I never put much thought into the way I walked until this fitness tech brand made me question everything.
What is Hypershell?
Founded in 2021, Hypershell offers a line of AI-powered exoskeletons designed to help you achieve peak performance during cardio-focused activities like walking, running and cycling. They have three models to choose from: X Pro S, X Max S and X Ultra S.
When the opportunity was presented for me to test out the Hypershell X Ultra S, as well as their popular Hypershell X Ultra model, I couldn’t help but laugh because I’m not the target demographic. While I wouldn’t consider myself to be totally sedentary, I much prefer a leisurely walk in the park to jogging up mountains. Ultimately, I accepted the assignment for that very reason. I wanted to see how Hypershell can help someone like me.
My honest Hypershell Exoskeleton review
Weather-permitting, I walk the full loop around Prospect Park starting at my apartment, which ends up being around 4-5 miles. There’s no running involved. It’s just me and my friend Stephanie walking at a steady, brisk pace while discussing the hot topics of the day. Over the past several weeks, I used a few of those walks to try out both devices to see how they compared.
Here are my honest thoughts after walking over 30,000 steps using the device.
What makes the Hypershell X Ultra different from the X Ultra S?
At first glance, the two models may appear almost identical, but there are several functional upgrades on the X Ultra S:
- Both waist pads are designed with three-zone firmness and an iliac-fitting structure.
- There’s a thicker back pad, which is now also raised on both sides.
- The leg straps are now built to stay put more easily with skin-friendly material and anti-slip tech.
The AI-powered HyperIntuition feature on the X Ultra S is what makes it an elite piece of machinery. It’s a motion control algorithm that utilizes 12 sensors to predict your next step in real time and assists as needed.
It feels a bit like operating in manual mode versus automatic.
Wearing the X Ultra S, that HyperIntuition feature is an absolute game-changer. It makes the step feel more natural as the exoskeleton moves more in tandem with your body. Every time the terrain changed, HyperIntuition knew and adjusted the power distribution and other settings as needed.
The X Ultra has a slightly more delayed response and, while still impressive, felt a bit more like it needed to be told what to do.
How easy is it to set up a Hypershell Exoskeleton?
Like any new tech in 2026, using Hypershell requires an app and a Bluetooth connection. Getting started with both X Ultra models is the same. Power up the device, pair it with the app, adjust the equipment to your size and buckle up.
The app is pretty straightforward to navigate. The first time you open it, you’re presented with quick video clips showing how to use the device and fit the exoskeleton to your body.
Once properly suited up, the real fun begins. I’ve seen plenty of cyborg movies in my day and yet I still wasn’t fully prepared for how it felt to take a step in the Hypershell for the first time. It’s a bit jarring, but not in a bad way. Feeling the difference between my natural step and one aided by Hypershell made me immediately realize how little I’m lifting my legs when I walk.
Although the app guides you through the entire process, it took me a few tries buckling in to figure out the correct positioning. Even after four walks, I still needed to adjust and tighten to ensure the exoskeleton was operating at maximum efficiency.
How long does the battery last?
My first time using the Hypershell X Ultra S, I was curious about all of the bells and whistles and really put the device to the test in Hyper mode. The battery drained nearly 30 minutes into my walk. I learned after the fact that the batteries can last anywhere from 30 minutes to eight hours, depending on which mode you’re operating in and how much assistance you require.
My second go-round with the Ultra S, I stuck primarily to Eco mode and it made all the difference. This model is outfitted with improved motor efficiency to make it last longer for walks, climbs, and days outdoors. It’s designed to reach 90% energy conversion efficiency and reduce heat loss by 50%.
Armed with the hard-learned lessons from my Ultra S experience, I was much better at conserving battery by the time I tested the original X Ultra.
Truthfully, I was initially bothered by the fact that utilizing the features that make the Hypershell so special burns through battery power rather quickly. But it has since dawned on me that, much like the human body on its own, these devices are not meant to operate at peak performance for extended periods of time. Hyper and Boost modes are meant to be used when you’re really pushing yourself.
Although I’m baffled as to what settings would need to be used to get one charge to last for eight hours, the fine folks at Hypershell account for all of this by providing an extra battery for people who go with either of their X Ultra models. The X Ultra S also comes with a charging hub to ensure you’ll always have a backup battery ready to go when needed.
Which mode is right for you?
Both models have three modes of operation: Eco, Hyper, and Transparent. Eco is the standard mode meant for moderate activity, like the walks I do or some hikes. The exoskeleton will provide some assistance while allowing you to conserve battery. Hyper mode is meant for more intense activities and will kick in with extra power when needed. Transparent mode offers no extra assistance and operates similarly to a standard harness.
You can also switch to Fitness mode to select one of the activity-specific preset settings for things like uphill walking, stairs, running, cycling and more.
My favorite feature, however, is Boost mode…which really should be called “Beast” mode because it provides a brief 30-second jolt of power to help you push through tough moments of your workout.
Which Hypershell should you buy?
While it may seem obvious that the new and improved Hypershell X Ultra S is the better way to go, that’s not necessarily true. It really depends on how you want to use your Hypershell. If the idea is to buckle in and do your activity with little need to play around in the app, get yourself the X Ultra S, set it up in HyperIntuition mode and get on your way. Its inclusion of a smaller case with a side shoulder strap also makes it ideal if portability is a primary concern.
But let’s not discount the X Ultra. It offers plenty for someone looking to pay less, but still get a very similar level of support in their cardio. You really can’t go wrong either way.
Both models will take some getting used to, but the weirdness goes away after a couple of uses. I’m so used to doing my bi-weekly walks that they don’t really feel like exercise anymore, but doing them with Hypershell made me feel like I was using leg muscles that haven’t seen action in a long time. I certainly felt a difference, so I can only imagine how they would feel if I were doing something more physically demanding.
Who the Hypershell X Ultra S is for:
- The “Set-It-and-Forget-It” Adventurer: If you want to buckle in and immediately lose yourself in nature without constantly micromanaging settings on your phone, the Ultra S is worth every penny.
- The Mixed-Terrain Explorer: If your routes throw a mix of steep inclines, stairs, and sudden descents at you, the real-time responsiveness of HyperIntuition is an absolute game-changer.
- The Jetsetter: If portability is a priority, its significantly smaller case and integrated side shoulder strap make it far superior for packing and traveling.
Who the Original Hypershell X Ultra is for:
The Value-Conscious Fitness Walker: If you want that distinct “cyborg-assisted” leg muscle boost, but don’t necessarily want to pay the full Hypershell exoskeleton price, the original model delivers a highly comparable level of support where it counts.
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