Performa PerfectShaker: Rep Your Team At The Gym
The off-season is over. Summer is in full swing and it’s time to show off that beach body you’ve been crafting all spring. As you squeeze in those last minute workouts before heading out to the pool, don’t forget to stay hydrated. And while you’re at it, why not add in some protein powder to help build up those vanity muscles. Of course, the quickest and most efficient way to down that protein shake is with a protein shaker bottle—a staple in almost every fitness fanatic’s gym bag and kitchen. For years I’ve used a generic shaker bottle that I bought from the local supermarket:
It’s pretty standard, holding up to 28 ounces and incorporating a classic wire blender ball to help evenly mix the protein powder with your liquid of choice. It’s a no frills bottle that gets the job done.
While it’s hard to imagine how this classic design can be innovated, that’s exactly what the folks at Performa are striving to accomplish. A fitness accessory company, Performa has patented a new mixing devise that claims to amplify the kinetic energy in the shaker cup optimizing fluid dynamics for the ultimate smooth mix. That’s quite the statement to go along with its 100% leak free guarantee and patented shatter resistant plastic. So is their shaker bottle really as “perfect” as they say it is? Let’s put it to this very un-scientific and subjective test.
Design
The Performa PerfectShaker is definitely sleeker looking than your average shaker bottle. While first and foremost, a shaker bottle must be effective, it doesn’t hurt if it also looks cool. With brand collections ranging from MLB to Marvel Heroes and Star Wars to WWE, there are loads of options to bring out the inner teenager in all of us. They also offer a customizable option for those looking to market their own brand.
Mixing Quality
Using my completely arbitrary test, I put the Performa PerfectShaker up against my generic bottle in a shake off. Adding 10 ounces of cold water and 35 grams of protein powder to each bottle, I shook each using a vertical up and down motion for a total of thirty motions (about ten seconds). Assessing for smoothness, I compared the lumpiness of the protein mixture upon completion. As you can see from the photos below, each produced comparable results, with an evenly mixed shake containing no lumps.
So what does this mean? Either my generic bottle is abnormally effective, or the PerfectShaker’s optimizing claims are exaggerated. However, there’s always the possibility that there are faults with my evaluation. Maybe the PerfectShaker is superior when trying to mix a large quantity of protein powder, or out performs when shaking the bottle in less motions.
Leakage
So far, the Performa PerfectShaker has held up to its 100% leak free guarantee, but if that changes for any reason, Performa says on its website that it will replace it free of charge.
Cleanup
A little awkward if cleaning by hand since the mixing device is non-detachable from a rod connected to the bottle cap, but holds up well if using a dishwasher.
Durability
The patented durable shatter resistant plastic was put to a light test (empty bottle dropped from waste level) and the shaker indeed survived.
Cost
A PerfectShaker will cost $13.99 USD or $16.99 USD, depending on the design. For comparison, the best-selling protein shaker bottle on Amazon will cost you $9.50 USD.
The Bottom Line
The Performa PerfectShaker is both durable and stylish. While it mixes protein powder effectively, removing all lumps, its patented technology did not outperform the old-fashioned wire blender ball in my un-scientific test. However, if you’re looking for a shaker with a little more personality, and perhaps a conversation starter at the gym, feel free to spend the extra few bucks for this bottle.
-Doug Lee
