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| Speed Hound vs Normatec Compression Boots Review |
It has been a few years since I did my initial review on Normatec vs Air Relax and along the way I have continued to test new compression boots offerings. Speed Hound has been my favorite as of late. They offer an awesome device, with a super-slick user interface, and at very attractive price point of $695.
If the Speed Hound interface looks familiar that is probably because it is made by the same manufacturer that makes Rapid Reboot and Elevated Legs. However, Speed Hound has got the price down to $695 which is $300 less than Rapid Reboot. In addition Speed Hound is quieter, smaller, and has a convenient handle for one-handed movement. In addition, they have the hoses sewn into the legs. This last point may not seem like a big deal, but the hoses on Rapid Reboot come out of the boots at the bottom and the long cables can quickly get tangled making entrance and exit more difficult.
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| Compression boots squeeze blood & lymph from the legs helping it back to the heart, lungs & kidneys. The end result is you recover faster and feel fresher! |
In short, Speed Hound does everything Normatec does but at 50% the cost of Normatec. I am a huge fan of compression boots and specifically over many other modalities like e-stim (Compex & Marc Pro), percussive devices (HyperIce and TheraGun), Bemer devices and even foam rolling.
The main reason why I am so big on recovery compression boots is because they are passive devices that don't require your attention. As athletes we are already busy and sometimes too tired to be bothered with anything additional and sitting in boots is so easy, so relaxing, and so fun. I am even typing this review while I am in the boots.
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| Normatec head unit is slightly smaller than Speed Hound |
- Best in class usability. The display is so clear and simple to use. I simply love it.
- 3 easy select time cycles of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. You can of course do more than one cycle.
- 10 easy select pressure levels ranging from 20-200mmHg. Normatec goes to 100mmHg over 7 levels. I really like the visual of the increasing pressure here for new users.
- 2 easy select modes including: flush and massage
- 4 programmable zones with the ability to shut off or turn on the exact zones you want. For instance if you just had a lower calf issue you could run just zone 1 and zone 2. You only get this feature in Normatec Pulse Pro model which is insanely expensive.
- Features hidden hoses sewn in the legs with dark fabric that won't show dirt.
- Whisper quiet
- Available in 110V (USA) and 230V (Non-USA)
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| Sizing comparison of leg sleeves |
- Medium (5' 5" and taller)
- Long (5' 4" and shorter)
- Sizing Note - because you can turn off zones on Speed Hound, you could always go with Long if you wanted to share a long pair of boots with someone who needed short. You would simply deactivate zone 4 for the shorter person. You can do this as well on Normatec's Pulse Pro which is $2500. You can always buy a second set of legs too. They are $225
- Comes with width extenders for those needing more width. Speed Hound boots are slimmer than Normatec. While compared to most triathletes, I have pretty stocky calves and thighs and I fit comfortably, but if you have really large calves/thighs it is something to consider. They do have wider models as well so if you are a lymphedema patient reading this then I might suggest you go with the wider legs
- Carrying case is included so no need to buy an optional $150 carrying case.
- 45 day "love them" guarantee with a 2-year warranty.
- Optional attachments for hips and arms.
Highly affordable direct from Speed Hound with an extra $50 discount when you enter discount coupon code RecoverFaster22 at checkout. They are NOT currently available Amazon as the company is doing it best to keep costs lows and selling direct helps keep those costs low.
2018-2019 Normatec Pulse ($1295)
- Slim design that can be used and moved with one hand. Head unit is smaller than Soundhound. Total system weight is 8lbs 7oz for the system.
- Has a battery with a stated battery life of 3 hours. In my extensive testing this is pretty accurate but the Normatec Pulse 2015-2017 had a battery that wasn't reliable. I definitely recommend what Normatec calls the 2018 Normatec Pulse. I call it the Normatec Pulse Gen 2 and wrote up a separate post on the Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Pulse here. If you are a purchasing from Amazon you will be getting the Gen 2 pulse automatically as those units are sold direct to Amazon from Normatec. If you are purchasing from a reseller/vendor check with the vendor as they may still be selling old stock
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| Normatec Pulse System |
- Short (under 5' 3")
- Regular (5'4" to 6'3")
- Tall (over 6' 4")
- 1 mode of squeezing known in the industry as sequential compression, tweaked with Normatec's patented "pulse" technology with the zone boost option.
- Time increment is controllable in 5-minute increments from 5 minutes to 2 hours.
- 5 zones with no ability to program them off or on.
- Available in one "world voltage" model only
- Features hidden hoses sewn in the legs with dark fabric that won't show dirt.
- Optional attachments for hips and arms.
- Optional travel case. $150 for a hard-shell case.
- 2-year warranty for the Gen 2 Pulse. 1-year warranty for the 2015-2017 Gen 1 Pulse.
- $1295 direct from Normatec or save $75 by using your Amazon Prime Visa (5% cash back) to purchase via Amazon Prime.
Final thoughts
I continue to believe strongly in recovery compression boots as a must own device for any serious athlete and I can't speak highly enough of Speed Hound. I simply love these boots and I know you will too. If you purchase Speed Hound you can be confident that if the sizing is not right or you just don't like them that you always have their 45-day "love them" guarantee.Normatec makes an amazing device as well but is considerably more expensive and I just don't see how they can compete at this price level. Normatec has grown into a behemoth and a recent HQ move in super expensive Boston combined with all the athlete sponsorship they do with NFL, NHL, NBA sports teams and players inflates the cost to you the consumer. If you are a Normatec brand believer, do me a favor, take a chance on Speed Hound with their 45-day guarantee and drop me line later and tell me what you think.
Normatec does sell on Amazon which is convenient for many people. I can't recommend purchasing directly from Amazon enough. You can save 5% ($60) with an Amazon Prime Visa card + you get their amazing customer service and return experience.
Coupon Codes & Discussed Product Links:
- Speed Hound Compression Boots - Save $50 with discount coupon code: RecoverFaster22
- Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Boots on Amazon - Save $65 with your Amazon Prime visa card.
- Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chairs - $39.99 perfect chairs for relaxing in your recovery compression boots either at outdoor events or on the patio
- Normatec on eBay - Used and New (Various prices, generally $700-$1000)
- Normatec Gen 1 Pulse vs Normatec Gen 2 Pulse Review
- Air Relax vs Normatec Review
