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Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon
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I am on a budget, so unfortunately recovery boots such as Normatec are not an option. I found these on Amazon...do these seem like they can do a reasonable job with recovery? Thanks for your thoughts and opinions!

http://www.amazon.com/..._product_top?ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/...ression+leg+recovery
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I have the orange Air Relax ones in my Amazon wish list for the same reason as you. I can't afford (nor justify) the price of Normatecs. From my research, it seems that Podium Legs went out of business & either reformed as, or was bought out by Unix & they renamed the product the Air Relax. See the link below for a relatively recent review of several recovery systems.

http://obstacleracingmedia.com/gear/the-best-compression-recovery-boots/

A few people in my tri club have tried the Podium Legs/Air Relax and also the Normatecs. While they all prefer the Normatecs, they also say that for the price, the Air Relax does pretty much the same thing & are just as effective.


It seems that the biggest strike against the Air Relax is that it is the noisiest of the bunch. It's also a bit more bulky than the Normatec, but for $1,000 less, I can live with both. $400 is still a good chunk of change, so this is low on the priority list, but if someone wants to get me one, or if I receive an amazon gift cart to defer the cost, I may pick one up.
Last edited by: Meathead: Mar 22, 16 9:54
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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PM sent
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you for this informative response!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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check out recovery edge
i heard good things about them

Follow me on Twitter @CK21TRHC
I use what I love: ISM, Blue70, Trek, FLO
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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I have the 2nd (Air Relax) also in my wishlist but haven't pulled the trigger yet, glad you have some good feedback about the system because it seems like most of the Amazon reviews (while positive) aren't in reference to sports recovery and more related to edema and other medical problems.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I have an earlier generation of these. They are perfect! Yes of course the bigger name has more programs. but you need to compress from the feet to the top and repeat. simple. (yes I know more technical stuff can happen/help) but these are great! I use them after big days for about 30-40min and I think they work/help just fine. you'd be very happy with them. mine came in a little zippered suitcase and I take them on the road very easily as well.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ck21trhc] [ In reply to ]
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ck21trhc wrote:
check out recovery edge
i heard good things about them

I just looked through their site. At $539 for the cheapest option, they are $140 more than the Air Relax & from what I can tell, the Recovery Edge doesn't have different compression programs like the Air Relax has. Still, it's better than the Normatecs.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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excellent and thank you so sharing that I did not realize you can program it!!! Makes them much better. I wonder how noisy they actually are.
Let me know if you get them, curious about more feedback

Follow me on Twitter @CK21TRHC
I use what I love: ISM, Blue70, Trek, FLO
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ck21trhc] [ In reply to ]
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To be clear, the Air Relax isn't custom programmable. It has 3 pre-programmed settings. From their site FAQ page:

3. How many modes does Air Relax Compressible Massager have?
You can choose "A", "B", "C" mode. Press the "MODE" button once to change the mode. "A" mode inflates the chambers from the bottom up, one at a time. " B" mode also inflates the chambers from the bottom up, but maintains the pressure in the lowers chambers as it works its way to the top. "C" mode maintains pressure in all chambers at once, and then releases. Pressure area is changed whenever the button is pressed.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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thanks you beat me to start researching it

Follow me on Twitter @CK21TRHC
I use what I love: ISM, Blue70, Trek, FLO
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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There is actually a 4th mode .
There is an Auto button somewhere on the unit. It is a mix of a, b and also will do some things like chamber 1 and 3, or chamber 2 and 4.

I use that mode the most. (I have a set of podium legs)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [dcohen24] [ In reply to ]
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Do you like them & would you recommend them? Ever tried the Normatec & if so, how did they compare?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I am on a budget, ...do these seem like they can do a reasonable job with recovery?

From the research I've seen, it seems like these things don't do any job w/regards to recovery...but hey, your money.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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I definitely think they help recovery.
Every year I got to training camp with about 6-10 friends in NC. I bring them along, and pretty much every day there is a line of my friends wanting to use them. These are not "slowtwtichers" They're there to have a good time and it seems to help their legs and be able to go ride another 70 the next day.

My brother borrowed them for the last time he did a nyc marathon... same deal, not super fast, but thought it helped.

I like them, but I obviously can't speak to them scientifically.

The normatecs are nice. I think one thing I remember someone from normatec telling me is they essentially calibrate at the beginning, figuring out how big your leg is so it can figure out the amount of pressure needed at different intensity levels. On the podium legs there is 1-4... and its more of a psi setting. so someone who is smaller 4 will be lighter than someone bigger.

The normatec also does these , like micropulses at times. Those also are not present. Each segment is either filling, deflating, on or off. Those are the only states the cuffs are in.

For me, I really liked the normatecs, and I spend somewhat freely, but cant justify the upspend.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [dcohen24] [ In reply to ]
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Great feedback. I figured the Normatecs had to have more features to justify their price. Like you though, I think that's not enough to justify the price tag.

I'm sold on the Air Relax/Poduim Legs. It will still stay in my wish list as a nice to have if I come across some cash or if someone is feeling generous at Christmas or my birthday. :)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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So-called 'recovery boots' are for the most part an additional sales channel for a product that has existed for decades: sequential circulator to treat lymphedema. These supposedly medical-grade systems sell for thousands of $s, and require a prescription. By changing the range of available compression the prescription requirement is by-passed, and voila, a product for the masses exists. Most name-brand so-called recovery systems are an off-spring of a medical device parent: for Normatec Recovery, see http://www.normatecusa.com/. For SportPump http://www.sportpump.com/, see http://biocompression.com/. Etc. Even visually, it's easy to see the similarities. The so-called 'recovery' system is merely a re-badged version of the medical one. Of course the manufacturers don't tell you that, and they also don't tell you that via e.g. craigslist you can find the medical version for pennies on the dollar.

For example, the SportPump SP4 pump retails on their site for $1199. Two leg sleeves will set you back another $300+ (depending on size). The medical version (BioCompression) does not list a price, from what I have seen they sell for 2x or more. Funny thing is, in my local craigslist I see a full BioCompression system (pump and two leg sleeves) for $240. They keep coming up, frequently and regularly. The difference? Branding, and the 'medical' version does not have any flashy logo with the term 'sport' in them.

A couple years ago when I became interested in these systems I called SportPump, chatted a while with a rep, and he basically told me that yes, they are selling technically identical and merely re-badged product.

Disclaimer: I am no medical professional or anywhere close, the above is based on personal research from a couple of years ago, and may or may not be considering all applicable details. That said, the BioCompression pump I bought for a couple hundred $$s off craigslist a couple years ago still pumps strong, and has the desired effect. YMMV.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I have a Normatec and also a Compex and honestly, I think the Compex Active Recovery is more effective. My legs feel noticeably better after sessions on the Compex vs the Normatec. On to of that the Compex is so much less intrusive. Sitting on the couch or in bed with the boots is quite a bit of a hassle, with the Compex its much easier to go about other things while still getting the benefit.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I am also an owner of the previously mentioned Podium Legs. I used them a ton in the beginning but not as much now. I am just lazy. I do enjoy taking them to tri camps and times of high volume.

I have also used Normatecs in the past. It's kinda like comparing a sports car to a sedan. They both have four wheels and get you from A to B. But one is nice and has a few extra features. I personally couldn't justify the price of the normatecs.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Trispoke] [ In reply to ]
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I have the orange pair. They are awesome. I cannot tell a difference between them and Normatec (i tried them at an expo). Also these have higher mmHg than the Normatec. I don't know what they do physiologically, but they feel awesome after a hard workout. My only complaint is that they turn off after 10 or 15 minutes and you have to restart. It's easy to restart, but it interrupts my nap.
Last edited by: Mike Alexander: Mar 23, 16 18:02
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I know Unix has a standard and an XL boot, but I have yet to see the XL boots on sale. Anyone have a link or any information?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [stephanl] [ In reply to ]
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I'll admit that when I first read your reply, it came off as very snarky. Then I actually looked into it a bit & you're dead on. I clicked the links you posted & also did a search for Lymphedema pumps. Sure enough, the medical grade systems can be found on Craigslist (though not in my local area) & eBay. I assume they are systems that were procured via insurance at full price & people are just dumping them off after not being used anymore. The medical ones I have looked at this morning lack selective modes that the slick marketed ones have and simply have on/off & pressure selectors, but if you can get one for next to nothing, it may be worth it.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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My birthday was yesterday & a generous family member bought me the Air Relax system off my Amazon wish list. The timing could not be better because I am in the middle of training for the Chicago Marathon & my run volume has been really high. It's scheduled to be delivered today, so after I use it a few times, I will report back with my review.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [kdw] [ In reply to ]
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kdw wrote:
I am on a budget, ...do these seem like they can do a reasonable job with recovery?

From the research I've seen, it seems like these things don't do any job w/regards to recovery...but hey, your money.

Could you please link us to that research you have seen.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [RBR] [ In reply to ]
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I have the orange version. They are awesome. Do they help with recovery....don't think so....but they feel awesome after a long work out. They do the same thing as Normatec, but not as many options. Only complaint is that they shut off after 15 minutes, so right when I am falling asleep I have to start the program over. Normatec's are little beefier and the material is thicker....it is a better product, just don't think the cost difference is justifiable. Word of caution....they sell a 220 volt and 110 volt option. Make sure you pay attention to what you are getting.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [RBR] [ In reply to ]
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"Could you please link us to that research you have seen. "


I'm not sure exactly what research I'd seen back when I made the post, but a quick google:


http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2016/02000/Vascular_Occlusion_and_Sequential_Compression_for.30.aspx


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Meathead] [ In reply to ]
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Any update/review?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [instigator] [ In reply to ]
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instigator wrote:
Any update/review?

Sorry I never reported back. I'm actually sitting on the sofa in my basement right now with the Air Relax boots on. I use these things every day and they have been amazing. I highly recommend them. I've been training for the Chicago Marathon all summer & putting in high miles every week. Since I have had these, I will say that my legs feel refreshed & my recovery times are lower. I'm able to do runs and not feel fatigued after a long run or hard interval workout.

I would buy these again and I have recommended them to my tri club. Several people have bought them & their feelings are the same as mine. If you have any specific questions, let me know.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [instigator] [ In reply to ]
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instigator wrote:
Any update/review?


I was waiting to do a full review with the new Grey version, that I now have, in comparison to Normatec Pulse which I also have.

In short, I live in boots these days and I love them both. Here is a quick comparison. There is a discount code that knocks another 7% off AirRelax when purchased thru their website instead of Amazon. The Amazon seller is the same seller (Orange Tree Trade) as the Air Relax site.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Last edited by: Thomas Gerlach: Oct 2, 16 20:01
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
instigator wrote:
Any update/review?

I was waiting to do a full review with the new Grey version, that I now have, in comparison to Normatec Pulse which I also have.
In short, I live in boots these days and I love them both. Here is a quick comparison. There is a discount code that knocks another 7% off AirRelax when purchased thru their website instead of Amazon. The Amazon seller is the same seller (Orange Tree Trade) as the Air Relax site.

A few months ago, I watched a short "day in the life" of top OW swimmer Alex Meyer, who swims 5K, 10K, 15K, and even 25K OW events. In fact, he won the 25K world championship in 2010. The interesting thing is that he uses the Normatec boots for recovery at the end of his day, which I was surprised at since distance swimming, espec at 5K and up, is primarily an upper body-dominated sport. Idk, maybe Normatec gave them to him for free on the condition that he promote them as much as possible but in any case, it is kind of interesting that a guy like him uses these boots.


"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ericmulk] [ In reply to ]
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I am not sure of his situation. I know that Normatec does a meaningful sponsorship with only a few pro triathletes.

Fwiw, I have a friend that IS sponsored by Normatec and I went to her to ask her about buying a set of boots from her. This was after I had already fallen in love with boots. I was surprised to hear that she had a single pair that were busted and she never used them. She said she could get another pair no problem but they were too much of a hassle to get in to and wasn't that big of a fan of them. I was very surprised as for me they have been a godsend.

They are great for the regular person too. You can see that Air Relax isn't targeted at athletes. I am on flight home today and will use them on the layover in Dallas. Regardless of who you are, do a lot of sitting and you legs will swell. These really help with removal of the fluid just as compression socks would do. Perfect for travel.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Mike Alexander] [ In reply to ]
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Is orange an older version? All I can find is black legs...
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Just ordered my set with Thomas' Coupon Code. Demo'd the NormaTecs at MOO this year and they really felt great but at that price point it was out of the question for me right now. Being a 49 YO MOP'er I do notice that I do recover a bit slower every year although I am still getting faster and training better every year. Doing LOU also this year I wish I had known that the price difference between theAir Relax and the NormaTecs was this dramatic. My legs are still feeling sluggish and would have loved to see how I felt if I had been using the recovery boots all along. I will def have them when LOU is over and I will report back how I like them then and how they helped or didn't help in my recovery.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Mike Alexander] [ In reply to ]
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Mike Alexander wrote:
I have the orange version. They are awesome. Do they help with recovery....don't think so....but they feel awesome after a long work out. They do the same thing as Normatec, but not as many options. Only complaint is that they shut off after 15 minutes, so right when I am falling asleep I have to start the program over. Normatec's are little beefier and the material is thicker....it is a better product, just don't think the cost difference is justifiable. Word of caution....they sell a 220 volt and 110 volt option. Make sure you pay attention to what you are getting.

This is pretty much my experience too. I've had the orange Podium Legs for 4 years now. They are in my tv room and I just use them when I'm lazy and on the couch. I don't think they are a magic pill at all and I would pick a TP roller over them any day if recovery was the main goal. Mine have worked flawless though after about 1,000 15 minute cycles. I bought mine for about $400 back then and my unit has about 4-5 settings to choose from.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [beercity] [ In reply to ]
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beercity wrote:
Is orange an older version? All I can find is black legs...

The new version is actually a very dark bluish gray but I am colorblind so who knows, but yes Orange is older. The newer one has minor changes, like the Normatec, instead of the tubes sticking out they are threaded thru an additional piece of fabric on the top and are not visible in the new version. That is really only the noticeable difference to me. They are supposed to be a little wider in the cuff too and some minor other changes that you won't really notice.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I also bought a pair of the Air Relax boots about 6 weeks ago and love them. I use them daily (in them now) because they feel so good.

Let food be thy medicine...
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JackStraw13] [ In reply to ]
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JackStraw13 wrote:
I also bought a pair of the Air Relax boots about 6 weeks ago and love them. I use them daily (in them now) because they feel so good.

Good to hear. Will be interesting to hear reliability feedback over time. I have noticed that my Normatec seem to be expanding a bit because of use and pressure. I had Normatec first and was only using those so they have way more hours than my Air Relax. I try to split time between the two now but will be interesting to see if the Air Relax expand as well.

Fwiw, that tab on the air relax at the top that stretches across I thought was worthless, but after having my Normatecs bust open at the zipper a few times I now understand its purpose.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Has anyone had any success getting these covered by insurance? Might take a shot with my PT.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I have a pair in the original box for sale for $300.00 I am just under 6' tall and wanted something longer like the Normatecs They work great, let me know if you are interested.

marq
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [raceboy] [ In reply to ]
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How short we're they on you? Inseam?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [commendatore] [ In reply to ]
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I have a game ready.... but damn the boot wraps are $$$ and I would still need to add hip to get the full effect.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [commendatore] [ In reply to ]
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my inseam is a 32 and they came up about 3-4" from my groin.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [commendatore] [ In reply to ]
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the other thing I forgot to mention is that you can pull them up higher to reach your ischium (hamstring insertion point) if need be. the air relax are more powerful than the normatec boots but I wanted the full length for my hamstring injury.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [beercity] [ In reply to ]
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beercity wrote:
Has anyone had any success getting these covered by insurance? Might take a shot with my PT.

Sorry for late reply, been travelin', anyway I seem to remember this coming up in maybe another thread and someone was able to get some sort of reimbursement or thru HSA. The original Normatec boots started go as a medical device with needed prescription so I would assume insurance would cover it under the right diagnosis from a physician but I didn't go that route so can't speak directly to it.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [commendatore] [ In reply to ]
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commendatore wrote:
How short we're they on you? Inseam?

They are definitely a couple of inches shorter than the Normatecs. For me, I have to remember to lift the old boys out of place in the Normatecs otherwise the boys can get pinched off and that does not feel good. The Air Relax are long enough to cover pretty much everything that you need ie all the way up the quads and hamstrings.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas,

I picked up the Air Recovery per your recommendation (and code, thanks!). They should be arriving any day now.

I was curious what you do for timing. I thought I read on the website that they recommended not surpassing 3x15min /day. This seems pretty short.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
commendatore wrote:
How short we're they on you? Inseam?


They are definitely a couple of inches shorter than the Normatecs. For me, I have to remember to lift the old boys out of place in the Normatecs otherwise the boys can get pinched off and that does not feel good. The Air Relax are long enough to cover pretty much everything that you need ie all the way up the quads and hamstrings.

The air relax are a little short on me. I need hike them up or else the lower section of the upper leg pushes into the knee. I'm not a tall guy (6' 32" inseam), so I can't imagine how these would fit on the 6'+ crowd.

In any case, just make sure the middle seam sits squarely on your kneecap. As long as I do that, its great.

Also, I asked them if they'd be covered by HSA. Here was the question/response:

Does your air boot system qualify as a medical device that can use HSA money? Does that require a prescription?

Thank you very much for your question.

Air Relax is the medical device class II, however it doesn't qualify for HSA.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [f_herman] [ In reply to ]
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f_herman wrote:
Thomas,

I picked up the Air Recovery per your recommendation (and code, thanks!). They should be arriving any day now.

I was curious what you do for timing. I thought I read on the website that they recommended not surpassing 3x15min /day. This seems pretty short.


The Air Relax is a qualified medical device so there is probably something to the recommendation for legal reasons. I'm not going to advocate any specific prescription, nor am I qualified to do so. The Air Relax does go up to 240 mmhg versus 100 for normatec. Obviously right there there is a huge difference. If you ran Air Relax at 40 (~level 1) versus 240 that is a huge difference right there IMO.

As for me, I have my Normatec set on 45 min session, and when I do Air Relax I just do the 3x15min. But I do it on average 2x times a day. So 1hr 30 in general. I do often go longer than 45 mins and shorter as well.

I had been doing more of start on 4-5 on Norma and increase every 15 minutes or so to 7, but it seems like maybe my Normatecs have stretched or something else has happened and the pressure doesn't feel the same as originally. Part of that is my legs getting use to it, but part of it seems like the Normatec itself.

My Air Relax, the new dark-blue-gray unit is relatively new. I usually will do a pre-workout on 1 maybe. Usually use 2 as recovery. I don't really use 3 or 4 at all.

I realize you only asked about Air Relax, but If figured I would include the Normatec usage as well for a more complete comparison.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Last edited by: Thomas Gerlach: Oct 16, 16 8:53
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
f_herman wrote:
Thomas,

I picked up the Air Recovery per your recommendation (and code, thanks!). They should be arriving any day now.

I was curious what you do for timing. I thought I read on the website that they recommended not surpassing 3x15min /day. This seems pretty short.


The Air Relax is a qualified medical device so there is probably something to the recommendation for legal reasons. I'm not going to advocate any specific prescription, nor am I qualified to do so. The Air Relax does go up to 240 mmhg versus 100 for normatec. Obviously right there there is a huge difference. If you ran Air Relax at 40 (~level 1) versus 240 that is a huge difference right there IMO.

As for me, I have my Normatec set on 45 min session, and when I do Air Relax I just do the 3x15min. But I do it on average 2x times a day. So 1hr 30 in general. I do often go longer than 45 mins and shorter as well.

I had been doing more of start on 4-5 on Norma and increase every 15 minutes or so to 7, but it seems like maybe my Normatecs have stretched or something else has happened and the pressure doesn't feel the same as originally. Part of that is my legs getting use to it, but part of it seems like the Normatec itself.

My Air Relax, the new dark-blue-gray unit is relatively new. I usually will do a pre-workout on 1 maybe. Usually use 2 as recovery. I don't really use 3 or 4 at all.

I realize you only asked about Air Relax, but If figured I would include the Normatec usage as well for a more complete comparison.

Thanks so much for the information! I'll use this as a starting point for some experimentation.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
My Air Relax, the new dark-blue-gray unit is relatively new.

Thomas, can you measure the length (height?) of yours? At 6' the orange boots are as short as I'd want to go. Just curious.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JASpencer] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
JASpencer wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
My Air Relax, the new dark-blue-gray unit is relatively new.

Thomas, can you measure the length (height?) of yours? At 6' the orange boots are as short as I'd want to go. Just curious.

Where do you want measurements from. The tip of the toes to the top? The back of the foot to the top? I will do this when I get home and find the tape measure (just moved).


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JASpencer] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
JASpencer wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
My Air Relax, the new dark-blue-gray unit is relatively new.


Thomas, can you measure the length (height?) of yours? At 6' the orange boots are as short as I'd want to go. Just curious.

So the boots slope front to back, a little longer in front than back. Measuring from the back of the heel to the top is 30 inches, measuring from the front of the bottom of the foot to the front of the top measures 38 inches.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [kdw] [ In reply to ]
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kdw wrote:
"Could you please link us to that research you have seen. "


I'm not sure exactly what research I'd seen back when I made the post, but a quick google:


http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2016/02000/Vascular_Occlusion_and_Sequential_Compression_for.30.aspx


That isn't a good study with respect to endurance exercise recovery.

If you burn out your muscles doing the exercises listed in that study I don't think even drugs would have an appreciable difference in 1 hour, 24 hours or even 48 hours for that matter.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mcmetal] [ In reply to ]
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Just received the Air Relax system yesterday, they are pretty sweet and for the price the can't be beat. Boots seem pretty durable, time will tell how well they hold up.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas,
Have you clicked on your air-relax link lately? Gives me an error instead of going to their site. Wondering if it works OK for you?
Kevin

http://www.air-relax.com/shop-air-relax

I wanna go fast!
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ironmanatee] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ironmanatee wrote:
Thomas,
Have you clicked on your air-relax link lately? Gives me an error instead of going to their site. Wondering if it works OK for you?
Kevin

http://www.air-relax.com/shop-air-relax

Lol, great. Was working fine yesterday. Hope it's just a tech prob and they didn't stop selling.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for the info and the discount. Had the boots for 3 weeks, no serious complaints. At first it was annoying to keep turning them on after they auto shutdown, but I got used to it. Still think they could do something else (stop and alert? just pause?) instead of switching off the power, but I can deal with that given the savings. They advertise that the boots shut down after 15 mins - mine go more like 13-14, but again, not a huge deal.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
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friskyDingo wrote:
Thanks for the info and the discount. Had the boots for 3 weeks, no serious complaints. At first it was annoying to keep turning them on after they auto shutdown, but I got used to it. Still think they could do something else (stop and alert? just pause?) instead of switching off the power, but I can deal with that given the savings. They advertise that the boots shut down after 15 mins - mine go more like 13-14, but again, not a huge deal.

Yeah, I am not sure if the 15 mins might be a requirement or something for that particular medical device stamp


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ironmanatee] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ironmanatee wrote:
Thomas,
Have you clicked on your air-relax link lately? Gives me an error instead of going to their site. Wondering if it works OK for you?
Kevin

http://www.air-relax.com/shop-air-relax

Not working for me either. Not sure what is going on. I know they were at Interbike and are looking to expand and might be working on a new website. They are just the NA distributor and do a lot else besides just Air Relax. It is the same seller that is on Amazon. I can follow up with them and see what it is up though. Hopefully just a temporary glitch.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Yes, it worked early in the day but not last evening. I did notice that on Amazon they raised their price from $399 to $417 by the evening too. Interesting to say the least. Thanks.

I wanna go fast!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Does anyone have any comparison with just elevating your legs up on a wall? I've been told by multiple people that elevating your legs and letting the blood flow back down has nearly the same effects. I understand that with boots you can sit on the couch or wherever and relax instead of your back on the floor. But I was wondering if anyone has done one then switched to the other and noticed a difference.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]
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I'd say the biggest difference is the massage like effect it gives. I can't say that from a physiological perspective that it does more or is better than just raising your legs, but my legs do feel better than if I just raised them or did nothing. Best way to describe the sensation of these things, is it feels like a blood pressure cuff.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]
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tcaldwell369 wrote:
Does anyone have any comparison with just elevating your legs up on a wall? I've been told by multiple people that elevating your legs and letting the blood flow back down has nearly the same effects. I understand that with boots you can sit on the couch or wherever and relax instead of your back on the floor. But I was wondering if anyone has done one then switched to the other and noticed a difference.

I am all for elevating the legs up a wall (I am a huge yogi) or using compression socks. Elevating the legs might have some effect as well but it is probably much less effective than the boots. The boots are actively using higher pressures to force the blood and fluids around, that just isn't going to happen as effectively without actively squeezing. I should try using the boots sometime and standing up side down though just to see what happens.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]
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Also, any comparison of this vs E-Stim? I've heard a lot of people feel that is more effective than the boots, but I was wondering if there have been any studies?

tcaldwell369 wrote:
Does anyone have any comparison with just elevating your legs up on a wall? I've been told by multiple people that elevating your legs and letting the blood flow back down has nearly the same effects. I understand that with boots you can sit on the couch or wherever and relax instead of your back on the floor. But I was wondering if anyone has done one then switched to the other and noticed a difference.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ironmanatee] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ironmanatee wrote:
Thomas,
Have you clicked on your air-relax link lately? Gives me an error instead of going to their site. Wondering if it works OK for you?
Kevin

http://www.air-relax.com/shop-air-relax

Kevin,

So I sent them an email this morning and they did let me know that their IT department was working on something and the regular site will be down for a few days. They gave me another address to use, no idea if they are moving everything of to this permanently or what as I didn't ask.


http://www.airrelaxrecovery.com/


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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In mine right now. Had them about 3 months. Average probably an hour a day and still loving them.

Let food be thy medicine...
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks Thomas.

I wanna go fast!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JackStraw13] [ In reply to ]
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Had mine for about two weeks now, like them but not sure how big of a difference they make. Definitely wouldn't splurge on NormaTecs but these may be worth it. Sitting in them right now for a few minutes with Great Floridian 140.6 in about 2 hours. If it goes poorly ill blame the boots ;)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [msaad7] [ In reply to ]
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msaad7 wrote:
Had mine for about two weeks now, like them but not sure how big of a difference they make. Definitely wouldn't splurge on NormaTecs but these may be worth it. Sitting in them right now for a few minutes with Great Floridian 140.6 in about 2 hours. If it goes poorly ill blame the boots ;)

You were up quite early using the boots before the race. I hope the race is going well, I am looking outside my window in Clermont and I see a breeze and not a cloud in the sky - should be a challenging day.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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It was a beautiful day for lounging by the lake but definitely tough conditions for a full. Water temp was perfect but surface was super super choppy in all three directions and the sun made sighting really tough the first stretch all three loops. Bike course was no joke, hills galore!! Run course was 3 loops along lake Minneola which got to be utterly boring, not to mention the HEAT! Still a bit new to the distance with this being my second 140.6 but overall it went pretty well (despite a crash on the bike thanks to a police officer sitting in his car talking on the phone as opposed to directing traffic). Finished fourth overall and never had any GI issues which is great. Thanks for the Air Relax promo code, i'll give them (and you) some of the credit for the successful race ;)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [msaad7] [ In reply to ]
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msaad7 wrote:
It was a beautiful day for lounging by the lake but definitely tough conditions for a full. Water temp was perfect but surface was super super choppy in all three directions and the sun made sighting really tough the first stretch all three loops. Bike course was no joke, hills galore!! Run course was 3 loops along lake Minneola which got to be utterly boring, not to mention the HEAT! Still a bit new to the distance with this being my second 140.6 but overall it went pretty well (despite a crash on the bike thanks to a police officer sitting in his car talking on the phone as opposed to directing traffic). Finished fourth overall and never had any GI issues which is great. Thanks for the Air Relax promo code, i'll give them (and you) some of the credit for the successful race ;)

Congrats on the finish!!! Saturday, was actually the first cool day since I have been back in Florida. Could have been way worse in regards to heat + humidity, but it did seem to be a bit windy so that probably really helped slow things back down.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Has anyone used their Air Relax boots by running them on an inverter in a car?

Let food be thy medicine...
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JackStraw13] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
JackStraw13 wrote:
Has anyone used their Air Relax boots by running them on an inverter in a car?

I have not. I need to buy a kill-a-watt power meter and see how much power they draw. I can't imagine it is that much but who knows. The Pulse battery life is a little disappointing and sometimes only last 45 mins so maybe it is more draw than I think.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Decided to check out the website again through your link Thomas, but the deal they were offering for Black Friday was slightly better. $50 off, so it was $350 shipped.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [thomasmn] [ In reply to ]
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thomasmn wrote:
Decided to check out the website again through your link Thomas, but the deal they were offering for Black Friday was slightly better. $50 off, so it was $350 shipped.

Yep it is a few dollars cheaper. Depending on the price, the code in the link takes it down to about $352. Enjoy the boots :)


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
JackStraw13 wrote:
Has anyone used their Air Relax boots by running them on an inverter in a car?

I have not. I need to buy a kill-a-watt power meter and see how much power they draw. I can't imagine it is that much but who knows. The Pulse battery life is a little disappointing and sometimes only last 45 mins so maybe it is more draw than I think.

They work fine with an inverter in a car. They only draw 30 watts. Using mine now coming back from marathon in Baton Rouge.

Let food be thy medicine...
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JackStraw13] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
I have to assume someone else was driving? Did u lay down in the backseat or just recline the front? Wonder whose legs were more swollen at the end of the drive.?

Reclined in the front. Dad was driving.

Let food be thy medicine...
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JackStraw13] [ In reply to ]
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that's cool they can work in the car. I just got mine yesterday and tried them out. They worked great and felt just like the Normatec boots. I only tried the Normatec boots once at IM expo and they were nice but so expensive. It sounds like Normatec may have more program modes but I'm fine with the Air Relax. I don't remember what the Normatec system noise was like. It was loud in the expo so hard to say. The Air Relax wasn't loud enough to force me to turn up the tv.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
They are definitely a couple of inches shorter than the Normatecs. For me, I have to remember to lift the old boys out of place in the Normatecs otherwise the boys can get pinched off and that does not feel good. The Air Relax are long enough to cover pretty much everything that you need ie all the way up the quads and hamstrings.

Just had my first go with the air relax, if I leave my foot in what looks like a foot/ankle section they're a good few inches from the top of my legs, with the 3rd chamber around the knee.

I can pop my foot out the bottom though and then get them all the way up to the top of my legs, then the top chamber gets some nice compression on the top of the quads.

Anyone else tried sticking their foot completely out the bottom? (Nb. Boots are the dark blue ones)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [SteveM] [ In reply to ]
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SteveM wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
They are definitely a couple of inches shorter than the Normatecs. For me, I have to remember to lift the old boys out of place in the Normatecs otherwise the boys can get pinched off and that does not feel good. The Air Relax are long enough to cover pretty much everything that you need ie all the way up the quads and hamstrings.


Just had my first go with the air relax, if I leave my foot in what looks like a foot/ankle section they're a good few inches from the top of my legs, with the 3rd chamber around the knee.

I can pop my foot out the bottom though and then get them all the way up to the top of my legs, then the top chamber gets some nice compression on the top of the quads.

Anyone else tried sticking their foot completely out the bottom? (Nb. Boots are the dark blue ones)


Yes they are a good couple of inches depending on your height. They are going to be coming out with longer boots at some point for those people who want them. I will say, that, when I do sit in my Normatec, I have to remember to lift the boys out of the way, or spread the legs pretty fair apart. I don't like to talk about my boys too often, but if I don't keep the legs apart, or left them up, they can get pinched quite easily.

I just had a nearly 3 hour call with Normatec the other day and learned a lot about the company in the process. The pair I got in May is going back for an evaluation.

Regardless, probably the best time of the year to pick up them. I know the price of Air Relax will be going up by about $25 sometime early next year. In addition, Normatec has had some aggressive pricing too offering $200 off. I can imagine their promotion might come to an end as well. When I looked into boots last year, heavy in training in late spring, the best deal I could muster was the typical $100 off.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
SteveM wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
They are definitely a couple of inches shorter than the Normatecs. For me, I have to remember to lift the old boys out of place in the Normatecs otherwise the boys can get pinched off and that does not feel good. The Air Relax are long enough to cover pretty much everything that you need ie all the way up the quads and hamstrings.


Just had my first go with the air relax, if I leave my foot in what looks like a foot/ankle section they're a good few inches from the top of my legs, with the 3rd chamber around the knee.

I can pop my foot out the bottom though and then get them all the way up to the top of my legs, then the top chamber gets some nice compression on the top of the quads.

Anyone else tried sticking their foot completely out the bottom? (Nb. Boots are the dark blue ones)


Yes they are a good couple of inches depending on your height. They are going to be coming out with longer boots at some point for those people who want them. I will say, that, when I do sit in my Normatec, I have to remember to lift the boys out of the way, or spread the legs pretty fair apart. I don't like to talk about my boys too often, but if I don't keep the legs apart, or left them up, they can get pinched quite easily.

I just had a nearly 3 hour call with Normatec the other day and learned a lot about the company in the process. The pair I got in May is going back for an evaluation.

Regardless, probably the best time of the year to pick up them. I know the price of Air Relax will be going up by about $25 sometime early next year. In addition, Normatec has had some aggressive pricing too offering $200 off. I can imagine their promotion might come to an end as well. When I looked into boots last year, heavy in training in late spring, the best deal I could muster was the typical $100 off.

Got a pair of Air Relax for Christmas (thanks Santa) and love them... used the discount code and have to say that these with compression tights are really helping !!

Best regards.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [xntrickly] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [JASpencer] [ In reply to ]
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JASpencer wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
My Air Relax, the new dark-blue-gray unit is relatively new.


Thomas, can you measure the length (height?) of yours? At 6' the orange boots are as short as I'd want to go. Just curious.

Just an FYI, Air Relax just got in their tall version yesterday. They are stated as for people 6' 1" and taller. In addition, the price is going up sometime this weekend as well by about $20 and then will go up another 2% from there on Feb 1st.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [cabdoctor] [ In reply to ]
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cabdoctor wrote:
I know Unix has a standard and an XL boot, but I have yet to see the XL boots on sale. Anyone have a link or any information?

Just an FYI, Air Relax just got in their tall version yesterday. They are stated as for people 6' 1" and taller. In addition, the price is going up sometime this weekend as well by about $20 and then will go up another 2% from there on Feb 1st.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Magic, might be able to stop pulling the foot section up onto my lower calf!

Any idea when they'll be shipping (& if a recent purchase/code discount is on the cards)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [SteveM] [ In reply to ]
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SteveM wrote:
Magic, might be able to stop pulling the foot section up onto my lower calf!

Any idea when they'll be shipping (& if a recent purchase/code discount is on the cards)

I sent them a message last night and they got back to me around 11:20 eastern. They said they would be immediate but they only had about 15 pairs in stock at the moment. Part of their supply went to the their overseas distributors, but they want to get feedback from customers as well. It is possible they will make some more tweaks to the size based on a feedback.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Ordered a tall pair this morning... I've been contemplating ordering for a while, getting them in the tall size and before the price hike sold me. $414 shipped after Gerlach's discount code. Thanks Thomas
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Dillon152] [ In reply to ]
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Dillon152 wrote:
Ordered a tall pair this morning... I've been contemplating ordering for a while, getting them in the tall size and before the price hike sold me. $414 shipped after Gerlach's discount code. Thanks Thomas

Very nice. You will have to let me know how the longer legs workout. I am also getting a pair of the longer legs. I am not the 6 1+ but my inseam is very long for someone who is 5 feet 9 at 33.63. I also got a new Normatec Pulse Pro system as well so I can start a new long-term comparison for durability.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I'll be seeing how their customer service is now - the seam on my right boot split by the foot cuff. They have a process, but the instructions say you have to ship it back in the original box. I don't have the original box, so we will see what they say.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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What's the best way to go about ordering just the longer boots.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [cabdoctor] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
cabdoctor wrote:
What's the best way to go about ordering just the longer boots.


I will check. I know they only got in a very small run of the larger boots.

Thanks. I'm highly interested in two pairs of the larger boots.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [cabdoctor] [ In reply to ]
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cabdoctor wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
cabdoctor wrote:
What's the best way to go about ordering just the longer boots.


I will check. I know they only got in a very small run of the larger boots.


Thanks. I'm highly interested in two pairs of the larger boots.

Ok and I assume you already have one of the newer dark Air Relax units?


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [cabdoctor] [ In reply to ]
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cabdoctor wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
cabdoctor wrote:
What's the best way to go about ordering just the longer boots.


I will check. I know they only got in a very small run of the larger boots.


Thanks. I'm highly interested in two pairs of the larger boots.

CabDoctor sorry for the late reply. I did check with Air Relax and they are not listed on the site as they have very few for purchase. If you are interested in the longer boots all you have to do is send an email to: sales@air-relax.com and they will get you all setup. Code to save 5% changes every month. For Feb it is: BESTOM02


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you very much I appreciate it
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [cabdoctor] [ In reply to ]
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cabdoctor wrote:
Thank you very much I appreciate it

If you do end up getting a pair I would appreciate some feedback. I just got a pair myself for testing, but they are likely going to be too long for me to test. They are a couple of inches longer than my Normatec regular size. I thought maybe giving my really long inseam that I might be able to give them a shot but it is doubtful at 5 feet 9 inches.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I've been using the long pair for a week and a half now... I'm 6'2" and yes they most certainly are long! If I were any shorter they would be too long, as it is they come all the way up to the boys and my toes are a good 2-3 inches away from the edge of the boot.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Dillon152] [ In reply to ]
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Could I ask where does the third chamber sit on the long ones? Above or on the knee?

With the shorty's I stick my foot all the way through getting two chambers on the calf & two on the quad (knee between 2 & 3)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Dillon152] [ In reply to ]
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Dillon152 wrote:
I've been using the long pair for a week and a half now... I'm 6'2" and yes they most certainly are long! If I were any shorter they would be too long, as it is they come all the way up to the boys and my toes are a good 2-3 inches away from the edge of the boot.

What kind of leg/torso ratio do you have, or inseam for that matter. I realize height guidelines are to make it simpler for the user but total height only shows part of the story.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [stephanl] [ In reply to ]
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stephanl wrote:
So-called 'recovery boots' are for the most part an additional sales channel for a product that has existed for decades: sequential circulator to treat lymphedema. These supposedly medical-grade systems sell for thousands of $s, and require a prescription. By changing the range of available compression the prescription requirement is by-passed, and voila, a product for the masses exists. Most name-brand so-called recovery systems are an off-spring of a medical device parent: for Normatec Recovery, see http://www.normatecusa.com/. For SportPump http://www.sportpump.com/, see http://biocompression.com/. Etc. Even visually, it's easy to see the similarities. The so-called 'recovery' system is merely a re-badged version of the medical one. Of course the manufacturers don't tell you that, and they also don't tell you that via e.g. craigslist you can find the medical version for pennies on the dollar.

For example, the SportPump SP4 pump retails on their site for $1199. Two leg sleeves will set you back another $300+ (depending on size). The medical version (BioCompression) does not list a price, from what I have seen they sell for 2x or more. Funny thing is, in my local craigslist I see a full BioCompression system (pump and two leg sleeves) for $240. They keep coming up, frequently and regularly. The difference? Branding, and the 'medical' version does not have any flashy logo with the term 'sport' in them.

A couple years ago when I became interested in these systems I called SportPump, chatted a while with a rep, and he basically told me that yes, they are selling technically identical and merely re-badged product.

Disclaimer: I am no medical professional or anywhere close, the above is based on personal research from a couple of years ago, and may or may not be considering all applicable details. That said, the BioCompression pump I bought for a couple hundred $$s off craigslist a couple years ago still pumps strong, and has the desired effect. YMMV.

Most of those devices are saying:

Venous insufficiency, that means compression socks or stockings work exactly the same, the difference is probably in pressure, having said that, boots will apply higher pressure Normatec 50-250mmHg and release in series of intervals vs stockings 50-60mmHg constant pressure.

What is better ? Who knows? someone would have to do some research, for sure one look more "pro" in the pump up shoes, but while wearing the stockings you can do a lot of other things while you recover, and you are always running the risk of being taken as cross dresser but hey...it might be fun :)

Constant pressure of the stocking my be better than higher but pulsation based pressure of the pump shoes, I'm sure both sides will argue, and both sides are right wrong.

Simplest way to recover, just lift your legs up on the wall. Traveling with huge shoes and the box is just PITA, I have seen somewhere pic of the guy that puts those on on the plane....Can you imagine distraction he creates, he is THE Athlete for entire flight BSing about his shoes and how fast he is. Instead of wearing special flight compression stockings, but then nobody would see it and ask questions....He would not be "The Flight Athlete", but simple guy in stockings :)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [SteveM] [ In reply to ]
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Steve-
Chamber one is the foot and Achilles
Chamber two gets the rest of the calf, up to the very bottom of the knee cap
Chamber three does cover the knee, but also comes up the quad ~ 5"
And Chamber four gets up the rest of the quad.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas,
I have a 35" inseam.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [sebo2000] [ In reply to ]
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sebo2000 wrote:
Most of those devices are saying:

Venous insufficiency, that means compression socks or stockings work exactly the same, the difference is probably in pressure, having said that, boots will apply higher pressure Normatec 50-250mmHg and release in series of intervals vs stockings 50-60mmHg constant pressure.

What is better ? Who knows? someone would have to do some research, for sure one look more "pro" in the pump up shoes, but while wearing the stockings you can do a lot of other things while you recover, and you are always running the risk of being taken as cross dresser but hey...it might be fun :)

Constant pressure of the stocking my be better than higher but pulsation based pressure of the pump shoes, I'm sure both sides will argue, and both sides are right wrong.

Simplest way to recover, just lift your legs up on the wall. Traveling with huge shoes and the box is just PITA, I have seen somewhere pic of the guy that puts those on on the plane....Can you imagine distraction he creates, he is THE Athlete for entire flight BSing about his shoes and how fast he is. Instead of wearing special flight compression stockings, but then nobody would see it and ask questions....He would not be "The Flight Athlete", but simple guy in stockings :)

I took the Norma boots on every trip I took last year except for the one trip where my homestay said he would bring his set of podium legs. Amazing the stuff I am willing NOT to pack just to pack the boots. For the record, I had been wearing compression socks for a good 12+ years on flights. There is really no comparison in terms of effectiveness between the two, but I will admit, with the boots you get a lot of questions in the airport from on-lookers and occasionally security comes over and checks on you, both of these really eat into productivity.

With that being said, a nice solid walk after a long-flight is a very effective way to help freshen the legs.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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 Sounds as though size large maybe too big.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [cabdoctor] [ In reply to ]
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cabdoctor wrote:
Sounds as though size large maybe too big.

Frankly, I am not really sure. They are about 2 inches longer than my normal size Normatechs and are meant for people would opt for the large size of Normatecs. I have no idea how much larger the large Normatec are as I don't have a pair for comparison. The regular Normatec IMO are already on the verge of being too long for me even though I fall right in the middle of the size based on height, although using my inseam 33.63 would push even further to the other end of the range.

I think it is pretty fair to say that unless you are at least 6'1" or taller I would just go with the normal version.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [thomasmn] [ In reply to ]
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Well, the warranty experience so far has not been great. I'm back from a 10 day vacation and opened up the package from them. Turns out they fixed the T connector and not the seam that was coming apart on my right boot.. :-(
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [thomasmn] [ In reply to ]
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Shoot me a message and I'll look into it. I did the same thing for a friend of mine who had a pair of Normatec's as well. Did the split occur right out of the box or after use? What was wrong with the T-adapter? Did you purchase on Amazon or direct from Air Relax? My experience with Amazon sellers lately is they are getting crazy good at customer service, at least the ones that want to be around and not the fly by night shops.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I got it direct from Air-Relax. There was no issue with the T connector and I had sent them a picture of the seam on the right boot coming apart after ~1 month of daily use.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [cabdoctor] [ In reply to ]
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cabdoctor wrote:
Sounds as though size large maybe too big.

So I did get a chance to sit in the big boys. Again I am only 5 feet 9 but have a 33.63 inseam. They are a little long for but are totally good. Only slight issue is the same with the Normatec in that I have to lift the boys out of the way so they don't get pinched. They will work out for you at 35 inches


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [thomasmn] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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greenlawnracing wrote:
Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?

They are a little tough to get in the carry-on but you certainly could do it although a dedicated slim case would be nice. I traveled with the boots on every trip last year, but I ended up packing the Normatec for air travel as the Pulse head unit is a little smaller. I usually wrapped it in a t-shirt or two but that doesn't feel too secure. As I think about it, I have a small padded cooler that might offer some decent protection.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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What about a case just for regular storage and for transporting to races?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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greenlawnracing wrote:
What about a case just for regular storage and for transporting to races?

Are you asking me for recommendation on a case or why there isn't case for this device in the first place? Normatec does have a case for theirs but it is about the size of carry-on, it is quite bulky. I always just packed in the carry-on . The Air Relax was never really designed for the casual use and travel of athletes, it was originally designed much like the actual medical Normatec's, for medical reasons with a population that probably doesn't travel much.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Looking for a recommendation. Preferably something not the size of a carry on.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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greenlawnracing wrote:
Looking for a recommendation. Preferably something not the size of a carry on.


Sorry for the late reply. In the end, I guess my recommendation would just be the Normatec case for an Air Relax. Here are some pictures I just took







There is top zippered compartment to add more stuff, and I am sure you can squeeze the boots down some more and pack more stuff but regardless, boots still take up a decent amount of room. There just isn't anyway of getting around that, and giving that they are somewhat delicate electronics you have to take care of them.I still like the idea of wrapping the head unit up in clothes, like jeans and t-shirts and skipping the case.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Well that seemed like a nice protective transportation method until I saw the price. $160 - shit!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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greenlawnracing wrote:
Well that seemed like a nice protective transportation method until I saw the price. $160 - shit!

I sent a massage to Air Relax seeing if they had an ideas of anything in the works. I have not heard back yet.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
I sent a massage to Air Relax seeing if they had an ideas of anything in the works. I have not heard back yet.
Freudian slip or subliminal suggestion?

Brian

Gonna buy a fast car, put on my lead boots, take a long, long drive
I may end up spending all my money, but I'll still be alive
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ergopower] [ In reply to ]
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ergopower wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
I sent a massage to Air Relax seeing if they had an ideas of anything in the works. I have not heard back yet.

Freudian slip or subliminal suggestion?

Probably Freudian slip but I make so many grammar mistakes anyway on here. I'll admit I was in a bit of hurry this morning due to losing an hour.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I messaged them months ago about a 230v version. Told me one was imminent. No dice!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [hutchy_belfast] [ In reply to ]
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hutchy_belfast wrote:
I messaged them months ago about a 230v version. Told me one was imminent. No dice!

Where are you located??? I don't do much international travel so I don't have a lot familiarity on the subject. Is 230 different than 220?


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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UK. Sorry we natively run 230 but 220 does OK. Do they have a 220 version now? I couldn't find it recently.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [hutchy_belfast] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Great thanks for pointing these out to me will buy a pair now!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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After reading this thread - i bought these using TG's code -- and received them last week. Since then, they have become a constant fixture of the living room floor, me, the wife, the kid are now at war on who gets to use these. So much goodness.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [harshc] [ In reply to ]
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harshc wrote:
they have become a constant fixture of the living room floor, me, the wife, the kid are now at war on who gets to use these. So much goodness.

Thanks for the feedback - it is great to hear. Maybe 2 more pairs are in store for Family Relax time ;)


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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My $400 is long gone, but out of curiosity - what do you get for $60?

https://www.opensky.com/...p-e:20170315011847:s
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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The second picture looks very similar to these: http://amzn.to/2nqHyBB

Regardless if they are different, I haven't tested them and don't plan to. Frankly the knee section is my favorite part if only to warm up the joints and ligaments a bit. I have an idea about what the parts inside these units cost and $400 is about the bottom line. Although Amazon reviews aren't really that great of system, 200 reviews of 1 star out of 472 isn't exactly a ringing endorsement. On second thought, maybe I will order a pair just to see what they are like. I am quite curious after reading some of the reviews.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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How noisy are those recovery boots ? Can you use them while watching TV ? while the wife is around ?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [zivp] [ In reply to ]
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zivp wrote:
How noisy are those recovery boots ? Can you use them while watching TV ? while the wife is around ?

I keep meaning to get a decibel meter to measure both Normatec and Air Relax. You should not have any problem watching TV and frankly, I don't even have a problem watching things with my tiny laptop speakers. The units use a compressor so there is some noise in the pumping and deflating.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Since Jan about a dozen of my hockey buddies all bought the Air Relax boots after trying my Norma's using the discount code Thomas provided...they all love them and have been recommending them to others-
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
zivp wrote:
How noisy are those recovery boots ? Can you use them while watching TV ? while the wife is around ?


I keep meaning to get a decibel meter to measure both Normatec and Air Relax. You should not have any problem watching TV and frankly, I don't even have a problem watching things with my tiny laptop speakers. The units use a compressor so there is some noise in the pumping and deflating.


There are some mobile phone decibel meter apps.

I have Air Relax. They are not that noisy. As you said, you shouldn't have any problem watching TV.

https://blogs.cdc.gov/...14/04/09/sound-apps/


https://www.cdc.gov/...opics/noise/app.html
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TriTamp] [ In reply to ]
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Had the chance to use the competing Dr. Air system post race in Texas as some buddies had them. I liked the fact the boots were a bit longer than the Air Relax - I am about 6'2" and my Air Relax boots only come up about 3/4 of the way up my thighs - the Dr. Air system were a fair bit taller. I thought the boot construction on Air Relax was nicer. The Dr. Air compression unit looked a little snazzier with the blue and green lights and did have a nice variable pressure dial, but I think the Air Relax does an overall better job. Absolutely love my system, with the small caveat that I wish the boots were a bit taller.

Great recommendation Thomas! Sorry I didn't say hi down in Texas, but I figured pre race you had better things to worry about.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [globetrotterjon] [ In reply to ]
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Looking at a pair of the Air Relax boots for my wife and I. Problem is I'm 6'3" and she's 5'3". What size would you recommend?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [andrewnova] [ In reply to ]
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andrewnova wrote:
Looking at a pair of the Air Relax boots for my wife and I. Problem is I'm 6'3" and she's 5'3". What size would you recommend?

My wife and I are the same - we bought the normal ones (the long was sold out), and they're a little short on me, but I don't think the longs would work for my wife. Not ideal, but I still find them very effective.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [andrewnova] [ In reply to ]
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I would suggest normal length. Frankly, I wasn't aware there was a variance in lengths available when I bought mine in 2016 - wonder if its possible just to order the boots if I didn't get teh right length,
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [globetrotterjon] [ In reply to ]
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globetrotterjon wrote:
Had the chance to use the competing Dr. Air system post race in Texas as some buddies had them. I liked the fact the boots were a bit longer than the Air Relax - I am about 6'2" and my Air Relax boots only come up about 3/4 of the way up my thighs - the Dr. Air system were a fair bit taller. I thought the boot construction on Air Relax was nicer. The Dr. Air compression unit looked a little snazzier with the blue and green lights and did have a nice variable pressure dial, but I think the Air Relax does an overall better job. Absolutely love my system, with the small caveat that I wish the boots were a bit taller.


Great recommendation Thomas! Sorry I didn't say hi down in Texas, but I figured pre race you had better things to worry about.


Always feel ok to say hi. You didn't know this but I was just there going thru the motions on the day seeing where I am at post-mono so I would have been happy to chat even at length. Also, know that the Air Relax do now come in large version for people over 6 feet 2. The large is a tad bit longer than the regular Normatec. Not sure how long the large Normatec are. I have updated the original post to include that pertinent info about large now. You can buy just the long legs for $240 now too.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [andrewnova] [ In reply to ]
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andrewnova wrote:
Looking at a pair of the Air Relax boots for my wife and I. Problem is I'm 6'3" and she's 5'3". What size would you recommend?

My advice would be just to get two pairs of the actual boots. One short and one long. At first the only way you could long was to buy a system but now you can buy just the long legs. The long legs are $40 more than short. . You can get just the short legs on Amazon, but you can't buy the long legs on Amazon. Air Relax website is the only way as of now and you can use the coupon on just the legs.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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thanks....unfortunately the longer legs are out of stock for now.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [globetrotterjon] [ In reply to ]
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globetrotterjon wrote:
thanks....unfortunately the longer legs are out of stock for now.

Yeah I saw that. Looks like if people are just ordering a system new they can get the longer boots. But just the long boots by themselves are back to being "out of stock". I did send them an email last night about it. They said 2 weeks and they will have more.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TriTamp] [ In reply to ]
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TriTamp wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
zivp wrote:
How noisy are those recovery boots ? Can you use them while watching TV ? while the wife is around ?


I keep meaning to get a decibel meter to measure both Normatec and Air Relax. You should not have any problem watching TV and frankly, I don't even have a problem watching things with my tiny laptop speakers. The units use a compressor so there is some noise in the pumping and deflating.


There are some mobile phone decibel meter apps.

I have Air Relax. They are not that noisy. As you said, you shouldn't have any problem watching TV.

https://blogs.cdc.gov/...14/04/09/sound-apps/


https://www.cdc.gov/...opics/noise/app.html

Thanks for that info. I guess I don't have any excuses now to actually do it. Plus it saves me from having to buy yet another 1-time use physical device.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ In reply to ]
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Any idea why they only recommend 15 minute sessions with the Air Relax but NormaTec says up to an hour for recovery?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mynameis] [ In reply to ]
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mynameis wrote:
Any idea why they only recommend 15 minute sessions with the Air Relax but NormaTec says up to an hour for recovery?

don't know.. but i run the air relax 2/3x... so min 30min usually.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Just curious if you knew anyone who tried to exchange a unit that came with regular boots for one with long boots and what their experience was like. I'm right on the edge of the 6' mark and I feel like I made a mistake going with the regular boots since they don't reach the top of my legs for upper hamstrings and quads. I'm hoping it's not too much of a pain to get the boots exchanged. I tried putting my foot through but it's tight and not exactly a pleasant experience.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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jazzymusicman wrote:
Just curious if you knew anyone who tried to exchange a unit that came with regular boots for one with long boots and what their experience was like. I'm right on the edge of the 6' mark and I feel like I made a mistake going with the regular boots since they don't reach the top of my legs for upper hamstrings and quads. I'm hoping it's not too much of a pain to get the boots exchanged. I tried putting my foot through but it's tight and not exactly a pleasant experience.

How big are your hamstring and quads? I have both the long and short version. The short version was the only available version when I got mine, the long version really just came out in January. I have an inseam of 33.63 so even though I am only 5 feet 9 my legs are long. The long version of Air Relax are a little bit longer than the regular Normatec. I do prefer the long version of Air Relax but if using them in a family, the spouse is probably not going to be able to fit into them so the short version works great for multiple people.

The long legs are in really short supply. Basically they can't keep them in stock. I was told on 4/7 that they would be in stock in two weeks, for leg only purchases, and after just checking the website it appears they made that happen and are back in stock but I have no idea how many they got in. So far now, all those that wanted long boots can purchase them, just the boots. Usually once the long legs sell out the only way to get the long legs is with a NEW system.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I don't have a tape measure on me right now, but the regular version sit about 3 or 4 inches from my hip. I just got the new system yesterday. Hopefully I don't have to ship it back, pay the 10% restocking fee + shipping + new system + shipping. I guess I'm jumping the gun and should just wait for their reply.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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jazzymusicman wrote:
I don't have a tape measure on me right now, but the regular version sit about 3 or 4 inches from my hip. I just got the new system yesterday. Hopefully I don't have to ship it back, pay the 10% restocking fee + shipping + new system + shipping. I guess I'm jumping the gun and should just wait for their reply.

To me this is really being driven by consumers perceptions. The shorter boots hit all the critical areas for me. Sure they miss the very top for some but the reality is all the important areas for me including the foot, achilles, calf, knee area, quads and hamstrings are hit. This is where most of the fluid retention is IMO and what needs to be moved around. The reality is the longer boots cover a little more area for those that are tall but can also pinch the boys if you are a guy. This happens on both the Normatec and longer Air Relax for me.Your boys are right in there and you have to spread your legs apart and sometimes rearrange the boys. When you forget to get setup properly you quickly realize this when they get pinched so it isn't all positives.

The reality is I go with the longer boots but I am not sure how much benefit I am getting in that last couple of inches. I will say the longer boots are more expensive, they are about $40 more. I am always interested in hearing customer service stories but at the same time knowing some internals to the pricing and margins to the company I can say Air Relax isn't even making money at the current price point. They are trying to gain market share. Returns are expensive and shipping something both ways is expensive too. They are learning and growing but with choice creates confusion, buyers remorse etc. I believe that Air Relax is a reason Normatec recently reduced their price and that is a good thing. I see Air Relax continuing to get more and more expensive and Normatec coming down. I think in a year Air Relax will be $499 and Normatec will be closer to $999.

Fwiw, Normatec and Air Relax have both given me access to ask questions etc. I like both companies and the people at Air Relax do a really good job of getting back to me. If you have any issues, I will send them a message on your behalf.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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You make a good point about the last couple of inches probably being of marginal importance. For me, I'm usually sore there from riding in the aero position so I'd like to get the area covered. I'll post my customer service story after I get it sorted out. I'm hoping that it'll be as simple as just sending them the short boots and not having to package the whole unit, etc, etc. I know they're more expensive, I'm definitely not trying to get them for free or whatever. Thanks for your insights!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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jazzymusicman wrote:
You make a good point about the last couple of inches probably being of marginal importance. For me, I'm usually sore there from riding in the aero position so I'd like to get the area covered. I'll post my customer service story after I get it sorted out. I'm hoping that it'll be as simple as just sending them the short boots and not having to package the whole unit, etc, etc. I know they're more expensive, I'm definitely not trying to get them for free or whatever. Thanks for your insights!

No worries. I only mention because I am huge consumer advocate. Competition is great for consumers and Air Relax and their low price is not just a low price. It is low because they are keeping it low to gain market share. They also sell on Amazon and because of that they have to manage reputation. Your Amazon reputation is everything. They are the only seller on Amazon because it is their product, they are the sole US Distributor.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [globetrotterjon] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks TG! BTW my 75 year old dad has borrowed my boots to help with a pulled hamstring. He loves them and I may never get mine back!!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [globetrotterjon] [ In reply to ]
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globetrotterjon wrote:
Thanks TG! BTW my 75 year old dad has borrowed my boots to help with a pulled hamstring. He loves them and I may never get mine back!!

Yeah I was at BBQ, trying to stay fat, my weight is dropping like a rock, and a really large sedentary person with compression stockings came "walking" out and I was thinking I should mention to him. But yes lots of use-cases. I mean Normatec as we know it was designed for athletes but they have their own medical boots as well.

I also like to use them for this specific reason as your dad. For people that don't use boots they don't understand how warm the tissues get from all the squeezing + lack of ventilation and it can really help loosen up the stiff muscles.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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jazzymusicman wrote:
You make a good point about the last couple of inches probably being of marginal importance. For me, I'm usually sore there from riding in the aero position so I'd like to get the area covered. I'll post my customer service story after I get it sorted out. I'm hoping that it'll be as simple as just sending them the short boots and not having to package the whole unit, etc, etc. I know they're more expensive, I'm definitely not trying to get them for free or whatever. Thanks for your insights!

Circling back around on this. Did they get back to you? If so what was the end result?


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
jazzymusicman wrote:
You make a good point about the last couple of inches probably being of marginal importance. For me, I'm usually sore there from riding in the aero position so I'd like to get the area covered. I'll post my customer service story after I get it sorted out. I'm hoping that it'll be as simple as just sending them the short boots and not having to package the whole unit, etc, etc. I know they're more expensive, I'm definitely not trying to get them for free or whatever. Thanks for your insights!


Circling back around on this. Did they get back to you? If so what was the end result?

Hey Thomas,

They reached out rather quickly and offered to send me out a pair of the longer boots for the difference + shipping so I could decide and then I could RMA whichever pair I didn't want. Overall pretty satisfied with the options. After thinking about what you said, I'm mulling it over before spending more money since my wife (who is short) is eyeing them and even though I do wish they came up higher, I can live with it if gets me off the hook for spending the money in the first place. Thanks for your advice and for following up.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
jazzymusicman wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
jazzymusicman wrote:
You make a good point about the last couple of inches probably being of marginal importance. For me, I'm usually sore there from riding in the aero position so I'd like to get the area covered. I'll post my customer service story after I get it sorted out. I'm hoping that it'll be as simple as just sending them the short boots and not having to package the whole unit, etc, etc. I know they're more expensive, I'm definitely not trying to get them for free or whatever. Thanks for your insights!


Circling back around on this. Did they get back to you? If so what was the end result?


Hey Thomas,

They reached out rather quickly and offered to send me out a pair of the longer boots for the difference + shipping so I could decide and then I could RMA whichever pair I didn't want. Overall pretty satisfied with the options. After thinking about what you said, I'm mulling it over before spending more money since my wife (who is short) is eyeing them and even though I do wish they came up higher, I can live with it if gets me off the hook for spending the money in the first place. Thanks for your advice and for following up.

Wow, that is actually a pretty nice option to allow you try out the long boots and decide for yourself. I guess nothing would be more frustrating than to go long and then realize you preferred short but this solves that problem. Now I really appreciate you sharing!!! Thanks.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Just curious if you did ever try out the cheapo leg massager. I'm curious to try out recovery boots as I have started to encounter some ankle/leg issues in one leg after some hard runs but can't quite get a $400 (let alone a $1,300) purchase request approved by the CFO at the moment. I understand you rep the Air Relax boots (which I am saving up for) but wonder if a cheap alternative in the meantime would be beneficial or a waste of time.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [HoustonTri(er)] [ In reply to ]
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HoustonTri(er) wrote:
Just curious if you did ever try out the cheapo leg massager. I'm curious to try out recovery boots as I have started to encounter some ankle/leg issues in one leg after some hard runs but can't quite get a $400 (let alone a $1,300) purchase request approved by the CFO at the moment. I understand you rep the Air Relax boots (which I am saving up for) but wonder if a cheap alternative in the meantime would be beneficial or a waste of time.

I'm really diggin' the Air Relax boots, and while I feel a little fresher using them, they do nothing for tightness. I still have to foam roll with my rumble roller and trigger point ball. When I'm feeling lazy I still use a cheapo massager that's worked wonders for me I got a few years ago off Amazon. It just doesn't get very deep.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [HoustonTri(er)] [ In reply to ]
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HoustonTri(er) wrote:
Just curious if you did ever try out the cheapo leg massager. I'm curious to try out recovery boots as I have started to encounter some ankle/leg issues in one leg after some hard runs but can't quite get a $400 (let alone a $1,300) purchase request approved by the CFO at the moment. I understand you rep the Air Relax boots (which I am saving up for) but wonder if a cheap alternative in the meantime would be beneficial or a waste of time.

I haven't tried out those boots to be fair, and at this point I probably won't as I am just way to far behind on other stuff at the current moment. Happy to hear the thoughts of others but given just the manufacturing cost of both the boots from Air Relax and Normatec, I really question whether they can work effectively.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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jazzymusicman wrote:
HoustonTri(er) wrote:
Just curious if you did ever try out the cheapo leg massager. I'm curious to try out recovery boots as I have started to encounter some ankle/leg issues in one leg after some hard runs but can't quite get a $400 (let alone a $1,300) purchase request approved by the CFO at the moment. I understand you rep the Air Relax boots (which I am saving up for) but wonder if a cheap alternative in the meantime would be beneficial or a waste of time.


I'm really diggin' the Air Relax boots, and while I feel a little fresher using them, they do nothing for tightness. I still have to foam roll with my rumble roller and trigger point ball. When I'm feeling lazy I still use a cheapo massager that's worked wonders for me I got a few years ago off Amazon. It just doesn't get very deep.

Right yes, they are not a replacement for a really deep tissue massage or foam rolling. More to help promote circulation. The Rumble Roller is amazing. Have you tried a harder, larger spikey ball to work in the hip capsule or upper hamstrings. It is amazing. Definitely everyone needs one. This appears to be the exact same one I have and love. My regular source is out of stock of these.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [realtalk] [ In reply to ]
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realtalk wrote:
I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.

you got a link please ?
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [realtalk] [ In reply to ]
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realtalk wrote:
I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.

I still think the Normatec system is the premier system if you have the money. Yes it is a heck of a lot of money, with the recent $100 price drop and a easily found discount the price is now $1395. I would really like to see Normatec come with a 3-year warranty though for that price.

I agree that all the systems do the same basic function but they need to be able to last. At least for myself, someone who sits in them for hours a day they have to be able to handle many many cycles. I did have my original Normatec Pulse die after about 7 months, but they replaced it under warranty no problem. No long-term issues with the Air Relax and fwiw Air Relax is made in Korea.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [timujin] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
timujin wrote:
realtalk wrote:
I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.


you got a link please ?

You can get the Air Relax for ~$370 if you use the discount here. They have US models for US voltage so no need to worry about adapters. In addition, if you have a warranty issue you are sending back within the US. Shipping back to China is going to essentially kill warranty coverage as the units are heavy. Air Relax is made in the Korea, and the US Distributor (Orange Tree Trade), is in California.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
timujin wrote:
realtalk wrote:
I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.


you got a link please ?


You can get the Air Relax for ~$370 if you use the discount here. They have US models for US voltage so no need to worry about adapters. In addition, if you have a warranty issue you are sending back within the US. Shipping back to China is going to essentially kill warranty coverage as the units are heavy. Air Relax is made in the Korea, and the US Distributor (Orange Tree Trade), is in California.

hey thomas

im in the gibraltar, what shipping rates would be charged?
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [timujin] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
timujin wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
timujin wrote:
realtalk wrote:
I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.


you got a link please ?


You can get the Air Relax for ~$370 if you use the discount here. They have US models for US voltage so no need to worry about adapters. In addition, if you have a warranty issue you are sending back within the US. Shipping back to China is going to essentially kill warranty coverage as the units are heavy. Air Relax is made in the Korea, and the US Distributor (Orange Tree Trade), is in California.


hey thomas

im in the gibraltar, what shipping rates would be charged?

Given that you are not in the US, then you would need the 220V version anyway. Air Relax does ship internationally but not to Gibraltar. I can check on who the European distributor might be though for you. That might be your best option.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
realtalk wrote:
I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.


I still think the Normatec system is the premier system if you have the money. Yes it is a heck of a lot of money, with the recent $100 price drop and a easily found discount the price is now $1395. I would really like to see Normatec come with a 3-year warranty though for that price.

I agree that all the systems do the same basic function but they need to be able to last. At least for myself, someone who sits in them for hours a day they have to be able to handle many many cycles. I did have my original Normatec Pulse die after about 7 months, but they replaced it under warranty no problem. No long-term issues with the Air Relax and fwiw Air Relax is made in Korea.


Thomas, thomas, thomass...you left out one important word that makes the AirRelax a deal breaker for most...made in NORTH Korea! #smh #normakim #swimbikekim
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [realtalk] [ In reply to ]
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realtalk wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
realtalk wrote:
I got a pair from China for under $300 plus shipping. They work like a dream and saved me a helluva lot of cash. These systems are all the same. Let me know if you're interested in a pair, you won't regret this purchase but you will regret a $1500 Normatec purchase.


I still think the Normatec system is the premier system if you have the money. Yes it is a heck of a lot of money, with the recent $100 price drop and a easily found discount the price is now $1395. I would really like to see Normatec come with a 3-year warranty though for that price.

I agree that all the systems do the same basic function but they need to be able to last. At least for myself, someone who sits in them for hours a day they have to be able to handle many many cycles. I did have my original Normatec Pulse die after about 7 months, but they replaced it under warranty no problem. No long-term issues with the Air Relax and fwiw Air Relax is made in Korea.



Thomas, thomas, thomass...you left out one important word that makes the AirRelax a deal breaker for most...made in NORTH Korea! #smh #normakim #swimbikekim

LOL, actually when I first called the company they dropped the *North Korea* line and my heart fell into my stomach. They sounded super serious in the delivery and frankly it took me a half second to realize it was a joke. Definitely not enough caffeine that morning.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Customer service reps with a sense of humor?! OMG I might buy a pair just because of that
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I managed to get hold of a used clinical model sequential leg compression system to try out this recovery. You have mentioned in some of your posts about spending hours in your boots. As someone who doesn't have that amount of time to sit relaxing - work, wife, and kids won't allow that - do you have any advice as to amount of time to spend in the boots where you have seen a benefit? Or just a case of spend as much time as you can and see what results I get? Is there an amount of time below - say 15mins - that you might skip using them as there would be limited benefit?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [HoustonTri(er)] [ In reply to ]
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HoustonTri(er) wrote:
I managed to get hold of a used clinical model sequential leg compression system to try out this recovery. You have mentioned in some of your posts about spending hours in your boots. As someone who doesn't have that amount of time to sit relaxing - work, wife, and kids won't allow that - do you have any advice as to amount of time to spend in the boots where you have seen a benefit? Or just a case of spend as much time as you can and see what results I get? Is there an amount of time below - say 15mins - that you might skip using them as there would be limited benefit?

I haven't given it that much thought honestly as to what amount of time is necessary to get the most benefit. Ideally I don't think you need to go that long, just long enough to get the blood flowing thru the legs. It might only be necessary to do 15 mins but probably not less than that. Having watched roommates use the boots I am always amazed they just crank them up. For me, I like to work into the process and increment the pressure as I go. I would probably skip myself if I wasn't going to sit in for 15 minutes. There isn't a ton of overhead, but still overhead getting into the boots.


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Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [HoustonTri(er)] [ In reply to ]
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HoustonTri(er) wrote:
I managed to get hold of a used clinical model sequential leg compression system to try out this recovery. You have mentioned in some of your posts about spending hours in your boots. As someone who doesn't have that amount of time to sit relaxing - work, wife, and kids won't allow that - do you have any advice as to amount of time to spend in the boots where you have seen a benefit? Or just a case of spend as much time as you can and see what results I get? Is there an amount of time below - say 15mins - that you might skip using them as there would be limited benefit?

15 minutes is enough. 30 is slightly better. Anything more than that and I really don't notice much difference.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mcmetal] [ In reply to ]
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I have been trying to stick with 2 cycles when I have it but have done 1 a few times but never more. Maybe after a race I might go lighter but longer. But after a week my go to settings are "point" with all the legs and B. Very happy with them so far and if they can replace my massages they will pay for themselves within a year!

Twitter - Instagram
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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For some great value recovery boots, check out ours:


https://www.recoverysystemssport.com/products/pt1002-digital-controller



https://www.recoverysystemssport.com/


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [RecoverySystems] [ In reply to ]
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RecoverySystems wrote:
For some great value recovery boots, check out ours:


https://www.recoverysystemssport.com/products/pt1002-digital-controller



https://www.recoverysystemssport.com/


Yeah but that is $500 more than the exact same Recovery Reboot system.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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greenlawnracing wrote:
Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?

Did you ever sort out a case for your Air Relax? If so what are you using? I did get final confirmation that *official* cases are coming sometime in August. Could get delayed by customs/dock workers of course always but that is the timeline for now.


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Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?

Did you ever sort out a case for your Air Relax? If so what are you using? I did get final confirmation that *official* cases are coming sometime in August. Could get delayed by customs/dock workers of course always but that is the timeline for now.

Did not - please let me know when they are available!

Any idea on price?
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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greenlawnracing wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?

Did you ever sort out a case for your Air Relax? If so what are you using? I did get final confirmation that *official* cases are coming sometime in August. Could get delayed by customs/dock workers of course always but that is the timeline for now.

Did not - please let me know when they are available!

Any idea on price?
I didn't even think to ask but I will.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?

Did you ever sort out a case for your Air Relax? If so what are you using? I did get final confirmation that *official* cases are coming sometime in August. Could get delayed by customs/dock workers of course always but that is the timeline for now.

Did not - please let me know when they are available!

Any idea on price?
I didn't even think to ask but I will.


Tell them not to do the crazy Normatec pricing!
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
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greenlawnracing wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?

Did you ever sort out a case for your Air Relax? If so what are you using? I did get final confirmation that *official* cases are coming sometime in August. Could get delayed by customs/dock workers of course always but that is the timeline for now.

Did not - please let me know when they are available!

Any idea on price?
I didn't even think to ask but I will.


Tell them not to do the crazy Normatec pricing!

Was quoted $65-$75 with final determination based on import costs. Have a Happy 4th of July.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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My opinion.... I purchased to air relax and returned them within a day. yes they are 400 dollars and way cheaper but they function like 400 dollar recovery boots. The unit itself is not the same, the features are different, it only gives 15min session and the compression does NOT feel remotely the same. You can get a pair of normatecs at a half or full ironman for a grand. For me, the extra 600 dollars was worth it.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mtstanek] [ In reply to ]
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mtstanek wrote:
My opinion.... I purchased to air relax and returned them within a day. yes they are 400 dollars and way cheaper but they function like 400 dollar recovery boots. The unit itself is not the same, the features are different, it only gives 15min session and the compression does NOT feel remotely the same. You can get a pair of normatecs at a half or full ironman for a grand. For me, the extra 600 dollars was worth it.


If you are using boots for how they "feel" that is the wrong the approach IMHO . It isn't how they feel it is what they DO that matters.

As an emergency physician you should be somewhat familiar with the fact that there are some hoops and hurdles for being a FDA Class II Medical Device. My suspicion is the Class II Medical Device cert drives the 15 min session but it takes a 1/4 of a second to start another session and it really isn't an issue unless you happen to be one of the people with a very specific "use case". That "use case" is those that wish to fall asleep in the boots.

You have to remember too that when this thread started the Normatec was priced quite a bit higher. They were $1695. Now everyone can get Normatec for $1395 with the $100 coupon that is always floating around. In addition, I am not aware of Normatec being sold for the price you stated unless you are referring to the used demo boots that they sometimes sell. They aren't supposed to be selling new boots at that as then their dealers would be pissed. I am also not sure if the warranty applies in that case either, I need to check on that.

I can say as someone who switches, everyday, which boots he uses, I have no plans to discontinue switching. While the gap between the two is closing there is still a huge price difference. I talk to many users of boots who love Air Relax. Trying a pair for a day is NOT a test. It sounds like you might have significant bias to start with. In college I ate Qdobe at least 4-5x times a week. When I moved to Minneapolis there was a Chipotle across the street. At first I didn't think it was that great. I had significant bias in favor of Qdoba. Slowly but surely Chipotle grew on me. It grew on me so much that I would never choose Qdoba over Chipotle now. Although, I know it is too late now, I would have suggested using Air Relax for a month and then forming an opinion. A day is simply not long enough and I wonder if there is a break-in period for the boots as well.


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Last edited by: Thomas Gerlach: Jul 2, 17 18:28
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Holy shit gerlach you have a lot of time on your hands. NormaTecs for the win!!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mtstanek] [ In reply to ]
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Air Relax is the smart choice!
Last edited by: TJ56: Jul 2, 17 17:43
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TJ56] [ In reply to ]
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I'm very happy with Air Relax.... I use them after a few sessions of GameReady on my knees.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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i have been very happy with my air relax boots...def worth the price and the level 3-4 compression is quite intense. paid 325 on amazon. good value.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mtstanek] [ In reply to ]
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mtstanek wrote:
Holy shit gerlach you have a lot of time on your hands. NormaTecs for the win!!

Always too much time on my hands :)

Btw, you never responded. I guess I didn't really phrase it as a direct question in my previous reply but do you know if the pair of boots you got from the expo used or new? And do you know if they still come with the warranty? If so are the warranty terms changed at all?


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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They are the "demo boots" for the weekend that you are purchasing for a thousand (if you purchase them the first day of the expo they are never used). And yes, they do come with the warranty to the best of my knowledge.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mtstanek] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for the follow-up. I'll have to keep a note on that as a good way to score a deal. Interesting loop hole but I assume you surely have to pay tax in that situation as well. And yes I realize that you have to pay the tax regardless with internet purchases but the reality is very few do and is a selling point to some. Is it $1,000 out the door or $1,000 plus tax?


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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[snip]

I won't post a link since I don't want to spam the board with my first post.

[moderator: good. thank you.]
Last edited by: Slowman: Jul 18, 17 17:25
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [charlietris] [ In reply to ]
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charlietris wrote:
i have been very happy with my air relax boots...def worth the price and the level 3-4 compression is quite intense. paid 325 on amazon. good value.
Did you get them new or used for that price? If so, may I ask how? (Special deal, coupon code, etc)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [140.6sj] [ In reply to ]
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i bought the boots new on amazon.com, no coupon or anything. imlp is coming up and my legs have been feeling great:)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [140.6sj] [ In reply to ]
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140.6sj wrote:
charlietris wrote:
i have been very happy with my air relax boots...def worth the price and the level 3-4 compression is quite intense. paid 325 on amazon. good value.

Did you get them new or used for that price? If so, may I ask how? (Special deal, coupon code, etc)

The dark boots are more expensive than the orange. Not sure which ones CharlieTris got, but the price is pretty much the price these days. I know that AirRelax has a bunch of dealers out there but they started getting serious about controlling the price and don't let the Air Relax boots sold by dealers for less than $375. OrangeTreeTrade on Amazon is the official US Distributor. You can save a few bucks purchasing direct off their website with the code in my signature line below. If you have any other questions, happy to answer.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I dont remember what I got them for... 20% off is all I remember. Left them in my cart at Air Relax and got a coupon code the next day... that tactic didn't work for Roka :(
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:
I dont remember what I got them for... 20% off is all I remember. Left them in my cart at Air Relax and got a coupon code the next day... that tactic didn't work for Roka :(

Sizing on these things: What size did any/everyone get on the Air relax? I'm 5'11" (and .75), so almost 6'. 32-34" inseam for jeans. Size 3 "says" it'll work...but should I just step up and get 4 since they size small?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Culley22] [ In reply to ]
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Culley22 wrote:
spntrxi wrote:
I dont remember what I got them for... 20% off is all I remember. Left them in my cart at Air Relax and got a coupon code the next day... that tactic didn't work for Roka :(


Sizing on these things: What size did any/everyone get on the Air relax? I'm 5'11" (and .75), so almost 6'. 32-34" inseam for jeans. Size 3 "says" it'll work...but should I just step up and get 4 since they size small?

I wouldn't hesitate to step up to size 4. I really need to do a side-by-side shot, but basically size 4 is just a tad longer than the regular Normatec boots.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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So I did replicate your experience. Just got the email now but it was only 5% although I did have a couple of pairs of boots in my cart, not sure if that matters or not. Curious when you bought your boots - if you can check the date I would appreciate it.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
So I did replicate your experience. Just got the email now but it was only 5% although I did have a couple of pairs of boots in my cart, not sure if that matters or not. Curious when you bought your boots - if you can check the date I would appreciate it.


back in January ... I tried this trick on another pair a couple months after ( was going to buy a set for my inlaws) and was only offered 6%. I've been offered 10% and 7% before too.
Last edited by: spntrxi: Jul 19, 17 16:49
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [greenlawnracing] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
greenlawnracing wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
greenlawnracing wrote:
Wife must really love me as she bought me a pair for my bday. Been fine so far for a few weeks.

Taking them in my carry on has been interesting. I finally learned to take them out at security.

What are you guys using as far as a case?


Did you ever sort out a case for your Air Relax? If so what are you using? I did get final confirmation that *official* cases are coming sometime in August. Could get delayed by customs/dock workers of course always but that is the timeline for now.


Did not - please let me know when they are available!

Any idea on price?
I didn't even think to ask but I will.



Tell them not to do the crazy Normatec pricing!

The case is now available. It has actually been available for a few weeks and I have one in my possession and traveling with it for the first time. I would like to do a quick review with some pictures but haven't gotten around to it yet. It is a high quality bag, even comes with a waterproof cover I guess so you can leave it out in the rain at the track / cc meet. $80 is the price. It is the about the same total size of the Normatec case but it is a longer and shorter


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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nice looking case... I might use that instead of my Normatec case.. which I feel is on the small side.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:
nice looking case... I might use that instead of my Normatec case.. which I feel is on the small side.

Plenty of room for sure. The Normatec case is a more hard shell case. If you anticipate anyone throwing around the bag like a rag doll that could be a positive.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
spntrxi wrote:
nice looking case... I might use that instead of my Normatec case.. which I feel is on the small side.


Plenty of room for sure. The Normatec case is a more hard shell case. If you anticipate anyone throwing around the bag like a rag doll that could be a positive.

do you continue to use both?.. I got the air relax first , then normatec. However I feel like the Air Relax is a great backup and maybe nice to keep around because it's pretty cheap afterall.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
spntrxi wrote:
nice looking case... I might use that instead of my Normatec case.. which I feel is on the small side.


Plenty of room for sure. The Normatec case is a more hard shell case. If you anticipate anyone throwing around the bag like a rag doll that could be a positive.


do you continue to use both?.. I got the air relax first , then normatec. However I feel like the Air Relax is a great backup and maybe nice to keep around because it's pretty cheap afterall.

Sorry for the late reply, I missed this while traveling for Ironman Wisconsin. I do use both and I will continue to use both. I don't want to end up pigeoned into one niche, but there are various changes, updates etc, from both brands, and people will continue to ask me questions and I want to make sure I can answer them. For instance, Air Relax has come out with 2 more boot sizes since I originally wrote up my piece way back in Aug of 2016. They have come out with a case because they realized that people who use them for sport actually travel with them as opposed to the medical need which tends to be for people who are NOT in great health.

One of my biggest disappointments with the first version of the Normatec Pulse was the battery was always draining when not plugged in, which means it could be dead when I ACTUALLY wanted to use it without the cord. Supposedly that has been fixed in the 2018 version but I would like to test it and make sure it does because that is a feature I use and I know others use it as well.

But you are right, either way two pairs makes a good backup. When I first got started in boots it was because a roommate had a pair. With 3 athletes in one roof and one pair of boots it always was a challenge to get some time in them when they weren't mine... but it was something I knew I needed so I started staying up a bit later so I could get quality time in them. Now when I think about them going bust it is not big deal because I have a couple of pairs, but the typical person doesn't and often times you don't realize how much you miss something until it is gone.

Either way the squeeze provided is different and a little variation never hurt anyone. I think of this in relationship to always keeping a couple of running shoes in the rotation.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas,

Thanks for your insight on this topic and the discount code.

Wondering if any Canadians have bought the Air Relax system and if so what were the taxes and duties like? I'm looking to get a pair and expect to pay duties and taxes, just trying to get an idea of the costs.

Any insight would be appreciated.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Triguybri] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Triguybri wrote:
Thomas,

Thanks for your insight on this topic and the discount code.

Wondering if any Canadians have bought the Air Relax system and if so what were the taxes and duties like? I'm looking to get a pair and expect to pay duties and taxes, just trying to get an idea of the costs.

Any insight would be appreciated.

That is a good question. I know that they are trying to establish a dealer network in various countries. I know they have UK, Germany, and Australia covered, not sure about Canada. How does the taxes and duties system work in Canada with mail order. Do they collect when they deliver and does it matter which carrier is used to ship??? Do they ever not enforce taxes and duties?


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
Triguybri wrote:
Thomas,

Thanks for your insight on this topic and the discount code.

Wondering if any Canadians have bought the Air Relax system and if so what were the taxes and duties like? I'm looking to get a pair and expect to pay duties and taxes, just trying to get an idea of the costs.

Any insight would be appreciated.


That is a good question. I know that they are trying to establish a dealer network in various countries. I know they have UK, Germany, and Australia covered, not sure about Canada. How does the taxes and duties system work in Canada with mail order. Do they collect when they deliver and does it matter which carrier is used to ship??? Do they ever not enforce taxes and duties?

I spoke with Air Relax via email, they use UPS for shipping and its likely that they will charge taxes, duties and brokerage fees at time of delivery. I'm not concerned about the taxes and duties ( it is what it is ) but the brokerage fees can be ridiculous at times. I may try to call UPS and get some details. USPS does not charge all the time but Air Relax has had some challenges with them and only uses UPS.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Triguybri] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Triguybri wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
Triguybri wrote:
Thomas,

Thanks for your insight on this topic and the discount code.

Wondering if any Canadians have bought the Air Relax system and if so what were the taxes and duties like? I'm looking to get a pair and expect to pay duties and taxes, just trying to get an idea of the costs.

Any insight would be appreciated.


That is a good question. I know that they are trying to establish a dealer network in various countries. I know they have UK, Germany, and Australia covered, not sure about Canada. How does the taxes and duties system work in Canada with mail order. Do they collect when they deliver and does it matter which carrier is used to ship??? Do they ever not enforce taxes and duties?


I spoke with Air Relax via email, they use UPS for shipping and its likely that they will charge taxes, duties and brokerage fees at time of delivery. I'm not concerned about the taxes and duties ( it is what it is ) but the brokerage fees can be ridiculous at times. I may try to call UPS and get some details. USPS does not charge all the time but Air Relax has had some challenges with them and only uses UPS.

Good to know. Since you ordered a set I'll be curious if you get hit with the brokerage fee or not. Maybe they will be too busy delivering late holiday packages or they will be in the holiday spirit :)


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

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Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
Triguybri wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
Triguybri wrote:
Thomas,

Thanks for your insight on this topic and the discount code.

Wondering if any Canadians have bought the Air Relax system and if so what were the taxes and duties like? I'm looking to get a pair and expect to pay duties and taxes, just trying to get an idea of the costs.

Any insight would be appreciated.


That is a good question. I know that they are trying to establish a dealer network in various countries. I know they have UK, Germany, and Australia covered, not sure about Canada. How does the taxes and duties system work in Canada with mail order. Do they collect when they deliver and does it matter which carrier is used to ship??? Do they ever not enforce taxes and duties?


I spoke with Air Relax via email, they use UPS for shipping and its likely that they will charge taxes, duties and brokerage fees at time of delivery. I'm not concerned about the taxes and duties ( it is what it is ) but the brokerage fees can be ridiculous at times. I may try to call UPS and get some details. USPS does not charge all the time but Air Relax has had some challenges with them and only uses UPS.

Good to know. Since you ordered a set I'll be curious if you get hit with the brokerage fee or not. Maybe they will be too busy delivering late holiday packages or they will be in the holiday spirit :)

One can only hope. I will provide an update when the boots arrive in 5-8 days.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Triguybri] [ In reply to ]
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Update for all the Canadians

Ups delivered my Air Relax recovery boots today and the taxes brokerage and duties totalled $97.29 CAD ( $68.76 GST and $28.53 Brokerage fees ) Shipment took 6 business days total.

Now time to put them to good use!
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Triguybri] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for posting your experience Triguybri. I've been looking at ordering AirRelax into Canada as well. $28 for the brokerage is not bad, certainly better than the outrageous amounts I've seen previously with UPS. Unfortunately it looks like it's $91USD for the shipping itself, which really puts a damper on the deal.

Hopefully a Canadian distributor comes along, or I may have to just order to the US during a vacation or something...
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [yanr] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
yanr

I believe my shipping was $81 to Ontario. All said and done the system cost me $700 Canadian ( Approx $535 US ) At the end of the day its a great system and the extra cost over the life of the boots is really not a big deal. I figured if I had them shipped to the US on a trip or to my Dad who winters in Florida I would be without the system for 2 -3 months so there is some value in having them in 6 days vs 60-90 days.

I had two 15 minute sessions in the boots yesterday and the legs felt fresh this morning. I will provide another update after a few weeks of use.

If you really want them and you are going to use them, the $91 in shipping will pay for itself in no time.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [yanr] [ In reply to ]
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yanr wrote:
Thanks for posting your experience Triguybri. I've been looking at ordering AirRelax into Canada as well. $28 for the brokerage is not bad, certainly better than the outrageous amounts I've seen previously with UPS. Unfortunately it looks like it's $91USD for the shipping itself, which really puts a damper on the deal.

Hopefully a Canadian distributor comes along, or I may have to just order to the US during a vacation or something...

I can say this, shipping in the US keeps going up up and up. I am gassed, it seems like we have had two rates hike a year every year for the last couple years and I just saw another one coming down the pipleline soon. Discord around why probably belongs in the Lav room but I know I have offended at least one in the classified in shipping something to Canada but that was just what the price was. The days of shipping small items are over for the individual retail shipper. I am going to have to start bundling things to get them to Canada.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

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Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
yanr wrote:
Thanks for posting your experience Triguybri. I've been looking at ordering AirRelax into Canada as well. $28 for the brokerage is not bad, certainly better than the outrageous amounts I've seen previously with UPS. Unfortunately it looks like it's $91USD for the shipping itself, which really puts a damper on the deal.

Hopefully a Canadian distributor comes along, or I may have to just order to the US during a vacation or something...

I can say this, shipping in the US keeps going up up and up. I am gassed, it seems like we have had two rates hike a year every year for the last couple years and I just saw another one coming down the pipleline soon. Discord around why probably belongs in the Lav room but I know I have offended at least one in the classified in shipping something to Canada but that was just what the price was. The days of shipping small items are over for the individual retail shipper. I am going to have to start bundling things to get them to Canada.
Ordered a pair a few days ago. $61 to ship to AK. While not great, not horrible. i look forward to seeing how they make the old legs feel after a solid month of use. Thanks Thomas!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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Just curious if any of you have any updated positive or negative reviews of any of these devices. Much appreciated!

---------------------------------------------------------------

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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So if you're near Miami this weekend, air relax has a both at the miami marathon expo. 10% off everything and you don't have to pay the shipping. Ended up getting the bag for $77
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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Nice. Have you used a Normatec before? I'd be interested in your opinion on the AR system as a comparison

the world's still turning? >>>>>>> the world's still turning
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Callin'] [ In reply to ]
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Just the air relax, sorry
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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jazzymusicman wrote:
So if you're near Miami this weekend, air relax has a both at the miami marathon expo. 10% off everything and you don't have to pay the shipping. Ended up getting the bag for $77

Good to know!!! Btw, Are you liking the long boots still over the shorter for your situation? Did you ever pick up the shorts or have a chance to try them out?? Did they charge you the ~7% sales tax, trying to figure how they get back up $77 and that is all I can figure?


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Callin'] [ In reply to ]
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Callin' wrote:
Nice. Have you used a Normatec before? I'd be interested in your opinion on the AR system as a comparison

Is there anything in particular you are interested in knowing between the two? One thing also is the Normatec system had a refresh at the end of last year, it was quietly updated as far as I am concerned. The biggest change for me was to the battery - huge improvement there.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Never did end up getting the long boots. I've been alright with the regular boots. I don't use the system as much as i should because I'm never just sitting around but when I do use them I enjoy them. And yeah, dade county 7% sales tax
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [jazzymusicman] [ In reply to ]
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jazzymusicman wrote:
Never did end up getting the long boots. I've been alright with the regular boots. I don't use the system as much as i should because I'm never just sitting around but when I do use them I enjoy them. And yeah, dade county 7% sales tax

Good to know on the long boots. Not sure if you noticed it but they actually game out with a tweener size between when you brought this up last year and now. I am much more comfortable recommending that size to people in your size range without knowing more about body dimensions, inseams, etc.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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My air Relax came in today and of course I plopped right down to give them a try on.

Super easy to set up. Literally a "plug and play". Got the longest version and for my 5' 11.75", 32-34" inseam...they are a little long. Not too long, but the next size down would have probably worked. I do like that they come all the way up though! Started with Level 1...and it really just felt like the inflation was happening, but didn't really feel much on the legs, and really at that pressure, I guess there isn't supposed to be a lot of pressure. Went to Level 2, and definitely feel it better there. Not super tight, but tight. Tried out Level 3....and that might be made for small legged people. Got one chamber to inflate and I turned it off. That was...TIGHT. Uncomfortable tight. I can't even imagine what Level 4 feels like.

After 30 minutes (15 on mode A, 15 on mode B) I hopped out. Unlike some that feel an immediate "my legs feel great" sensation...I didn't have that. But I also wasn't expecting to. This is a process, and as long as it works...the benefits will be reaped over a greater period of time.

The carrying case: is nice. Easy to fit into, and easy to carry and very well made.

I'd like to thank you all on this thread for your contribution. My 40 year old body thanks you!
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Culley22] [ In reply to ]
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Culley22 wrote:
My air Relax came in today and of course I plopped right down to give them a try on.



After 30 minutes (15 on mode A, 15 on mode B) I hopped out. Unlike some that feel an immediate "my legs feel great" sensation...I didn't have that. But I also wasn't expecting to. This is a process, and as long as it works...the benefits will be reaped over a greater period of time.

T

did you even do some strenuous exercise first ?
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:

did you even do some strenuous exercise first ?
Other than currently being in my training block for St.G 70.3 for the past month, no. But will try after tonight’s interval run.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Culley22] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Culley22 wrote:
My air Relax came in today and of course I plopped right down to give them a try on.

Super easy to set up. Literally a "plug and play". Got the longest version and for my 5' 11.75", 32-34" inseam...they are a little long. Not too long, but the next size down would have probably worked. I do like that they come all the way up though! Started with Level 1...and it really just felt like the inflation was happening, but didn't really feel much on the legs, and really at that pressure, I guess there isn't supposed to be a lot of pressure. Went to Level 2, and definitely feel it better there. Not super tight, but tight. Tried out Level 3....and that might be made for small legged people. Got one chamber to inflate and I turned it off. That was...TIGHT. Uncomfortable tight. I can't even imagine what Level 4 feels like.

After 30 minutes (15 on mode A, 15 on mode B) I hopped out. Unlike some that feel an immediate "my legs feel great" sensation...I didn't have that. But I also wasn't expecting to. This is a process, and as long as it works...the benefits will be reaped over a greater period of time.

The carrying case: is nice. Easy to fit into, and easy to carry and very well made.

I'd like to thank you all on this thread for your contribution. My 40 year old body thanks you!

Yes, I can't handle anything more than 2 usually on the boots. Air Relax by design is a FDA medical device and they go as high as 240 mmhg. On the contrary the max on Normatec is 100 mmhg. Higher is not necessarily better but you should never go higher than it hurts. On Normatec I am usually 5-7 kind of guy, although the other day, even 4 was a stretch... It had been a while.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Culley22] [ In reply to ]
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Culley22 wrote:
spntrxi wrote:


did you even do some strenuous exercise first ?

Other than currently being in my training block for St.G 70.3 for the past month, no. But will try after tonight’s interval run.


It should not matter whether you are doing exercise. If you do a really hard and long run and it is hot humid or your are sitting in car for 12 hours then the response will be a little different for sure than say easy days, but you don't need to do strenuous exercise to see the benefit. They are made for anyone with fluid and mostly those patients don't even exercise and have issues like diabetes.

However, you should notice it gets tighter as the 15 minutes continues. Regardless, I am more of a believer in the continued use of boots. My first experience with boots was Recovery Pump (many many moons ago) and I didn't like them because there was too much pressure and that is just how the reps set them up. Then it was a few years until Normatec again and the same issues with the reps just starting on 7. I have talked to Normatec about this now, I don't know if it was just my reps but it was multiple times, different reps. It wasn't until I was able to use them without the reps setting them that I really started to see the benefit as I found what works for me.

It really was starting slow, like level 3 on Normatec (Max 7). As I used them more frequently I could tolerate higher and higher levels. My roommate went to max every night, and I would have to turn them down after she was done to use them. However it was until after months that I started to really feel the benefits and realized I was excited to get into them at the end of the day. I was having fresher legs and I found I needed less warm up to get those minor aches and pains free pre-run. Consistent use is really the benefit, unless for vanity sake you want to get those skinnier legs back the day after Ironman. But it is another tool in the recovery tool box and there are many ways to use it, and certainly many different body types as well.


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Last edited by: Thomas Gerlach: Jan 30, 18 19:50
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
If you are using boots for how they "feel" that is the wrong the approach IMHO . It isn't how they feel it is what they DO that matters.

How do you measure what they do vs how they feel?

I'm trying to research these things, and so far there's really underwhelming evidence.

The only reason I'm researching them is I used them for a week at a cycling camp where I did ~500 miles in a week. Just used them because they were provided by the camp, and it was a good social thing to sit there and talk while in them. They felt great, and I got stronger every day of the week. But really hard to attach any hard evidence to the things.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [trail] [ In reply to ]
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trail wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:

If you are using boots for how they "feel" that is the wrong the approach IMHO . It isn't how they feel it is what they DO that matters.


How do you measure what they do vs how they feel?

I'm trying to research these things, and so far there's really underwhelming evidence.

The only reason I'm researching them is I used them for a week at a cycling camp where I did ~500 miles in a week. Just used them because they were provided by the camp, and it was a good social thing to sit there and talk while in them. They felt great, and I got stronger every day of the week. But really hard to attach any hard evidence to the things.

At a high-level I measure it by being a minimalist and bringing them with everywhere I go. But realistically I see different use case and reasons to use them. At the very least, as you discovered there is sitting around in them being social which is great for mental health. Using them by themselves and mediating for mindfulness. I really like them pre-run as it helps loosen everything up and warm up the muscles too. It is pretty easy to determine they help reduce leg edema as that is why they were developed. Take a patients calf circumference before and after and no doubt it is smaller. However, how it helps in recovery is trickier to study.

I even have someone who bought a pair and loves them and I have been watching him blow up his run mileage because he just feels great. Just because his "legs" feel recovered and are fresher that doesn't mean his body can actually handle the increased mileage. In that case boots could actually end up working against him.

I love walking too and I think it has great benefits. If you have a dog you are lucky, get out there and give them walks. But for me, getting in the boots at the end of the day is a great way to refresh the legs and wind myself down for bed at the same time.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Wondering how the recovery pump stand up to the Normatecs? I'm always a bit skeptical on the less expensive brands even though I should try them considering the price savings. However, I found a solid review on them here, https://thetriathletehub.com/recovery-boots/ just wondering how the Recovery Pumps stack up since they seem to offer a few more options.

Go where you feel most alive. |TriHub
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Alphatri36] [ In reply to ]
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Alphatri36 wrote:
Wondering how the recovery pump stand up to the Normatecs? I'm always a bit skeptical on the less expensive brands even though I should try them considering the price savings.


I briefly stated in my original Normatec vs Air Relax review my thoughts on some other units out there including Recovery Pump. I'll reiterate again here, if you are going to pay that much for a pair of boots you might as well just get Normatec. I don't really understand those purchasing Rapid Reboot as they are just rebranded Dr Life LX7 boots. Nothing wrong with that, just that the price is marked up a couple hundred percent. Same thing with Recovery Pump. As long as Air Relax prices their boots as aggressively as they do, I can't see a reason to go with Rapid or Recovery Pump, and you might as well just buy Normatec. Their business model can be seen super clearly, just look at their Zero Gravity chairs at $125 a piece when you can get a 2-pack for $62 from Amazon. Same thing with their unit. If Air Relax produced Recovery Pump they would be $500. Just their model.


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Last edited by: Thomas Gerlach: May 15, 18 15:29
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Anyone have tips on sizing? The official site says to go with the larger size if in between. My inseam is a bit longer than 30"; I'm 5'9" in height (i.e. wear 30L pants, but true inseam is probably a bit longer). Leaning towards ordering the size 3s; anyone have actual measurements of the boots or experience with the size?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [yanr] [ In reply to ]
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yanr wrote:
Anyone have tips on sizing? The official site says to go with the larger size if in between. My inseam is a bit longer than 30"; I'm 5'9" in height (i.e. wear 30L pants, but true inseam is probably a bit longer). Leaning towards ordering the size 3s; anyone have actual measurements of the boots or experience with the size?

I would definitely go size 3 if I were you. That is going to be the right size. The next size up will be too large given your inseam. If you have any other questions let me know. I could potentially measure a pair, I have 3 and 4, but I am sitting in them right now and don't really want to get out of them ;)

With that being said, again, I am 100% confident you are size 3. Sorry about the late reply, I should have seen this sooner. As always, you can save $20+ on a pair here.


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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [domingjm] [ In reply to ]
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Yes, I realize this post stretches out over 2 years. And I read most of all the posts. Responding to a post that said they found cheaper boots than Normatec and cheaper than Air Relax. As of Aug 2018 Amazon has one that looks quite similar to the older orange version of the Air Relax on markdown for $275. Would like to know if anybody has this one and how durable it is. Amazon does have an additional 2 or 3 year warranty you can buy, but unsure about how reliable that is. Cost is $15 for 3 years. Manufacturer only gives 60 days, so is it made of cheap materials that will fall apart in a couple of months or the air pump will fail in a couple months? Returning items like this is a hassle and then you have down time without the device! See Amazon ad for picture of the device. It runs 10,20 and 30 minutes with up to 250mmHg. One size only.

Here is the item number on Amazon sold by Vive Health Direct:
  • ASIN: B06X1CG8CR
  • https://www.amazon.com/Sequential-Compression-Device-Vive-Intermittent/dp/B06X1CG8CR
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Unoit] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Unoit wrote:
Yes, I realize this post stretches out over 2 years. And I read most of all the posts. Responding to a post that said they found cheaper boots than Normatec and cheaper than Air Relax. As of Aug 2018 Amazon has one that looks quite similar to the older orange version of the Air Relax on markdown for $275. Would like to know if anybody has this one and how durable it is. Amazon does have an additional 2 or 3 year warranty you can buy, but unsure about how reliable that is. Cost is $15 for 3 years. Manufacturer only gives 60 days, so is it made of cheap materials that will fall apart in a couple of months or the air pump will fail in a couple months? Returning items like this is a hassle and then you have down time without the device! See Amazon ad for picture of the device. It runs 10,20 and 30 minutes with up to 250mmHg. One size only.

Here is the item number on Amazon sold by Vive Health Direct:
  • ASIN: B06X1CG8CR
  • https://www.amazon.com/Sequential-Compression-Device-Vive-Intermittent/dp/B06X1CG8CR


If I was ever to purchase an Amazon warranty, it would be in a situation like this. With all due respect to the manufacturer, of course.

Edit: But for god's sake (and ST's), someone please buy these and report back!

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https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
Last edited by: domingjm: Aug 3, 18 12:00
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Unoit] [ In reply to ]
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Unoit wrote:
Yes, I realize this post stretches out over 2 years. And I read most of all the posts. Responding to a post that said they found cheaper boots than Normatec and cheaper than Air Relax. As of Aug 2018 Amazon has one that looks quite similar to the older orange version of the Air Relax on markdown for $275. Would like to know if anybody has this one and how durable it is. Amazon does have an additional 2 or 3 year warranty you can buy, but unsure about how reliable that is. Cost is $15 for 3 years. Manufacturer only gives 60 days, so is it made of cheap materials that will fall apart in a couple of months or the air pump will fail in a couple months? Returning items like this is a hassle and then you have down time without the device! See Amazon ad for picture of the device. It runs 10,20 and 30 minutes with up to 250mmHg. One size only.

Here is the item number on Amazon sold by Vive Health Direct:

Is the warranty 60-days? It seems the 60-days is just the unconditional guarantee period, maybe the warranty is longer. Regardless, put them on an AMEX and that will double the warranty. Fwiw, I haven't heard of too many failures in general. The failures I have heard of have pretty much all been Normatec, but I am also pretty sure that is just the function of pro athletes using them for many years, and being especially hard on their equipment, and traveling a lot, and hearing about those incidents. Air Relax really hasn't been in mass circulation long enough to know how they will hold up over many years, mine have held up for two years now. One thing to think about in the case of Air Relax it is 230mmHg, and these are 250mmHg, and Normatec is 100mmHg. When you think about designing a product to be able to handle 230/250mmHg and then only using them to say 100mmHg then you are well under the engineered strength of the boots. Given that you probably don't need to use them at anywhere close to the max (100mmHg and less) I am sure they will be more reliable then if you cranked it up to 250mmHg.

If you do purchase a set send me a message after a few months of use and let me know how you like them. I might have to pick up a set myself.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Is the warranty 60-days? It seems the 60-days is just the unconditional guarantee period, maybe the warranty is longer. Regardless, put them on an AMEX and that will double the warranty. Fwiw, I haven't heard of too many failures in general. ...


Don't have AMEX. And did note that comment in other posts on this topic. 3 year warranty if hassle free would be sufficient for me to try. Air Relax only has a 1 year warranty and $40 per year for additional years. Though I think that Air Relax would be of better quality than the Vive for $275 which is made in China. It would be nice to have them both to compare since that way you can really see the quality. Though then you would probably need to return one. I may just spend the extra money and go with the Air Relax. But Amazon third parties do sometimes have good warranties that are hassle free with no shipping cost. What good is a warranty if you have to pay for shipping and that can be $60? Plus take weeks. And then if they send it back "repaired" and it fails soon again? Would like to avoid those hassles. Thanks for mentioning that there aren't many reported fails. Though will take in consideration that is just because Air Relax is new, nobody in the forum on this topic may have tried Vive, and most the pros use Normatec.

Some concerns were the stitching. That can fail. Or the "glue" used to hold the chambers together. That can wear and fail. One little hole, be it a puncture or other hole, and that chamber is useless. It is hard to tell in a picture, but to me it looks like the Air Relax is far better quality than the Vive. They do not list the materials used for the boots or for the pump. The hoses look similar but one could be much better quality materials. I have bought Chinese products that looked the same as others but fell apart due to cheap materials. Though sometimes it is okay. Many athletic shoes for example are manufactured in China now. Though unless the customer stipulates particular quality control or material use, the manufacturer may use less expensive or cheap materials to cut costs.


Also, in terms of the pressure rating, I'm not sure that I would go by it for comparison. Since I have found that in products made in China that they often will report a product as having XYZ properties when it does not really have that. For example, with flashlights they sell cheap ones that are advertised as 10,000 lumens. But when you get them, they are more like 350-400 lumens! I think that the same may be true of the pressure ratings. So even though it says 250mmHg, you would really have to compare it to the Air Relax side by side with a trial to see if the Vive 250mmHg is equal to, less than, or greater than the 240mmHg of Air Relax. It might be that Vive 250mmHg = 180mmHg on Air Relax for example. And it also depends how they programmed the controller of the air pump. Maybe one has a better ramp up, and a more effective hold. While the other may be too quick to get good fluid moving through the legs. I tend to agree with another post that says that they found little data on the use of sequential air compression systems. You kind of have to try it to see if it works for you.


The hose attachments probably aren't compatible. Though if they were, Air Relax also has a Shorts option for another $250. Though as Thomas said about longer boot sizes, it may interfere with the "boys". Looks to me like it goes right over the groin area. But they must have thought about that and it is chamber free.

https://air-relax.com/...cts/air-relax-shorts
Last edited by: Unoit: Aug 3, 18 21:20
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Unoit] [ In reply to ]
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Hello- I have one pair of the original orange Air Relax boots, and also pair of size 3 newer blue Air Relax boots. We are a family of 3 triathletes so we get a lot of use out of both sets. I have had the orange boots for a few years now and they work great...actually I am sitting in them now as I write this. I feel it was a great investment.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [charlietris] [ In reply to ]
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Hello- I have one pair of the original orange Air Relax boots, and also pair of size 3 newer blue Air Relax boots.
Thanks...though I was specifically asking about the Vive Sequential Compression boots on Amazon (or elsewhere) on "markdown" for $275. Others have already replied about Air Relax on this post topic.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Unoit] [ In reply to ]
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Vive Sequential Air Compression leg boots from Amazon at $275. So I have bought them and tried them for a couple weeks. Could make a new post but then it wouldn't link to the replies on this post so I just put it here. Since I didn't also get the AirRelax and Normatec I can not compare. Was hoping somebody who knows those would be able to do so before I made a purchase decision. It seems to work. Here is a brief summary:

1. Three modes, A=one chamber at a time, B=sequences all chambers while holding air in each chamber, C=two alternating chambers at a time.
2. Pump gets warm on use, so I'm a bit concerned about pump longevity. There is a vent on the bottom that you remove a screw before use so I tilt it up so there is air flow.
3. Think measurements for leg sleeves are on Amazon. It isn't cut straight at the end so part rides up your thigh and hamstring. No air flow on leg sleeves, so they made my legs profusely sweat in a non-air conditioned room. Think puddles of sweat and you got it right.
4. Mostly used B under standard pressure, mid-level. Sometimes stuck feet through to get the leg sleeves higher on the thigh. That did cause some post use achilles pain or discomfort though that seemed to go away after walking or jogging.
5. Did try higher pressures on mode A where it is tolerable. Max pressure was okay. Different story on mode B since it leaves the chambers full as it sequences.
6. The leg sleeves stay inflated somewhat after the device shuts off which makes storage a bit difficult. As I leave the tubes plugged in to the pump since it is hard to connect and that looks like it might break. After thinking about it, I think that you could find an adapter to use Air Relax leg sleeves. It is just a matter of the connector.

Basically, it seems to work but as I said I don't have the other brands to compare it to. I did kind of think that maybe I should have gotten the AirRelax. But saving the $125 or so was a good idea too. It did come with a card that said 60 day guarantee, and I did get a 3 year warranty, but I have not gotten the paperwork for the warranty and may try to switch it to the one that was originally posted by Amazon. I got the "Square Trade" warranty from All State, and have wondered if it is a hassle free warranty.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mad] [ In reply to ]
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Do they really work?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Tward] [ In reply to ]
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Tward wrote:
Do they really work?

Are they effective in helping athletes recovery faster and feel fresher? Yes IMHO. Are they an cost-effective replacement for Normatec? Yes IMHO. Do they reduce swelling, Yes. If used in conjunction with bedtime routine do they help calm you and prepare you for sleep? Yes

Fwiw, I had a 53lb bag to Hawaii last month and had to lighten up quickly. Needless to say the boots made the cut. I think you will find that most serious athletes (in triathlon but pretty much any other sport) use them.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I've had normatec pulses a month now and am not sure they do a lot for me. Very enjoyable to have on sure although I'd like a bit more pressure. Pretty bitter they acknowledge that they sold the pulse model as having a battery for years and admit that they all have a fault that discharges the battery and yet have the cheek to charge 400 bucks to fix their fault. Seems insane on such a premium product. Air relax are the equivalent of $800 here in the UK but normatecs nearly 1800 fwiw.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [hutchy_belfast] [ In reply to ]
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I love my Air Relax boots, but one thing drives me crazy about them. It’s the 15min timer... Has anyone figured out a way to bypass the automatic shutdown at the 15min mark? I know the Normatec’s have an adjustable timer, but not worth an extra $1k for that.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Tward] [ In reply to ]
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your local pool or body of water will provide the same results

"The person on top of the mountain didn't fall there." - unkown

also rule 5
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [hutchy_belfast] [ In reply to ]
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hutchy_belfast wrote:
I've had normatec pulses a month now and am not sure they do a lot for me. Very enjoyable to have on sure although I'd like a bit more pressure. Pretty bitter they acknowledge that they sold the pulse model as having a battery for years and admit that they all have a fault that discharges the battery and yet have the cheek to charge 400 bucks to fix their fault. Seems insane on such a premium product. Air relax are the equivalent of $800 here in the UK but normatecs nearly 1800 fwiw.

I hear you on the battery. When I first complained about it that is kinda of how I felt... you don't over promise and under deliver on a premium product. With that being said, the biggest surprise is that it took me using it to figure this out on my own. Amazing how I went back and looked at all the review/reviewers and nobody mentions this (hmm), did they really test the product or did they just test it to write a quick review - this wasn't a problem that occurred in a limited batch, all units were affected as it was the way it was designed. I am glad that they fixed the unit in the 2nd gen Pulse. I didn't know they were upgrading batteries at that cost. Did you go thru with the service? Did you send it back to the US for this service? If you went thru with it what was the turnaround time? Still an awesome product but it would be nice if they did something other than charge $400 to fix their own mistake.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I have the Rx version of the pulse pro... I thought the battery discharge was a design feature ? I usually use them @ home ....so they are plugged in. Do they discharge too quick or not hold a charge at all ? I have not really tested the battery on mine.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [boobooaboo] [ In reply to ]
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boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results

This^^^^^^^ Save your money.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:
I have the Rx version of the pulse pro... I thought the battery discharge was a design feature ? I usually use them @ home ....so they are plugged in. Do they discharge too quick or not hold a charge at all ? I have not really tested the battery on mine.

I don't know if it was designed to discharge on purpose. What I do know is the use case it was designed for was having the unit plugged in say at a home or at say in an athletic trainer's room, and then unplugged and brought to where the athlete wants to sit, used, and then plugged back in. The problem came, when you plug them in and charge them, pack them in the car for a soccer game and then try to sit in them after the soccer game only to realize they need to be plugged back in. Regardless the Gen 2 no longer has this problem. I tested it pretty thoroughly and wrote about it in a little piece comparing the Gen 1 Pulse vs Gen 2 Pulse.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
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ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.

I know you are big on your Compex still and I know that sometimes pro athletes are not a good reason to buy into something, but do you think Lebron, Frodo, and Kienle all use recovery compression boots for s&gs? I mean there is so little time in the day as a professional athlete and so many recovery modalities. Why would they bother? Lebron spent $2,000,000 million on his recovery last year and given that number I would say he takes it pretty seriously. Lebron is a big believer in the easy spin to flush as well, but at the end of the day boots are incredibly relaxing, therapeutic, and time efficient.

I also advocate the nightly walk (swim works too) and given the nights are coming earlier these days, I will probably take place it around 6:30 tonight. But I will also be in the boots later before bed. Have you had a chance to give boots a try for say 90 days? If not I would highly recommend it and I would be curious to hear feedback.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:
I have the Rx version of the pulse pro... I thought the battery discharge was a design feature ? I usually use them @ home ....so they are plugged in. Do they discharge too quick or not hold a charge at all ? I have not really tested the battery on mine.
They are supposed to hold a charge so they are portable, that was a selling point over their much less expensive rivals. They've basically acknowledged that a firmware fault meant the units aren't truly off and so run through the battery in less than 24h while "off". If I'd bought these in the EU with a credit card I'd have had it fixed under the sales of goods act or a refund but sadly I did neither. I'm not willing to throw another 500+ Inc postage at it as they can only fix it in the USA allegedly. I find it very difficult to recommend any company who treats their customers so shabbily despite charging them so handsomely.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [hutchy_belfast] [ In reply to ]
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I'm going to post on this thread although my questions are related to more than just compression boots...

I've been willing to purchase boot for ever and never bought any... so far because I couldn't make my mind although I'm leaning towards the AirRelax after Thomas' reviews...

That being said, I have to questions related to recovery devices:

1. Have someone tried Aquilo vs other recovery boots. And if so, how does it compare? I didn't have enough time to spend at Kona's expo this year to try Normatec and Aquilo =( *bummer*

2. More general question. If you could only buy one recovery device, what would it be?
1. Compression Boots (Normatec, AirRelax or other)
2. Ice-Compression Boots (Aquilo, GameReady or even ElevatedLegs w/ Cold Packs)
3. Shock/vibrations guns (HyperIce vs Theragun --> which I tried and LOVED at Kona's booth)

Would love to have your thought !
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [IronNico] [ In reply to ]
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IronNico wrote:
I'm going to post on this thread although my questions are related to more than just compression boots...

I've been willing to purchase boot for ever and never bought any... so far because I couldn't make my mind although I'm leaning towards the AirRelax after Thomas' reviews...

That being said, I have to questions related to recovery devices:

1. Have someone tried Aquilo vs other recovery boots. And if so, how does it compare? I didn't have enough time to spend at Kona's expo this year to try Normatec and Aquilo =( *bummer*

2. More general question. If you could only buy one recovery device, what would it be?
1. Compression Boots (Normatec, AirRelax or other)
2. Ice-Compression Boots (Aquilo, GameReady or even ElevatedLegs w/ Cold Packs)
3. Shock/vibrations guns (HyperIce vs Theragun --> which I tried and LOVED at Kona's booth)

Would love to have your thought !

I have been wanting to write a general article on recovery for a long time as there are so many cool tools but only so much time to use them all. As many know I have had some inner ear issues which have kept me out of professional racing this year and maybe forever. I suffered through it last season and it wasn't a lot of fun. I did make a slight bump in September and headed out to Kona for a month as an attempt to gain some fitness and get back on the bandwagon. The reason I mention this is I had a 50lb suitcase that I took and had to make some tough choices but I brought:

1) Compression boots
2) A large dense ball for glutes 5 inch
3) A peanut
4) A lacrosse ball
5) Two myofascial release soft-tissue tools. Graston Long-Bar (very heavy but brought it) and the Versatile Multi-use tool for small large muscles but w/ handle for easy self use.

This is what I felt I needed. 3 of the 5 are under 10 bucks, the soft tissue tools and compression boots were a bit more. While I would have used a Shock/Vibration gun had I brought one. The balls allow me a deeper and better experience than the shock/vibration, just not as convenient. As for Ice-compression, I really need to try a pair myself and I am interested in hearing other feedback too. Too me, the rapid contrast change of same the Game Ready is more appealing than anything. In my mind I just can't imagine ice boots as being as easy and as pleasurable an experience as regular compression boots. I just much prefer the organic warmth that comes from regular compression boots myself. Same goes for sitting in a hot epsom salt bath versus an ice bath. I find the passive and relaxing experience of boots is what gets me into them. Hence why I am in them write now typing this up at Midnight EST. But yes I would also like some feedback if anyone has experience with both, specifically the rapid contrast Game Ready ones.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas, I'm not really big on Compex or boots. The best recovery I get is still a swim or a light spin on the bike trainer. Using pro athletes is kind of a scam, as I'm sure they don't just use the modalities photographed, but massage, ice/heat baths, rest with legs up, cryotherapy, e-stim, and use of a personal therapist/PT and even more. Often FAR more time in recovery than competing. Having spent decades in advertising I know how those photo ops work.

I have had 3 pair of boots and 3 e-stim machines, and while I should be more consistent I am not. I have truly never noticed any great results, yet still buy the damn things! Sounds like your body is a better adapter than mine.

Funny you suggest they don't have much free time? Compared to what?

And wow! Lebron spent $2,000,000 MILLION on recovery? :-)
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
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I have :

Normatec Pulse Pro
Air Relax
Game Ready 2.1
Various Stim machines.

If I had to chose 1... GameReady. The ice is really a good feeling on my knees, especially after a run. I can get away with Air Relax or Normatec after cycling... but overall I really like the GR.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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When it comes to the Game Ready we use it a lot in Rugby for 7s and XVs for treatment, but usually it's done at halftime for XVs and between matches for 7s. We'll use Normatec at the end of each day though. Also a Game Ready is portable...but significantly less portable than a Normatec/Air Relax set. And the control unit is of course way out of my price range, I've never seen people have them for themselves, only at the professional or national team level.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TheStroBro] [ In reply to ]
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TheStroBro wrote:
When it comes to the Game Ready we use it a lot in Rugby for 7s and XVs for treatment, but usually it's done at halftime for XVs and between matches for 7s. We'll use Normatec at the end of each day though. Also a Game Ready is portable...but significantly less portable than a Normatec/Air Relax set. And the control unit is of course way out of my price range, I've never seen people have them for themselves, only at the professional or national team level.

Well count me as one of those non-pros :)

I was given one to rent after knee surgery and just ended up buying the thing. Overtime I just picked up nearly every attachment they make. It has come in handy over the years.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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That's pretty cool. They are effective, otherwise I don't think they'd be in as many national team trainer's kits. I've just never seen them outside of a professional sports environment.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:
TheStroBro wrote:
When it comes to the Game Ready we use it a lot in Rugby for 7s and XVs for treatment, but usually it's done at halftime for XVs and between matches for 7s. We'll use Normatec at the end of each day though. Also a Game Ready is portable...but significantly less portable than a Normatec/Air Relax set. And the control unit is of course way out of my price range, I've never seen people have them for themselves, only at the professional or national team level.


Well count me as one of those non-pros :)

I was given one to rent after knee surgery and just ended up buying the thing. Overtime I just picked up nearly every attachment they make. It has come in handy over the years.

Absolutely a Game Ready if I could choose. I was lucky enough to use one post shoulder surgery for awhile and they are amazing. If I could afford one for legs recovery I'd have one in a heart beat. Compression is great, but cold therapy beats compression all day, every day. The other options is just a pure ice bath. For me, I can trash my body one day, ice bath + protein shake at night, and the next day be 100% back to normal again. I haven't tried that day after day, but its effective for my worst days of training.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
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ggeiger wrote:
Thomas, I'm not really big on Compex or boots. The best recovery I get is still a swim or a light spin on the bike trainer. Using pro athletes is kind of a scam, as I'm sure they don't just use the modalities photographed, but massage, ice/heat baths, rest with legs up, cryotherapy, e-stim, and use of a personal therapist/PT and even more. Often FAR more time in recovery than competing. Having spent decades in advertising I know how those photo ops work.

I have had 3 pair of boots and 3 e-stim machines, and while I should be more consistent I am not. I have truly never noticed any great results, yet still buy the damn things! Sounds like your body is a better adapter than mine.

Funny you suggest they don't have much free time? Compared to what?

And wow! Lebron spent $2,000,000 MILLION on recovery? :-)

I think most people underestimate how much time athletes put into sport, and like you said, how many different modalities they use. Everyone is busy so I don't really want to make a comparison, just that they are an effective way to squeeze out some extra time in the day. Of course athletes use many modalities and it is really tough to separate out what is responsible for what. After all, the two most important recovery tools are two that are NOT mentioned above... nutrition and sleep. As a general recovery tool, and the more and more I listen to feedback, the more often the word "relax", "relaxing", and "calming" is used in what the athletes are getting out of it. We can't discount this relaxing either in terms of recovery. I am heading over to my weekly massage in a bit, I am sure the average joe thinks that too will be relaxing but there will be some serious discomfort along the way. I do look forward to it as I know it is good for me.

That number might not be exact but it was 7-figures yes. A lot spent on recovery for Lebron.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
Thomas, I'm not really big on Compex or boots. The best recovery I get is still a swim or a light spin on the bike trainer. Using pro athletes is kind of a scam, as I'm sure they don't just use the modalities photographed, but massage, ice/heat baths, rest with legs up, cryotherapy, e-stim, and use of a personal therapist/PT and even more. Often FAR more time in recovery than competing. Having spent decades in advertising I know how those photo ops work.

I have had 3 pair of boots and 3 e-stim machines, and while I should be more consistent I am not. I have truly never noticed any great results, yet still buy the damn things! Sounds like your body is a better adapter than mine.

Funny you suggest they don't have much free time? Compared to what?

And wow! Lebron spent $2,000,000 MILLION on recovery? :-)


I think most people underestimate how much time athletes put into sport, and like you said, how many different modalities they use. Everyone is busy so I don't really want to make a comparison, just that they are an effective way to squeeze out some extra time in the day. Of course athletes use many modalities and it is really tough to separate out what is responsible for what. After all, the two most important recovery tools are two that are NOT mentioned above... nutrition and sleep. As a general recovery tool, and the more and more I listen to feedback, the more often the word "relax", "relaxing", and "calming" is used in what the athletes are getting out of it. We can't discount this relaxing either in terms of recovery. I am heading over to my weekly massage in a bit, I am sure the average joe thinks that too will be relaxing but there will be some serious discomfort along the way. I do look forward to it as I know it is good for me.

That number might not be exact but it was 7-figures yes. A lot spent on recovery for Lebron.

I agree massage is the best, especially if one can afford to be regular. I also agree that the boots cause one to stay still, which as there is no true research that shows proven results, I'm of the belief that anything that causes us to rest and/or sleep is great. I'm also with you....massage for me is either painful or worthless.

I was teasing on the dollar amount, as you made it far more than 2 mil..... I know Dara Torres had 2 stretchers that worked on her and she spent a ton too.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


I know you are big on your Compex still and I know that sometimes pro athletes are not a good reason to buy into something, but do you think Lebron, Frodo, and Kienle all use recovery compression boots for s&gs? I mean there is so little time in the day as a professional athlete and so many recovery modalities. Why would they bother? Lebron spent $2,000,000 million on his recovery last year and given that number I would say he takes it pretty seriously. Lebron is a big believer in the easy spin to flush as well, but at the end of the day boots are incredibly relaxing, therapeutic, and time efficient.

I also advocate the nightly walk (swim works too) and given the nights are coming earlier these days, I will probably take place it around 6:30 tonight. But I will also be in the boots later before bed. Have you had a chance to give boots a try for say 90 days? If not I would highly recommend it and I would be curious to hear feedback.

Surely if they're that effective there is substantial quantitative data to that end, right?

---------------------------------------------------------------

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TriangleIL] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
TriangleIL wrote:
spntrxi wrote:
TheStroBro wrote:
When it comes to the Game Ready we use it a lot in Rugby for 7s and XVs for treatment, but usually it's done at halftime for XVs and between matches for 7s. We'll use Normatec at the end of each day though. Also a Game Ready is portable...but significantly less portable than a Normatec/Air Relax set. And the control unit is of course way out of my price range, I've never seen people have them for themselves, only at the professional or national team level.


Well count me as one of those non-pros :)

I was given one to rent after knee surgery and just ended up buying the thing. Overtime I just picked up nearly every attachment they make. It has come in handy over the years.


Absolutely a Game Ready if I could choose. I was lucky enough to use one post shoulder surgery for awhile and they are amazing. If I could afford one for legs recovery I'd have one in a heart beat. Compression is great, but cold therapy beats compression all day, every day. The other options is just a pure ice bath. For me, I can trash my body one day, ice bath + protein shake at night, and the next day be 100% back to normal again. I haven't tried that day after day, but its effective for my worst days of training.


Two questions about this:
1) how did you come to that conclusion?
2) while it may be true, are either positive or substantial?

Note: the current peer reviewed literature suggests that cold therapy does not accelerate recovery due to training effects. In fact, Gabe Mirkin (who developed "RICE") specifically recommends against cold therapy for these purposes.

Edit:
http://www.drmirkin.com/...delays-recovery.html

---------------------------------------------------------------

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
Last edited by: domingjm: Oct 30, 18 14:00
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [domingjm] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Well...a Game Ready isn't just "icing something", Game Ready can do hot, it can do cold, it can do contrast...but it's all done with active compression sleeves like a Normatec or Air Relax.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [domingjm] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
domingjm wrote:

Two questions about this:
1) how did you come to that conclusion?
2) while it may be true, are either positive or substantial?

Note: the current peer reviewed literature suggests that cold therapy does not accelerate recovery due to training effects. In fact, Gabe Mirkin (who developed "RICE") specifically recommends against cold therapy for these purposes.

Edit:
http://www.drmirkin.com/...delays-recovery.html

I have read that article before and I actually use the machine the way it was intended. If you have ever used a GameReady machine you know it has a timer.. so the ice compression is applied and then off. Basically automatically cycled.. I'll usually do 15 on/off and a couple cycles and that is enough, or maybe for an hour max. Post surgery I'd cycle it all night obviously.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TheStroBro] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
TheStroBro wrote:
Well...a Game Ready isn't just "icing something", Game Ready can do hot, it can do cold, it can do contrast...but it's all done with active compression sleeves like a Normatec or Air Relax.

I mean, if someone was to GIVE me one, I'm sure I'd use the shit out of it. But if I have to BUY one, the burden of proof (for me) gets a little higher. And I'm sure they feel nice, but feeling nice and hastening recovery can be discrete outcomes.

---------------------------------------------------------------

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [domingjm] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Well I'm in the same boat. I've never seen one outside of a professional sports team environment. The way we used them in Rugby I'd say they are effective...I don't think the misses would be all in on my spending 4k on a Game Ready set up.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.

Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mcmetal] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.

No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.

I for one dont care..

I "feel" a bit better after using an AirRelax, Normatec or a GR.. my wife uses them also and agrees. It's no miracle ofcourse but we do feel better.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
spntrxi wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.


I for one dont care..

I "feel" a bit better after using an AirRelax, Normatec or a GR.. my wife uses them also and agrees. It's no miracle ofcourse but we do feel better.

Sure, I understand. However as stated, facts do not support it, whereas actual activity raises heart rate increasing bold flow and oxygenation of muscle. Boots move lymph fluids and have little to do with musculature other than to "feel good" Placebo or whatever but research has not confirmed validity. The easy spin, swim or run and sleep/nutrition has far more support for recovery.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
We keep saying research doesn't agree with him...but they say the same thing about foam rolling.

What I see in the professional sports realm is almost every team sport has NormaTec boots in multiple quantities and all the players use them across the spectrum. Perhaps there isn't research, but it should be a pretty easy study to execute under observation.

I'm guessing you'd also say getting a massage won't help either? Yet we know numerous NFL players swear by deep tissue massages.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TheStroBro] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
TheStroBro wrote:
We keep saying research doesn't agree with him...but they say the same thing about foam rolling.

What I see in the professional sports realm is almost every team sport has NormaTec boots in multiple quantities and all the players use them across the spectrum. Perhaps there isn't research, but it should be a pretty easy study to execute under observation.

I'm guessing you'd also say getting a massage won't help either? Yet we know numerous NFL players swear by deep tissue massages.

Wrong, if you read the thread I agreed with Thomas as to the effectiveness of massage. There has been proof of that effectiveness unlike the use of boots. Pro athletes do a NUMBER of these modalities, not just the photo op boot episodes.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.

Then they are doing it wrong. Again, there is a difference in getting your glycogen back vs your muscles feeling like rubber when you try to walk up the stairs after 2 hard days. All I know and care about is I can do my commute on Monday mornings and my legs don't feel like crap.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ggeiger wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
Thomas, I'm not really big on Compex or boots. The best recovery I get is still a swim or a light spin on the bike trainer. Using pro athletes is kind of a scam, as I'm sure they don't just use the modalities photographed, but massage, ice/heat baths, rest with legs up, cryotherapy, e-stim, and use of a personal therapist/PT and even more. Often FAR more time in recovery than competing. Having spent decades in advertising I know how those photo ops work.

I have had 3 pair of boots and 3 e-stim machines, and while I should be more consistent I am not. I have truly never noticed any great results, yet still buy the damn things! Sounds like your body is a better adapter than mine.

Funny you suggest they don't have much free time? Compared to what?

And wow! Lebron spent $2,000,000 MILLION on recovery? :-)


I think most people underestimate how much time athletes put into sport, and like you said, how many different modalities they use. Everyone is busy so I don't really want to make a comparison, just that they are an effective way to squeeze out some extra time in the day. Of course athletes use many modalities and it is really tough to separate out what is responsible for what. After all, the two most important recovery tools are two that are NOT mentioned above... nutrition and sleep. As a general recovery tool, and the more and more I listen to feedback, the more often the word "relax", "relaxing", and "calming" is used in what the athletes are getting out of it. We can't discount this relaxing either in terms of recovery. I am heading over to my weekly massage in a bit, I am sure the average joe thinks that too will be relaxing but there will be some serious discomfort along the way. I do look forward to it as I know it is good for me.

That number might not be exact but it was 7-figures yes. A lot spent on recovery for Lebron.


I agree massage is the best, especially if one can afford to be regular. I also agree that the boots cause one to stay still, which as there is no true research that shows proven results, I'm of the belief that anything that causes us to rest and/or sleep is great. I'm also with you....massage for me is either painful or worthless.

I was teasing on the dollar amount, as you made it far more than 2 mil..... I know Dara Torres had 2 stretchers that worked on her and she spent a ton too.

Oops on that number. Fwiw, I was cleaning up my inbox today and came across the article. Apparently it was $1.5 million. Also fwiw, Normatec is working on more studies. They had a small study which measured range of motion and showed that users had a greater range of motion the day after compared to the non-users.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [ggeiger] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.

It appears that the relevance of peer reviewed literature is lost when it comes to recovery boots.

---------------------------------------------------------------

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [domingjm] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
domingjm wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.


It appears that the relevance of peer reviewed literature is lost when it comes to recovery boots.


I think you better take another look at those peer reviews and get a better understanding of what they were testing. I'm amazed how folks like to hone in on one fact about the reviews, but ignore all other aspects. Most folks probably spend more a year on sports drinks and gels than what a set of Air Relax cost. Try them yourself for a month and if they don't work, sell them.
Last edited by: mcmetal: Nov 1, 18 6:12
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mcmetal] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
mcmetal wrote:
domingjm wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.


It appears that the relevance of peer reviewed literature is lost when it comes to recovery boots.


I think you better take another look at those peer reviews and get a better understanding of what they were testing. I'm amazed how folks like to hone in on one fact about the reviews, but ignore all other aspects. Most folks probably spend more a year on sports drinks and gels than what a set of Air Relax cost. Try them yourself for a month and if they don't work, sell them.

I think you're mistaking testimonials for the "peer review" process. They are entirely discrete. If you're aware of any controlled, empirical (and independent) studies suggesting that these boots are in any way effective for recovery, please send them along. Thanks.

---------------------------------------------------------------

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [domingjm] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
domingjm wrote:

It appears that the relevance of peer reviewed literature is lost when it comes to recovery boots.

Reading this abstract...third result on google when I searched: "recovery boots study". Seems to agree that it does help, this was published last year: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/...articles/PMC5491247/

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TheStroBro] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
TheStroBro wrote:
domingjm wrote:


It appears that the relevance of peer reviewed literature is lost when it comes to recovery boots.


Reading this abstract...third result on google when I searched: "recovery boots study". Seems to agree that it does help, this was published last year: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/...articles/PMC5491247/


Here's the full version. I'll give it a read through a little later. Let me know if the link doesn't work.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1th4ErcvEVCdP9M2vQsB7pP-4pSDj2FX9/view?usp=sharing

---------------------------------------------------------------

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/domingjm
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
Thomas, I'm not really big on Compex or boots. The best recovery I get is still a swim or a light spin on the bike trainer. Using pro athletes is kind of a scam, as I'm sure they don't just use the modalities photographed, but massage, ice/heat baths, rest with legs up, cryotherapy, e-stim, and use of a personal therapist/PT and even more. Often FAR more time in recovery than competing. Having spent decades in advertising I know how those photo ops work.

I have had 3 pair of boots and 3 e-stim machines, and while I should be more consistent I am not. I have truly never noticed any great results, yet still buy the damn things! Sounds like your body is a better adapter than mine.

Funny you suggest they don't have much free time? Compared to what?

And wow! Lebron spent $2,000,000 MILLION on recovery? :-)


I think most people underestimate how much time athletes put into sport, and like you said, how many different modalities they use. Everyone is busy so I don't really want to make a comparison, just that they are an effective way to squeeze out some extra time in the day. Of course athletes use many modalities and it is really tough to separate out what is responsible for what. After all, the two most important recovery tools are two that are NOT mentioned above... nutrition and sleep. As a general recovery tool, and the more and more I listen to feedback, the more often the word "relax", "relaxing", and "calming" is used in what the athletes are getting out of it. We can't discount this relaxing either in terms of recovery. I am heading over to my weekly massage in a bit, I am sure the average joe thinks that too will be relaxing but there will be some serious discomfort along the way. I do look forward to it as I know it is good for me.

That number might not be exact but it was 7-figures yes. A lot spent on recovery for Lebron.


I agree massage is the best, especially if one can afford to be regular. I also agree that the boots cause one to stay still, which as there is no true research that shows proven results, I'm of the belief that anything that causes us to rest and/or sleep is great. I'm also with you....massage for me is either painful or worthless.

I was teasing on the dollar amount, as you made it far more than 2 mil..... I know Dara Torres had 2 stretchers that worked on her and she spent a ton too.


Oops on that number. Fwiw, I was cleaning up my inbox today and came across the article. Apparently it was $1.5 million. Also fwiw, Normatec is working on more studies. They had a small study which measured range of motion and showed that users had a greater range of motion the day after compared to the non-users.

Do you happen to have any discount codes that work on the European site Thomas? I tried the ones from your site but they aren't recognised when I use the European store. Thank you.

P.
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [pgibbo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
pgibbo wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
Thomas, I'm not really big on Compex or boots. The best recovery I get is still a swim or a light spin on the bike trainer. Using pro athletes is kind of a scam, as I'm sure they don't just use the modalities photographed, but massage, ice/heat baths, rest with legs up, cryotherapy, e-stim, and use of a personal therapist/PT and even more. Often FAR more time in recovery than competing. Having spent decades in advertising I know how those photo ops work.

I have had 3 pair of boots and 3 e-stim machines, and while I should be more consistent I am not. I have truly never noticed any great results, yet still buy the damn things! Sounds like your body is a better adapter than mine.

Funny you suggest they don't have much free time? Compared to what?

And wow! Lebron spent $2,000,000 MILLION on recovery? :-)


I think most people underestimate how much time athletes put into sport, and like you said, how many different modalities they use. Everyone is busy so I don't really want to make a comparison, just that they are an effective way to squeeze out some extra time in the day. Of course athletes use many modalities and it is really tough to separate out what is responsible for what. After all, the two most important recovery tools are two that are NOT mentioned above... nutrition and sleep. As a general recovery tool, and the more and more I listen to feedback, the more often the word "relax", "relaxing", and "calming" is used in what the athletes are getting out of it. We can't discount this relaxing either in terms of recovery. I am heading over to my weekly massage in a bit, I am sure the average joe thinks that too will be relaxing but there will be some serious discomfort along the way. I do look forward to it as I know it is good for me.

That number might not be exact but it was 7-figures yes. A lot spent on recovery for Lebron.


I agree massage is the best, especially if one can afford to be regular. I also agree that the boots cause one to stay still, which as there is no true research that shows proven results, I'm of the belief that anything that causes us to rest and/or sleep is great. I'm also with you....massage for me is either painful or worthless.

I was teasing on the dollar amount, as you made it far more than 2 mil..... I know Dara Torres had 2 stretchers that worked on her and she spent a ton too.


Oops on that number. Fwiw, I was cleaning up my inbox today and came across the article. Apparently it was $1.5 million. Also fwiw, Normatec is working on more studies. They had a small study which measured range of motion and showed that users had a greater range of motion the day after compared to the non-users.


Do you happen to have any discount codes that work on the European site Thomas? I tried the ones from your site but they aren't recognised when I use the European store. Thank you.

P.

Unfortunately I don't. Air Relax has set up with more and more local distributors in countries across the globe and as they do they give up their selling rights to those distributors so it will very by country to country.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [mcmetal] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
mcmetal wrote:
domingjm wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.


It appears that the relevance of peer reviewed literature is lost when it comes to recovery boots.


I think you better take another look at those peer reviews and get a better understanding of what they were testing. I'm amazed how folks like to hone in on one fact about the reviews, but ignore all other aspects. Most folks probably spend more a year on sports drinks and gels than what a set of Air Relax cost. Try them yourself for a month and if they don't work, sell them.

That or even just think about how much people are spending on race kits.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [domingjm] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
domingjm wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
domingjm wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
mcmetal wrote:
ggeiger wrote:
boobooaboo wrote:
your local pool or body of water will provide the same results


This^^^^^^^ Save your money.


Hardly the same at all. I picked up the Air Relax for $200 so it's cheaper and more convenient than my local pool. Likewise, an easy spin or swim doesn't help with recovery anywhere close to the boots.

Just to be clear, the boots will not magically restore your glycogen, but the difference in how your muscles feel the next day is huge.


No peer reviewed medical research at this point agrees with you.


It appears that the relevance of peer reviewed literature is lost when it comes to recovery boots.


I think you better take another look at those peer reviews and get a better understanding of what they were testing. I'm amazed how folks like to hone in on one fact about the reviews, but ignore all other aspects. Most folks probably spend more a year on sports drinks and gels than what a set of Air Relax cost. Try them yourself for a month and if they don't work, sell them.


I think you're mistaking testimonials for the "peer review" process. They are entirely discrete. If you're aware of any controlled, empirical (and independent) studies suggesting that these boots are in any way effective for recovery, please send them along. Thanks.


I'm talking about the studies where they did blood tests and tested power output with and without recovery boot usage over a reasonably large test group. Those tests showed there was no appreciable difference in power output with the recovery boots compared to without. My personal experience is in agreement with that aspect of the test.

What they didn't test or comment at all on, was just how did the test subjects legs feel the next day. To me there is a big difference between my legs feeling sore and stiff if I don't use the boots, compared to not being sore and not being stiff if I do. To me, that is also a component of recovery. Sure, I get that if I got on the bike and tried to push it I would have nothing in my legs, but as long as I can take the stairs without my legs feeling like wood pegs I have to conclude that the boots do help with some aspects of recovery.
Last edited by: mcmetal: Nov 2, 18 13:43
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [pgibbo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Not sure if you ended up finding an EU code but Air Relax isn't big in general on sales. They do one additional sale this year in the US and that is Black Friday thru Cyber Monday. Same deal as last year which was saving $50 off $300 and more details on the US deal can be found here. Each EU, Mexico, and Australia distributor is independent of Air Relax US and can do their own thing but Air Relax US only did one sale last year and this is the only sale this year.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Quote Reply
Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Unoit] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Vive Sequential Air Compression Boots
Summary: bought new, used 4 months, 1 hour per day the first three months. So far so good.

As requested, I'm updating on the use of Vive Sequential Leg Compression Boots bought from Amazon for $275 with free shipping. Had them since the first week of August 2018 and they have held up. Don't have any other boots to compare with, and wanted to get Air Relax instead but decided to save money and try them. Did get a 3-year warranty. They made it past the 60 day warranty period without any issues. See other post for general description of it on same topic. In the winter, with a cool room (non-heated) it didn't make a pool of sweat. But during the summer of August and early Fall it was making my legs sweat a lot. For the first three months used it for one hour a day, 2 thirty minute sessions, usually on the same settings. Have since tried increasing the pressure. Not sure if the pressure has dropped from wear and tear on the parts/motor/seals or my legs got used to it, but it seems not as hurtful on the higher settings as before. I had initially been sticking my foot more through the ends to have it go higher up on my thigh/hamstrings, so that could explain that as well. Since I then started putting my foot in the "heel bend" of the boots. It does make my foot hurt a bit still. When I did some high mileage weeks of running it seemed to help. Though my legs would still feel sore, so it didn't take all the soreness away. Storage has been an issue since it is large and remains puffed up unless you unplug the connectors which I leave intact to keep them from breaking. So far so good. Still wonder if I would have liked Air Relax better, even now that they have the newer boots with the fabric covering the hoses. And the longer size to go higher up my thigh.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Hi Thomas:

Following your advice, I purchased the Air Relax Recovery Boots using yor discount code you about a year ago. I have been extremely happy with them until now...

The problem is I am feeling that now compression is much weaker now than when I bought it. In fact, when I started using the boots I used level 2 because it was the maximum I could take (level 3 and 4 even hurt). Now I have to use level 4 if I want some real compression on my legs.

Have you had any issues with this? Any workaround?

Thank you.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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So Air Relax is no longer available on Amazon it seems.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TheStroBro] [ In reply to ]
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That could be because:

1) They are out of stock of size 2, they only sold size 2 on Amazon. Most people purchase size 3 or 4 anyway.
2) I know there were some increases coming in their supply chain due to tariffs and they have/had to raise prices. Maybe they had to take them offline for a bit on Amazon as it about 15% to sell on Amazon. They have increased in price about $20-$30 recently direct from Air Relax
3) It is a temporary error (on the Amazon side), I noticed another compression boot company was missing from Amazon from the other thread on here this morning.
4) Amazon Penalty Box... maybe Amazon is getting smart with some of these brands that try to cut out Amazon by selling direct. Again Air Relax only sells size 2 on Amazon but they get all the exposure of their product from being on Amazon. To purchase size 3 and 4 you must purchase direct and thus avoid the Amazon 15%. Maybe Amazon has finally wised up.
5) The company is working on a Air Relax pro version. They may be tapering down inventory in size 2 in anticipation of the launch. Size 2 is the least popular size IME. I have no clue how far out it is. In reality it could be a month, a year. I did just check the website and size 2 is still available direct.

I will say that Air Relax has always had razor-thin margins and I can imagine the tariffs are causing a bit of a headache. I don't understand all the tariffs but it sounds like they were imposed as much as 40% on say the textile bag, less on the actual devices. They have always focused on a low upfront price as opposed to say the Xterra/Rudy model of big discounts. As of now they still offer the 5% code I have in my Air Relax vs Normatec review. But even the 5% is too much in the current environment and are considering scrapping all discounts. Air Relax is supported by an investor base and I think the investors are exiting the growth phrase for more profitability. Probably a great opportunity to pick up a set now.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I'm dramatically picked up my training volume and been staring down the barrel of making this purchase. But when I do the math since my GF would be using it also it's probably a cheapish recovery tool in the long run.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [duduardoman] [ In reply to ]
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duduardoman wrote:
Hi Thomas:

Following your advice, I purchased the Air Relax Recovery Boots using yor discount code you about a year ago. I have been extremely happy with them until now...

The problem is I am feeling that now compression is much weaker now than when I bought it. In fact, when I started using the boots I used level 2 because it was the maximum I could take (level 3 and 4 even hurt). Now I have to use level 4 if I want some real compression on my legs.

Have you had any issues with this? Any workaround?

Thank you.

How often to you use them? Nearly every pair of compression boots lose some of their squeeze IMHO overtime. I always noticed when I am traveling and a pro has a really old pair of Normatec that they just are the same as my own newer pair of Normatecs. I have to crank it up as high as it goes. Normatec has increased the durability of the leg with the Normatec Pulse Gen 2 (My words, not Normatec, Normatec doesn't differentiate the changes with a name change). What the all entails I am not entirely sure. At the end of the day these all rely on pressure sensors, and Air Relax relies on a timing cycling to inflate. It is possible the compressor is starting to fail or maybe some contaminate is in the hose and thus during the timing cycle the boots can't reach the prescribed pressure do the restriction of air flow.

I would check to make sure the hoses don't have any debris in them at least where the hoses attached the unit. If you had the ability to borrow another hose you could test it that way too.

The other thing to note is becoming desensitized to the pressure. Originally I hated compression, they made my eyes want to bulge out. That is because the demo reps cranked me as high as I could go. When I started with Normatec myself I was a 4. Now I start at 5 and work up to 7. 5 feels less than 4 way back in the day. On Air Relax I am a 2, sometimes 3 and I haven't had the same issue although I am always looking at different alternatives, playing with different attachments, and have multiple pair of Air Relax legs too. Needless to say no one pair of mine gets as much use as when I had just one. Keep me updated with what you find out.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Hi all,

Bit the bullet and purchased the Air-Relax system a weeks ago. Typically doing 15 minutes on A and 15 mins on B pressure 2 most days. Hard to objectively measure the benefits, but certainly feels pretty good to have them on.

Only unusual thing is that I seem to notice a bit of a smell from the exhaust port (on the bottom) of the unit when it is deflating (usually it's mode B when all the chambers are inflated and then deflating). Hard to describe the smell, a bit rubbery/sweet. Anyone else noticing this/is this normal with the pump? I suspect it's the lubricants/seals inside the unit?
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [yanr] [ In reply to ]
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first night in the boots for me, they got here today.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [TheStroBro] [ In reply to ]
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Ordered mine today - looking forward to getting these in. Picked up the travel bag as well to help keep them nice. What are your thoughts now that you've had them for a bit?

Brenden Macy
Sports & Entertainment Attorney
I am Drive. I am Grit. I am Determination.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [brmacy] [ In reply to ]
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I would say I'm unsure what they do per se. But I know that my overall recovery has been great because my performance on run in January just got better and better. Whereas previously I'm unsure if I'd have been able to put up 136 miles in a month.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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when using the Air relax carry case bag, I should be able to take the Air Relax boots with me on flights as carry on? when you travel with them, you take them as carry on equipment in the flight? Thanks
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [pabloarc] [ In reply to ]
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I don't see why they wouldn't work as a carry-on in all but the smallest of regional planes. I haven't taken them on a flight yet, but plan to in the future!
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [pabloarc] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [raceboy] [ In reply to ]
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Hey, I know I'm a few years late :D but do you still have the boots? I'd buy them off you.
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [irishpat] [ In reply to ]
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long gone
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [irishpat] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Affordable Recovery Boots from Amazon [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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thanks, I saw that, I need the 220v ones, so about 435 after the $20 deduction-I'll see if I can get cheaper, I'm using a pair at the moent I borrowed from a friend, they are definitely relaxing.
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