Speed Hound Recovery Boots Review vs Normatec Compression Boots

Speed Hound vs Normatec Compression Boots Review

Discount coupon codes for Speed Hound recovery boots can be found at the bottom of this review. Any current Hyperice Normatec code will also be posted if available.

It has been a few years since I did my initial review on Hyperice Normatec 3 vs Air Relax and along the way I have continued to test new compression boot offerings. Speed Hound has been my favorite as of late. They offer a world-class device, with a super-slick user interface at a very attractive price point of $649 using the RecoverFaster23 coupon code.

In short, Speed Hound does everything Normatec does but at a better price point and with a 60-day money-back guarantee and all the feels from supporting small businesses.
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Speed Hound ($649 w/ coupon RecoverFaster23)

Normatec head unit is slightly
smaller than Speed Hound

- Small, portable, compression unit. It is very sturdy with a sturdy handle that pops up out of the unit and collapses for storage. A little bit bigger than Normatec and weighs 8lbs 11oz for the system.

- Best-in-class usability. The display is so clear and simple to use. I really love how easy it is to use.

- 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 (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. 

- 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)

- Comes in two sizes.

Sizing comparison of leg sleeves

• Medium (5' 5" and taller)
• Long (5' 4" and shorter)

- Sizing Hack - 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. 

- 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 you will probably need the included width extenders.

- Carrying case is included so no need to buy an optional $150 carrying case.

- 60 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 RecoverFaster23 at checkout. 

Speed Hound only sells direct to keep costs low so you will not find them on Amazon. Nor will you find them spending money on flashy athlete sponsorships. Instead, they are a small business that focuses on supporting grass-roots athletes.   

Hyperice Normatec Pulse 2.0 ($1295) 

- This is a review against the Hyper Normatec Pulse 2.0. They have since updated it to the Hyperice Normatec 3

- Slim design that can be used and moved with one hand. Head unit is smaller than Speed Hound. Total system weight is 8lbs 7oz for the system.

- Has a battery so it can be used without power. Note, past Normatec models had issues with the battery that seem to be fixed in this new model.

Normatec Pulse System

- Comes in three sizes:

• Short (under 5' 3")
• Regular (5'4" to 6'3")
• Tall (over 6' 4")  

- 7 pressure levels with a max of 100mmhg

- 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. 

-  $1295 direct from Hyperice 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. If you like supporting small businesses with great customer service then give them and their 60-day "love them" guarantee a try. 

Coupon Codes & Discussed Product Links:

- Speed Hound Compression Boots - Save $50 with discount coupon code:  RecoverFaster23

- Hyperice Normatec Pulse 3 Compression Boots on Amazon

- Hyperice Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Boots on Amazon 

- 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 $500-$6000)
- Normatec Gen 1 Pulse vs Normatec Gen 2 Pulse Review
- Air Relax vs Normatec Review

Black Friday Compression Boots Discount Coupon Code Sales - Normatec vs Speed Hound vs Air Relax

The following Black Friday / holiday discount coupon code sales exist in the recovery compression boot space for Normatec (Save $210), Speed Hound (Save $100), and Air Relax (Save $45).

Normatec - Save $210 on Normatec thru Black Friday weekend, no coupon necessary. This is an extra $50 off for the Black Friday weekend, then the promotion will revert back to $100 off for the rest of the holiday season up thru New Years. If you purchase via Amazon and use their Amazon Prime Visa then you can save an additional 5% off for a total of $210 off and effectively makes them $1085. Purchasing via Amazon also offers Amazon's outstanding customer service, longer holiday return period (Jan 31st 2020), and potentially same-day delivery.

Speed Hound - Save $100 with Speedhound Black Friday coupon code for $100 off is TG100. Sale runs thru Dec 8th. Beyond those dates you can still use RecoverFaster23 for $50 off for the rest of the holiday season. Speed hound recovery boots can only be purchased from Speed Hound's website. Side note, I really like this brand of boots as they have a super slick user interface and the owner is actually a triathlete himself. He is really adamant that you love your boots even if that means you end up in a competitor. If you support small business Saturday then Speed Hound is a great option for this cause. I did a short review against Normatec here.

Air Relax - Save 10% (~$45) with Air Relax Black Friday coupon code BMT87. Starts 11/28 at 11:00pm EST and runs thru 12/02. After Black Friday, monthly coupon for 5% saving - coupon changes monthly - can be found here.  Air Relax is much more affordable than Normatec ($400 vs $1085) and they have gotten tons of solid praise over the years. Purchasing Air Relax is also supporting small business Saturday. Although the owners are not triathletes, they have been a blessing to work with over the years and it has been a wonderful family run business. I'll add that for the skinny-lean triathlete the Speed Hound boots width can be more appropriately sized. Air Relax really started as a medical device for a typical larger body in my humble opinion and has a more relaxed fit. Air Relax can only be purchased at their website. I did a review of Air Relax and Normatec here.

Relevant Links

- Normatec - No code necessary
- Air Relax Website - Use code BMT87 to save 10%
- Speed Hound Website - Use code RecoverFaster23 to save $100

N95 vs N100 Respirator Masks - Which One To Buy For Covid-19 Coronavirus Protection

Know what you are buying
N100 vs N95 Respiratory Masks

With Coronavirus fears running rampant in the USA there is no shortage of disinformation regarding respiratory masks. Not an hour goes by when I don't read some headline from a major news outlet talking about N95 respirator masks and that they are either out of stock or ineffective. Ironically I am not even sure why news outlets are talking about N95 masks at all. People should be buying N100 / P100 masks and passing on N95 / P95 ones.

As an uber-geeky professional triathlete who has had respiratory issues since he was a young kid I find it bit a baffling. While every news outlet is talking about N95 masks and their lack of availability, they are neglecting to mention that N95 masks, when properly fitted, only capture 95% of the particles down to a size of 0.3 microns. Which means that 5% of the particles are let thru.

What these news organizations also fail to mention is that N100 masks are a much better solution in the first place. N100 masks, when there isn't mass hysteria clearing out all inventory, are only ~10% more expensive than N95 masks and yet they filter out 99.97% of all particles down to a size of 0.3 microns. Why on earth anyone would buy a N95 mask when you could buy a N100 mask is beyond me.The difference between 5% and .03% is huge.

When I first heard about a shortage of masks a month ago I was curious so I went online to try to find some masks, and sure enough, N95 masks were sold out. However I have been using a P100 mask for many years and that I replace about twice a year. I was delighted to find out that my 3M P100 Respiratory Mask was still in-stock and I got it shipped free from Amazon in a few days time.

For those that are curious I get masks designated with "P" and not an "N". A P100 mask is essentially another step up and filters what an N100 masks filters + oil-based particulates.

I bought one mask and only one as not to be greedy and leave plenty for other people. It is a mask I use on a regular basis while doing yard work, home improvement projects, painting and even regular cleaning and vacuuming. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and you only have one set of lungs. Unfortunately you probably aren't going to be able to find P100/N100 masks either at this point, but here is a link to the listing of my favorite respirator mask.

Take this opportunity to change out your HVAC Filter
3M Filtrete 2800 are some of the best filters
for BASIC HVAC systems.

Important, also know that you have to have a good seal in order to make it truly effective. There are simple tests you can do with 3M respirator masks to make sure that seal is tight and that it is fitted properly to your face. Read the directions that come with your mask or search for Youtube videos. Yes masks are ineffective if worn incorrectly. The linked respirator masks are great at creating a tight seal and offer highly adjustable tension on your face. The disposable masks you buy at the store typically don't have a great seal in the first place and are meant to be disposable.

I am sure in the coming days or hours you will read another article and it will mention N95 masks. Why these are of discussion is beyond me. N100 / P100 masks are really what people should be buying anyway. Share this and help others make a more informed buying decision for their health. You could save someone's life!

Lastly use this opportunity to purchase a new home air filter for your HVAC systems as well. Indoor air is some of the dirtiest air most people breathe. While some top HVAC systems today use even higher quality HEPA filters. The best filter you can buy for most HVAC systems is going to be the 3m Filtrete 2800 filter. Just make sure you buy the right size. You can pull out your current HVAC filter to get the size info you need. They are only a few dollars more expensive than less expensive filters. How can you put a price on your lungs buy one today!!!

Relevant Discussed Links

- 3M Filtrete 2800 Air Filters on Amazon
- 3M P100 Respiratory Masks on Amazon
- N95 Respirator Masks on Amazon