The Mendi is a remake of the 2014 HEG biofeedback device which I published a review on in 2019 . I’ve been using HEG neurofeedback for roughly 10 years now and it has been beneficial for my health but how will this new remake pan out in comparison? You can check out my 2019 review here: https://therationalbiohacker.net/2019/01/16/hemoencephalography-brain-training-review-by-the-rational-biohacker/
Pricing: First of all this is priced as far cheaper than it’s predecessor HEG neurofeedback or as some of you will remember as the focus brain trainer which retailed at $850 back in 2014 it was endorsed by Dave Asprey as the focus Brain Trainer which he did a presentation run through it here:
In comparison the mendi is priced at £229 or roughly $300 bear in mind you should be able to get around a 20 percent discount on this as the website often runs discounts anyway. So we are all in all looking at product that’s $550 cheaper than it’s predecessor all be it it’s made by a different company as Johnathan Toomin the grandson of the inventor Hershel Toomin noted to me on Facebook that the original patent for the product had expired so this pretty much led to an open season of other companies recreating their own HEG neurofeedback devices. Here is the Mendi which is simply a remake of the original concept of the device designed instead for Apple IOS iPhones and Android (the previous HEG devices were for MacBooks and Windows PCs rather than phones)
How does it work?
Pretty much the same as the previous HEG only difference is this app asks for your mood beforehand and is a bit more reliable at tracking your score. You play a game after you strap the headband on and when more blood-flow goes into your prefrontal cortex you score positive points when it leaves you get negative points. At the end of the 10 minute session the app will give you a score that being the noted increased blood-flow to your prefrontal cortex. The app then tracks this score and mood versus the previous days to help you build the habit and see if the device is having a positive effect on your mental well being.
Positives
- $550 cheaper than its predecessor the Mendi plus free international shipping.
- Easy to use App which usually connects pretty well with device
- No subscription based service, app is continually free to use unlike greedy companies like Brain tap which charge a subscription service after you use their device
- Definitely see some cognitive improvements similar to the old HEG after 2-3 sessions most notably improved focus and mood.
Conclusions: All in all similar to it’s predecessor the Mendi is a pretty decent value remake of the HEG focus Brain Trainer that Dave Asprey famously endorsed during the old school prime days of Bulletproof. All in all at 300 dollars this worth a punt for the health benefits. You’re buying a very low risk device which compared to EEG/Nootropics doesn’t have the same risks of side effects. This is a must try for all ages , those battling ADHD or those who just want a bit more focus and productivity in their life.
Further Sources: Johnathan Toomin’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jtoomim
To buy: medi.io
Further Presentations by the inventor:
The Rational Biohacker 