Speed Hound vs Normatec Compression Boots Review |
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 RecoverFaster24 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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Normatec head unit is slightly smaller than Speed Hound |
- 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)
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 RecoverFaster24 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 |
- 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.
- $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: RecoverFaster24
- 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
- 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