RAD Axle – Extra Firm High-Density Exercise Foam Roller – Deep Tissue Myofascial Release for Back, HIPS, Legs & Shoulders – Muscle Recovery Tool for Stretching & Mobility

I have been an ultra-distance runner for about a decade now, racing anywhere from 25K to 100 miles 3-6 times a year. While I wouldn’t consider myself elite, I do have a few podium finishes, train hard, and always look to give it my all. As you can imagine, my body tends to take a beating from all of the mileage. When not running, I have a desk job, so it is really easy to let myself become sedentary; I have to be really good about using my downtime effectively to take care of my body. In the competitive recovery tools market, what attracted me to look at RAD was their breadth of tools and what appeared to be a very knowledgeable and scientific approach to their design.The Axle is one of the newest products from RAD and is definitely a welcome addition. I previously tried to use their Helix product similarly to how I would use a foam roller and it just didn’t work. It was too small and didn’t really allow me to get deep into the bigger muscle groups. The Axle fulfilled a big need for me. Without a doubt, it is the best tool in the RAD suite for working the trunk of the body. I like to use it from my glutes all the way up to the middle of my shoulders. Its size allows you to comfortably sit or lay on it and settle onto trouble spots in the muscles. With its contoured shape, you can work your back without worrying about hurting your spine, a trait that is absent in most competing foam rollers that I have tried in the past. It is another example of how intelligent and well thought out RAD product design seems to be.Key Takeaways:• The contoured shape allows use up and down the back without worrying about hurting the spine• Rigid enough material to get deep into the muscles• Works together with the rest of the Rad tool ecosystem, increasing its value and versatilityAs an extra, you can use the RAD Rod with the Axle. Together, the Rod allows you to position the Axle in ways beyond simply laying it flat on the ground making it easier to get more leverage or simply position the Axle differently to hit those tough to find spots.Whether you are new to muscle recovery or a veteran, I think the RAD tools are a great choice. Together, they give you a great set for all of your needs and with the mobile app or included written instructions with each tool, you are not left to figure it out on your own. A foam roller is an essential tool for anyone that is active and the Axle is above all of the rest.

I recommend the Axle for all your rolling needs. It is very versatile and comes with an excellent instruction manual for ideas on uses for the whole body. It is constructed of a very durable material and shows little to no wear after multiple uses. The cut out in the middle is excellent for taking pressure off of the spinous processes in the thoracic region and directs the pressure laterally which is very effective for mobilisation and soft tissue work. It can also be used with the Rad Rod for more versatility. I highly recommend it.

My my, I never knew how badly I needed this thing! I have a real sensitive spine, so foam rolling has never been a favorite of my back. This, with the divot in the middle, it is GENIUS! I have been rolling a couple times a day and it is so refreshing. I have had nagging low back and hip pain and this helps alleviate it for several hours at a time. I am so thankful for my RAD axel!

I love this product, very firm and actually cracks my back when I roll on it, great to loosen up the back at the end of the work day.

You know how sometimes you don’t realize how much you love something until it’s gone? That’s exactly why we just purchased our THIRD Axle. We’ve been fans of Rad Rollers for almost 10 years now, we own almost all their products, which we use at home and while traveling.Since the Axles is not super travel-friendly, we left one of our Axles at a friend's house on our last trip, since we visit often, thinking it wouldn’t be a big deal. “We'll just use a regular roller in our home in Puerto Rico, since we're never there for too long,” we thought. That didn't work!Without the Axle, I realized how much I missed that sturdy feel and the incredible spine groove that lets you roll without turning your back into a pancake. Especially for me, dealing with disk compression, that’s a non-negotiable. The standard roller was pressing all the wrong places, and my back was not having it.So, what did we do? We bought another Axle, of course. Writing this review is basically me telling you that if you’re on the fence about getting one, just do it. It’s been a lifesaver for us, and going back to anything else feels like a downgrade. Trust me, your back will thank you. And if you don't know how to roll your body, the roller comes with instructions, and Rad has a handy app with tons of videos to follow along. They literally got your back.Our first Axel - which is probably 8 years old - looks and feels like new.

I bought this b/c of its geometry and how it is designed, where your spine is not sitting right on the roller but your spinus muscles are. However, though most people like rigid rollers to stretch their back, this was actually too painful for me even after using for over 30 days. It would be perfect if they had a softer or medium firm version of this roller. I would be the first to buy it if they did. So, I say this, if you are looking for a very rigid roller, that is not giving, then this is your roller.

I did not like this roller. I understand the concept of the center crevice to provide less stress on the spine but overall this roller was hard as a rock and actually hurt my back more than it helped. I will also admit, could be my fault as the description clearly states it is extra firm. I just did not think it would be so hard. I would rather have a softer foam roller.

This RAD Roller is very versatile. I am 60 and use this on my shoulders, hips, legs and back! It is very easy to use and not as intense as the ball rollers. I like this roller the most of the entire RAD Roller lines.