Ekrin B37 vs Kestrel: Which Should You Choose?
Naila Syifa
Updated December 2024
Ekrin offers a range of massage gun models, with the Kestrel being its most expensive, powerful model to date. The B37 (v2), on the other hand, is a mid-range option that seeks to balance power and affordability. With over $100 price gap between the two, how do they compare and which one should you choose?
Key Takeaways
Both deliver the same 56 lb force, but Kestrel has a 30% stronger motor and higher amplitude for a more powerful and deeper tissue massage. Kestrel also reaches a higher maximum speed of 3500 compared to B37's 3200, but B37 has a lower minimum speed of 1400 RPM compared to Kestrel's 1800 RPM. B37 uses a button for control, while Kestrel uses the more user-friendly scroll wheel.
Ekrin B37 (v2)
Powerful Performance
✓ 12 mm Amplitude
✓ 5 Speeds
✓ 4 Attachments
✓ USB-C Fast Charging
Ekrin Kestrel
Most Powerful
✓ 13 mm Amplitude
✓ 6 Speeds with Scroll Wheel
✓ 6 Locking Attachments
✓ Textured Grip
Design & Controls
Ekrin Kestrel
Ekrin B37 and Kestrel share a very similar design, coming in a T shape with a 15° angled handle in premium soft-touch materials. The Kestrel's handle is textured for better grip and control, while the B37 has a smooth surface.
Both massage guns are also different in their colors. The B37 only comes in a green finish with the handle in a contrasting black color. The Kestrel, meanwhile, is available in two color options — full black or white/green color combination.
But what further sets them apart in terms of appearance is their different control interface. The B37 is very minimalistic with a single button control on top of the handle, which can be long-pressed for power and quick-pressed for speed adjustment.
While this simple approach is easy to use, adjusting the speed can be annoying as we have to keep pressing the button to cycle through the different speed settings to finally reach the desired one.
To fix this issue, the Kestrel features a scroll wheel instead of a button. We can quickly scroll through the different speed settings to find the perfect intensity, which is more convenient and intuitive to use.
Attachments
Ekrin B37 (v2)
Ekrin Kestrel is more more versatile with 6 locking attachments as compared to the B37 with just 4 locking attachments.
"Locking" means the attachments can be twisted to lock them securely in place instead of just pushing them in, so they are less likely to come off or wobble during use.
The common four attachments that both massage guns share include the flat for general use, the bullet for pinpoint treatment, the fork for the spine and neck, and the silicone round for low-impact massage on sore areas.
The two extra attachments that the Kestrel exclusively provides include the cone for targeting tender and bony areas and the air cushion for gentler massage on sensitive areas.
Performance
Ekrin Kestrel
Ekrin B37 and Kestrel offer the same 56 lbs of stall force, which measures the maximum force the massage gun can apply before stalling. For a massage gun, 56 lbs is powerful, but both models have differences in other aspects that impact their overall performance.
For example, Kestrel has a higher 13 mm amplitude compared to the B37 with a 12 mm amplitude. Amplitude measures the depth of the massage stroke, so the Kestrel can provide a slightly deeper tissue massage.
Kestrel also features the Level 4 Brushless Motor, which is claimed to be 30% more powerful than the Level 3 Brushless Motor on the B37. So, a powerful stall force combined with 13 mm amplitude and a more powerful motor make the Kestrel the better-performing massage gun compared to the B37.
With its more powerful motor, Kestrel can also reach a higher maximum speed of 3500 RPM while the B37 maxes out at 3200 RPM. However, on the lower end, the B37 can reach a minimum speed of 1400 RPM, while the Kestrel has a minimum speed of 1800 RPM.
The 5 speed settings on the B37 (1400, 1800, 2200, 2600, 3200 RPM) cover a wider range, but the 6 speed settings on the Kestrel reach a higher maximum speed. So, if you want a less intense massage, the B37 accommodates it better, but if you want a more powerful and deeper tissue massage, the Kestrel would be the better choice.
Battery & Charging
Ekrin B37 (v2)
Ekrin B37 and Kestrel are equally rated for up to 8 hours of runtime on a single charge, thanks to their large 2600 mAh lithium-ion battery.
For charging, both also similarly use USB-C Power Delivery (PD), which supports fast charging. The charging cable is provided, but they can also use most other USB-C chargers for more flexible charging.
Ekrin B37 vs Kestrel
Final Thoughts
Ekrin Kestrel
Both the Ekrin B37 and Kestrel offer impressive performance, but the Kestrel's higher amplitude, more powerful motor, and higher maximum speed range make it the more capable massage gun overall. It also features a more advanced scroll wheel and 6 non-locking attachments, making it the better choice if you're willing to spend the extra money for the improved performance and versatility.
However, the B37's lower minimum speed and wider speed range may be better suited for those needing a gentler, less intense massage from time to time. The more affordable price also makes the B37 an excellent option for those on a tighter budget.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preferences and your specific massage needs.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
Ekrin Bantam vs B37
Ekrin B37 vs B37S
Ekrin B37S vs Kestrel
Ekrin Bantam vs Kestrel
Ekrin Bantam vs Theragun Mini
Ekrin Bantam vs Hypervolt Go 2
Ekrin B37 vs Hypervolt 2
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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