This cork massage roller is perfect for foam-rolling on the go. I carry it with me whenever traveling by vehicle, and it’s essential in keeping me injury-free and comfortable. The company also makes smaller cork massage balls that are common with thru-hikers.
Pros
- Compact but just-enough size. Well-suited for travel and minimalism.
- Cork rather than foam construction. Firmer rolling, better durability. It also has hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties.
- Fair price, especially considering how long it lasts and the firmness.
Cons
- If you don’t foam roll often, the firm construction may be too painful until your muscles get used to it.
- Dogs like the taste of the cork, and will love to chew it apart if they get their paws on it.
Review
I’ve picked up various Rawlogy products over the years. I started with their massage balls to carry with me on multi-day backcountry trips. I’d been battling tendonitis in my quads and in my posterior tibialis. Being able to massage them was a game-changer. I also purchased more of their massage ball sizes for massaging feet and small muscles at home as well.
For larger muscles, I had a run-of-the-mill foam roller, but even the best of them were too soft. I like a massage that goes deep, and foam wasn’t going to cut it. I decided to get the company’s cork foam roller. The size was also perfect to carry for my frequent, multi-month vehicle trips.
The firmness was spectacular. I could achieve a nice, deep massage on any major muscle in my body. The narrow 12-inch width was perfect for quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes and lats. You can’t do your entire back in one go with the 12-inch width, but that’s a small price to pay for the precision you can get in your other muscles. The friction of the cork surface also stopped it from errantly sliding around on smooth surfaces.
I have the cork massage roller haphazardly stowed in my vehicle most of the time. It gets dropped and bounced. It’s gotten wet, dusty and muddy. But, the cork cleans easily and doesn’t seem to absorb any material or impact. It still looks new, in fact. I’m sure it’ll last me for years and years.
One problem is that I don’t have any of their massage balls anymore. My dog is pretty well-behaved and doesn’t chew unknown objects except for toys and socks. But for some reason, she finds the cork irresistible. I’ve left my massage balls on the floor or on a table. I’ll come back and it’ll be in tiny pieces scattered around with my dog munching away. I’ve even bought several replacements only to have my dog destroy it weeks later. So keep it away from dogs. You’ve been warned.
Final Thoughts
After experiencing the cork construction, I won’t go back to ones made out of foam again. They’re too soft and don’t provide an effective massage. There are other cork brands out there, but Rawlogy seems to be among the first, and the durability is great.