If you have been reading my site for long, then you know I put a lot of emphasis on mobility and recovery. All of my training plans and fitness challenges include off days and recovery. And I like to place a focus on how important the things you do in between workouts are to your overall performance gains. Enter the Chirp wheel Ultimate back and neck roller pack. I first saw these blue and black hoop / wheels being used by a runner in between loops at a Ragnar Relay race. So I was stoked when the brand actually reached out to me about doing an honest review. I don’t allow brands to pay for positive reviews, but I will always be happy to give you my 100%, no holding back opinion. And that’s exactly what they asked for. So after 4 weeks of testing, check out my complete Chirp Wheel review!
Chirp Wheel Review – Ultimate Back & Neck Roller Put to the Test
What is the Chirp Wheel?
The Chirp Wheel, as seen on Shark Tank, is a patented, circular fitness and wellness product that is designed to provide targeted pressure. While alleviating muscle tension and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. It’s key features include:
- A textured surface for deep tissue massage and myofascial release
- Four different size options (6 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, and 4 inch neck roller) with varying levels of firmness
- Lightweight and portable, designed to be easy to use on the go
- Can be used to stretch and massage the spine, hips, legs, and other areas of the body
Package Options:
Chirp Wheel 3 Pack – $99.99
Includes: 10”, 6”, & 4” rollers
Link: https://gochirp.com/products/chirp-wheel-3-pack
Chirp Wheel 4 Pack – $119.99
Includes: 12”, 10”, 6”, & 4” rollers
Link: https://gochirp.com/products/chirp-wheel-4-pack
The Ultimate Back + Neck Bundle – $129.99
Includes: 12”, 10”, 6”, & 4” rollers
Carrying Case
Posture Correct Strap
Link: https://gochirp.com/products/ultimate-back-neck-pain-bundle
Why You Should be Rolling Out Your Muscles
Muscle and back rollers have grown in popularity over the past decade and for good reason. They provide a variety of benefits for the body. Some of the main benefits of foam rollers include:
- Improved muscle flexibility and range of motion by loosening the muscles, as was shown in this study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy here https://europepmc.org/article/med/26618062
- Reduced muscle soreness and tension by promoting blood flow, as shown is this study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4299735/ - Improved posture and balance my helping alleviate muscle tightness causing imbalances
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23575360/ - Reduced risk of injury by improving flexibility, you can read more about a study done on this here https://europepmc.org/article/med/26618062
The Chirp Wheel Review – Putting the Back and Neck Roller to the Test
I’m a huge fan of foam rolling and using things like a lacrosse ball to loosen and release tight muscles. But the one drawback to most rollers is that they are typically a bit too soft or too hard. And there is no way to adjust the contact point since the roller is the same diameter all the way around. There is the lacrosse ball, AKA the devil’s tool. Which either inflicts a lot, or a whole lot of pain.
This is one of the reasons that the Chirp Wheel stood out to me. Unlike other back rollors, the different sized rings allow for a different contact point and intensity. For example, the 12 inch, because of the larger diameter allows for more contact at once. Giving an incredibly effective yet smoother, less aggressive roll. And because of the hollow design, they are still very transportable. Especially with the carry case in the Back and neck bundle.
Not Too Hard, Not Too Soft
One of the biggest selling points of Chirp when they went on Shark Tank was how comfortable it is. And I can say it doesn’t disappoint. The combination of the ridged inner ring, with the softer out tread gives you a great feeling of cushioned support. Compared to your typical foam rollers, I’d say it’s harder than your typical black foam rollers. While being much softer than the harder plastic studded rulers. And again, combined with the increase in contact area, this really leads to a great combo.
Different Sizes For Dialing in The Pressure
The best part of the Chirp Wheel kit is that you can dial in the right pressure using the different sized rollers. With each providing a different feel based on what muscle you are trying to hit. And the smaller 4 inch neck roller is both soft enough for your neck, but the small gives a great roll almost anywhere on the body. And even with all of the different sized rollers, with a design that allows them to stack within each other, they take up less space than a single solid foam roller.
The Drawbacks
Overall there is a lot to love about this product but there are a few things that you should know. First, they are not cheap. The product is worth the price, but the higher barrier of entry will be the biggest drawback for most people. Next, while the Chirp Wheel might replace the traditional foam roller, you are still going to need a lacrosse ball or peanut lacrosse ball for those deep spots. Chirp should think about throwing one into the kit.
Chirp Wheel Review Conclusion
There is no doubt that rolling your muscles and practicing myofascial release is incredibly beneficial for your recovery and overall mobility. The real question is whether the Chirp Wheel is worth the extra money compared to more traditional foam rollers. After using the Chirp Wheels almost every day for a month, I’m confident in saying that the Chirp Wheel is worth every penny.
The different circumference wheels allow you to dial in the amount of contact and pressure, while the soft tread on top of the stiff plastic wheel provides the perfect balance of deep muscle work and comfort. The 4-inch wheel is also a hidden gem that allows you to roll out your neck in a way that you never could with a traditional foam roller. The wheels are incredibly durable and light, making them easier to store and transport to events than a traditional roller. They also have a more high-end look that catches people’s attention.
Ultimately, investing in your recovery is crucial, and the Chirp Wheel provides the perfect opportunity to start making improvements today!
