Patrick Bardelli / Overview of the four Kica models

Guide

Kica massage guns: which model does what?

15/8/2024

Translation: Megan Cornish

At-home massage with so-called guns is all the rage. There are countless devices on the market from a range of suppliers, including Chinese manufacturer Kica. Here’s a comparison of its different models.

Have you kicked things up a notch and switched from a fascia roller to a massage gun? If so, you’ve been part of one of the last decade’s developments in the health and fitness sector. While around ten years ago, the colourful plastic rollers from Blackroll and others were the latest thing, today it’s products by Hypervolt or Therabody that are must-haves.

My verdict? If you have specific issues, such as tension in your lower back, using a massage gun can be very useful. Massaging yourself can relax the muscles and promote blood circulation in a precise, targeted manner.

Background information
New massage guns from Therabody: what they can and can’t do
by Patrick Bardelli

However, experts such as physiotherapy lecturer Professor Slavko Rogan also recommend consulting a physiotherapist before buying the relevant equipment, as they can give detailed advice on how and where to use it. According to Professor Rogan, simply buying a massage gun and using it any old how isn’t a good idea.

Kica massage guns

This also applies to products by Chinese manufacturer Kica – a sub-brand of Feiyutech, which is primarily known for camera gimbals. The Swiss merchant sent me four models to test. And I have to admit that I had some reservations about them at first. Small, light DIY massagers made of aluminium? That just screams flimsy. Wrong! All the devices I’ve used in the last few weeks seem to be of high quality and very well made. That much needs to be said. Now let’s look at the individual models:

Kica Mini 2: ideal on the go

The clue’s in the name. The compact Mini 2 is ideal for using on the go. At just under 200 grammes, it takes up little space in a suitcase or backpack. At a push, it also fits in your pocket. Like all other Kica models, the Mini 2 is charged via a USB-C port. Another feature all Kica massage guns share is the automatic switch-off after ten minutes of uninterrupted use. This means you won't damage your muscles and bones with a long massage on the same spot.

…including charging cable and attachments.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

Level 1 (1,700 rpm) stimulates the muscles, level 2 (2,400 rpm) relaxes them and level 3 (3,000 rpm) provides a deep massage. The conical attachment is designed for massaging deeper tissue, while the U-shaped attachment targets the neck and Achilles tendon. The round head’s designed for the large muscle groups of the back.

At its current price of 66 francs, the Mini 2 is definitely competitive with comparable models such as the Xiaomi Mini, the Beurer MG 79 or the Lola massager.

Battery life: 4 h
Charging time 2 h
Vibration levels: 4 (1,700 – 3,000 rpm)
Size 3.3 × 11.65 × 7.9 cm
Weight: 195 g
Force: 3.2 Kgf
Vibration depth: 6 mm
Material: aircraft-grade aluminium
Attachments: 4

Massage guns

EUR106,82

Kica Mini 2 Red

4 Steps, 240 min

Kica K2: physiotherapy mode

Kica calls the special feature of the K2 «physiotherapy mode», where the device automatically switches between massage at high and low speed. Level 1 (1,200 rpm) focuses on muscle stimulation, while level 2 (2,000 rpm) focuses on fascial release. Level 3 (3,200 rpm) provides a deep massage. Level 4 is the physiotherapy mode described above.

The Kica K2 with attachments for the back, neck and Achilles tendon, among others…

…in a practical blue transport case.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

There are four attachments available for the K2: the flat attachment is for the back, waist and other large muscle groups, while the cylindrical one is mainly suitable for deep tissue such as meridians, joints and acupuncture points. Then there’s the ball head, which can relax soft tissue and sensitive muscle groups. It’s designed for large muscle groups such as the thighs, calves, waist, arms and hips. And finally, there’s the U-shaped attachment for the neck, spine and Achilles tendon.

This model is also extremely competitive with comparable products from other suppliers in terms of price.

Battery life: 11 h
Charging time 2.5 h
Vibration levels: 4 (1,200–3,200 rpm)
Size 9 × 4.4 × 14.5 cm
Weight: 485 g
Force: 10 Kgf
Vibration depth: 6 mm
Material: aircraft-grade aluminium
Attachments: 4

Massage guns

EUR109,–

Kica K2

3 Steps, 660 min

According to Kica, it should be available again in about two weeks.

Kica Evo: heat and an extendable arm

Kica’s Evo massage gun aims to solve one of the biggest problems of DIY massage: how to get to the tricky spots on your back. The answer? With an extendable arm and a tiltable massage head. This works surprisingly well. However, there are spots that are better massaged by someone else. This saves unnecessary bending and tensions you then have to massage away again.

…and with the arm extended and the massage head attached.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

My favourite feature of the Evo is the heat massage. One of the six attachments can be heated up to 40 degrees. According to Kica, this attachment is suitable for all muscle groups. I appreciate the heat to relieve the recurring tension in my lower back. Another attachment that the other models don’t have is the wedge head, which is especially suitable for the lower back and leg muscles.

In terms of price, the Evo is currently in the mid-range at 139 francs. Other comparable models are the Beurer MG 180 and the Hypervolt 2 Pro.

The «plug» of the heat head on the Evo.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

Battery life: 12 h
Charging time 7.5 h
Vibration levels: none (0–3,200 rpm)
Size 9.8 × 8.1 × 23.9 cm
Weight: 690 g
Force: 10 Kgf
Vibration depth: 12 mm
Material: aircraft-grade aluminium
Attachments: 6

Massage guns

EUR149,–

Kica Evo

3 Steps, 720 min

The manufacturer’s currently verifying availability so that the product can be sourced as quickly as possible

Kica Pro: dual head and touchscreen

The Pro is currently the most expensive of Kica’s four massage guns at 238 francs, putting it in a similar league to the Nex Pro by Oyeet. The special thing about this model is the double head. The patented dual design is made to deliver effective percussive massage deep into the muscle fascia tissue.

…with the patented double head. It also comes with an attachment for the neck and Achilles tendon.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

You can use the integrated touchscreen to call up various preset programmes, such as sports-specific massages, different health massages and the so-called «office package». There are also three basic modes: kneading, vibration and strike mode. In kneading mode, the double head simulates fingers pressing, ensuring gentle, pleasant relaxation. According to Kica, in impact mode, an intelligent algorithm alternates the two massage heads in a linear manner to impact muscles. In vibration mode, massages can reach up to 5,200 revolutions per minute. The special «hairbrush» attachment also enables treatments with massage oil.

Battery life: 20 h
Charging time 4.5 h
Vibration levels: 10 (1,000–5,200 rpm)
Size 9.72 × 4.6 × 18.83 cm
Weight: 690 g
Force: 13 Kgf
Vibration depth: 10 mm
Material: aircraft-grade aluminium
Attachments: 2 × 3

Massage guns

EUR296,77

Kica Pro Blue

10 Steps, 1200 min

Verdict

All four massage guns I tested seem to be of high quality and very well made. All models also impress with their quiet motors. The K2 and the Pro come in a practical transport case. All four have their strengths.

The only thing I find a little tricky is distinguishing between the Mini 2 and the K2. Both models – especially the Mini 2 – are quite compact, making them suitable for everyday use or for travelling thanks to their transport case. The biggest difference is in performance. If you hold the Mini 2 with a lot of pressure on your tense thigh, for example, it cuts out under the load, while the K2 keeps going. The Evo ultimately convinces me – especially with its heat function – and the Pro with its various massage programmes.

Experts such as physiotherapy lecturer Professor Slavko Rogan recommend consulting a doctor or physiotherapist before buying a massage gun. Once that’s done, Kica products are definitely a good choice, depending on your specific needs.

Highlights

Mini 2: fits in your pocket as a companion for everyday life
K2: ideal for travelling thanks to the transport case
Evo: specially designed for warming DIY massage
Pro: kneading mode provides relaxing massages with oil

Header image: Patrick Bardelli / Overview of the four Kica models

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Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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