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EMR-Tek Firewave Pro & Krypton 606 Review: A Biohacker's Deep Dive into Red Light Therapy
By Mr Scott Purcell, CFA - Review
Published: 20 June 2025
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Readtime: 12 min
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This review is for the burgeoning biohacker, the wellness-obsessed, and anyone looking to elevate their health routine beyond the basics. My goal in this article is to provide a detailed, hands-on comparison of two advanced red light therapy devices from EMR-Tek: the Firewave Pro and the Krypton 606. One of them is pretty approachable, the other scared the lights out of me (excuse the pun).
I've been on a serious health kick lately. After integrating a daily ice bath and a consistent Vedic meditation practice into my life, I felt a pretty significant shift in my energy and mental clarity. But I was ready for the next level. I wanted to see if I could upgrade my wellness stack even further, which led me down the rabbit hole of photobiomodulation, or as it's more commonly known, light therapy. After a series of discussions and reaching out to the EMR-Tek team, I found myself with two of their most powerful panels, ready to put them to the test.
A Word on Safety First | Image: EMR-Tek
An Important Word on Safety First
Before we dive in, let's talk about safety, because when it comes to anything that can interact with your eyes or retina, it is absolutely paramount. When the giant Krypton 606 box arrived, with its powerful red, infrared, and UV settings, my initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of scepticism. After unpacking the box, it was clear that this wasn't just a lamp; it's a powerful piece of equipment that mimics the sun's most potent rays.
I was far more hesitant to use the Krypton 606's UV features and approached them with extreme caution. This is not a device to be trifled with. Throughout my testing, I made it a rule to always wear the provided safety goggles during any session involving UVA or UVB light.
This isn't just my personal paranoia; the brand itself stresses this with plenty of warning labels and pamphlets that come with it. When I reached out to the brand for clarification, Elijah Halliday, the Business Development representative from EMR-Tek, was unequivocal: 'For UVA and UVB exposure, definitely wear the goggles and keep those sessions timed and controlled. Eyes are way more sensitive to that part of the spectrum.' He further clarified that while the company recommends goggles for all sessions as a best practice, with UV light, it's non-negotiable as it can cause eye damage.
Understanding the Light Spectrum | Image: EMR-Tek
Understanding the Light Spectrum
Before we explore what these devices do, we must first understand the light they emit. The light is not all the same, and each wavelength has a unique biological purpose and safety precautions.
Red Light (660nm): This wavelength is primarily absorbed by your skin. Think of it as working on a surface level. Its main benefits include supporting collagen production, which can improve skin tone and texture, and promoting localised healing.
This wavelength is primarily absorbed by your skin. Think of it as working on a surface level. Its main benefits include supporting collagen production, which can improve skin tone and texture, and promoting localised healing. Near-Infrared (NIR) Light (850nm): NIR penetrates much deeper than red light, reaching muscles, joints, and even organs. Its primary role is to support mitochondrial health, the energy generators of your cells. By enhancing mitochondrial function, NIR can help reduce systemic inflammation, accelerate muscle recovery, and alleviate joint pain.
NIR penetrates much deeper than red light, reaching muscles, joints, and even organs. Its primary role is to support mitochondrial health, the energy generators of your cells. By enhancing mitochondrial function, NIR can help reduce systemic inflammation, accelerate muscle recovery, and alleviate joint pain. UVA & UVB Light (Krypton 606 Only): These two types of ultraviolet (UV) light are what set the Krypton 606 apart. UVA (320-400nm): This is the longest UV wavelength and penetrates deep into the skin. As Elijah from EMR-Tek explained, it helps support nitric oxide release, which can improve blood flow, mood, and skin conditioning. Given that it penetrates the deepest, it also drives the most photo-aging and is the main wavelength in tanning beds. UVB (275-320nm): This is a shorter, more intense wavelength responsible for one crucial function: triggering vitamin D production in the skin. This can also cause sunburn as it triggers melanocytes to produce new melanin so use this wavelength with care.
These two types of ultraviolet (UV) light are what set the Krypton 606 apart.
The Krypton 606 Lights | Image: Man of Many
The Deeper Benefits of Near-Infrared (NIR) Light
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The information below is based on my personal experience and understanding of publicly available research. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, TGA, or any other medical body. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new health treatment.
While red light works wonders on the skin's surface, the near-infrared wavelengths offered by both the Firewave Pro and Krypton 606 are what is meant to deliver the deep, systemic benefits that many users seek. Because NIR light penetrates deep into the body's tissues, it can influence cellular processes in ways that surface-level treatments cannot.
Based on the information provided to me by EMR-Tek and the broader scientific literature, here are the key benefits associated with NIR therapy:
Enhanced Muscle Recovery: This was one of the most significant effects I personally felt. NIR light helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in muscles after a tough workout, leading to less soreness and faster repair. Overall, after meditating in front of the devices, I felt more energised.
This was one of the most significant effects I personally felt. NIR light helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in muscles after a tough workout, leading to less soreness and faster repair. Overall, after meditating in front of the devices, I felt more energised. Improved Circulation: By stimulating the release of nitric oxide, NIR can help widen blood vessels, improving blood flow. This means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your cells, aiding in both recovery and overall vitality. Unfortunately, I didn't have a direct way to measure this myself.
By stimulating the release of nitric oxide, NIR can help widen blood vessels, improving blood flow. This means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your cells, aiding in both recovery and overall vitality. Unfortunately, I didn't have a direct way to measure this myself. Reduced Joint Pain and Inflammation: For those with chronic aches or arthritis, the deep penetration of NIR light can offer relief by targeting inflammation directly at the source in joints and connective tissues. I always tend to feel pretty stiff after sitting still for 20 minutes, but it was made easier with the warm glow of red light upon me.
For those with chronic aches or arthritis, the deep penetration of NIR light can offer relief by targeting inflammation directly at the source in joints and connective tissues. I always tend to feel pretty stiff after sitting still for 20 minutes, but it was made easier with the warm glow of red light upon me. Boosted Mitochondrial Function: This is the core of photobiomodulation (yes, it's a real word). NIR light stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in our mitochondria. This boosts the production of ATP, which is the primary energy currency of our cells. The result? More cellular energy translates to better physical performance and overall well-being. This I can definitely attest to. If anything, I noticed it was a boost in my mood.
The EMR-Tek Firewave Pro | Image: Man of Many
EMR-Tek Firewave Pro: The Potent & Portable Powerhouse
The Firewave Pro was the first device I integrated into my routine, and it quickly became my daily driver. It is a dedicated red and near-infrared panel, making it straightforward and incredibly easy to use. I positioned it in my meditation space on my coffee table in front of the couch and used it for 20 minutes each morning. The goal was to see if the light could enhance my mindfulness practice while simultaneously aiding my recovery from runs and gym sessions. The device emits a bright, warm glow that I found surprisingly calming. With my eyes closed and the supplied protective goggles on, it created a perfect environment for deep meditation.
Pros:
Effective and Focused: Delivers the core benefits of red and NIR light therapy exceptionally well. I noticed a tangible reduction in muscle soreness and a subtle but definite boost in my morning energy levels.
Delivers the core benefits of red and NIR light therapy exceptionally well. I noticed a tangible reduction in muscle soreness and a subtle but definite boost in my morning energy levels. Simple & User-Friendly: There are no complex settings. You plug it in, turn it on, and you're good to go. It's the perfect entry point for someone new to photobiomodulation.
There are no complex settings. You plug it in, turn it on, and you're good to go. It's the perfect entry point for someone new to photobiomodulation.
Compact & Portable: The
Firewa ve Pro is relatively compact, around 40×40 cms, making it easy to move around or target specific areas of the body.
Cons:
Limited to Red/NIR: While it perfects the fundamentals, it lacks the advanced UV features of its bigger brother (which for me, wasn't a problem), meaning you miss out on benefits like vitamin D synthesis.
EMR-Tek Krypton 606 | Image: Man of Many
EMR-Tek Krypton 606: The All-in-One Wellness Weapon
I'll be honest. This thing scared me a bit when I unpacked it. The Krypton 606 is, without a doubt, a more formidable and advanced machine. It's larger, more powerful, and offers the full spectrum of red, NIR, UVA, and UVB light, all of which are independently controllable. This is the device for someone who wants to leave no stone unturned in their wellness journey (or potentially get a nice tan on). My sessions with the Krypton were more deliberate and planned. Due to my caution around the UV settings, I used them sparingly and for shorter durations, always with the darker blacked-out goggles.
For someone residing in the UK, the ability to stimulate vitamin D production from a panel in your home might be necessary, but for me, living in Australia, I was more inclined to take a walk outside than sit in front of this larger unit. Honestly, it seemed more suitable for a wellness centre or gym than a device I wanted to have sitting in the middle of my living room. That in no way takes away from its inherent usefulness, but I feel inclined to let someone know if they want to make a purchase of what is an expensive device.
Pros:
Comprehensive Therapy: It is one of the few devices on the market that offers red, NIR, UVA, and UVB light, providing a holistic, full-spectrum treatment.
It is one of the few devices on the market that offers red, NIR, UVA, and UVB light, providing a holistic, full-spectrum treatment. Indoor Vitamin D: The UVB function is a game-changer, especially for those in climates with limited sunlight during winter months.
The UVB function is a game-changer, especially for those in climates with limited sunlight during winter months. Powerful and Versatile: The high power output and multiple light spectrums make it ideal for full-body treatments, advanced recovery protocols, and immune support.
Cons:
Significant Investment: This is a premium, medical-grade device with a price tag to match.
This is a premium, medical-grade device with a price tag to match. Requires User Diligence: The UV settings demand respect, knowledge, and a commitment to safety protocols. It is not for the casual user (as I quickly learnt!)
The UV settings demand respect, knowledge, and a commitment to safety protocols. It is not for the casual user (as I quickly learnt!) Not Portable: This is a large, heavy panel that requires a dedicated space in your home.
Firewave Pro vs. Krypton 606: Head-to-Head | Image: EMR-Tek
Firewave Pro vs. Krypton 606: Head-to-Head
Feature Firewave Pro Krypton 606 Light Types Red (660nm) & NIR (850nm) Red, NIR, UVA & UVB Primary Use Targeted therapy, muscle recovery, skin health Full-body treatments, vitamin D, immune & cognitive support UV Function No Yes (Independently controlled) Best For Beginners, athletes, recovery-focused users Biohackers, wellness experts, users in low-sunlight regions Portability Compact and portable Larger panel, designed for stationary use Safety Goggles recommended Goggles essential for UV sessions
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Who are these Red-Light Therapy Devices for?
The Firewave Pro is the ideal choice for the athlete looking to accelerate recovery, the wellness newcomer wanting a simple and effective entry into red light therapy, or anyone focused on improving skin health and reducing inflammation without a hefty price tag.
the athlete looking to accelerate recovery, the wellness newcomer wanting a simple and effective entry into red light therapy, or anyone focused on improving skin health and reducing inflammation without a hefty price tag. The Krypton 606 is built for the serious biohacker, the seasoned wellness enthusiast who understands the science, or anyone living in a region with limited sun exposure who wants a powerful, all-in-one tool for comprehensive light therapy and is prepared to handle it with the necessary care.
Final Thoughts | Image: EMR-Tek
Final Thoughts
My foray into the world of light therapy has been illuminating, both literally and figuratively. You could call it light therapy, but it feels more like giving your cells a direct power-up.
For the vast majority of people, the Firewave Pro is an outstanding choice that delivers the most crucial benefits of photobiomodulation in a powerful, affordable, and user-friendly package.
The Krypton 606, on the other hand, is a testament to how advanced at-home wellness technology has become. It's a specialized tool for the committed user who wants the absolute pinnacle of light therapy. My initial skepticism was a healthy and necessary response to such a potent device, but after weeks of careful use, I can confirm that both of these panels are the real deal, offering a remarkable enhancement to any dedicated wellness practice.
You can head to EMR-Tek, add the Firewave Pro or Krypton 606 to your cart and enter the exclusive code MANOFMANY for 10 % off.
Disclosure: EMR-Tek provided me with the Firewave Pro and Krypton 606 units free of charge for the sole purpose of conducting this hands-on review.
Red-Light Therapy FAQs
