Test Overview
WIRED set up a side‑by‑side run on a track to compare two $2,000‑class exoskeletons. The test used heart‑rate monitoring and sprint timing, but it was not a controlled scientific study.
Claims vs Evidence
Both companies quote precise benefits: Hypershell says a 42 % lower heart rate, 20 % less exertion and 63 % higher hip‑flexor endurance. Dnsys claims a up to 50 % drop in power demand. The WIRED data showed mixed results, with some runs showing higher energy use. Without a proper control group, these percentages remain unverified.
Performance Findings
- Heart‑rate drops were modest and inconsistent between testers.
- Sprint times differed by only fractions of a second, well within normal variation.
- The Dnsys unit produced noticeable noise, described as a whirring sound, while the Hypershell was quieter.
- Both units added about four pounds of weight, which affected stair climbs.
User Experience
The fitting process was described as simple, yet the Dnsys battery cable was called “messy” and the power button placement “annoying”. These practical issues were not highlighted in the marketing material.
Conclusion
While the exoskeletons do provide some assistance, the advertised “marginal gains” are small and the hype around being the “best” is not supported by rigorous data. Potential buyers should treat the percentage claims with caution.
Check the full Wired article for more details.