I’m a runner and I tried picking up my pace with an exoskeleton, here’s how it went
Source: Android Authority
The Hypershell X Ultra brings a new dimension to running, cycling, and hiking that I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. It uses dual motors and premium materials to take some of the load out of your legs and help you stay out there for longer. If you’re willing to splash the cash, it’s an augmented exercise experience like no other.
Someone, somewhere, once said that running is a cheap sport to get into. At the base level, I guess they were right. All you really need is a pair of shoes and the motivation to get out the door — and maybe a fitness tracker. The first of those is easy to find, but the second, not always so much. That’s why we have gadgets like massage guns, foam rollers, and specialized shoes with plates and innovative midsole foams. Sometimes, though, that’s still not enough.
When that happens, runners turn to even more extreme measures to get their miles in. We buy shoes with illegal stack heights, pick up fancy compression boots to squeeze the pain out of our legs, and step into exoskeletons to make each step easier. Previously I’d only ever heard of that last point, not experienced it.
That is, until now, with the Hypershell X Ultra that I’ve been wearing on and off for the last few months to augment my typical running schedule. This is Hypershell’s top‑of‑the‑line outdoor exoskeleton, and it’s one of the most unique pieces of running gear I’ve ever worn — here’s what it’s like to use one.
The look (and feel) of the future
From the minute the Hypershell X Ultra arrived at my door, I could tell I was dealing with a premium piece of equipment. The exoskeleton comes packaged in a thick, foam‑like carrying case, which is then packed in a much larger box. Opening it, I felt a little bit like a secret agent getting outfitted for his next undercover task.
When faced with the exoskeleton itself, I was a little overwhelmed. As someone who’s accustomed to simply lacing up his shoes and heading out the door, the series of buckles, straps, and the M‑One Ultra motor system seemed like they’d add several minutes to my daily running setup. So, I did what anyone would do to delay figuring out the space‑age apparatus: I plugged the Hypershell X Ultra in to charge via the USB‑C port on the back of its frame.
My hesitancy to strap into an exoskeleton isn’t because of concerns about Hypershell’s quality — far from it, in fact. The SpiralTwill 3000 carbon fiber arms and titanium alloy frame actually felt like they were ready for any tumble I might take on my first few trail runs while adapting to the assistance from the side‑mounted motors. I, thankfully, didn’t take any of those tumbles in the exoskeleton, for reasons I’ll get to in a minute.
On top of its tough materials, the Hypershell X Ultra seems tailor‑made for adventures with temperature ratings from ‑20 °C (‑4 °F) to 60 °C (140 °F). I’ll probably never hit either extreme, living in the Mid‑Atlantic, but the IP54 rating will come in handy for most runs that don’t involve deep creek crossings.
The exoskeleton is well‑padded, with generous padding for the lower back and waist. I was able to get a snug (but not uncomfortable) fit from the adjustable waist strap and thigh straps, though the adjustable arms of the skeleton will probably be the most useful for twisting, turning trail runs.
It’s not a subtle running accessory for life in the big city, so I headed for some slightly more remote terrain.
I’m so glad there’s an app for that
Once I was safely outside the confines of the city, I decided it was time to actually figure out how to strap into what seemed like a complicated piece of running equipment. I was immediately prompted to download the Hypershell app. After setting up my login, I paired the exoskeleton with my phone for easier control.
As a total rookie, the app guided me step by step, explaining how to secure the perfect fit:
- Waistband – adjust the middle buckle and tighten the straps.
- Adjustable titanium arms – open levers and widen the arms based on height and weight.
- Thigh straps – position them about two finger widths above the knees.
Spend extra time in the Hypershell app before you start adventuring. I’ve since overruled some of the fit recommendations because my actual waist doesn’t match the metrics perfectly, but the app came pretty close.
After locking into the suit, the app walked me through:
- Powering on the exoskeleton.
- Toggling between modes (Eco, Hyper, Transparent).
- Adjusting power level.
The app also lets you monitor remaining charge, mileage, and current speed, though I haven’t felt comfortable checking those while trail running.
They’re still my legs, just with a bit more oomph
For my maiden voyage, I started simple: Transparent mode (no assistance) on a familiar four‑mile trail loop. After about half a mile of getting used to the sensation of something wrapped around my waist, I switched to Eco mode, which offers light assistance and up to 18 miles or 7.5 hours of battery life on a single charge of the removable cold‑resistant battery. I immediately felt a gentle forward pull on each step, making the extra weight on my lower back feel less intrusive.
The exoskeleton weighs around four pounds without the battery. When not in use, it sits on the lower back and can feel a bit uncomfortable, but I got used to the sensation.
Pushing further, I toggled into Hyper mode and tackled the climbs and descents. The assistance was much stronger, launching my legs forward on each uphill stride and daring me to keep up. At first, this level of assistance worried me because I feared it would continue pushing me over the top of the hill…
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