Perform Better Elite Molded Foam Roller Review

This basic foam roller holds up to years of use and provides an excellent myofascial massage that is perfect for both beginner and elite athletes.

The Perform Better Elite Molded Foam Rollers is an ideal entry-level foam roller that holds up to extended use. It provides a firm, solid surface and is the most durable standard roller I've tried. It maintains its shape even with frequent use by heavy weight athletes and I'd expect it to last for years without losing its shape or firmness. The PB foam roller is a perfect choice if you want a basic, durable and low-priced foam roller.

PB Elite Molded Foam Roller Features

Made from cell-free molded foam, this roller will withstand the compression that most celled foam rollers eventually succumb to. It comes in a variety of sizes, but for the price you are probably better off with the bigger one.

MSR Price: $7.95 to $19.95
Available Sizes:
3' Long, 6" Round - Recommended for self massage and myofascial release
1' Long, 6" Round - Recommended for specific trigger point release
3' Long, 6" Half Round - Better for balance and stability exercises
1' Long, 6" Half Round - Better for ankle stability and prioprioception work

Learn to use the PB Elite Foam Roller: Watch the Perform Better Instructional Video.

The Perform Better Elite Molded foam roller is a big step above the basic white, cell foam rollers. Its unique molded construction doesn't contain cells, so it is extremely dense and can resist breakdown and compression over time. The manufacturer claims it lasts three times longer than traditional celled white foam rollers. This is a definite plus. After years of use, my basic white cell foam roller has become a bit oval, rather than round. I also see this in most of the cell foam rollers available at my local health club.

You can choose from two different lengths as well as a half-round roller style so you have options for how you want to use the product. The molded foam roller is a great option for athletes who like to perform regular myofascial release and self massage, but it can also be used for balance and stability training. It's also a great value for physical therapists who have patients performing rehab exercises specifically designed to rebuild biomechanical alignment, mobility, stability and proprioception after ankle injuries. The price makes this a great value for a roller.

Using a foam roller on a regular basis can help correct and improve alignment and mobility while increasing core strength. Rolling soft tissue with a firm foam roller can also improve flexibility and range of motion around specific joints.

Maintaining proper flexibility is an important part of an athlete's training routine. Performing a regular self-massage with a foam roller can help maintain proper range of motion and alignment by more naturally releasing the fascia, the tissue that surrounds the muscle fibers. By applying smooth, rolling pressure on tender points or adhesions along the muscle tissue, the muscle spindles relax and lengthen. This also helps reduce overall muscle tension, increase blood flow, and enhance overall muscle function.

You can also use the foam roller to help perform a trigger point massage, which helps release knots or muscle spasms. To use a foam roller for trigger point release, position the roller in a way that allows you to apply specific, steady pressure to any muscle tightness or knots. You will likely have the roller on the ground, and your body positioned on top of the roller with the target muscle directly on the foam roller. Roll back and forth on the sore area for a few seconds until you find the "trigger point" and hold for 20-30 seconds, or until you feel the muscle tightness or tension "let go." While holding this steady pressure, continue taking long, slow, steady deep breaths.

As soon as you feel the tension release, stretch the target muscle by continuing on with your basic foam roller self massage technique. Roll the muscle with steady even pressure. You can also finish with a nice, slow, static stretch of the muscle.