Bowflex Power Pro XTL - pretty pleased
Written: Aug 29 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Smooth, easy to use, well constructed, gives complete body workout
Cons: **Bench is Dangerous** read my review for more info
The Bottom Line: I recommend the product despite some design flaws.
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| a1qwerty55's Full Review: Bowflex Power Pro XTL |
OK. I overall am happy with this purchase. Although the machine is pricey, it operates as described and will offer you a very complete workout. I found changing weight and exercises fairly easy. I'm as sore after using the Bowflex as I was with free weights (in a good way). I love the smooth operation and the fact that the weights don't "get away from you" thus minimizing potential for injury and obviating the need for a spotter. Lat pull down, tricep press, curls, fly's all are similar to any universal machine or free weights. Leg curl, doesn't work. Leg press is marginal but really difficult to get into position with back strap and all. The foot harnesses if you get them DO NOT WORK! Assembly isn't too bad, takes about 1-2 hours.
Certain exercises however just don't work though. The bench press...... God, because the pulleys are above your head the regular bench (flat position) is very unnatural and does a poor job of recreating the free weight version. Much of the work of the exercise is spent pulling the weights down rather than out from your chest. I gave up on this one. Here comes the rub. The incline bench feels pretty useful but I'm not sure it is safe to do the incline bench if you have the lat pulldown attachment. My bench snapped in half while I was incline benching only 160 pounds. I'll Email a picture if you would like one (scary).This revealed that the bench is actually made of pretty poor quality plywood. The company was quick to send me another but hey, I was lucky not to be injured, and they offered no solution to prevent it happening again. The "support" which stabilizes the bench in the inclined position doesn't function if the pull down bar is attached so forces end up being placed on the upper end of the bench leaving the middle portion unsupported. Other problems are well addressed by other users like the Grommets moving up the cables, and the bogus stickers for traction falling off on day #1.
Overall I recommend the product, but I wish the company's engineers would make some very easy quick fixes which would address my concerns. I made a few of my own already.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
a1qwerty55
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Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 1 member
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