NormaTec Recovery Boots Leg Pulse 2.0 review
By Pat, 2021
So, you’ve obviously heard of NormaTec Recovery Boots and are no doubt getting the idea that they are considered the market leaders for athletic recovery. In this article I’ll guide you through both a NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 review and some detail about what makes the NormaTec brand stand out in the crown.Â
Why are NormaTec considered the best recovery boots?
The team behind NormaTec have patented their unique pulse technology. They claim that this unique caibration phase at the start of your session, which is digitally controlled, will ensure the device molds the inflated units perfectlt to your body. It’s this precise fit that they believe enhances the compression you get out of each session.Â
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Additionally to their patented pulse technology the NormaTec uses another stand out featured they call the ZoneBoostâ„¢ which allows the used to set a targeted zone that requires extra attention. This targeted area will get 10 mmHg more pressure for a period of up to 60 seconds.Â
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Recovery system for all body parts
As a runner, cyclist and mountain biker I must admit to being mainly interested in lower limb recovery. However, it should be noted that the NormaTec Recovery Pulse 2.0 system is available as just the leg kit, leg kit plus hip attachment or a full body kit that includes arm attachments.Â
NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 Recovery Boots
NormaTec Leg Pulse Recovery Boots 2.0 Review
Included in the Normatec recovery boots leg pulse 2.0 is the two standard length leg attachments (fits heights 5’3″ to 6’3″), the power supply, hosing and the Normatex Pulse 2.0 control device.Â
Winning Features of NormaTec Recovery Boots
- 7 intensity levels
- Time, pressure and zone adjustments
- Overlapping zones for gapless compression
- ZoneBoostâ„¢ feature
- Blue tooth connectivity + App
- 2 year warranty
- TSA approved for carryon
I am also a fan of the ability for the Pulse 2.0 control unit to be cordless. By plugging in and charging the control unit that is one less cord to worry about.Â
Pulse 2.0 Pros
- Market leading technology
- Quality construction + materials
- Easy to customise
- Easy to travel with
- Useful tech / app integration
Pulse 2.0 Cons
- Battery Life of only 2 hours
- A higher price point
My personal overall rating of
NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 Recovery system
I am obviously a fan of compression boots for recovery and the NormaTec brand lives up to the hype by increasing circulation, reducing pain and soreness post intense activity and decreasing recovery time between workouts. Here’s more detail on the physiological benefits of compression therapy.Â
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I think NormaTec have created an easy to use, comprehensive recovery system that deserves almost 5 stars. They only really lost points because their price point eliminates some athletes from their market.Â
How to choose a leg size
It’s kept pretty simple with NormaTec. They have three leg sizes with the standard size fitting “most”.Â
Standard size – fits heights 5’3″ to 6’3″
Short size – fits heights under 5’3″
Tall size – fits 6’4″ and above
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Kits will come with standard size unless specified.
Travel features of the NormaTec Recovery Boots Leg Pulse 2.0
I think NormaTec really know their market. They have established themselves at the top of the compression and recovery food chain and haven’t overlooked that many professional or wannabe pro athletes will need to travel with their recovery boots.Â
The NormaTec Recovery Boots Leg Pulse 2.0 are TSA approved, meaning that you can take them as “carry on” luggage on most US flights. The chargeable control unit is also handy if you plan on whipping these out in the airport lounge.Â
Warranty + replacement parts
At this stage NormaTec offer a 2 year warranty on their compression devices. While I haven’t had to take them up on this, I have heard for this to be a seamless process for the most part.Â
One issue you hear of collectively across chargeable compression devices is the battery dieing if you only ever use it while it’s plugged in. For this reason I recommend using the control unit while it’s not plugged in for the most part. Allow the battery to do it’s best work and live it’s best life 😉Â
From what I have heard NormaTec generally provide replacement parts – it’s generally just down to one part being an issue whether that be tubing, a zip or the battery life. I believe this to be across the whole industry.Â
Comparison of NormaTec Pulse 1.0 to NormaTec Pulse 2.0
A quick recap between the 1.0 and the 2.0 for you. While the actual compression is the same, the 2.0 mainly received tech updates. With the latest model now able to connect to both strava and training peaks, and an updated screen and improved buttons. The newer 2.0 is also bluetooth compatible which enables the app integration. We all know athletes love to track a stat!Â
A few others are also reporting a reduction in battery life. I have no doubt that is all the additional tech function of the 2.0 that they have packed in to a slightly smaller device. I suppose they have hypothesised that most people won’t need to use their recovery system more than a few times between charges.Â
A Newsworthy Note
Given the recent sale I thought it was topical to note that in early 2020 Hyperice aquired the NormaTec company and have quoted that we should expect to see a rebrand to “NormaTec by Hyperice” in the coming period. Let’s wait and see…Â
NormaTec Recovery System options
Full body kit with the standard size leg attacment, hip attachment and arm attachment.
Comprehensive lower limb kit with both the standard size leg + hip attachment.Â
Learn more
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About me, the "Recovery Nerd"
Pat, Compressionrecoveryboots.com expert
Here’s a little about me to add to my street cred. I’m Pat. A once was Podiatrist born and raised for the most part of my youth in New Zealand. I have lived and worked in London and now California. My work has taken me away from my lower limb specialty as a Podiatrist and in to the world of recovery products – an industry I have a great interest in as an amateur athlete and adrenaline junkie myself.Â
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My friends call me a “recovery nerd” but I see myself as more of an enthusiast.