Article by Michael Ellenberger
Brad & Bob Q2 Mini Pro Massage Gun ($89.99)
As runners, it goes without saying that we are constantly battling tight muscles and nagging issues that threaten to derail our training (just check my running log on any given day). When Brad & Bob sent me their Q2 Mini Pro massage gun to test, I was admittedly skeptical - I’ve tested a lot of massage guns, and usually, the size of the device dictates its effectiveness to a high degree.
This thing is, well, mini! Could something this compact really make a difference? After several weeks of use, despite never having heard of this brand, I'm genuinely impressed.
Just in terms of convenience, this thing is awesome - it’s actually really impressive to me how effective a smaller-form massage gun can be.
While it doesn't have the same raw power as my full-size Theragun, it's more than capable of handling tight hamstrings, calves, and other problem areas runners constantly deal with. I even used it effectively on my Achilles when it was acting up after a particularly hilly long run (did this fix my problem long-term? No. Did it provide some much needed relief? Oh yeah).
Initially, I thought the heat and cooling features were just marketing gimmicks, but I've come to use them regularly. The heat function works wonders on chronically tight areas, while the cooling option provides immediate relief after hard workouts. Both features activate surprisingly quickly – no waiting around when you need relief now.
The biggest downside is that the heating/cooling system requires separate charging from the massage mechanism itself. That said, the charging situation is actually pretty convenient because (a) it's USB-C and (b) the device holds a charge for a very long time. I've gone nearly two weeks of regular use without needing to plug it in.
For runners looking for effective recovery on the go, the Q2 Mini Pro delivers performance well beyond its compact size. It's become my go-to option for travel races and quick treatment between runs.
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Tester Profile
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:20:41 marathon PR at the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
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