The Fixx 1.0 Massager gun is the latest recovery tool from the Swiss brand Compex. If you’re not familiar with the brand, Compex has been making products that specialize in physiotherapy, pain treatment, and sports training for over 30 years, making them a leader in electro stimulation technology.
There’s now a Compex Fixx 2 Massager with 5 built-in speeds – learn more about it on Amazon!
I have been using other Compex devices that use both TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and NMES (NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation) technology for over 5 years now, a big reason why I feel comfortable recommending the brand to those who are looking to improve their muscle performance.
Compex muscle stimulators and TENS machines like the Mini Wireless Muscle Stimulator and the Sport Elite 3.0 are used for muscle warm-up, recovery, injury prevention, and pain management which makes them excellent all-round tools. This Compex Fixx 1.0 review is going to focus on the Fixx 1.0 Massager though, which is Compex’s first-ever massage gun for deep tissue massage.
LEARN MORE: Compex TENS VS. NMES – What’s the difference?
This portable percussion therapy massage gun packs serious power and provides faster recovery times for athletes of any ability, the reason why it’s on my list of hacks that improved my running performance post.
Keep reading to learn all about how the device helps to speed up recovery and of course my own personal experience using it. A quick thank you to Compex for sending me the Fixx 1.0 Massager to test and review.
What are the benefits of using a massage gun like the Compex Fixx 1.0 Massager?
The Fixx 1.0 massager uses a type of percussion massage which provides the ultimate deep tissue massage for sore and overworked muscles. It can also be used as part of your warm-up routine before running or other sports.
How to use the Compex Fixx 1.0 Massage gun
The Fixx 1.0 Massager is a fairly simple tool to use, the adjustable head is the only moving part and a button on the handle adjusts the speed.The real art in using this warmup and recovery tool is knowing where to massage, what percussion intensity to use in that area and the direction of movement you should use.
Is the Fixx 1.0 Massager easy to use?
In short yes. There are very few moving parts and only one slider button to adjust the speed. Three adjustable angles allow you to reach a wide range of muscle groups in order to help maximize results.
This is particularly useful when you don’t have anyone to do your massaging for you. The video below demonstrates how to put the adjustable head into the 3 available angles/positions.
There are 3 different percussion speeds/programs, each with their own benefits
The video below demonstrates what each speed looks like and also how loud they are. Please excuse the background noise of the waterfall, hopefully you still get the idea of noise levels.
The Fixx massager adjusts to 3 different speeds: 25, 33, and 46 strokes per second. Combining percussion speed and hand pressure allows you to customize any massage to meet your requirements.
Here are the benefits of using each speed setting of this massage gun:
- SOFT/SLOW (25 strokes a second) – For sensitive muscles, low speed can help alleviate knots and soreness while flushing out lactic acid.
- MEDIUM (33 strokes a second) – For muscles that are not too small or sensitive, but don’t want a deep tissue massage, the medium setting can help reduce soreness and tight muscles without causing discomfort.
- FIRM/FAST (46 strokes a second) – For larger muscles that need something similar to a deep tissue massage, the firm setting can help flush out the deep knots, lactic acid, and help loosen up tight muscles.
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I’m not a physiotherapist, so how do I know where to actually massage?
Don’t panic, I have put together this useful chart of muscle groups which show the muscle groups and body parts to target, where they exist, and which direction you should move the Fixx 1.0 Massager in.
Remember that you can use this massager for warmup as well as recovery purposes. Images courtesy of Compex.com.
NOTE: Compex suggests using the Fixx massager on body parts for no more than 1 minute per specific location. Keep moving over muscles and avoid bony areas, and stop using it immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort.
How heavy is the Compex Fixx 1.0 Massager and is it comfortable to use?
The unit with the battery inserted weighs 37 oz. (roughly 1kg), so it has some weight to it but the custom molded grip/handle is ergonomically shaped.
The handle uses a biocompatible silicone rubber grip to help maintain a secure grip while massaging, therapists should be able to maintain grip even with oily hands. The handle shape makes it very comfortable to use two-handed, for longer sessions.
Is the Compex Fixx 1.0 Massager the best massage gun available?
This massage gun has enough power for even the toughest of people and stubborn muscle soreness.
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It has 3 intensity modes, a great battery life, adjustable directionality for hard to reach areas, and it’s made by Compex, a Swiss company that has been going for over 30 years.
Compex is also the only company in sports-recovery technology that I trust to deliver extremely high-quality products.
So whether it’s the best massage gun or not is in the eye of the beholder, and personally, if Compex designed this then I wouldn’t bother looking elsewhere for an alternative.
How noisy is the Compex Fixx 1.0 Massager?
The Fixx 1.0 Massager uses a brushless motor and is described as quiet, and to be fair it is whilst used on the slowest speed setting.
As soon as you ramp the speed up to program 2 or 3 then it gets noticeably louder, as heard in my demonstration video below which runs through the 3 different speed settings.
For many though, myself included, the noise level isn’t an issue unless I’m massaging my muscles while Helen is trying to watch tv :).
How long does the battery last?
The rechargeable battery should provide around 90 mins of use and there’s a 4-dot battery indicator on the handle, which gives you an idea of when to charge it up again.
The video below shows how to remove the rechargeable battery and also how to install it.
It takes a bit of a squeeze on either side to get it off but I would rather it be tough to remove than have it fall out unexpectedly.
How much does the Fixx 1.0 cost and is it worth it?
The Compex Fixx 2.0 massage gun is currently on sale at Amazon for $346, which I think is well-priced for such a powerful yet portable massage tool.
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$210.67
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