iSTIM EV-805 TENS EMS 4 Channel Rechargeable Combo Machine Unit - Muscle Stimulator + Back Pain Relief and Management- 24 Programs/Backlit (Including Electrodes Pads)

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.

So far so good. I will be leaving another review in about 30 days after I’m done trying this bad boy out. I had a muscle spaz in between my shoulder blades that just wouldn’t go away I used this two times and it got rid of it I am totally Shocked and amazed on how good this product works . As far as longevity goes on the quality of the product like I said I will be writing another review in 30 days to let you know everything I’ve learned about it. Suffer no more.

I bought this for the EMS function. I've been dealing with a chronic illness for the last few years, and unfortunately it led to muscle atrophy in my legs because there was no way for me to be active. On top of that, one of the medications I tried for the chronic illness caused joint degeneration on my knees, so my ability to walk has been greatly decreased. My doctor recommended physical therapy, which I totally agree with but can't afford right now, so I bought this to help get some strength back in my leg muscles. I honestly didn't think it was going to do much, if anything, but if it didn't I'd at least still be able to use it as a TENS for pain. I've been using it daily for about a week on my quads, starting with my right leg because it's weaker than my left, and after a few days I actually noticed a difference! Son of a biscuit! It's so much easier for me to get up from a seated position, and I can actually manage going up and down stairs leading with my right leg now! I literally cried. I haven't been able to go up and down stairs like normal for about 2 years, and I was able to just the other day (still slow, but not one stair at a time like I had been doing). For reference, I'm in my mid 30s.That being said, the device itself is a bit more complicated than ideal. I haven't played with dialing in settings myself; I've been using the programs it has for EMS. Comes with a couple very handy diagram sheets with what program numbers should be used on what areas (one sheet for TENS and one for EMS), and each one runs for 30 minutes. So I hook up my right quad, and rotate through EMS programs for a total of about 2 hours a day. Much more than that and I need a day off because my leg ends up sore. After the initial charge, the battery has lasted a whole week of daily use (minus one rest day) and hasn't given me a low battery alert yet. I saw some other reviews saying they need to put the strength up to 8 or 9 and was worried that this device wouldn't be strong enough, but I had to start out at 3, lol. I'm at a 5 or 6 now, depending on the program.The adhesive pads are alright. I've had two other TENS devices with different types of pads; these are about average. The fabric is soft enough that it can contour to different areas without peeling itself off. The adhesive itself isn't anything to write home about; in one week, using one pair of electrodes at a time, I've about finished my second set of pads. I've been keeping the pads on the plastic sheet they come on and in a Ziploc bag between uses. I have *not* been wiping down my skin with an alcohol pad before use, so your mileage may vary should you choose to do that.This device is enough that if doing physical therapy seems impossible (physically or financially), this may give you the boost you need. It's also really easy to put on and forget about while it runs, so it won't interrupt other activities; the EMS programs don't cause my muscles to jerk like a TENS usually does. Overall, if you're dealing with muscle atrophy after illness, I'd say this is worth it. At the price of about 3 physical therapy copays it's not cheap, but it's enough to help me get to where I can do exercises at home and build myself back up.

Easy to use and electrodes are powerful.

Less than two weeks old, have only used for about a week. But wow. I was under the impression I would be able to do things around the house while using the EMS. On a low setting, it would be no problem, but once you crank it up, not really. I was expecting muscle contractions but this thing will take you to dang near charlie horse inducing contractions. And I got room to spare as far as making it even stronger. Love how you can use it to target different stabilizer muscles that there isn't really any direct exercises for.The instructions could be better, but once you figure out how to get it into the pre-program section is just a matter of adjusting each channel to the amount of force you can handle. I've never used EMS just tens, so please take this with a grain of salt I don't know what other units can do but I am thoroughly impressed with this. And considering all the illiterate inbred types shutting down our federal agencies, I feel way more confident buying items made in Japan and Germany in particular, but pretty much any legitimate country not run by simpletons, as we now are. Our quality control is about to disappear.

I was going to therapy for my back and they used this thing..So I thought why don’t I just get this and do the therapy myself