Customer Reviews

Everlast Elite Adjustable Speedbag Platform

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Length:: 6:13 Mins

Video (I've added my punching progress video to see the platform and bag in action):
00:30 - Swivel detail filmed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens
01:20 - Platform on wall
02:10 - Everlast Elite Leather Speed Bag on platform
03:36 - 1st day punching bag filmed with Canon 5D MKII and Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM S Lens
04:24 - 1 hour punching progress
04:33 - 1 month later filmed with Apple iPhone 4 Black Smartphone 16GB (AT&T)
05:00 - 1 month punching progress

This is a great platform to start off with because of the great value. I was able to assemble it myself after buying the proper mounting hardware (see photos that I have added). Don't expect IKEA-like instructions to show you step by step assembly, but if you were good with legos as a kid, you can look at the photos and video and figure it out. It really helps to have an impact drill to drive those large screws into the studs!

The platform comes with a U type swivel which is great for "Boxing" style speed bagging hitting from the front. If you are into "Bible" boxing as seen on this DVD: TITLE Speed Bag Bible (DVD), then you might want to consider a ball swivel or a higher grade swivel. I also bought the TITLE Speed Bag Bible (Book), but haven't read it yet.

I am learning by trying one new technique each week because I think it is fun and challenging. I done a bit of MMA style fighting and speed bagging in general should help with your timing and upper arm strength to keep your arms up. But you'll find that all kinds of folks from all ages; boys and girls, picking up this fun activity. If you search for the top Speed Bag forum online, you'll find a community of really helpful people.

From a novice to another, I hope this video helps you make the decision of buying this platform.

Tips:
I used white lithium grease to reduce the squeaking of the swivel, just be sure to wipe off the excess.
Add a 50lb bag of play sand (less than $6 from your local hardware store) to dampen the noise.
Practice and get good with what you've got, you can upgrade the swivel or get a smaller bag when you improve.
Invest in a good bag, start off with a large one to help with timing.
Invest in good hand protection, missing a lot can cut up your hands with the wrong bag, and can discourage you. Buy M-Tape (at your local sports store), Everlast EverGel Hand Wraps,or properly use some Everlast Hand Wraps.

Great bag platform for the home gym!! I bought the "Elite" speedbag platform after reading the reviews and must say I'm glad I did. The Elite is a rock solid. You won't loose speed or rhythm to the movement of a flimsy frame or board. Mine came with Everlast's NEW style chrome plated Pro swivel that allows bag removal with the pulling of a simple cotter pin. (Not the hard to use old "Pro" style galvanized swivel with the chain link.) Coupled with a leather 4214 speed bag, this is one GREAT workout station!

I'd like to address some of the "issues" that that others have mentioned that might make you think twice about the Elite:

First, and obviously, you will need tools to assemble and install. A drill, drill bit, #2 Phillips head screw driver, tape measure, Torpedo (magnetic is a plus) level, and adjustable wrench will do the trick. These are all basic tools even if you live in an apt. If you don't already own these, you should... These tools will be easy to find if you don't want your own a tool kit.

Mounting Hardware: This unit comes with all the hardware needed EXCEPT the fasteners to mount the horizontal wood pieces to the wall. This is reasonable, since Everlast has no idea where you'll hang your unit. Why add to the cost of the unit by adding a bunch of un-needed hardware? - To mount through ½" drywall into wood studs, I used 4 ea - 5/16" x 4" Lag Screws, and washers (Cost about $2.00 total at Lowes), plus a longer drill bit to pre-drill the wall studs for the Lag Screws ($5.00 at Lowe's, but will go into my toolbox and be usable long after this project is done.) Lowe's sales folks can help you decide which is the best hardware for your application.

I usually like to span 3 studs when hanging stuff, too, but this kit is set-up to attach to two, at 16". This is absolutely not a problem, my platform does not move what so ever.

Ceiling Height: I'm 6'1 and set mine about 4 inches down from an 8ft ceiling. I'm using the top setting, (bottom of the bag about mid nose height) so if you are much taller, you may want to hang a little higher.

Instructions: It really doesn't need any... There are only 8 separate parts, plus fasteners. A simple look at the front of the box (or the Amazon product photo) will show you how every thing assembles. Just start by figuring how high your top wood needs to be and work your way down. Keep things plumb and level. Took my son and I about 1.5 hours to install, and we were clowning around much of the time.

All in all, this is the perfect set-up for my family and friends. I highly recommend this unit!

I installed the platform on two 2X4 boards secured very securely into my garage wall studs. This allowed for a very tight and secure installation. Initially the adjustable side of the rails seemed less secure than the opposite side, but with the hand adjustment knobs really cranked down the noise and rattle stopped. Great platform for my once or twice a week use. Nothing like a workout on the speed bag to rip your shoulders and arms. I needed a trip to the hardware store for the lag bolts (10), 2x4 boards cut longer than those supplied, a stud-finder, drill, ratchet set, and about 90 minutes to install by myself.

Just bought this. Have been speed bagging for about 10 years.

The good:
- Rebounds are MUCH better than my previous speed/heavy bag combo stand.
- Board is good quality and about 1.5 in thick.
- Works well now that I have it up.
- Adjustable height is a cool feature.

The bad:
- 4 knobs to tighten regularly if you want to adjust height, or keep platform from wobbling.
- Swivel moves back and forth easily, but not side to side. This makes it easy to keep the bag straight, but is not what I am used to.
- Had to mount the 2x4 at the joint of my wall and ceiling to have the bottom of the bag at jaw level on the highest adjustment.

Notes:
1. Heed the advice of posters here, and have the following on hand to hang this sucker:
* Four lag bolts 5/16ths that are 4in long, with washers
* Philips Screw Driver
* Drill bit to pre-drill the pilot holes for lag bolts
* Cordless drill
* Socket set
* Level
* dab of grease for the swivel
* Step ladder
* Utility knife & flat head screw driver to cut crown molding (you may not do this, but I did)

2. I put this up by myself (I am strong, and "handy" with tools & construction) in about 2.5 hours. I would recommend having someone to help you.

AB

I have used this product personally in several different locations, and I have installed one myself. Since I have installed numerous speed bag wall units before I found no problem with this material, however you will need longer lag bolts and wall anchors. It's best to put some wooden horizontal wall runners attached to span at least three studs on 16 inch centers then attach this to the wood runners, also drilling into the studs if possible. If you are NOT familiar with hanging heavier materials on walls, particular in a bedroom or "finished" location, get some help. But the average do-it-yourselfer should be able to get this up and punching in two or three hours max. If you want a rock solid easily adjustable wall unit for a great price this is a perfect selection. Properly hung it has very little vibration and shake and gives a nice consistent rebound.

The swivel supplied in mine was a chain link style, which has a small locking clip on the side. If you are not familiar with chain link speed bag swivels, it is a pain and I suggest you get retaining ring pliers to help make it easier. Personally I use a ballhook and drill the swivel holes all the way through the board to use bolts that extend out the top. This will insure the screws holding the swivel don't rattle loose and strip the holes. The bag supplied is mediocre at best. Buy a professional higher quality bag. A Good bag together with this board you will get many hours of high quality speed bag punching for a super price.

First off as a disclaimer: Don't even bother to order this platform if you don't have your own drill and tools. It won't be worth the trouble. Even with tools and a drill this platform is a lot of trouble.

Second thing to consider: While the hardware to put this platform together IS included, hardware to mount it on your wall is NOT included. You will need your own anchors or screws to mount this on the wall. The holes they drill for you are big so you need a big screw head, and honestly, the holes were drilled in stupid places. I drilled my own holes in order to best mount this platform without rattling my walls.

Next thing to consider: The instructions are HORRIBLE for this product. I have put together a workout bicycle, full olympic weight system, desks, drawers, shoe racks, you name it. Of all the stuff I've put together, the elite speedbag platform has the single worst instructions I have ever seen. We are talking it gives you a list of instructions. There is a page with a list of everything to do, with no pictures and very poor explanation. There is one extremely simple diagram after the instructions which leaves a lot to be desired. So, if you are good at putting stuff together you will be able to figure it out. If you aren't, this platform is going to piss yoooou offfff.

It seems like Everlast doesn't have good quality control over there products anymore. The top wood piece used for stabalizing the platform was badly warped-- crappy piece of wood. And the pre-drilled holes on one piece were a different size than on the other, even though according to the directions the top and bottom are supposed to be the same.

Important detail: you are going to want to make sure to have a fairly high ceiling. Though this is "adjustable," I had to set this up at the very top of my wall to make it work.

And about the "adjustable" setting. Well, since there are two separate pieces holding up the platform, the support poles don't congruent holes, and adjusting this platform, while it is doable, isn't particularly a smooth transition.


One other complaint. The speedbag swivel is very difficult to (pry) open in order to put the speedbag in. I'm not sure why they made it so difficult, and having bought the matching Everlast bag for it, I would have expected some compatibility that would have made it easier.



So, lots of complaints. But, all complaints aside, now that all is said and done, and I have the speedbag platform and speedbag all setup, I am happy with what I have NOW that its setup. I don't have to adjust it because I am the only one using it (I have a friend who will sometimes be using it be he is the same height) and it does its job. With a few more drill holes and anchors in, the platform feels very stable, doesn't jitter when I use it, and is so far showing no signs of wear. The board is leagues above the quality of the cheaper Everlast platform and is heavy and sturdy enough I don't anticipate it breaking any time. Its nice to have it be heavy as that helps the speedbag bounce effectively.

So long story short, despite a laundry list of complaints in the setup process, once I got past the setup, I am enjoying the product.

The drum is a nice solid 1.5" thick! Which is great especially considering the price. The only problem is that the thick drum is not supported by very thick iron. The supports that it comes with could be thicker and if they were, would cut down on some vibration. My unit is mounted very securly to a masonry wall but it still vibrates and I only have a 9x6 bag which is not that big. The vibration is not horrible, and for the price, one really can't complain that much at all, but you can see where there is room for improvment. A sand bag on top will go a long way to remedying the problem. So in conclusion, I say, for the price, you can't go wrong.

I think this is a very solid product, ive had it about a month and it is very good, better than the one at my gym. It definetly takes two people to put up, and be very sure that it's level all around. The only draw back is a little vibration but nothing compared to others at this price, a tip is to put a bag of san on top of the platform when using it to reduce vibations. Overall its great and I would definetly recomend it.

This piece of junk has so many problems that the phone number in the manuel is wrong and they wont fix that easy problem. This platform should be sturdy for a continued workout but it is so flimsy you cant even tighten the hand tighteners because it flatens out the pot metal guide rails. One of the four tighteners was over 1 inch shorter than the others, this stumpy, useless, paper weight dosent even touch the rail to hold the platform in place. When called Everlast said for me to return the whole thing back rather than sending me the correct tightener. I would of done that in a heart beat if I Havent but the whole thing up. ( With bolts I bought at Ace for 3.50 to replace the ones inclued). When I was finaly able to contact Everlast, they thought that was the best idea, rather than sending me a simple hand tightener that should of been inclued with the package. This platform is a neverlast and I will build one from hand for less than what I paid for this hunk of junk.

now that it's up i'm happy. the package was damaged & the inner package with the nuts & bolts was torn. parts were missing.
this delayed the assembly. I called everlast & I received a replacement package a week later.I attached the platform by
myself to a concrete block wall. The instruction sheet is difficult to use. Everlast needs to use stronger packing &
rewrite the instruction sheet. The swivel that came with it is much better than the one advertised.The price was right &
as I said before i'm happy with the platform.