The importance of a proper warm-up before hitting the pickleball court cannot be overstated. A recent survey of our audience highlights a strong interest in injury prevention and recovery content, with about half of respondents admitting they don’t currently use warm-up or injury-prevention tools. Even more telling, two-thirds of respondents reported experiencing occasional pain or discomfort after playing pickleball.
This year, I’ve had the opportunity to test and review several fitness and training devices. Most recently, I tried out the Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System, a portable and versatile system featuring five distinct tools designed for quick and effective use. After several weeks of putting it to the test, I’m pleased to give this system a solid 4.75 out of 5 balls.
Portable: Easy-to-carry mesh bag for any location.
Versatile: Tools for warm-up and recovery.
For All Levels: Perfect for pros or beginners.
Stay Ready: Enhance mobility and strength anywhere.
By The Numbers
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Warm-Up Routine | 8-minute routine |
Workout Tools | 5 tools included |
Color Choices | 4 color options |
System Options | 2 versions: with or without massage pistol |
Price | $179.99 (as tested for the Bak Pak+) |
Nuts And Bolts
Component Tools
- Massage Pistol
- Warm-up Bands
- Activation Ball
- Fitness Bands
- Flex Wedges
- Mesh carry bag
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 2 Yobow BakPak+](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled-design71-1024x768.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 2 Yobow BakPak+](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled-design71-1024x768.jpg)
First Impressions
The packaging and presentation of the tools in a sleek, well-designed box immediately made a great impression. As I unboxed the set, I quickly explored each of the five devices and was struck by their thoughtful design, precision craftsmanship, and portability. The system also includes a laminated workout card with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, adding to its user-friendly appeal.
To top it off, a convenient mesh bag is provided, making storage and transport hassle-free.
Game On: Giving Them a Pre-Game Test
The package included basic written instructions, but like many modern products, Yobow directed me online via a QR code to access their ACTIV8 program video. The clever name refers to an 8-minute warm-up routine utilizing all five tools in the system. Their website also hosts this video, offering a straightforward pre-workout routine as a great starting point. From there, users can easily adapt and customize their own routines based on individual needs.
After watching the video and experimenting with the tools, I was ready to give the system its first real test before a pickleball match. I found the tools intuitive and nearly foolproof, though as a stickler for proper technique with fitness equipment, I still took care to ensure I was using each device correctly.
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 5 Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System - Unboxed](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review3-768x1024.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 5 Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System - Unboxed](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review3-768x1024.jpg)
My Take on the System
Massage Pistol
This rechargeable, pistol-shaped device comes with four attachments, offering a range of massage options from deep tissue penetration to softer, gentler relief. Paired with its four speed settings, it provides customizable treatment for tension and soreness in the legs, arms, neck, and back.
During the 40-second routine, I targeted my neck and arms using the round foam attachment at medium speed. The vibrations loosened muscle adhesions and improved blood flow, making it effective for both pre- and post-workout recovery.
Activation Ball
This spring-loaded, gyroscopic hand and arm tool is not only highly functional but also fun to use. About the size of a pickleball, the ball is activated by winding up its internal mechanism, then rotating your hand clockwise or counterclockwise. As you find a rhythm, you can increase resistance by speeding up the rotation.
The spinning action is both audible and palpable, engaging the hand, wrist, and arm. A 40-second session for each hand provides a quick and effective warm-up or strengthening exercise.
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 8 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review5](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review5.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 8 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review5](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review5.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 11 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review6](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review6.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 11 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review6](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review6.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 14 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review11](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review11.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 14 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review11](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review11.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 17 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review8](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review8.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 20 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review9](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review9.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 20 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review9](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review9.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 23 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review10](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review10.jpg)
![Yobow Bak Pak+ Warm Up System Review 23 Yobow Bak Pak Warm Up System Review10](https://pickleballunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yobow-Bak-Pak-Warm-Up-System-Review10.jpg)
Flex Wedge
These two dense rubber wedges are designed for stretching the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. They allow for toe- and heel-based stretches, and when paired with the warm-up bands, can add depth to muscle strengthening routines, such as squats. Each stretch lasts 20-30 seconds with 10 reps recommended.
While I don’t experience leg or foot issues, I found the wedges excellent for warm-ups, injury prevention, and post-play recovery stretches.
Warm-Up Bands
Made of durable, dense nylon, these adjustable bands come in easy, medium, and hard resistance levels. Ideal for leg resistance exercises, they are also great for mobility and strength training. I especially enjoyed using them for lateral side-to-side and front-to-back walks, which proved both challenging and effective—even as a stand-alone workout on non-pickleball days.
Each exercise is recommended for 45 seconds. I appreciated that the wide bands didn’t pinch or roll, and their adjustable length made them versatile and user-friendly.
Fitness Bands
This lightweight, elastic band is a staple in gyms, PT clinics, and among athletes. Its flexibility makes it ideal for stretching arms, neck, chest, and shoulders. By varying your grip, you can easily adjust the workout intensity. The ACTIV8 routine highlights stretches like the Reverse Fly and Dislocates, both of which I used for 30 seconds each. These exercises were particularly helpful for warming up my arms and shoulders before matches.
I also liked that the band’s wider design made it easier to handle and, like the Warm-Up Bands, avoided pinching during use.
The Final Score
Category | Rating (out of 5) |
---|---|
Design | 4.75 |
Build Quality | 5 |
Ease of Use | 5 |
Workout Instruction | 4 |
Price Point/Value | 4.5 |
Overall | 4.75 |
Whether used as a system or standalone devices, the tools are effective and trusted by physical therapists and trainers. Yobow has done a great job curating the BAK PAK+, a portable set perfect for warm-up and recovery, with the ACTIV8 program adding structure and efficiency.
My only critique is the need for more workout variations demonstrated online, showcasing individual and system-wide uses.
At $180, the price is fair, especially since the Massage Pistol alone is worth over $100. While the BAK PAK (without the Massage Pistol) is available for $80, I’d recommend the BAK PAK+ for its added value. Use code PBUNION at checkout to snag 20% off!
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
Portable: Easy-to-carry mesh bag for any location.
Versatile: Tools for warm-up and recovery.
For All Levels: Perfect for pros or beginners.
Stay Ready: Enhance mobility and strength anywhere.