- Price
- Not publicly listed
- Lease
- Financing offered, terms not published
- Price
- Not publicly listed
EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial vs EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic
Both the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic put their peak energy at the applicator surface, so they are built for the same clinical job and compare fairly. Both use pneumatic wave generation. Neither publishes a purchase price, so both need a written quote. FDA records located: for the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial, 510(k) K220538 (Class I. Minor aches and pains, temporary increase in circulation, connective tissue activation); for the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic, PMA P050004 (Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy).
Specs and prices are estimates based on publicly available data as of September 2026. Confirm details with the manufacturer or seller before you buy.
Side by side
| Specification | RadialEMS Swiss DolorClast Radial | RadialEMS Swiss DolorClast Classic |
|---|---|---|
Technology | ||
| Category | Radial pressure wave | Radial pressure wave |
| Wave generation | Pneumaticballistic | Pneumaticexternal compressed-air supply |
| Energy fieldWhere the peak energy lands | Peaks at the applicator surface | Peaks at the applicator surface |
| Technology as published | Pneumatic ballistic radial | Pneumatic radial, external compressor |
Energy outputPressure in bar, energy flux density in mJ/mm² and energy per pulse in mJ are different quantities. A figure in one row never stands in for another. | ||
| Energy flux densitymJ/mm² | 0.29 mJ/mm²at 4 bar | Up to 0.18 mJ/mm² |
| Energy per pulsemJ | 5.9 mJat 4 bar, per the 510(k) summary | Not published |
| Pressurebar | 1–4 bar | 1–4 bar |
| FrequencyHz | 1–25 Hz | Up to 15 Hz |
Depth and treatment fieldFocal depth, penetration and focus volume measure three different things. Compare like with like. | ||
| Maximum penetration | 40 mm | Not published |
Applicators and handpiece | ||
| Applicators and transmitters | 7 applicators5 to 40 mm in diameter | Handpiece with a 15 mm applicatoras described in the FDA summary |
| Handpiece life | 5,000,000 pulsesor two years, per the 510(k) summary | Over 500,000 impulsesvalidated in the 2007 FDA summary |
| Applicator weight | 0.85 kghandpiece | Not published |
| Preset protocols | 5 smart protocolsplus 3 modes of action | Not published |
Size and setup | ||
| Unit weight | 14.5 kg (≈ 32 lb)console; the optional cart adds 18 kg | Not published |
| Dimensions | 179 × 340 × 452 mmconsole | Not published |
| Configuration | Portable console with two built-in compressorsno external air supply; optional cart | Console with manometer and LCDruns from an external compressed-air supply; compressor and cart are optional accessories |
| Other published details | RFID usage tracking and a quick-release pistonmade in Switzerland | EMS's original radial devicesold since 1999 |
Price and buying | ||
| Purchase price | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed |
| Monthly lease | Financing offered, terms not published | Not publicly listed |
| Sales and service | EMS direct, with US distribution partnersUS entity Electro Medical Systems LLC, Southlake, Texas | Through EMSnot listed on EMS's US website; confirm it is still sold |
Regulatory recordRecord types and numbers exactly as located. A record covers one configuration and one indication, and never transfers to another product. | ||
| FDA record located | 510(k) K220538 | PMA P050004 |
| Indication as worded in the record | Class I. Minor aches and pains, temporary increase in circulation, connective tissue activation | Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy |
| Decision date | Not stated | May 2007 |
Our notes | ||
| Where it stands out | A clean Class I 510(k) is on file. | A PMA approval, FDA's most stringent premarket pathway, covering chronic proximal plantar fasciitis. |
| What to check | The labelling is conservative and does not cover broader clinical claims. | An older design that needs an external compressor. EMS's US website lists only its DolorClast Radial and Focused, so confirm the Classic is still sold before quoting. |
7 further fields have no published figure for either machine.
EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial vs EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic: common questions
What is the difference between the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic?
Both the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic put their peak energy at the applicator surface, so they are built for the same clinical job and compare fairly. Both use pneumatic wave generation. The EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial is described as “Pneumatic ballistic radial”, the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic as “Pneumatic radial, external compressor”.
Which is cheaper, the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial or the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic?
Neither publishes a purchase price, so both need a written quote. Prices change and estimates are not quotes, so confirm both in writing.
Are the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic FDA cleared?
FDA records located: for the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial, 510(k) K220538 (Class I. Minor aches and pains, temporary increase in circulation, connective tissue activation); for the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic, PMA P050004 (Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy). A record covers one configuration and one indication, and never transfers to another model, so check it against the exact configuration you are quoted.
How do I choose between the EMS Swiss DolorClast Radial and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic?
Start with the clinical job, then ask both vendors for the same five things in writing: the exact model, revision, and which accessories are included at that price; contract term, APR, total payments, and the buyout option at the end; handpiece and consumable life, and what a replacement costs; warranty coverage and US service turnaround time; the exact FDA clearance number and the current labelling for the configuration being quoted.
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