Product Review: RAD Roller Massage Tools

When it comes to product reviews, we don’t mess around. All of the items we review are put through the ringer of everyday use. You can trust that our reviews are non-biased and completely honest. Full disclosure: we don’t publish negative reviews. If a product doesn’t live up to our standards, we simply won’t promote it. Everyone has their own opinion – this is ours. Let’s get started.
 
Whether you are a diehard yogi, a runner, or if your athletic prowess is in another area of fitness all together, you will experience tight, sore muscles that need attention after your physical activities. Even if you’re not athletic at all, but you are on your feet all day, your muscles still take a beating! While we would all love to treat ourselves to a luxurious massage to stretch and relax our muscles after every intense workout or after spending too much time on our feet, time and money may be an inhibiting factor.
 
Enter RAD Roller. Developed by a biomechanical expert and a professional triathlete, RAD Roller offers physical fitness, physical therapy and mobility products that are well-made, highly versatile, functional and easy to use. Designed with the human body in mind, RAD Roller’s suite of products help you provide relief for nearly every sore muscle in your body, all from the comfort of your home.
 

 
We have tested their complete product line, and here are items from the RAD Point Release Kit that every yogi is sure to love:
 
 

RAD Roller

The company’s pioneer product, the RAD Roller is a convenient and user friendly massage tool that is comprised of two connected rounds. There are three types available to suit your individual needs and preferences. The original blue RAD Roller is soft enough for gentle areas such as your neck but provides enough support for larger leg and back muscles. The roller is able to open up even your toughest muscle knots. In a sleek black color, the stiff model is harder with less give, making it perfect for athletes or those that need a deeper, more intense massage. In green, the soft model is perfect for the beginner who needs a gentle massage. At just $25 for one set or $55 for three, these are a bargain!
 
Uses
This baby is precise! You can use the RAD Roller to target specific muscles that are in need of a little TLC. It can be used to massage virtually every muscle in your body from head to toe. For instance, when you have neck pain or tight muscles, you can place the roller at the base of your skull and either relax in position or move in small circles around your head and up to just behind your ear. Use it on your back, chest, elbow, hips, quadriceps, calves and feet, or anywhere else that you are experiencing muscular discomfort.

Quality
The RAD Roller is made of natural rubber and weighs in at less than a pound. This tool is small enough to throw in your bag or suitcase for travel, but don’t let its small size fool you! The RAD Roller is small but sturdy and built for the long haul.
 
Helpful Tips
You can massage specific muscles by running the roller both down and across your entire muscle. To target the source, you can use this tool to focus on the areas where your muscles meet the bones or joints. Whether you are targeting a joint or an entire muscle, keep the pressure on for 10 seconds or less (so you don’t cut off circulation, which can lead to additional pain and discomfort).
 
Best Feature
The RAD Roller is easy to use and requires very little skill to work out muscle kinks. Best of all, it allows you to focus on specific muscles and relieve pressure, without asking a friend or loved one for help. You no longer have to ask your partner for a foot massage after a long day on your feet – the RAD Roller will massage you better (and without complaining).
 
 

RAD Rounds

When you use a product that is designed specifically to work with the contours of your body, you can feel the difference. The RAD Rounds were designed to help you relieve tension and soreness in sensitive and often overlooked areas, such as your hands, feet and neck. The $17 set comes with two rounds – one large and one small – allowing you to apply just the right amount of pressure where you need it most.
 
Uses
On the rare occasion that the RAD Roller is not hitting that exact sweet spot, RAD Rounds come to the rescue. Just like the RAD Roller, the RAD Rounds are simple to use, with trigger point precision.

About the size of a golf ball, the small blue round is 1.6 inches in diameter and has a stiff construction for precise pressure. For relief of pain or tension, instead of using a tennis ball that is intended to be hit, the rounds can comfortably target an area and provide an accurate and relieving massage. You can also tackle your tough to reach and sensitive areas, such as the face, jaw, neck or the small muscles between the bones in your hands or feet.

The large green round is 2.2 inches in diameter and is slightly softer with a little give, and it can tackle a larger area and offers a wider range of uses. Looking for a more focused and accurate massage for larger areas? The large round is the tool you need. Use the large round to work your shoulder blades, hamstrings, calves, hips, scalp and feet.

 
Quality
The RAD Rounds are made of top-grade silicone. The large and small rounds are lightweight, weighing in at just 3.6 and 1.6 ounces, respectively. Even though they are small, they feel substantial and pack a big punch. Just toss these rounds in your yoga bag or purse, and have a tool at hand to give your muscles the attention they deserve.
 
Helpful Tips
Pair the RAD Rounds with the RAD Block (see below) for more control and focused release of pain. You will want to use the Rad Rounds for those smaller places that the roller might not pinpoint, or to penetrate deep into your sore muscles past the superficial outer muscle layers.
 
Best Feature
The best feature of the RAD Rounds is their ability to be heated or cooled. When you are looking for a warm, deep tissue massage or a simple relaxing experience, you can soak the rounds in hot water for 5-10 minutes. For a cooler and more refreshing experience or pick-me-up, you can soak the rounds in ice water or simply toss them in the freezer or refrigerator and grab as needed. The rounds can even replace your typical cold compress, while offering all of the benefits of a therapeutic massage.
 
 

RAD Block

The RAD Block is an elevated leverage and storage device, all in one handy and versatile tool for $29. The block is designed to work with the RAD Roller and RAD Rounds, and offers convenient slots to tuck them away securely for easy accessibility.
 
Uses
The RAD Block has dimples on the side that fit both the RAD Roller and RAD Rounds, allowing you to have targeted pressure in areas that you would normally not be able to reach or have enough leverage to target yourself, such as adductors, pectoralis, groin and shoulder muscles. The block allows you to extend your roller and rounds to a comfortable height, giving you better leverage to focus on those hard-to-reach places. Instead of using the rounds or roller on the floor, the block also provides a stable base that prevents your roller and rounds from slipping.

 
Quality
The block is made of EVA foam in a simple gray color. It is also very lightweight, making it portable for travel. The RAD Block has curved edges and a satiny smooth surface for a comfortable grip, and it can even become a yoga block when you need it.
 
Helpful Tips
Instead of placing the roller or rounds in the dimples, stick one or more in the storage slots, which do not completely tuck away the tools. Once inside the slots, the block holds the RAD Rounds and RAD Roller in place to get just the right angle to reach your muscle that is in need of attention.
 
Best Feature
Once you are done with your roller and rounds, simply place them within the storage slots on the front side of the RAD Block. Next time you need them, all of your tools are organized and within reach. Now you can toss out the original packaging and still feel secure knowing that your products are safe and sound.
 
 
So, how rad is RAD Roller? From the unique designs and superior craftsmanship to the affordable price point, what’s not to love about RAD Roller? We at YouAligned.com love the durability and versatility of the RAD Roller suite of products, and for that reason, RAD Roller is 100% YouAligned™.
 

 

You May Also Enjoy

5 Yoga Props to Enhance Your Practice
There is a whole world of yoga props out there that can benefit and empower your yoga experience. Here are 5 yoga props that will enhance your yoga practice:
Read »