- Price
- Not publicly listed
- Purchase
- $17,850
EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic vs Gymna ShockMaster 500
Both the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Gymna ShockMaster 500 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. Only the Gymna ShockMaster 500 has a published purchase figure ($17,850 at one US seller, listed sold out); the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic's price is not published. FDA records located: 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); for the Gymna ShockMaster 500, no record located.
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 Classic | RadialGymna ShockMaster 500 |
|---|---|---|
Technology | ||
| Category | Radial pressure wave | Radial pressure wave |
| Wave generation | Pneumaticexternal compressed-air supply | Pneumaticbuilt-in oil compressor |
| Energy fieldWhere the peak energy lands | Peaks at the applicator surface | Peaks at the applicator surface |
| Technology as published | Pneumatic radial, external compressor | Pneumatic radial |
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 | Up to 0.18 mJ/mm² | Not published |
| Pressurebar | 1–4 bar | 0.3–5 bareffective bar, in 0.1 bar steps |
| FrequencyHz | Up to 15 Hz | 0.5–21 Hz35 Hz with V-Actor |
Depth and treatment fieldFocal depth, penetration and focus volume measure three different things. Compare like with like. | ||
| Maximum penetration | Not published | 0–60 mmDeep Impact applicator; 0–40 mm with the beam applicator |
Applicators and handpiece | ||
| Applicators and transmitters | Handpiece with a 15 mm applicatoras described in the FDA summary | Beam, Deep Impact and D-Actor 20 mmstandard set; more are optional |
| Handpiece life | Over 500,000 impulsesvalidated in the 2007 FDA summary | Revision prompt every 1.25 million shocks4 revisions included |
| Applicator weight | Not published | About 500 gRSW handpiece |
| Preset protocols | Not published | Over 90pre-programmed settings |
Size and setup | ||
| Unit weight | Not published | 65 kg (≈ 143.3 lb)complete; the latest datasheet says 72 kg |
| Dimensions | Not published | 102 × 58 × 57 cmH × L × W, on its trolley |
| Configuration | Console with manometer and LCDruns from an external compressed-air supply; compressor and cart are optional accessories | Trolley unit with a built-in oil compressor7-inch touchscreen |
| Other published details | EMS's original radial devicesold since 1999 | Two handpiece connectionssoft start ramps up from 1 bar; software updates by USB |
Price and buying | ||
| Purchase price | Not publicly listed | $17,850at one US seller, listed sold out |
| Sales and service | Through EMSnot listed on EMS's US website; confirm it is still sold | US direct channel unclearno US dealer listed; the nearest is in Ontario, Canada |
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 | PMA P050004 | None located |
| Indication as worded in the record | Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy | No record to quote |
| Decision date | May 2007 | Not stated |
Our notes | ||
| Where it stands out | A PMA approval, FDA's most stringent premarket pathway, covering chronic proximal plantar fasciitis. | Very large preset protocol library. |
| What to check | 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. | US direct channel is unclear and no FDA number was found. |
9 further fields have no published figure for either machine.
EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic vs Gymna ShockMaster 500: common questions
What is the difference between the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Gymna ShockMaster 500?
Both the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Gymna ShockMaster 500 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 Classic is described as “Pneumatic radial, external compressor”, the Gymna ShockMaster 500 as “Pneumatic radial”.
Which is cheaper, the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic or the Gymna ShockMaster 500?
Only the Gymna ShockMaster 500 has a published purchase figure ($17,850 at one US seller, listed sold out); the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic's price is not published. Prices change and estimates are not quotes, so confirm both in writing.
Are the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Gymna ShockMaster 500 FDA cleared?
FDA records located: 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); for the Gymna ShockMaster 500, no record located. 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 Classic and the Gymna ShockMaster 500?
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.
More comparisons
EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic vs
Still deciding?
Talk it through with our equipment team
Tell us about your practice and caseload. We will help you weigh the options and send lease and purchase estimates for the machines we sell.