WIRED Editor Amit Katwala has traveled far and wide for a hands-on look at the future of robotic artificial limbs, and the technological progress he witnessed is beyond impressive. But in truth, his quest to become Superhuman is still stuck in the prototype phase. I, on the other hand, have been galavanting around the English countryside wearing the Hypershell Pro X, the first readily available leg-boosting, mile-eating, powered exoskeleton.

As a broader product category, exoskeletons have the potential to enhance mobility for those with disabilities, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life. They can also reduce physical strain in the workplace, minimizing the chances of injury and boosting productivity. But the likes of Hypershell produces nonmedical, wearable exoskeletons that promise muscle-boosting power for us average Joes.

Last year I reviewed a prelaunch version of the similar DNSYS X1 (WIRED 5/10) and found it to be glitchy, heavy, and generally disappointing, but it did show promise. It remains stuck in preorder however, as does the much-publicized pair of $5,000 Arc’teryx MO/GO powered pants.

So can Hypershell do it better? There are currently three versions of the Hypershell exoskeleton: the basic 400-watt, $900 Hypershell Go X, the $1,199 Pro X which has a 800-watt output, 10.8-mile range, and enhanced capabilities for running and even cycling assistance. And then there’s the Hypershell Carbon X, which uses a titanium alloy instead of carbon fiber and costs $1,500.

The Go X offers 7.5 miles per hour maximum speed assistance while the Pro X’s 800-watt motor can help up to speeds of 12.4 miles per hour. Each model collapses down to 16.9 × 10.2 × 4.9 inches, and the Go and Pro X weigh 4.41 pounds, while the Carbon version is 7 ounces lighter.

My Hypershell Pro X sample has a 5000-mAh 72-Wh battery, with quoted assisted range of 10.8 miles (17.5 kilometers) and 10 modes, including up and down stairs, down and uphill, cycling, running, race walking, and regular walking. I’ve been wearing the exoskeleton for the past few months while testing various outdoor gear, including hiking boots and rain jackets, and within seconds of turning it on I knew it was significantly more useful than the DNSYS X1, giving my legs a nice power-up on trails. Did I feel like a fool wearing it in public? Absolutely. Did my wife ask me “Why are you walking like Woody from Toy Story?” Yes. But for many people in need, the benefit of the assistance should outweigh the mild embarrassment.

Fit and Features

Strapping myself in for the first time, I’m impressed by the build quality, the ergonomic fit, and adjustability. The lower back and hip cushioning is particularly good. I’m 5′ 11′′ tall, and most adults—Hypershell estimates 80 percent—will have no fitting issues. The excellent app takes you through the whole process, with step-by-step video instructions on adjusting to fit, and then once you’re corseted in, it demos the various power modes and controls. When you first power on, the inert machine springs to life and tightens up, and once you’ve chosen a power mode, it instantly starts to work as you walk.

Using its multiple sensors, the Hypershell detects your leg movement and then makes the most of the motor to help lift your legs as you stride, with up to 32 newton-meters of torque. In Eco mode the effect is noticeable but not aggressive, but in the higher-torque settings, your leg will be propelled upwards. It feels odd and unnatural, like you’re a bionic marionette.

Hypershell claims its device offsets 30 kilograms, or 66 pounds of weight. Remember though, it is also having to compensate for its own weight, and while 4.4 pounds isn’t prohibitively heavy, it’s not something you want to add to your pack if the battery dies mid-hike. In all the time testing, and walking, I didn’t once forget I was wearing the Hypershell. The leg straps do get sweaty, and I certainly could feel the unit’s weight. It also makes you walk a little oddly—I guess, robotically. This feels pretty great when locked into a nice pace, but it’s not casual.

Exertion Testing

The Hypershell definitely helps your legs move. It positively jerks them up as you stride, but what impact does it have on physical effort? To test this, I went for two hilly but not mountainous walks with a heart rate tracker on. First I checked my heart rate (83 bpm) and then hiked without the exoskeleton, and then, once my heart rate had returned to its previous level, hiked up again with the Pro X on the Eco mode, which is the standard level recommended.

Comparing readings from my Garmin Epix Pro, my unassisted walk—1.8 miles in 28.57 minutes—registered an average speed of 6 km/h and an average heart rate of 102 bpm, with a max heart rate of 127 bpm. In contrast, when I repeated the route wearing the exoskeleton it took 28.19 minutes, with an average speed of 6.1 km/h and an average heart rate of 104 bpm, and maximum of 145 bpm. I was expecting the assisted walk to use less energy and therefore not peak my heart rate.

The thing is, I could feel the exoskeleton pulling my legs and propelling me forward. The impact felt considerable, and made the steepest sections feel easier, with less tiredness at the top. Maybe I was walking faster, pushing myself harder with the robot help? Maybe I was nervous, or excited by the new tech, which pushed up my heart rate. Hmmm …

But in truth this wasn’t the first time I’d experienced these results. I did a similar test some weeks earlier, up a short, very steep hill with the Hypershell on full power. I was so surprised by the results—which, again, suggested it was taking me more effort with the exoskeleton than without—that I contacted the brand and they sent me a second unit to try, assuming this was a fault.

I’ve seen reviews online that also compare heart rate data, and they’ve had more positive results, but I can only go on my own data and repeated experience. The Hypershell feels like it’s helping me, and I like the leg boost, but is it really?

The Best of One

Compared to the DNSYS X1, the Hypershell Pro X is an altogether more polished experience, with none of the glitchy issues I experienced before. It’s also the only design currently for sale, so by that reckoning, it is undeniably the best.

Battery performance is pretty good too, only dropping around 35 percent on a three-hour walk on medium power. It drains quicker in the higher modes, however, and as mentioned earlier, I’d hate to have to carry it if the battery dies, so a spare is essential for longer multiday hikes.

But it’s not perfect. It’s easier to control the exoskeleton via the app, which involves repeatedly reaching for my phone as I change terrain. The onboard controls are simple—it’s one button—but remembering which setting and how many single-press and double-press actions I’ve done isn’t as intuitive as I’d like. Oh and once you’re strapped in, accessing trouser pockets is difficult.

I was impressed by the overall comfort of the design, and while I’d love to be able to wear it under trousers, it’s not that ostentatious. The raised battery and lower back section can interfere with backpacks, though, if they hang quite low. It’s more a niggle than issue, but worth consideration.

Another niggle is the fact that you need to plug the whole system in to recharge, despite the battery being easily swappable. You can buy a charging dock for four batteries for $49, and spares for $99, but a simple battery-mounted USB-C port would be so much more convenient.

I’m also not convinced by the cycling and running modes. The biomechanics just don’t feel natural. Maybe the AI will learn the difference in my stride or power, but for now it feels unnecessary. And of course, there’s the heart rate tests which remain baffling.

I do like the Fitness mode, however, which adds resistance as you walk, making it harder, and increasing my effort. Ironically though, based on my data, it seems that all the modes do this as standard.

Who Is the Hypershell Pro X For?

I still think the Hypershell Pro X can help you walk farther, especially on easier terrain, but as my tests show, it’s not as useful if you’re tackling difficult ascents. Maybe that’s the point. Maybe it’s not a device for already active people. Maybe it can find an audience of older, or less able individuals who are keen to get out and explore more but need a bit of help.

From my experience, exoskeletons continue to overpromise and underdeliver. The Hypershell Pro X is the best of a frustrating bunch, but it still feels disconnected from real-world needs. Why would able-bodied people spend big on a gadget to help their perfectly good legs? I have yet to see a single image of an elderly hiker wearing an exoskeleton. It’s madness. These devices have the potential to be like ebikes for the less able, and they would be better pitched as such, rather than expensive toys for the already active.