I have been asked to compare the Bean models. I compared the Bean Elite to the Bean (also called the Bean Deluxe). I am now comparing the Bean Deluxe + Flex 10 to both of them.

The Bean Deluxe + Flex 10 is an enhanced Bean Deluxe. It costs $100 - $25 more than the Elite and $50 more than the basic Deluxe. The base of it is the Bean Deluxe. The purpose of this review is to see what the difference is among them. So we have the Deluxe, the Elite and the Flex 10.

Since this is the same Bean as the others it is inflatable. Its purpose is the same with some enhancements. It is designed to work the abdominal area and the obliques, which are the muscles on the sides of your body.

Among these three though by touch and use I can’t tell the difference it seems that the Elite is the strongest. The Flex 10 is made of the same PVC construction as the Deluxe. While the Elite could hold up to 800 pounds the Flex 10 and the Deluxe hold up to 400 pounds.

The three models have the same limited lifetime guarantee and an opportunity to send it back after 30 days with your shipping reimbursed.

The Elite is the widest of the three models. The Flex 10 measures the same as the Deluxe: about 36 inches long by 29 inches wide by 18 inches high. It will fit in an average closet.

We are told that we will get the benefits of a stability ball, incline bench and back pain rehab device in this one product. It works using an air suspension design which has been patented by The Bean. We are told that it is easy, fun, pain free and good for anyone.

It will accommodate heights from 4 feet to 6 feet 5 inches tall which is true of all three models.

What you will get:

You’ll get a DVD, an exercise guide, a pump and a body shaping guide. What you get with the Flex 10 that is very different from the other two models are the handles and handcuffs which attach to a cable on each side of a piece that the Deluxe sits on. It’s an interesting idea.

I could turn this piece which I'll call the bottom around depending on what body part I wanted to work. The 10 in the Flex 10 refers to 10 exercises that can be done in 10 minutes. I found this to be 100% true.

Before I get into that I’ll summarize what I’ve written about the other two models. The Flex 10 has the same individual inflated type bubbles that the others have. It is just as comfortable to use. I could deflate or inflate the Flex 10 to conform and support my back.

Lying on it I did traditional crunches holding my hands behind my head without clasping them together and lifting my shoulders while looking at the ceiling. I found this really effective. I felt the burn almost immediately

Since the Flex 10 is the Deluxe it doesn’t have the handles on its sides like the Elite does.

Many of the exercises I did I do on a stability ball. I know that many people have trouble stabilizing themselves on these balls. You won’t have that trouble on the Flex 10. You won’t have to worry about it slipping from under you. In one of my classes we routinely do this with a ball behind us. We lean against a wall and attempting to not allow the ball to roll away we slide down with the ball until our legs are parallel to the floor. Doing this on these models was much easier because I didn’t have to keep adjusting it to stay behind me.

I could work my legs and other body parts on the Elite and the Deluxe with and without either dumbbells or a bar. If you have weights you may not want to spend the extra money for the Flex 10. However the weights only replace upper body work. To work your lower body to the maximum of these models you’ll want to use the ankle cuff. Essentially the cable with the handles work just like weights. Women will like this.

Lying on the Flex 10 I wanted to work my chest I turned the base so the handles were at the top of the Flex 10. Holding on to each handle I could then do chest flyes for example. Turning the base around I could do upright rows (shoulders, back) holding onto the handle. I could do bicep curls from this position.

Then with the base in the same position I put the cuffs on my ankles and could do leg extensions. If you know what you are doing you really can do more than 10 exercises. Since the Flex 10 is intended for 10 exercises I won’t go into specifics but more can be done. The list that is given in addition to the exercises I named are squats, donkey kicks, leg curl, triceps press, lateral row and seated row.

Going out on a limb:

$50 is not a lot of money for a piece of equipment that works the abdominal area well and with weights will work other body parts. That’s the Deluxe. Then $75 is what you’ll pay for a piece that has handles, holds more weight and is wider. Now we have the Flex 10 that will cost you $100. For women I think this is terrific. I have no hesitation saying that I would spend $100 on the Bean Deluxe Plus Flex 10. However you have to make a decision based on your budget and needs.

I hope this has helped you make an informed decision but please feel free to leave me a comment or question. Like the Bean I am giving this 5 stars.

All my fitness equipment reviews can be found here.

Recommended: Yes