Hypershell X Ultra Next-Gen Exoskeleton 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. Alright, well, 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
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
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 couldn’t help but feel a little bit like a secret agent getting outfitted for his next undercover task.
And, when faced with the exoskeleton itself, I have to admit 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.
I thought I'd only ever need carbon-plated shoes to be fast, but now I have carbon fiber legs, too.
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.
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