A hollow foam roller has a rigid core under a foam exterior; a solid roller is foam all the way through. The TriggerPoint listings state their hollow-core rollers keep their shape under heavy pressure. All three listings here state hollow cores, so the hollow side is concrete; no listing here states a solid roller, so the solid side is the concept only.
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Quick picks
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1
TRIGGERPOINT PERFORMANCE THERAPY GRID Patented Chill Score 9.7/10Check price on AmazonThe reach pick: a 26 in hollow-core roller with a 1 year warranty.
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2
TRIGGERPOINT Performance Therapy Grid Foam Roller Chill Score 9.7/10Check price on AmazonThe classic pick: a 13 in hollow-core roller with video library and 1 year warranty.
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3
MICRODRY Deluxe Fitness Foam Back Roller Chill Score 9.6/10Check price on AmazonThe light pick: a 1.8 lb firm roller with a durable hollow core.
The reach pick: a 26 in hollow-core roller with a 1 year warranty.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- 26 in stated
- Hollow core stated
- 500 lb limit stated
- 1-year warranty stated
Cons
- Standard density only stated
- No weight stated
- No outdoor claim stated
- No certification stated
The classic pick: a 13 in hollow-core roller with video library and 1 year warranty.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- 13 in stated
- Hollow core stated
- 500 lb limit stated
- 1-year warranty stated
Cons
- Standard density only stated
- No weight stated
- No outdoor claim stated
- No certification stated
The light pick: a 1.8 lb firm roller with a durable hollow core.
Pros & ConsViewHide
Pros
- 1.8 lb stated
- Firm stated
- Hollow core stated
- Outdoor use stated
Cons
- No warranty term stated
- No weight limit stated
- No certification stated
- No video library stated
More to compare
The Original Body RollerCheck price on Amazon
Amazon Basics High Density Foam Roller for Exercise andCheck price on Amazon
TONE Fitness Firm High-Density Foam Roller for ExerciseCheck price on Amazon
Fitizen Foam RollerCheck price on Amazon
Pro-Tec Athletics Foam RollerCheck price on Amazon
Foam Roller for Deep Tissue Massager High Density MassageCheck price on Amazon
Hollow vs solid: the difference
The two TriggerPoint listings state a patented multi-density exterior constructed over a rigid, hollow core that will not break down or lose shape from repeated use. The MICRODRY states a durable hollow core for optimal support that withstands heavy pressure. A solid roller states no core: the foam compresses and, as the TriggerPoint wording implies, can break down and lose shape. For firm pressure that stays firm, the stated hollow cores are the answer.
The three rollers
TriggerPoint Grid Original, 13 in
The TriggerPoint Original Grid states standard density at 13 by 5.5 in with a 500 pound weight limit, a multi-density exterior over a rigid hollow core, free access to an online instructional video library, and a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. It states it is the trusted roller of physical and massage therapists, coaches, trainers and athletes for muscle recovery, pain relief and improved flexibility.
TriggerPoint Grid 2.0, 26 in
The TriggerPoint Grid 2.0 states standard density at 26 by 5.5 in with a 500 pound weight limit, the same multi-density exterior over a rigid hollow core, and a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. For longer reach across the back and legs, the stated 26 in is the longest figure here.
MICRODRY Deluxe, 13 in
The MICRODRY states a 13 by 5.3 by 5.3 in firm roller at 1.8 lb with a durable hollow core, a smooth surface with beveled edges for evenly distributed rolling on shoulders, neck, legs and back, use for trigger point release before and after strenuous activity, and cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap. It states no warranty term.
When solid is the answer
No listing here states a solid roller. The concept: a solid roller is foam all the way through with no stated core, so it carries no stated shape-retention claim. For travel or a softer feel, solid rollers exist; for the stated shape retention here, the hollow listings are the answer.
Size and reach, as stated
The Grid Original states 13 by 5.5 in and the MICRODRY states 13 by 5.3 by 5.3 in at 1.8 lb. The Grid 2.0 states 26 by 5.5 in. For a full back pass, the stated 26 in is the figure; for travel, the stated 1.8 lb is the figure.
Warranties, as stated
Both TriggerPoint listings state a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. The MICRODRY states no warranty term. For the only stated warranties here, the 1 year terms are the figures.
Which should you choose?
Choose hollow for firm pressure that keeps its shape: the TriggerPoint listings state the shape retention explicitly, with a 1 year warranty on both. Choose solid for a softer feel; no listing here states one. Between the hollow listings, the 26 in Grid 2.0 is the stated reach pick and the 1.8 lb MICRODRY is the stated light pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hollow rollers hold their shape?
The TriggerPoint listings state their multi-density exterior over a rigid hollow core will not break down or lose shape from repeated use. The MICRODRY states its hollow core withstands heavy pressure.
Which is the longest?
The Grid 2.0 states 26 in. The Original Grid states 13 in and the MICRODRY states 13 in.
Which states a warranty?
Both TriggerPoint listings state a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. The MICRODRY states no warranty term.
Can these go outdoors?
The MICRODRY states use outdoors or indoors and cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap. The TriggerPoint listings state no outdoor claim.
Which is lightest?
The MICRODRY states 1.8 lb. The TriggerPoint listings state no weight figure.
Related guides
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