic to see. As I mentioned on really hot days, the Ooler could struggle a bit getting all the way down to 55 degrees. So if the Dock Pro can do that? It’s worth choosing for this reason alone.
• Quieter – When the Ooler is on its quietest mode, you don’t really notice it. But turn it on regular or boost and it’s certainly not silent. At 41 to 45 decibels, the Dock Pro promises to be less noisy than previous models.
• WiFi Over Bluetooth – This is a huge update in my opinion. A lot of times I’ll find myself wanting to turn on my Ooler before heading to bed when I was in a different area of the house, or perhaps about to head home from being out. With Bluetooth, this wasn’t always possible. By having it be WiFi enabled? It makes setting it remotely much easier.
• SleepMe+ compatible – I haven’t tested out their sleep subscription service. But basically, it says it can track all of your sleep data without using a wearable like a Whoop Band or Apple Watch. Certainly intriguing.

The downsides?

It’s expensive. The cheapest model retails for around $1100, and if you’re looking for a Dock Pro for both you and your partner? This can creep upwards of $2k depending on the size of your bed.

The good news is you likely won’t have to pay quite that much, as if you use the code SLEEPME, you’ll save 25% on any product on the site.

The other downside? I personally don’t like the look of the Dock Pro as much as the Ooler. It feels a bit more clinical to me, but that’s just personal preference.

All that to say, if I were buying a new system having never had one before? I’d absolutely go with the Dock Pro.

As it sits, I’ve been so happy with my Ooler, that I’m considering upgrading. This says a lot about my respect for the company and the systems they’ve built.

If I do, I’ll do a dedicated review of the Dock Pro in the future.

Dock Pro Sleep System by Sleep.Me

The Dock Pro is the latest, and most advanced sleep system from Sleepme. It's quieter, more powerful, and more feature-heavy than both the Cube and Ooler systems. That said, I'd consider the Eight Sleep Pod 3 over this product.

Buy Now Also consider Eight Sleep Pod 3

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Best for Sleep Health

Ooler Sleep System by Sleep.Me

$600-1400

Unfortunately, the Ooler has been discontinued. I'd recommend checking out the Eight Sleep Pod 3. It's fantastic, and has provided a better experience in nearly all aspects over the Ooler.

Learn More at Sleepme Check out Eight Sleep Pod 3

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The post ChiliPad Review: Why the Ooler Sleep System is Worth It appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

For the last 14 years I’ve been woking for myself. 

And most of that work, rather than being in my home office with an expensive ergonomic office chair, has been spent out of the house.

I always get more done when I’m not at home. Coffee shops are my office of choice, and let’s just say 14 years in coffee shop chairs at a laptop, hasn’t done my back and posture and favors.

As I’ve begun to feel the effects of this more and more, I’ve been spending more time on recovery.

I’ve tracked my fitness with a Whoop band.

I’ve used a Theragun for massage.

I’ve tried to optimize my sleep with my Eight Sleep.

But more and more these days I’m turning to the trusty foam roller.

This led me down an interesting rabbit hole to find out about Chirp.

It’s marketed itself as the ultimate roller and device for back pain. But does it live up to the claims? Or is it just another over-priced gimmick that went on Shart Tank for exposure?

Let’s find out.

What is a Chirp Back Roller? 

I wanted to get the full Chirp experience, so I opted for the “Ultimate Back and Neck Bundle.”

This is a package of 4 different Chirp Wheels, a posture corrector, and a case for storage.

So what is Chirp exactly?

Essentially Chirp is a specialized roller to help with stretching and back pain.

There are different-sized rollers, that each serve a slightly different function.

But across them all, you’ll find that they’re coated in rubber around a durable plastic wheel.

There’s a unique design that allows it to sit right in between your shoulder blades, allowing you to comfortably (sometimes) roll up and down on the wheel.

The Chirp Wheel comes in 12″, 10″, 6″ and 4″ inch sizes.

The larger the wheel, the easier it is to use. The 10 and 12 inch varieties are best for more gentle stretching, and the 6 and 4 inch rollers are more for very focused pressure and deep tissue work.

I love the pitch.

A convenient set of rollers that doesn’t take up as much space as a traditional foam roller, and is even better for your back because you can customize it to what you need with a different size.

Best Recovery Tools

Chirp Ultimate Neck and Back Bundle

$129.99

If you're looking for a suite of tools to help ease back pain and recovery, look no further than this bundle from Chirp. It's been fantastic for my back pain.

Buy Now

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First Impressions of the Chirp Back Roller

My Chirp package showed up with the speed of Amazon Prime. It was less than 48 hours from when I ordered it on the Chirp website to when it arrived on my front porch.

It didn’t take long to fall in love with some of the branding as the box read “Natural White All-Purpose Flour.” And then in fine print says: “Surprise! It’s not flour. We just put that on the box so nobody steals it.”

I’m not sure it’d actually do anything to deter theft, but it was a cute touch.

Inside the box, there wasn’t any super special packaging or anything like that.

It was just the 4 rollers stacked like nesting dolls, the posture corrector, and the storage bag.

I immediately grabbed the largest roller, went to my living room, and proceeded to start rolling out my back.

You may have seen some of their promotional videos (see their homepage). In them, they show regular people on the street using a Chirp Wheel, while a specifically placed microphone captures the sound of their back cracking over and over again.

Within 5 seconds of using Chirp, my back was experiencing the same thing.

It felt great.

If you’re not used to using a roller or if your balance isn’t the best, it’ll take a little while to get used to using a Chirp back roller.

It requires a little bit more balance than your standard foam roller, but overall is pretty easy to use.

The included instruction manual is also very clear and well done.

The product itself feels very durable and well-built – honestly more so than I was expecting. But for the premium price, this is nice to see.

The wheels also are very attractive with a combination of teal green and black rubber that makes for a nice aesthetic. 

But the most important question is: how do they perform?

Does the Chirp Back Roller Actually Work?

When it comes to a traditional foam roller, I’ve had a few issues.

The first issue happened with the last one I purchased. It had little textured dots on it, that I didn’t think anything of.

That is until I spent 5 minutes rolling out on hardwood floors, and stood up to the floor’s stain being damaged due to the texture.

I’d get mad every time I looked at those floors. Fortunately, we moved and it’s no longer my problem.

So that’s one nice thing about Chirp: you can use them on any surface 

Depending on what you need it for, a traditional foam roller can sometimes be too soft as well. Not the case with the Chirp.

The rubber padding ensures that when it’s pressed up against your back it’s comfortable, but the plastic build ensures that you’re going to get all of the pressure you need.

This is where the different sizes are great.

If I’m just looking for a standard rolling experience, the 12″ Chirp wheel is great.

But if I have specific points that need to get worked on, being able to use the smaller wheel for much more focused treatment and massage is great.

Honestly, you pair this system with a good massage gun, and you’ve almost negated the need for a massage!

Almost…

I love that the wheels stack within each other, so it’s super easy to put them away.

But I’ve been leaving them around the house in different spots – because it’s making me that much more likely to use them.

The 12″ wheel is in my living room, and while watching TV before bed I’ll spend 5-10 minutes rolling out, and it’s led to some great sleep.

I keep the 4-inch wheel in my office and often put it behind my back to help with posture while sitting.

Is the Chirp Posture Corrector Worth It?

This brings us to the posture corrector…

Basically, this is a small strap system that feels like wearing a backpack that’s way too small, minus the backpack part of it.

I was pretty skeptical of this thing at first, because it doesn’t seem like there’s much to it.

And frankly, there isn’t.

But as someone whose posture has always been bad, and is only getting worse, I’m willing to try anything.

And you know what? It actually kinda works!

You first have to get over the fact you’ll feel like a total dork wearing it.

But once you’re past that, I’ve found that it has helped me to more easily sit up straight and help correct my posture while I’m using it.

The key is that you’ll need to keep using it if you want to actually see meaningful change, but for a simple device that you can get for not much extra money, I think it’s worth it if you struggle with your posture.

Final Impressions of the Chirp Back Roller System

Currently, for the package I’ve got, it’s $130. It says this is down from $186.

At a certain point, if a product like this solves your problem, the price is almost a non-factor.

If you’ve had chronic back pain, and you buy this and use it on a daily basis, and it solves that back pain, I’m sure you’d gladly have spent 10 times that amount.

But while even $130 feels expensive for what is essentially a glorified foam roller, it does what it says it’s going to do. It also looks good doing it, and comes in a very convenient package.

I’ve only been using my Chirp wheels for about a week now, and it’s too early to tell if it will lead to long-term fixes with my back pain.

But it’s off to a good start.

Oftentimes it’s the simplest products that can deliver the best results. And with Chirp, while it seems simple on the surface, the results it can produce make this investment one that I think most people will find worthwhile – as long as you build it into your routine.

If you’ve been looking to elevate your foam roller and recovery process, or you’re looking to fix poor posture or back pain, then I think the Chirp system is well worth a try.

Best Recovery Tools

Chirp Ultimate Neck and Back Bundle

$129.99

If you're looking for a suite of tools to help ease back pain and recovery, look no further than this bundle from Chirp. It's been fantastic for my back pain.

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