Forums >Health and Nutrition>Foam Rollers and their Life Expectancy
I've had a basic, run of the mill foam roller for about a year. It's made of closed-cell foam and wasn't particularly expensive. My question is whether the foam would (ever? in a year? in 3 years?) break down to the point where it isn't effective anymore? Or is a cheapie less effective than a better quality product right from the start?
I've looked a the TP roller that has several different density zones and even a couple that have some pretty intimidating knobs which I guess provide a deeper massage...
Thanks!
-m.
Eye of Sauron
I can't give you a great answer, except to say that the generic foam rollers (aka "the white ones") that have been at my gym for a few years don't seem to do much for me.
I bought the TP roller called "the grid". The knobs aren't as intimidating as they seem; honestly I can't tell the difference between the various zones. HOWEVER... the thing utilizes much denser foam material and is built around a PVC pipe core. Knobs aside, it is vastly more effective than the old white foam rollers. Versus a new white foam roller? Dunno.
My gym also has a different kind of generic foam roller (aka "the black ones") that seem sturdier than the white ones. I will use those sometimes. They definitely have lasted longer.
Mind you... over the course of a few years, a whole lot more people have used the foam rollers than you'd use one at home. No idea how that impacts durability, but it seems obvious it would.
And once again Mr. Wizard (aka: Stevie Ray) explains the internet.
There's supposedly a difference in density between the white and black foam rollers.
The PT I go to has black rollers encased in cloth sleeves. They've been well-used, and I can see a depression form after I use one (rolling on more or less the same place on the roller as I go along). I also have a Trigger Point Therapy roller, and that baby does not crush.
My Trigger Point roller ("The Grid") looks the same. Except it is orange.
Hobby Jogger Especial!
Yes, the white or low density ones will break down.
I replaced mine with a high density foam roller and have been very happy with it. I haven't noticed any change in density or effectiveness with the high density version and I use it a lot.
A piece of PVC pipe will last forever.
That's a mighty long time.
A 2 litre coca cola bottle doesn't last forever but does last long enough (or long enough for it to be 5 years out of date and still going strong).
"Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend."
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