⚡ Power your recovery, pain-free and on your terms!
The iSTIM EV-805 is a professional-grade, rechargeable TENS and EMS combo device featuring 4 channels and 24 preset programs designed for effective pain relief and muscle stimulation. Equipped with premium Japanese electrode pads for optimal conductivity and comfort, it offers drug-free, customizable therapy for chronic and acute pain management. FSA/HSA eligible, it’s a smart, portable solution trusted by physical therapists and doctors.
C**N
Exceeded expectation
Update Feb 5, 2025I had a very minor issue with the 805's belt clip screw. I called iStim to make sure I wouldn't void the warranty by opening the battery compartment to retrieve a small backing washer for the clip--I didn't need a replacement unit. iStim immediately responded to my email, and quickly sent me a brand new unit and kit. Not only is this the best and most powerful TENS I've used, but iStim's customer service is above and beyond. Thank you!------------------------------------Original review of the EV-805:I have herniated discs and spinal stenosis, so TENS units have turned out to be a godsend, despite the hassle of getting wired up every day, doing acrobatics to place the pads near my t-spine, and dealing with itchy skin and rashes.My old prescription TENS 3000 unit is good, but I needed something with 4 ports and more power/intensity. The 3000 is great because it’s tiny, completely analog, has a single 12v removable battery, and delivers a “decent” amount of power with new batteries. I tried wire doublers that run 8 pads on 2-channels, but they lowered intensity to 1/2 *when* they worked.I was searching for a 4-channel analog with at least 80 amH per channel. ChatGPT recommended the iStim EV-805.Size referenceMy biggest concern over the purchase was size. I couldn’t get a sense of reference from pictures. So in my pics here, I arranged the EV-805 alongside the TENS 3000, a scotch tape dispenser and computer mouse. Clearly, the 805 is significantly larger than the 3000, but it’s still portable. This is because the height and width are pretty spot on with my iPhone 13 Pro in its protective case (the regular sized iPhone, not the Max). The depth is just a fraction talled than two iPhones w/case stacked together. I think it’s probably too thick for most pants pockets, but it comes with a strong belt clip. The clip is good, but I’m always concerned that exiting a car or squatting down will knock the clip off my belt. I found a solution to this (below).Next concern was power. From what I gleaned in my research, the iStim EV-805 is the most powerful consumer TENS available.Pros-It puts out 100amH per channel against the 3000’s 80amH. While 100% intensity might be overkill for most people, I usually crank mine (intensity and settings like depth) to 100%. For moderate pain, I think people would typically max out at under 50%, depending on the settings.-Many different manual and interesting pre-programmed settings let you dial in the right therapy. 24 pre-set programs; 5 TENS modes, and 3 EMS modes.-Most of the settings I need are intuitive, so a manual isn’t necessary (provided that you have a basic familiarity with TENS settings and aren’t intimidated by simple technology). If you never used a TENS before, keep the intensity low and play around the settings. Definitely not rocket science.-The iStim electrodes are high quality pigtail types. I personally use both the pigtail and snap connectors. You can buy snap electrodes and wires on Amazon. The snaps have certain advantages… like a greater variety of available electrode sizes and shapes.-Low battery indicator that I can’t figure out how to read-Still “fairly” lightweight and portable. Using cases mentioned below, I fasten mine to a backpack strap while on my motorcycle.- Comes with two placement instruction cards that show optimal electrode configurations for TENS and EMS applications.- Exceptional battery life between charges. I run mine morning through night at 60-100% on all four channels, and haven’t needed a recharge yet.- A hinged safety cover prevents buttons from being accidentally pushed.-Big, easy-to-read digital displayCons:- My biggest “issue” is that after setting something, it continues to blink in settings mode and I can’t figure out how to stop the blinking. I tried all the buttons and depressed them for different lengths. There is nothing in the manual about this.- Sometimes the unit will become unresponsive to button inputs after a session ends. But this is an intentional feature that pauses between sessions. I override it by powering off and on. Honestly not a big deal as it takes 2 seconds, but I'd prefer a manual override.- While you can adjust intensity independently for each channel, you cannot independently program the modes like pulse rate, width, and timer. In other words, apart from intensity (power), the same mode or settings apply to all 4 channels.- My biggest complaint: the charging light isn’t color-blind friendly. The red and green are indistinguishable for me.- The instruction manual is “meh” when you want to learn how, for example, to exit the settings.- A unit at this price-point should come with a travel case. Travel cases are important because you’ll want to organize your accessories in one place. I experimented with various Amazon cases, so I recommend a few below.I highly recommend the EV-805. 5 stars. It's worth every penny.=================Alternative to the belt clip:The 805 comes with a belt clip installed. If you are wearing clothes you can’t clip it to (like sweat pants, robes, PJs, underwear, etc), or don’t want extra weight on your belt line, buy a cheap binocular neck strap. I loop the ends around each side of the clip (there’s a hole in the center that makes it possible (see the picture). Then you can safely walk around without fear of dropping it. Especially useful if you have a desk job, since a little wire snag as you get up can send the unit crashing to the floor. Also good for driving. I got mine on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Adjustable-Shoulder-Strap-Replacement/dp/B09Z2C8FLY . Two for under 10 bucks. Sturdy and comfortable.Carry case:It took me hours to hunt down a carry case that wasn't too bulky, so this should help: Get this: https://www.amazon.com/Organizer-Universal-Electronic-Accessories-Carrying/dp/B0873ZK78F/Perfect fit for the EV-805, along with all the gear you’ll need. Small and classy in the Starlight Edition color scheme.Wearable cases:I found two recommended cases for using the TENS while active. On good days I wear the iStim while riding my motorcycle so a wearable was imperative. Below are two of my favorites. Rest assured I’m not paid by anyone for my reviews, and I'm not given free stuff to test.Of the two wearable cases, this first one is a little bulkier, but protective and overall excellent:https://a.co/d/6NygNMfThe second case is my favorite--a lightweight and low-profile, made of tactical military webbing. It’s a fully adjustable military radio pouch with an open design, so it makes the 805 quickly accessible:https://a.co/d/hn4Xbns. I can hold it upside down and shake it, and the iStim doesn’t move an inch. You can cinch it to be as tight as you’d like, and the pouch also looks cool. You can attach it to your belt either horizontally or upright.Both pouches have velcro wings that securely attach to backpack straps, and molle vertical straps for waist belts.
B**N
This thing just flat works, is well made and is easy to use
Until last week I'd never heard of tens. So I am no expert. My physical therapist has a big professional unit that he used on my artificial knee and boy did it help! So I bought one of these took it to show and tell, that is where I showed it to the PT and he told me how to use it. He even programed it for me. This thing is the business. Recovering from knee replacement surgery is not easy. Tens might not speed up the healing process directly, but in each of the last two nights when I woke up at zero dark thirty because my knee was on fire, 30 minutes with tens let me go back to sleep. If this thing doesn't aid recovery I'll eat my hat.
S**E
Perfect Companion for Older Athletes
Had it for about a year. Easy to adjust. Can be customized or use many presets provided. Work well for my lower back pain from L4 L5 DJD and exercises from time to time. Work well for knee and angle sport injury also. Customer services are quick to respond and provide additional information requested.
J**C
Pricey, but worth every penny!
Edit: There is a software issue involving channels three and four, where they stay on past when the timer shuts off. Their intensities occasionally change as well. Manufacturer obviously made this by modifying software from a stable two channel unit because channels one and two always work correctly. Still a good device.ProsGood quality gel padsEasy to understand controlsVERY powerful intensity settings (I only need level 45 of 99 to get the job done)Back litGood EMS programs (I like #21 and #24)Resets intensity to 0 on power off, but remembers other settingsFour channels instead of just twoBattery lasts a very long timeConsUnit is BIG, like a large super thick smart phone (probably for the long lasting batteryNo carrying case (no big deal for me)On one occasion, while adjusting settings while running, unit direct total output of all four channels to channel four. Rather painful but a quick power off/on stopped it. No problems before or since.ConclusionsI now have two EMS units and a TENS unit. You get what you pay for, and the extra cost is well worth it to me. The ability to use 4 channels, with lots of power, and not run down the battery makes this worth twice what I paid for it.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
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