Imagine you could increase the performance of your legs by up to 30 percent with a gadget. What sounds like future music is already a reality today. I tested the Hypershell Pro X: an exoskeleton that is supposed to support the legs in hiking, mountaineering and running.
The model I tested should actually be able to increase your own performance of the legs by 30 percent. Today I tell you how my first week went.
Transparency note:The Hypershell Pro X was made available to me by the manufacturer free of charge. The manufacturer had no influence on the article content and did not get any access to the publication of the article. There was no obligation to publish.
Establishment and operation: surprisingly easy
The Hypershell Pro X comes in a large caseAnd when I unpacked, I was concerned that the first facility would be complicated.
That was not the case. The first switching is accompanied by the Hypershell app, which leads you through the process very easily. In general, only the following steps have to be followed:
- Insert the battery.
- Set the hip belt.
- Set leg belts.
- Turn on.
The app then explains how the operation works.The Hypershell Pro X has only one button and four LEDs and is therefore properly operated.
- To switch off on and off, tap twice and hold the button on the second tip.
- A double tip increases the current stage by 25 percent.
- Tap it three times, reduces 25 percent.
- If you hold the button briefly, you switch between Eco and Hyper mode (more on this later).
And that's it.The button is very easy to reach with your right hand on the hip and the LEDs are placed at the top so that I can see them while running.
Operation via one button and the LEDs is very uncomplicated. (Image source: Duy Linh Dinh/Gamestar Tech)
The first steps: "Wow, that's funny"
You are now wondering how running it feels. For this I quote my sister, who also tried the exoskeleton briefly:
"Wow, that's strange."
And at first it is actually. The Hypershell Pro X supports the lifting of the legs when running. This means that every step your legs are pulled up a little. Depending on the level set, more or less.
There is a choice between two different modes:
- ECO: signaled by green LEDs
- Hyper: signaled by red LEDs
In Eco mode, the exoskeleton pulls the legs up a little more gentle and less jerkily. Hyper mode is much more intense and somewhat jerk-like in support. The thighs are pulled up really strongly with every step.
At the highest level, ie level 4 of the hyper mode ', it was a bit difficult for me to look "normal" when running. It looks almost more like marching.
The second steps: okay, that's pretty cool
Before I left the house, I first thought about whether this futuristic gadget will take a look. To my surprise, many people don't seem to attract attention. One might think that it could be a medical rehabilitation device.
I ran several kilometers with the Hypershell Pro X.I chose routes that were both flat and hilly.
I chose Eco mode on flat terrain.After a few meters I was able to notice the effect of support. Even after several kilometers, I found much less fatigue than without the exoskeleton. The hinges are movable in all directions, which is why I hardly felt limited in the movement.
- However, the scope of movement is not sufficient for a balancing act.
- When putting down, the battery disturbed a little on the back.
I was really impressed when running uphill or climbing stairs.For this I used the hyper mode and it was incredibly easy to climb steep hills. I even ran uphill and found it much less exhausting for the leg muscles. I also fell much easier with the exoskeleton. However, note that muscle fatigue in particular is lower. Heart and lungs still have to participate.
Even racing uphill was much easier with the exoskeleton. (Image source: Duy Linh Dinh/Gamestar Tech)
The fitness mode: every walk becomes a workout
I personally found the fitness mode very interesting, which can only be activated via the Hypershell app.
With this, your legs do not receive any support, but the opposite: more resistance.It feels like walking through water. I was able to set the difficulty between 1 and 100 percent.
Running in fitness mode could really make me sweat. Each lifting felt like pressing a weight away with your thighs. However, the resistance did not feel hard and suddenly, but very supple and of course - that's why I thought it felt like walking through water.
The Hypershell Pro X can also be used as a training device for walks.
What else you should know about the Hypershell Pro X
- The device weighs only 2 kg and is very comfortable when wearing.
- A battery charge is sufficient for around 17.5 kilometers. The interchangeable battery is loaded via USB-C.
- The device is IP54-certified and thus protected against splash water. Hikes in light rain should therefore be possible without any problems. It is also up to -20 degrees cold resistant.
- The support is also effective when cycling.
- After only two days, the left hinge gives a difference. There is no restriction in the function, but this makes the device a little audible.
The device is foldable and can be accommodated in the supplied suitcase. (Image source: Duy Linh Dinh/Gamestar Tech)
My first impression and recommendation
The Hypershell Pro X can be an excellent support for youif you are outdoors outdoors. Be it hiking, cycling, mountaineering or other outdoor activities.
- However, keep in mind that the additional support is not exactly funding for building muscles.
- On the other hand, such an exoskeleton could motivate you to go out and move you. In turn, this is very good for physical and mental health.
Important note on using the Hypershell Pro X
While the Hypershell Pro X can offer impressive support in outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering, the use should be carefully considered. The relief of the leg muscles is pleasant and enables longer distances with less fatigue, but also carries the risk of reducing the natural training effect. Excessive use could lead to the muscles less challenged, which counteracts the structure of strength.
Therefore, I recommend that you use the supporting functions of the exoskeleton in a targeted manner and in moderation in order to ensure a balance between support and your own muscle training.
People with walking disabilities or restricted mobility can also benefit from this device.That's why I spoke to a friendly medical product consultant.
- The supporting effect could help affected people, for example, to climb stairs or other everyday activities.
- The fitness mode can help build muscles.
The device actually motivates me personally.I like to take photographs walks and with this exoskeleton in fitness mode each of them becomes a small workout. So I combine my hobby with sporting activity.
The price of 1,100 eurosIs high, but in my first impression absolutely worth it. If this is too expensive for you, you can also use the cheaper Go X model that can reduce physical exertion by 10 percent less (there is no hyper mode). It only costs 900 euros.
Do you have any questions about this exoskeleton? Like to put them in the comments below!
