Firefly Recovey Device Review

I was excited to try the Firefly Recovery Device. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Firefly and I’m always looking for ways to recover better and faster…I mean who isn’t?

First, what is the Firefly?

The Firefly recovery device is an electrical stimulation device. Unlike many on the market, it’s much different in that it’s both cheap and disposable. Everything you need comes in the package, and you can throw it away when you are done. The Firefly device is also not technically an electric muscle stimulator (EMS). True EMS devices are applied directly to a muscle group. The Firefly specifically targets the peroneal nerve.

To use Firefly:

1. Locate the fibular head. I found this to be the most challenging part of the entire experience. By sitting with your legs at a 90-degree angle, see the “bond spot” below your knee outside the leg. The fibular head is linked to the peroneal nerve, the area Firefly targets for recovery.
2. Place the device (but make sure it’s clean and dry). The raised line indicator should be positioned directly onto the fibular head.
3. Now turn on using the + button. There are seven levels, and it’s always best to start with the lowest level (please, please don’t start at level 7 because you are “tough” or need “extra recovery.” More is not always better. Find a story you are comfortable with but also feel a slight “flutter of your feet.”

My Experience with Firefly Recovery Device:

I was excited to try Firefly for myself. First, it’s not a $1000 compression boot. I recently wrote in a newsletter that running is getting increasingly expensive. I am always looking for ways to make the sport cheaper and more accessible. Do you theoretically need any recovery device? No.

But will it help you run your best? Of course.

Anyway, at just $50 for 60 hours of use, that’s much cheaper than recovery boots. Plus, it’s portable. Unlike compression boots, I’m not married to sitting on a couch or chair in a weird position to use the Firefly Recovery Device. I’ve used it while sitting at work, doing chores around the house, or doing other things.

But does Firefly Recovery Device work? There is no sense in buying anything if it doesn’t work, even if it’s cheap! It did take me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out where the fibular head was and attach it. Do I just not have that bony of knees? I have no idea. The first time I attached to the wrong spot and didn’t feel anything recovery-wise. I tried again, and I figured out better where the bony head was the second time.

Afterward, I set it on the lowest setting and watched some trashy TV. I felt the pulses much more at the lowest setting than I thought I would. Truthfully I thought I would be one of those people who “needs” the Firefly recovery device on the highest setting to get the benefits.

Why do we always think that way? I felt the impulses at the lowest setting. Since then, I’ve used every setting, but I’ve found the best one for me is between 3-4, depending on how hard a workout session I’ve had. I usually try and use it for an hour, although that doesn’t always happen.

You can purchase the knee braces to hold the Firefly Recovery Device in place and I highly recommend them. They keep it secure, especially when you are walking around and living life. Plus the bonus with having them on is most people think you’re injured and then ask you questions or don’t accidentally run into you (I joke).

So does the Firefly Recovery Device work?

Yes. But much like carbon-plated footwear, it’s not a miracle that will do the work for you. If you aren’t taking care of yourself by sleeping enough or eating enough, it’s not going to make you magically recover and feel your best. It will make your legs feel fresher, and you will recover faster.

Cost: $45 for 30hours

Firefly claims you can use a single Firefly Recovery Device for 30 hours. That is far cheaper than anything else on the market. Normatec boots are over $1000 (as most other significant compression devices are). The Starter pack is the best deal in that you get 2 Firefly Recovery Devices (60 hours recovery) plus the knee strap that holds them better into place for $95.

Firefly Recovery Device Conclusion:

I am a big fan. Not because it’s cheap and portable but because it works. I can see why they’ve grown so much in the past few years. I will continue using them. If you are looking for an easy-to-use, inexpensive, and portable way to recovery the Firefly Recovery Device is a great option. You can tell by the photos, I use my Firefly Recovery Device a lot and will need to purchase a new one here soon!

You can purchase Firefly Recovery Devices here and see all gear reviews here.

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Questions for you:

Have you tried the Firefly Recovery Device?

How do you recover after a hard session?