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Research on the Platinum Crossbow (Reply to this comment)
by czkid76
I have got to admit I am pretty impressed. The competition is definately getting harder for Bowflex to fight. I am very curious to see if there is something in the pipeline for a new Bowflex machine. Anyone who reads my initial review please take the time to read this small piece.
The Platinum Crossbow appears to have been designed to to fix some of the complaints I had with the original crossbow. The way the bows work now I think they may have fixed the problem of working each muscle independent of the other. In addition the form for performing squats is much better than what you would use on the bowflex.
Sidenote - In the Platinum crossbow commercial they compare Bowflex Ultimate to the new PCrossbow. The bias is obviously for the PCrossbow. If you have seen the PCrossbow commercial let me get some facts straight for you. One, the squat position is not as ackward as they try and make it look. It is pretty easy to get into position. Two, in the commerical they have the gentleman perform the exercise with his head near the lat town and call it a safety hazard. The proper form for the Squat using bowflex machines is with you back to the lat tower. Three, they have the gentleman then do a lateral arm raise and complain about range of motion because he can not complete the exercise because the cable runs out. The problem, he was standing to far away from the pulley with the handle making the cable seem shorter than it really is. Unless your goliath there is plenty of cable. In addition they have a guy walk about ten feet from the pulley on the PCrossbow to show range of motion for the PCrossbow. This could be good and bad... with bow systems the the resistance stated is not reached until the end of the exercise. If your cable expends so far when do you hit peak resistance in the exercise. That I can not answer, but a ?? none the less. Four, They make it seem awkward for changing weight on the bowflex versus the Pcrossbow to get into the squats. Truth be told the PCross will change weight quicker, but not that hard and you do want a few seconds of rest between exercise.
Enough ranting and back to the rest of the story, you can now perform leg curls lying flat on the bench if you choose and concentration curls. Standard 340lbs resistance, not bad!
Still not impressed by the construction quality, the one leg makes the bench wobble. One area I am not sure they have fixed is the padding of the bench and seat cushion. I have actually been getting frustrated with comfort since I have increased weight. I now have excercises using all the weight and it is almost like the padding does not exist with the old crossbow. Also, I am not a big fan of the electronic system they have added to the Platinum Crossbow. Nice for adjusting the weight, but the programs don't mean much for me. It is kind of like having a car with a compass, must people probably don't even bother to look at their direction. My other possible downside is the new cable system... one, if it breaks good luck figuring that out and getting it fixed. two, I heard so many people on here complain about the time and diagrams to put together the old version. I would fear how hard it may be to put the cable system together yourself on the Platinum crossbow.
None the less, I go back to the original comment... Pretty impressive. To rank machines now, 1st - Bowflex Ultimate or Xtreme, 2nd - Close between the Bowflex Power Pro & PCrossbow, 3rd close between the Bowlfex motivator and regular Crossbow (I rate all Bowflex model assuming you bought the attachments). I still have a bias to Bowflex first mainly because of the quality of construction and I just have felt like I get more of a burn off the Bowflex. But Money is not something everyone has and so I lean to the Crossbow if price is in the picture. I am already seeing signs of wear on the Crossbow that I don't believe I would have seen on the Bowflex. You can buy a qulity product that lasts or a cheaper product that needs to be replaced as time goes on. If you go for quality you still spend the same money in the end becuase you cut out replacement cost. The Crossbow's are a definate if you don't know if you can commit to a regular exercise program. At that point your are spending to much money on a Bowflex until you have a stronger commitment to your health.
Sorry for the long note, I guess I had a lot to add to my initial opinion. Hope this helps!
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Mar 09 '04
6:03 pm PST
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Re: 4-5 excercises not good (Reply to this comment)
by czkid76
Seated Leg Curls - No good place to hook your ankles, you can get around this by doing standing leg curls. Could make your knees a little tender and you can only do one leg at a time adding to how much time you must set aside for workouts.
Squats - Machine does not have a squat station. You can do a leg press, but buy the extra resistance for your legs.
Concentration curls (and others) - The rods on the crossbow do not work independent of one and other. ex. bowflex - you can work one arm at a time and get the full resistance. crossbow - if you work one arm at a time you must increase the weight to get same intensity.
Shoulder pullovers, bench press and others - Bowflex Pro has adjustable pulleys. The pulleys can be moved in for motions where you want a narrow grip and out for wide grip. This means the range of motion focuses in on those specific muscle groups you want to target. Crossbow, the pulleys and decidated to one spot. this means when you are doing tricep pushdowns adds a wierd angle of restistance.
Overall - I do not know what some of these differences means in terms of results. Personally I have lost approx. 40lbs in the last six months using the crossbow. I used to be very active in my college and early on in my career. Life slowed me down and I was skeptical of these machines. Experience has shown me that with dedication either machine will work wonders for your body. The crossbow is a great machine and almost an exact replica of the original Bowflex machines (then made under the Schwinn brand name, don't believe me go check out the Bowflex body plan book and you'll see the old generation bowflex). I believe for someone trying to sculpt their body the bowflex is the better machine. In terms of the average person trying to get back into their former shape and stay heathly I like the crossbow too. So pick your level of intesity.. if you are in great shape and want solid work outs... go bowflex (get the bowflex body plan book and it has a coupon in the back for a free leg extension attachment). If you want to just lose weight, add some mass and just stay basically fit.. go crossbow and save a little money. PS - crossbow now has the crossbow platinum, not sure if I like the machine from the look of it, but i have not tried it either.
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Feb 13 '04
6:37 pm PST
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4-5 excercises not good? (Reply to this comment)
by arch_8gl
What 4-5 excercises had "improper" form on the crossbow? If they are minor ones, I probably wouldn't care, but if they are the major ones (bench press, curls, etc) that makes a bigger difference.
Thanks!
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Feb 11 '04
1:03 pm PST
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Hi (Reply to this comment)
by char.mike
Welcome to Epinions!
Your written a great first review...keep'em coming.
Smiles, Char
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Oct 12 '03
6:46 pm PDT
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