Armaid® and Rolflex™ (rubbit™)

People contact us wondering about the differences between Armaid and Rolflex.  Both tools were invented by Terry M. Cross, Sports Massage Therapist and HHP, and are based on the same leverage-enhancing design. We asked Terry to talk about the two products and how their designs impact their use.

The main practical difference between Armaid and Rolflex is the way the attachments affect different body parts.  Armaid attachments are designed for use on the hands and arms, and each attachment is very specific in how it is used and the issue it is intended to address.  Rolflex attachments are designed for general application and with a general intent, and are effective on a wide range of body parts.

Before I go any further, I'd like to end some confusion:  Rolflex was originally named rubbit, the name was changed after the initial product launch to reach a broader audience. 

Now, to the details about the differences between the product attachments.

Armaid attachments are all built around a flexible rod, constructed of 7 lengths of thin stainless steel encased in a nylon tube. This rod has sufficient tensile strength and durability to bend when pushed and then return to its original position (“flexing”).  Flexing occurs throughout use, as increasing or decreasing amounts of pressure are applied by the user on different parts of the arm.  As a result, the user gets highly nuanced, multi-dimensional feedback from the Armaid, similar to the information a massage therapist would get through their hands when giving a massage.  Flexing is a key part of why the Armaid attachments are able to address issues in the smaller, articulated parts of the arm and hand.

Rolflex attachments are built around a solid, ridged plastic core, to gain efficiency in the manufacturing process. As a result, the dynamism, or feedback, that is required to give an effective massage comes from the shape and density of the foam part of the attachments.  The stiff core and attachment design also allow the tool to be effective with larger muscle groups (legs, back).

Here is a point-by-point contrast of Armaid and Rolflex. We hope this helps you pick the best tool to address your needs!

Product Similarities:

  • Both Armaid and Rolflex were invented and developed by Terry Cross, Sports Injury Massage Therapist.
  • Both share the same unique leverage design which allows the easy application of professional therapy techniques.   
  • Both are portable and manually operated.
  • Both can be purchased on the manufacturer’s website or Amazon.  Free domestic shipping is available on both.
  • Both provide instructional videos online to educate users on therapy techniques.
  • Both provide free shipping on replacement parts under the terms of their warranties.

Product Differences - Therapeutic:

Armaid - Armaid is designed to address nuanced, mutli-dimensional RSI and muscle overuse issues in the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, biceps and triceps. 

The tool incorporates up to four separate rollers that vary in shape and density to provide a range of intensities with a variety of therapy techniques: Circulatory Massage, Trigger Point Relief/Active Release, and Cross Fiber Friction. 

Armaid can be used to address symptoms associated with: Tendinitis, Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervains thumb, forearm “pump”, scar tissue and Lymphedema.

Armaid is designed to sit comfortably on the leg with a molded plastic base and, if desired, a neoprene strap for greater stability.

Rolflex - Rolflex is designed to address general RSI and muscle overuse issues in the arms, legs, back and shoulders.  The tool incorporates two attachments of different shapes and density (soft and medium) which can be used to perform Circulatory Massage and Trigger Point Relief.  It has a detachable arm for use on the legs, and additional accessories to extend the tools reach to the neck, shoulders, and back. 

Rolflex has a non-skid base that can be placed on a surface.

Product Differences – Non-Therapeutic:

  • Armaid is manufactured, assembled, and boxed in the USA by The Armaid Company, Inc., and is fulfilled by The Armaid Company, Inc. and authorized retailers worldwide. Rolflex is manufactured, assembled, and boxed in China for Range of Motion Products, LLC., and is fulfilled in the USA by Range of Motion Products, LLC. and authorized retailers worldwide.
  • Armaid comes with a 10-year unconditional warranty. Rolflex comes with a 2-year unconditional warranty.
  • The most basic Armaid is priced at $69.95 USD on the Armaid website. The most basic Rolflex is priced at $59.95 USD.
  • Armaid provides customer support by email or phone and provides therapeutic support by Skype for customers at their request. Rolflex provides customer support by email and phone.

We hope this helps, best of health!