A Budget-Friendly Neck Massager That Actually Works!

I stopped by Chizhik store on a whim, just to grab some mineral water. Their store chain is on the budget-friendly side, so I wasn't expecting to find anything high-end. As I browsed the aisles for non-food items, I spotted a box with a neck massager that used rolling pin technology. The price was 1699 rubles, which I thought was a pretty sweet deal, so I figured it was worth a try.

I thought I was getting a basic device for the price, but the fact that it actually works is a major plus. The 10-minute session time is a decent amount of time for my problem area. I use a self-massager for my neck every day, sometimes multiple times, and my hands get tired quickly. This thing gives me 10 minutes of freedom to focus on work without the strain. The massager is a bit heavy, weighing in at 1.5 kg. It comes in a box with the essential info on the sides, a USB-C cable, and a quick-start guide, which is always a plus.

It takes around 2 hours to fully charge, which isn't too bad considering the price. The massager comes with a removable cover that's easy to wash, and there's a zipper along the massager itself that gives you access to the inner parts. That's a thoughtful touch, especially considering the price. But even if it stops working, I won't be stressing about where to send it. That's just a bonus, considering the price. What this device is meant for:

This device helps relieve tension in the neck and shoulder area, especially after long trips. It also reduces stress and muscle strain by applying gentle pressure with its massaging rollers.

It's a two-in-one deal - the rollers and heat work together to improve blood circulation and boost muscle tone in the neck area.

The control panel is pretty straightforward - just 4 buttons and a tiny LED light that indicates when it's charging:

⦿ Power button,

⦿ Mode switch (rotates the top rollers in or out),

⦿ Intensity button (speed control),

⦿ Heat intensity button

It's easy to put on - just slip it over your neck, and the strap on the back will keep it in place. The instructions and packaging show exactly how to do it, with some nice visuals.

I have to say, the two types of massage rollers are a game-changer. The top ones are adjustable, so you can tweak the speed to your liking. If you don't bother, they reverse direction every minute. The bottom ones are pretty straightforward, just up and down. The intensity is spot on for me - I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to strong massages, but I'm an asthenic type, so I don't have much to spare. However, I do use this mode when I've got a particularly sore muscle, and I just adjust the pressure to my liking.

As for the heat function, I'm not really sold on it. I mean, I've never actually used it because I'm not sure what the point is. The light comes on and you can feel a tiny bit of warmth, but that's about it. Maybe it's just me, but I've never really gotten anything out of it. So, I don't bother with it.

I'm pretty happy with this device. For under $2, it's a great value. You get 10 minutes of massage time without having to use your hands, which is a huge plus for me - I can just sit at my desk and work on my keyboard while I use it. It's not the most intense massage, but it's definitely better than nothing. The timer is set to 10 minutes, which is probably for the best, because it's easy to get carried away. It's not a substitute for a real massage, but it's a nice little tool to have in your arsenal.