As a busy professional, you may not have hours to spare for elaborate wellness regimens. Cold plunge tubs are a quick way to submerge in cold water for just a few minutes and potentially gain energy, feel more focused, and recover from your workouts.
An elite marathon runner on our team put the Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge to the test to see if its temperature performance, ergonomics, and value justify the investment for executives and ambitious professionals.
Nordic Wave Cold Plunge
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Nordic Wave
- Our thoughts: We like that this tub fits users up to 6 feet tall
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want cold plunge and heated relief all in one tub
- What makes it different: It’s been upgraded to also include heat (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
Pros
- You can choose a hot or cold session
- Filtration system is built in
- Tub warranty is 5 years
Cons
- May be tricky for petite users to get in and out of
- Requires dedicated, permanent space
- May be pricey for cold plunge beginners
Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge Specs
Our Experience with Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2
The Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge is a compact indoor and outdoor cold plunge. The Viking XL Gen 2 now includes built-in heating, which goes up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The Gen 2 provides faster and quieter cooling along with upgraded controls, too.
Carter tested the Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It does get colder than that, but Carter felt comfortable sticking with that temperature during his three-minute test. He tested standing and partially submerged positions, assessing comfort, ease of entry/exit, and potential recovery benefits.
What We Liked
Here’s what Carter rated highly after trying the Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge:
- Ergonomics (4 out of 5): The Viking XL Gen 2 comes with steps, but Carter noted that you still have to hoist yourself in and out of the tub. He liked that there is a ledge about a quarter of the way up the tub that allows for a less-submerged experience. “I found this helpful for getting in and out of the plunge, as well,” he said.
- Durability (4 out of 5): The Viking XL Gen 2 is made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic; Carter had no issues with durability while getting in or out of the tub. The Plunge All-In, however, is made of acrylic and may be a bit more durable.
- Overall experience (4 out of 5): Carter could see cold exposure becoming part of his daily or weekly routine. “I love cold plunges. I actually prefer the standing versions because they allow for more natural body positioning,” he said.
What We Would Change
Here’s what Carter would improve about the Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge:
- Height: “It is plenty large for most users. I did not feel cramped at all. It is a standing tub, so extremely tall users may find it too small, but people of average height or shorter will find it fitting,” Carter said.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
The Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge could be a good fit for:
- Professionals and athletes who want to focus on cold therapy recovery at home
- Folks who want a single tub that can alternate between hot and cold temperatures
- Households that have multiple plunge users
- Folks who want a built-in filtration system
The Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge may not be ideal for:
- Condo owners or renters who may not have the footprint for a permanent cold plunge tub
- Folks who want to sit horizontally in a cold plunge, rather than stand or be vertical
- People who only want a cold plunge without heated capabilities
- Anyone with medical conditions that may be impacted by very cold or hot temperatures
- Cold plunge beginners or anyone still finding out if cold exposure fits into their routine. If you’re just starting out, a lower-cost inflatable tub plus ice or a more budget-friendly chiller may be a better entry point
Comparing Nordic Wave Plunge to Other Cold Plunge Tubs
Costing just under $9,000, the Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 is priced as a long-term investment: you’re paying for a high-capacity, indoor/outdoor tub that offers both hot and cold sessions, built-in filtration, and a five-year tub warranty.
Why The Right Cold Plunge Matters to Professionals
A 2023 meta-analysis of cold plunging noted that its use reduces post‑exercise muscle soreness and fatigue. This may help you bounce back more quickly after intense workouts or long days at the office. Regular cold immersion may limit exercise‑induced muscle damage and inflammation, too.
A well-designed tub retains consistently cold temperatures, keeps the water clean, and is easy to get in and out of. This way, you can have dedicated recovery time each day, not just when you have a spare minute.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
The Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge is a premium recovery tub for professionals and athletes alike who plan to use hot and cold therapy multiple times a week. It has integrated heating and filtration, along with indoor/outdoor capabilities. It’s more of a long-term recovery tool than a trendy tub.
If you plan to use a cold plunge several times a week and share it with your family members or friends, the higher upfront price (nearly $9,000) can amortize over years of use, making the Viking XL Gen 2 more compelling than lower-capacity or single-temperature options.
If you’re still unsure if cold plunges fit into your routine, lower-cost options may be a better way to enter the water.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Nordic Wave cold plunge?
The Nordic Wave Viking XL Gen 2 Plunge costs $8,990 as of this writing.
Which is better, Plunge or Nordic Wave?
The Plunge and Nordic Wave are comparable in price. We think the Plunge is better if you’d like to stretch your legs while plunging, while the Nordic Wave is better if you’d like a more compact plunging experience.
What are the disadvantages of cold plunges?
Some disadvantages of a cold plunge are the high initial cost, the need for permanent space, and ensuring that you have the correct electrical power to set it up. For professionals trying out various recovery tools, the Nordic Wave is more of an advanced, long-term investment than a starter cold plunge.
