Body Sport Half Foam Roller for Muscle Recovery & Massage - 18" x 6" High Density EVA Foam Roller for Back Pain Relief, Yoga, Physical Therapy & Workout Recovery - Perfect for Home Gym, Fitness Training & Post-Workout Stretching

I should have spent the extra dollars and purchased the 18" roller, the extra 6 inches really make a difference. The roller is 12 inches, as ordered. The material is not super hard but is hard enough if you're just starting to use a foam roller.I purchased this one b/c I have a much harder material one. I purchased the denser one figuring I wanted one that would last me a long time and not get all flattened down. Well, when you're just starting out and using the foam roller is super painful, that's when you want a soft foam roller. It's much easier to work your way up to the denser foam than end up so sore you can't keep using the roller. So this one fits the bill for density but is definitely not long enough for me. With this length it's also not as comfortable for laying down on lengthwise.I had some knots in my legs that I really needed to get out. I expected this to not have much to offer, but i was wrong. This thing is awesome! It got rid of those knots and I was back to running the very next day. I don''t have too much experience with foam rollers, but I can tell you that this one works well AND is quite easy on the wallet.My physical therapist specified this for me—I didn’t even look for an alternative. He likes it and that was enough! I like that it’s a half-length version, works well for my assigned exercises (quadriceps).I purchased this foam roller after one of my running buddies recommended that I start "rolling" after our runs. I didn't understand why, but I did it anyway, because I trust her advice. I was amazing at what a difference foam rolling makes, in preventing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). Wanna take it up a notch? Try the rumble roller! I just graduated to the rumble roller, and O.M.G it is wonderful!Was introduced to foam rolling at work and came home and ordered these right away. I have a twelve inch and a 36 inch and use them both for different focus areas. Could probably get by with one or the other, but if I only had one, I may try to get something in between, like and 18 or 24 inch. I used these every day for a few days until the muscles loosened up and now I use them a couple times a week. It makes it possible to give yourself a massage!The product has no quality issues but I have a hard time getting on top of it to roll out my legs and I definately can't figure out how to do my lower back except against the wall. I have found a rolling pin works so much better especially on the back of my legs.I got this for massaging my IT band. I started getting bursitis on my hip from running and hiking and bought this since it was the cheapest option. It works for a while but slowly the foam starts to get softer and softer. Because this is gradual it provides less and less massaging pressure over time but you still think it's providing some sort of relief. In my case my bursitis got worse and worse even though i was massaging the same amount. I've since upgraded to a trigger point roller and I'm a lot happier. Spend the extra $20 and get something that will actually last.Works great for it's intended purpose, but wish now that I'd bought the longer one to expand on areas I could use it. Good quality though.