14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bowflex is good .... Bioforce is BETTER!, March 12, 2008
This review is from: Bio Force 2.2 Home Gym (Sports)
I've owned many types of gym equipment in the past , including free weights , multi-station gyms , and various Bowflex models (namely the Power Pro and the Sport). They can all be effective . I liked the Bowflex , and for some , they would suit most people's needs. It wasn't until I tried the Bio Force TNT out at my local sporting goods store that I came to the realization that this machine is superior.
The resistance changes are effortless and extremely quick , one can do a ton of exercises on it , and the resistance is constant throughout the range of motion . It took me 2 1/2 hours to assemble , but it was well worth it , and I rather enjoy projects like this.
I heard from a representative that the pistons have been tested through 150,000 strokes. That should last me about 12 years if they decide to fail at that point. They're about $66 bucks for a pair plus shipping , so not too bad if they ever need changed.
This thing is smooth , built solidly with excellent hardware , and designed to last . Excellent product. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars was the lack of a bar for doing squats. I improvised and bought a 9 lb rubber coated Troy bar and place the foot straps over each end. It works like a charm.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bioforce ROCKS!!, May 23, 2008
This review is from: Bio Force 2.2 Home Gym (Sports)
This product really surprised me. I'm completely happy with this home gym set. I looked around for about a month with Bowflex, Total Gym, Weider and a few others. I chose this one after testing it at Sports Authority.
Before I go any further, here's my background for those wondering my level. I've been working out for the last 20 years. I'm a more advanced or serious lifter. How serious? Use to work out almost everyday (record was 22 days straight) for over 2 hours a day taking supplements, protein bars, shakes, etc... Average then was about 5-6 days a week, 2 hours non-stop (without talking to anyone!!). You know who you are people. Some of you talk more than u work out. Dont get me started with those on cell phones at the gym... Anyhow, now it's about 3-4 days a week since I picked up some other sports.
PROS:
-Positive and negative resistance
-Smooth and does not stick, not as good as free weights though
-Constant resistance (Bowflex starts low, then increases as band is bent more)
-Very easy weight changes, slide and lock, average 2-5 secs per side
-Solid, heavy duty parts all around (I even do pullups on it)
-Looks good and welds are clean. Good workmanship.
-Complete upper torso, arm and lower leg workout
-Instant changes from 10 - 110 lbs per side. (i bench 290 on free weight and I do about 10 reps on 110 lbs.) weight should be plenty for most
-mobility, can be moved by leaning whole gym and wheeled across room
-extensive DVD and exercise book to get beginners going
-comes with a good handles and leg straps (mostly for women)
CONS:
-Would have liked an adjustable tilt bench, it does have 2 height adjustments for short/tall person, but no angle adjustment for incline/decline
I dont think I could have designed a better home gym set for under $1k. It's solid, super quick in changing resistance, pleasing to the eyes, and can be moved easily. For those thinking about Bowflex with the bands, consider the time it takes to change weights by finding the correct band, then hooking them up, on BOTH sides. Also, the Bowflex resistance didn't feel natural because it started light then got heavier as the bands bent more. Bowflex is a solid machine but those 2 factors was unacceptable to me.
That's my personal opinion. If you need more, try a internet search on "bioforce infomercial review". There should many other positive reviews on it from beginners to serious lifters like me.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bio Force 2.2, November 24, 2008
This review is from: Bio Force 2.2 Home Gym (Sports)
Product Research - I was looking for a home gym and had pretty-much decided on Bowflex; just trying to decide between two models when I actually found Bio Force by accident while picking up other items at Sam's Club. I was immediately impressed by how solid and attractive it was, and after a few repetitions of 2 or 3 different exercises on the floor model, I found myself feeling less enthusiastic about the Bowflex. Not being an impulse buyer, I visited Sports Authority to get their take on the Bio Force. The salesperson there had nothing but positive comments about the Bio Force, while pointing out the sagging disconnected power rods on the well-used Bowflex floor model.
Purchase - With my research complete, I was sold on Bio Force. I realized that the model at Sam's Club was a special package deal labeled "Bio Force 2.2 with Bench." For $894 (+ tax) I got the Bio Force advertised here, along with a separate bench that enables the user to lie flat, as well as in several adjustable incline positions.
Assembly and Use - The Bio Force was extremely well packed and in perfect condition. With first-rate printed instructions and well-labeled parts, assembly was a snap in about 2 hours. The DVD excellently demonstrates the various exercises available, stressing form and posture, and clearly shows the different pulley locations for each setup. The DVD also has assembly instructions, but I didn't need to use them. Unless one is a true body builder, I believe the 220# resistance should be adequate for most users; it feels like "real weight" to me! Changing resistance levels and pulley locations is a breeze, and the resistance feels consistent throughout each movement. I've only had the machine a few days, but I am confident I made the correct choice. The separate bench is a definite plus, as it adds additional versatility to the machine and the exercise routine. Be aware that Bio Force Model 2.2 equals 220# of resistance. There is another (apparently new) version called Model 1.7 with only 170# of resistance.
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