We get asked every so often about how long KAATSU batteries last. I’d tested out the KAATSU B1 and C3 models, but I hadn’t gotten around to testing the KAATSU B2 or C4. I thought I’d start with the KAATSU B2.
Why the B2? Because I use it most often.
Why do you use it most often? Because it’s really convenient.
Why do you find it convenient? Because it doesn’t have air hoses and the batteries last a really, REALLY long time.
I felt like a toddler writing that out . . .
Anyways, yes, the KAATSU B2 batteries really do last quite a while. I was shocked at how long they kept going. Even when the app started telling me that the battery levels were low, they still made it through a full session.
For my testing, I used the B2 on my arms and legs, 6 Sets in Cycle mode using the medium pressure range. I chose medium because . . . well . . . it’s in the middle of high and low. If you’re using the B2 on the low pressure range, it will last longer than it did for me. If you’re using the B2 on the high pressure range, it will last for less time.
So, how long do the batteries last?
55 Sets
Yes, indeed, the B2 batteries lasted for 55 sets of KAATSU. However, that was for the leg bands. My arm bands are STILL GOING after 80+ sets without needing to be recharged.
So, why did the leg bands run out first? Well, two reasons.
- The leg bands have a higher volume to fill so require more pumping than the arm bands.
- Pressures are higher in the leg bands than the arm bands.
So, How Long is 55 Sets in English?
The compression and decompression cycle for KAATSU is 35 seconds. Pressure is held for 30 seconds then released for 5. One Set of KAATSU has 8 pressure Steps. So, 35 x 8 brings you to 280 seconds per Set, plus some time for compression. That works out to a base of 4.67 minutes per Set. If you’re doing 6 Sets, that will take you 28 minutes, plus the time for compression. I usually round that up to 30 minutes.
55 Sets works out to around 4.24 hours of KAATSU. I used the KAATSU B2 from Monday through Saturday before needing to charge the leg bands. As mentioned, I still haven’t had to recharge the arm bands. My arm bands are still going strong, even though I’ve done more than 80 sets of KAATSU so far.
This is where the B2 shines. If you’re using KAATSU at home, you’ll probably be able to charge your KAATSU B2 once per week. Even less if you’re using low pressure range in Cycle mode. Personally, I find this makes the B2 my “go to” unit, just because it so rarely requires charging.
While I haven’t tested the KAATSU C4’s battery life, it’s obvious it will be less than the B2.
- The KAATSU C4 uses a single compressor, whereas the KAATSU B2 uses four compressors, each with its own battery.
- The KAATSU C4 has to inflate the arm bands AND the leg bands, so it is doing four times the work as each KAATSU B2 compressor.
I’ll start my testing on the C4 this afternoon, as I’ll be using KAATSU before kendo practice and again afterwards. Warm-up and recovery: two awesome uses for KAATSU, and one of the reasons I’m still able to keep doing kendo with vigour, in my opinion. Watch this space to see my findings for the KAATSU C4’s battery life.
Disclaimer: KAATSU protocols have not been evaluated by Health Canada. KAATSU is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and its use should be evaluated by your own physician before use.