Bo Flex vs Crossbow Platinum..

[mantis]

So I have been shopping for a quality home gym...

And the bowflex is on top of my list untill I come across the Crossbow Platinum.It's support to be better then the Bowflex.I used a bowflex once and found it very nice.It has good negitive resistance which I find very usefull in my workouts.

So I buy a Platinum Crossbow on hype and one trail in the Sears which carries it.I get it delivered which was really quick,2 days.I put this thing together and find out there is 2 parts missing from the deal.I call Crossbow and they said Sears sells it without the 2 parts but I can upgrade it for 2 hundred bucks....well that pissed me off.We worked out a deal and they are on there way.It's the 3 way leg press and Prayer Curl station.The Platinum that I saw on tv had it but Sears doesn't.....so on and so on....

I do my first personal trainer workout with the electronic trainer and come to find out little to no negitive resistance.I call figuring I did something wrong with my built and come to find out.....it's built to have none....Strange but true...I didn't care for that.

I used it for 3 weeks now and I thing it does a wonderful job but I'm also thinking the Bowflex may have been the better choice.I get a killer one way workout.I train in the arts as well so I get a really good all around workout.

I'm considering returning it and going for the Bowflex...

Does any of you own one or had both???

Not sure what to do ,

Dan

[howie777]

My dad had a crossbow when they first came out and it was a total piece of crap. This was evident after 1 day. As a matter of fact, the delivery guy told me he hated them because all he does is drop them off and pick em right back up. I believe they made some huge improvments since then but the fact that they put out that first one shows little integraty. I'd take it back if your not sastified

Now, I have a bow flex myself and I do like it much better than the crossbow. The only thing I don't like is the poor rowing setup (no way to keep your feet secured even if you get the foot straps which really suck). I have the power pro with lat attachment only. My only mistake was not getting the ultimate version but $2000 was a little too steep at the time.

Howie

[brettw22]

Originally posted by howie777
My only mistake was not getting the ultimate version but $2000 was a little too steep at the time.

****, for 2g's, just get a normal full weight system. I know it's probably a space issue, but there's no comparing "power rods" to actual weights........

[ninerbj]

That's what she said!

[phoneisbusy]

I prefer free weights myself but I can appreciate the convienence for changing weights and resistance. Have you considered looking for a used unit? Not to say that it'll happen to you but people sometimes buy the unit and then start using it for a coat rack.

Good luck

Dave

[Jstas]

The BowFlex was recently recalled. The fiberglas spring rods (power rods) were breaking and shattering after so many uses, from fatigue. People were getting seriously injured. Not only lacerations but torn muscles and sprained joints.

They are supposedly fixing them but buyer beware.

[Strong Bad]

Take the money and join a nice gym. Working out at home BLOWS! They're both pieces of junk. They're the Bose of fitness equipment. Great marketing, but a terrible product. They get some fitness spandex bunny and a steroid monster to promote them like thats all they've ever used to get in that type of shape.


Just my few pennies.

[howie777]

Thanks for the recall info Jstas. But your incorrect about the problem. It only effects the power pro with lat attachment (which I have)

There are 2 issues

1) The bench was breaking in the inclined position
2) The lat tower was rotating forward and falling down

So nothing is wrong with the power rods, and you can order a kit to install (Free) for more support to protect against those two things. Although I have no notice on this recall and I can't order online without a recall #.

All this information is posted on www.bowflex.com

Howie

P.S. I guess I can't say that I like free weights better myself but the safty concerns directed me to Bowflex anymore.

[Jstas]

I saw a letter, a couple of weeks ago, that a friend at work has. His BowFlex was recalled because of the problem I listed. He doesn't have the model that you referenced because he was not affected by the recall you referenced. Just trying to give some warning.

ersonally, I agree with john d. strong. The only reason I would have an exercise machine at home is a stationary bike for cardio. Any other kind of exercise, I just go and find a few friends and play a game of basketball or just run a few calls on the ambulance squad. Granted, not everyone can do that but unless you are weight training and bodybuilding, there isn't a need for most home gyms that 1500 dollars worth of free weights and a bench couldn't fill.

I'd rather go to a gym for that. Mainly because, if you end up hurting yourself, there is someone around to help you or at least get you medical attention. At home, unless someone is there with you, you're stuck. Besides, it gets you out of the house too.

[mantis]

Ive been a member of our local gym for 4 years.I wanted to have a home gym as I don't always get the time to get to the gym.Having the machine in the basement is wonderful.


I also heard of the recalls from the Bowflex.Shame 2.I consider owning a full scale workout home gym but it would take up alot of space I'm not willing to give up...trade off I feel.

Returning this thing would kinda suck,but it just might go back.Bo flex I will have to do more research.

My Crossbow doesn't have the power rods...but a power bar.New technology for this years top model...still I find it flawed.

Thanks for all the responses....keep em coming.

[pjdami]

Dan,

I seriously considered buying a machine like a bowflex but decided to just get a good dumbbell set and a small laydown bench. A lot of excercises one can do with dumbbells and no need for a spotter and the range of motion is infinite.

Try doing some bench presses with 50 lb dumbbells in each hand. Doesn't sound like a whole lot but in one hand it is. Trying to stabilize it is the real kicker because you use a lot of smaller muscles that normally you wouldn't.

Yeah, the gym is the best thing. but for days when I just can't get out or want a quick workout the dumbbells are great.

Just another option but looks like you are set on one of the machines.

[mantis]

pjdami,
thanks for the advice.I own a nice set of cast dumb bells.I use them for free weight training.I also use them for extra weight for Horse stance training.

I don't own a bench for them as I always stood up.

I just completed a workout using abs and back training.My lats hurt.It seems to do a good job.I'm thinking I'm so use to the gym with having negitive resistance.

Back to the bells,I use them also for standing curls,tri's, and shoulders.They work amazing.

[HBombToo]

I'll stick with what works... 12 ounce curls for me:D

HBomb

[mantis]

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[gshisme]

Originally posted by HBombToo
I'll stick with what works... 12 ounce curls for me:D

HBomb

I'm on the floor!

[brettw22]

I would DEFINITELY recommend PowerBlocks for someone looking for some dumbbell weights without the need for extra space. Don't get the Personal line, but instead the Pro. They take some getting used to as far as the anticipation of the clip falling out, but I haven't ever had a problem with them and they have been a GREAT addition into my place.

[brettw22]

DUPLICATE POST......(JUSTIN FIX THE DELETE BUTTON)

[Early B.]

I have a Bowflex and it's an awesome machine. Yeah, I paid far too much for it, but after three years, I don't regret it. I prefer to use the Bowflex instead of free weights, although I have a few dumbbells and a curl bar that I use for more variety.

Mantis, I highly recommend that you go for the Bowflex, but I would suggest getting the base model (i.e. Power Pro or the one for $999 -- I forget whether it's called the Extreme or the Ultimate). I sold my lat bar because I wasn't really using it and there are exercises you can do on the base model Bowflex to work your lats.

[dorokusai]

I work myself in a Bowflex position, then finish with a Nordic Track....it's awesome.

[-justin-]

Originally posted by brettw22
DUPLICATE POST......(JUSTIN FIX THE DELETE BUTTON)

It's not broken. :)

~JB

[ken brydson]

I don't own a Bowflex but I've tried them. Pretty cool. If I was going to buy one I'd look at the used market. There are 2 or 3 every week in my local paper. Just my .02
BTW, I use a Total Gym. Not the $2000 model from the infomercials but the $150 one from Costco. Great for toning and awesome for stretching and flexability.