Rapid Reboot Recovery System v NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0
A comparison of the compression boots recovery market leaders
By Pat, 2021
While both the Rapid Reboot Recovery System and the NormaTec Recovery Boots (Leg Pulse 2.0) are known industry leaders the question arises often, which is better?
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And while you probably can’t go wrong with either option I thought I would talk you through the highlights of each brands compression boots recovery system, and of course the perceived improvements they could each make to trump the other.Â
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I’ll touch on the actual performance and compression of each device, the usability of the control units, the tech features, the boots options, the portability and the price of both the Rapid Reboot Recovery System and the NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 – as these are the two systems that I know budding athletes often weigh up as their best options.Â
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Pressure, modes + zones
Pressure
What surprises many is that the NormaTec doesn’t actually have an exceptionally strong compression in mmHG. Normatec Leg Pulse 2.0 extends to 100mmHg pressure – which to be completely honest is more than adequate for most people.Â
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The Rapid Reboot compression goes to 200mmHg. This is certainly an impressive feat, but it comes with the downside of a louder, heavier unit that is not particularly travel friendly.Â
Modes
The NormaTec brand has developed a patented pulse technology which they claim is one of the factors that sets their brand apart from competitors.Â
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The Rapid Reboot Recovery System has two specific modes; the Flush mode and the Massage mode. The flush modes focuses on improving circulation and lymphatic function for metabolic waste removal. In theory the Massage mode will deliver some of the same benefits but focuses on muscle tension release.Â
Zones
NormaTec markets their ZoneBoost system that allows you to increase pressure and duration of attention to a particular zone. This is obviously handy if you have an area with a niggle.
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Rapid Reboot market that they have the ability to shut off zones. For example you can turn off the upper leg and focus your entire session on just the calf and below the knee. NormaTec only have their option in their Pro range which is at a considerably higher price point.Â
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Compression Boots
It is impressive to see so many sizing options in the Rapid Reboot Recovery system, with 5 length variants available.Â
- XS for under 5′ 1″
- SÂ for 5′ 1″ to 5′ 3″
- M for 5′ 3″ -to 5′ 10″
- L for 5′ 10 – 6′ 3″
- XL for above 6′ 3″Â
One interesting thought with Rapid Reboot is that given they have the option to shut off zones, I know friends who share their boots with their wives and simply shut off the top zone to create effectively a shorter leg option. A good idea if you want to share one set with a variety different sized humans.Â
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NormaTec produced three leg length options:
- Short for under 5′ 3″
- Standard for 5′ 3″ -to 6′ 3″
- Tall for above 6′ 3″
NormaTec will standardly come with a Standard sized boot. But the other sizes can be chosen as alternative options.Â
The NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 + Rapid Reboot Recovery System
Tech options
So NormaTec has until recently had next to no competition when it comes to tech compatability. NormaTec have an app that allows you to both control the device and to track your recovery sessions. It does this via bluetooth connectivity to your apple or android device. This can also connect to your Strava and your training peaks account.
However, recently (as in, early 2021) we have seen Rapid Reboot introduced a new option ‘The Regan’ to their range with an improved control unit and app compatibility too. A big bonus to their range which has seen them catch from a tech perspective.Â
The pre-2021 Rapid Reboot Recovery System on offer didn’t have this sort of tech capability.Â
Travel + Portability
NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 are known for their travel friendly design with significantly smaller and lighter overall packages. They also boast TSA approval so you have confidence you can take your precious cargo as carry-on. The lithium-ion battery is also a major positive as they can be used without needing to plus them in for 2 – 3 sessions. You may like to invest in the travel bag as a handy addition if you want to move around with your recovery system.Â
Rapid Reboot Recovery Systems are generally known to be heavier, bulkier and overall less travel friendly. However the new addition of the Regan echoes some of the travel features of the NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0. This model also has a rapid deflate option which is another good feature when you are on the move. The travel friendly Regan does come with a travel case included, but you are essentially paying for this as the overall cost of the system is more than the NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 without the travel bag.Â
Price
With the prices of these units changing from time to time I don’t like to put prices up here are links to see the latest prices:
- Rapid Reboot Recovery System See latest price
- Rapid Reboot REGAN Recovery System See latest price
- NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 See latest price
Up until early 2021 the NormaTec Pulse 2.0 was considerably pricier than the Rapid Reboot Recovery System. But with the addition of the Regan by Rapid Reboot which has more comparable featues to the NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 their pricing is more on par these days.Â
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