InTENSity Twin Stim III Review: Everything You Need to Know

Introducing the InTENSity Twin Stim III

In this InTENSity Twin Stim III review we will talk about this versatile little unit that incorporates both TENS and EMS technology. This unit is great for electro stimulation therapy. (electric pulse therapy)

A lot of times people who desire the use of both TENS and EMS must purchase a TENS machine and an EMS machine, but this unit combines that technology. We will talk more about EMS in just a moment.

The InTENSity Twin Stim III tens and ems combo (DI3717) is manufactured by Roscoe Medical. People also search this as Current Solutions InTENSity 10 Tens device. As I have mentioned in my InTENSity 10 tens unit review, Current Solutions is a Roscoe Medical Company.

Other models from Roscoe Medical include the InTENSity 12, InTENSity 5000, TENS 3000, TENS 6000 and TENS 7000. We will also be looking briefly at the TENS 3000, TENS 6000, and TENS 7000.

When we compare tens machines this unit looks pretty similar to the InTENSity 10 tens unit, but it provides EMS as well as TENS.

EMS and TENS Units

While TENS stimulates the nerves and blocks pain signals, EMS causes the muscles to contract. EMS is used to relax muscles, tone/strengthen muscles, increase blood circulation, and prevent muscle atrophy from disuse. It stands for electrical muscle stimulation.

To learn about the difference between TENS and muscle stimulators go here.

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InTENSity Twin Stim III


Dual Channel TENS Technology

4 Modes for TENS Therapy

3 Modes for EMS Therapy

Use with 2 Pads or 4 Pads

AC Adapter

InTENSity Twin Stim III - Features

Seven Total Modes

7 Pre-set TENS Modes

The seven modes contained in this unit are divided into EMS and TENS. There are four modes which fall under TENS, and three which are for the purpose of EMS.

For TENS therapy the modes are:

  • burst
  • normal
  • mod 1
  • mod 2

For EMS therapy the modes are:

  • synchronous
  • asynchronous
  • delay

This seems to be a pretty good balance for those who are seeking a device with both EMS and TENS functions.

The primary difference between this unit and the TENS 3000, TENS 6000, and TENS 7000, is that they only provide TENS modes.

The TENS 3000 has 3 modes, and the TENS 6000 and 7000 have five modes.

Dual Channel

Dual Channel & Use with two Pads or four Pads

The InTENSity Twin Stim 3 runs two separate channels. This can be used so that you can adjust the settings—like the mode and intensity level—separately on two different sets of electrodes (each set includes two). This may help if you want to use the device for two different areas.

The TENS 3000, 6000, and TENS 7000 are all dual channel devices.

Intensity Levels

The intensity level is adjustable although the output voltage remains constant in the InTENSity Twin Stim III by Current Solutions. The intensity measure can be shifted from a range of of 0-105 miliAmps.

The pulse rate and pulse width may also be adjusted on this particular device. The pulse rate ranges from 1-150 Hz and the pulse width ranges between 50 and 300 microseconds.

You can also adjust the timer, which ranges from one minute to 60 minutes. It can be altered in one minute increments. Although there is no Continuous setting this should give you enough time to utilize the machine.

All-in-all the unit allows for quite a bit of customization and that is one thing I particularly like about the device. This gives more room for personal preference and flexibility.

Simple to Use

InTENSity Twin Stim III - LCD Screen

The LCD screen seems to be fairly spacious and it also appears to have a backlight. Both of these qualities will make it easier for anyone to read the display, whether in good lighting or poor.

The Twin Stim tens unit will come along with an operations manual which will teach you everything you need to know about operating the unit. It will tell you all about what the buttons and knobs do, but I have heard that it takes a little time in order to figure out how to operate the unit.

From the things I have seen about the TENS 3000, TENS 6000, and TENS 7000, each is relatively easy to use with a display screen and few buttons.

How to Use This Unit

Overall using most tens machines is, from what I have found, pretty straightforward. Even so, it can be somewhat challenging to learn exactly how to use a completely new device. Each unit is just a little different even though they share a lot of the basic functions, such as the electrodes, lead wires, and modes, and intensity levels.

This video is a short but comprehensive introduction that briefly explains what the unit is and how to operate it.

Here is an online quick start guide. The manual will assist you in operating your tens unit as quicky as possible.

Compact and Lightweight

InTENSity Twin Stim III - Size Comparison

You can get a pretty clear idea of the size from the video listed above. The device is 4.5” x 2.55” x 0.9” and it weighs 0.28 pounds with the battery. There are tens units out there that are smaller and somewhat lighter, but this is still a pretty good size for such a powerful and capable machine. You should still be able to fit it into your pocket (if you have spacious pockets) and take it with you with relative ease.

Like the other tens units from Roscoe Medical which I have seen and written about, this electric pain relief device comes with a carrying case. For mobility purposes this is definitely a big bonus because you can consolidate the unit and all accessories together in one secure case. It will also keep everything safe from damage.

To put it simply, the unit is small, light, and very portable with the help of its protective carrying case.

The TENS 3000, TENS 6000, and TENS 7000 are all about the same size and weight and include a carrying case.

Two Ways to Power the Unit

Just about every review mentioning the battery claims that it lasts for a pretty long time, so that is definitely encouraging news. Reviews claim that the battery is good both on the 9V and the rechargeable, and that the battery life is surprising for the power of the machine.

Just to clarify, there are two ways to power this muscle stimulator machine—either with an ordinary 9V battery or by plugging it into the wall with an AC adapter. The AC adapter allows you to save the charge on the 9V battery so you don't have to use it as much and replace it frequently. This is a good combination, however, because if you lose charge in the rechargeable battery then you have the 9V as a backup.

The TENS 3000, TENS 6000, and TENS 7000 run on a 9V battery and cannot be charged with an AC adapter.

What's in the Box?

InTENSity Twin Stim III - Accesories

Included with the purchase of the unit is two sets of lead wires, a carrying case, pack of four self-adhesive reusable electrodes, a 9-volt battery, AC adapter and manual.

We already talked a lot about the carrying case, but I just want to say once more that this is a great accessory to have along with the unit and you should get a lot of use out of it.

These are essentially all of the things which the TENS 3000, 6000, and 7000 also come with.

One-Year Warranty

1 Year Warranty

This device comes with a one-year warranty. All things considered this is a pretty good warranty especially when you think about the other tens units out there which have much shorter warranties.

The TENS 6000 has the best warranty of these units with a two-year warranty. The TENS 3000 and TENS 7000 have a one-year warranty.

Cost

This unit is pretty inexpensive. It can be found at otcwholesale.com for $44.95 and tenspros.com for the same price. The last time I checked overstock.com the unit was no longer available but you may want to double check. Activeforever.com is selling the unit for $54.99 and it is $39.95 at NewEgg.com.

Amazon.com usually has some pretty competitive prices so you may also want to give them a quick glance to see what they are charging for the unit.

If you use the 9V with very much frequency you will have to get replacement batteries, of course, and that will factor into long-term maintenance of the device. Aside from the battery you will definitely have to purchase replacement pads.

The TENS 3000, TENS 6000, and TENS 7000 are all within about the same price range but may run slightly cheaper depending on where you go.

Tens Therapy Reviews

This tens and ems machine has seen very few complaints. The vast majority of feedback given about the device has been almost entirely positive. People say that it relieves their pain, that it is powerful, a great product for the price, has very good battery life, and that they recommend it to friends.

Some people had a little trouble figuring out all of the functions in the device and claimed that the instructions were not very helpful, but that is the most common disadvantage that I have seen. Aside from that a few people have had some minor complaints about the electrodes, but these must be replaced eventually anyway.

The TENS 3000 and 7000 are both well liked but there are not really any reviews about the TENS 6000.

Compare Roscoe Medical TENS Units

Here is a comparison of 4 TENS models by Roscoe Medical.

InTENSity Twin Stim III

InTENSity 10 Digital TENS

TENS 7000

TENS 3000
Modes 7 10 5 3
Channels Dual Dual Dual Dual
Pads 4 4 4 4
Intensity - - 8 8
Touch Screen No No No No
EMS Yes No No No
Battery 1 x 9V & AC Adapter 1 x 9V 1 x 9V 1 x 9V
Size (inches) (H x W x D) 4.5 x 2.55 x 0.9 4.5 x 2.55 x 0.9 3.98 x 2.4 x 0.96 3.74 x 2.6 x 0.92
Weight (oz) 4.48 4.48 5.29 4.06
Warranty 1 Year Warranty 1 Year Warranty 1 Year Warranty 1 Year Warranty
Price $ $ $ $
Rating 7.6 7.5 8.2 7.1

Compare InTENSity Twin Stim III with Other TENS Machines


InTENSity Twin Stim III

AccuRelief Dual Channel TENS

HealthmateForever Pro-12AB

Icy Hot Smart Relief TENS Therapy
Modes 7 6 12 1
Channels Dual Dual Dual Single
Pads 4 4 4 1
Intensity - 25 20 63
Touch Screen No No No No
EMS Yes No Yes No
Battery 1 x 9V & AC Adapter 3 x AAA Rechargeable lithium 1 x 3V
Size (inches) (H x W x D) 4.5 x 2.55 x 0.9 4.6 x 2.4 x 1.3 3.5 x 1.75 x 0.25 2.51 x 1.49 x 0.51
Weight (oz) 4.48 2.7 1.8 0.70
Warranty 1 Year Warranty 1 Year Warranty Lifetime Warranty in US and Canada -
Price $ $ $$$ $
Rating 7.6 7.5 8.4 7.0

InTENSity Twin Stim III - Conclusion

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InTENSity Twin Stim III

The Bottom Line

If you have a need for both EMS and TENS then this is a great unit to choose because you will not have to purchase separate devices; one for EMS, one for TENS. Aside from that obvious point, this unit has a lot of perks. It is pretty customizable, in that you can adjust the electrical settings and the timer. It is comparatively inexpensive, offers two ways to power the device, and overall seems to be liked by those who have owned it. I have seen a lot of pain relief devices and this one appears to offer be pretty high quality and good value.
7.6
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