Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I want to mention right off that I am a very experienced TENS user and have both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Fibromyalgia. Both are recipes for a lot of chronic pain. I was attracted to the Quell because of the form factor and the fact that I could wear the device around my calf and experience full body pain relief. Scientifically, it seems to make sense as it works with peripheral sensory nerves and pretty much overwrites the pain sensation and helps release endorphins. In theory, this is what all TENS units do. The Quell is just a fancy - with it's almost "Apple-like" presentation - TENS unit. It's a TENS unit that is wireless, can be run by it's own mobile app (which has a beautiful interface and is easy to use) and is worn in one spot (the lower leg) for supposed full-body relief. I found that when using the device, it felt really good. I used electrode gel to enhance the effectiveness of the electrodes and I think that this helped a bit. I found that I had to consistently increase the power on the stimulation - it just did not seem to be enough for me. Maybe this device would never really work for me in that location because of MS and lack of sensation in my feet and lower legs. But my main issues are not in what it does or proposes to do, but in the materials used on the actual products. Firstly, the packaging is beautiful and one of those "Apple-like" experiences that gives you the "ooooo ahhhh" feeling when unwrapping a new device. The packaging and marketing is extremely effective - but I must say that the materials used on the neoprene strap, the electrodes and the plastic unit itself seem substandard. It feels like all of the main money in product development was put into presentation and promotion and very little was put into the product itself. The strap for the device is flimsy and thin. I wore the unit for several hours the first night I got it and the strap had a difficult time staying up consistently. The unit itself feels flimsy to me and the plastic seems very thin and brittle. The feeling does not give me high confidence for durability and I feel that one good drop out of the strap and the unit would be TOAST. Last but not least are the electrodes. Super sticky and conductive for the most part but cheaply made! I have little confidence that they would last 2 weeks like the manufacturer says. They do make a sport version too but the cost for either is roughly $30 a month ... $360 a year!! I thought about it and decided I just could not justify the initial and ongoing expense of the Quell and decided I needed to return it. I rated two stars because conceptually, this seems like a great idea. I just feel that the company missed the mark on execution. To Neurometrix: I think you should consider a different business model that involves a lower cost of entry. Example: sell the units for $50 to $75 to increase your market share and opportunities to sell electrodes. Your main money is in the continual purchase of Quell custom electrodes. Increase your overall sample size by lowering the price of the starter kit and your market share will grow exponentially. I have confidence that things could improve as the technology is already in place (a real strong point) and perhaps the company would contemplate changing their business model to accommodate a lower cost of entry and larger audience. I would also suggest the manufacturer align themselves with better quality materials. Just my 2 cents.