17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good sturdy table, November 10, 2009
This review is from: Stamina Gravity Inversion Table (Sports)
I owned one of the original inversion tables some years ago (forget the brand name) and used it for about two years, so I have some experience with these devices. The original had the gravity boots. They were more comfortable to use than the built in cuffs on this one. Problem is that the boots took too long to put on and were a barrier to frequent use. The cuffs are secure and reasonably comfortable. I would avoid the machines that only have the padded bars to hold your ankles. I haven't used one, but they seem obviously less secure and less comfortable that the cuffs.
Security is everything on these machines. You don't want the machine to dump you on your head, it could be fatal as it says right on the machine. This one seems very sturdy and the critical points well engineered. It is a good serviceable machine. Having said that I will point our a few flaws--none of them serious.
There is a bar across the table with a pad on it. It is not so comfortable when in the horizontal position. I took the pad out and replaced it with a small cushion. Problem fixed. I spend most of my time full inverted doing crunches etc. anyway. This table does not lock in the fully inverted position as securely as the original inversion table I had. It does seem secure enough, however. At some point, I may just put a board under the front feet of the machine. This would alter the geometry enough to make it lock more securely (locking is not mechanical but by gravity). The scale for adjusting the machine to your height is not accurate for me and I am pretty average. I have to set it four inches taller than I actually am. This could result in you getting stuck in the fully inverted position with the listed setting. That's something you don't want to happen. Take this into consideration when you first use the machine. Once you get the right setting, it is not a problem. I did get stuck once with my old machine. My daughter had changed the setting. Best to check it before every use.
When I got my machine there was mildew or mold on the nylon table cover. It wiped off easily. I emailed Stamina with a photo and they sent out a new cover promptly. I have had a total of five Stamina machines. Three required some replacement parts, and the customer service has always been excellent. Every product has been well made, designed and an excellent value for the money. I am pretty picky and know machines, so I don't settle for mediocre workmanship.
I've made it sound like these machines can be dangerous, and they can if you get dropped on you head. With a little care and presence of mind, the risk is minimal, however, and far out weighed by the benefits. I don't known of anything else that is as effective for chronic back problems that are related to spinal compression. It is important, however, to get a well made machine like this one.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
very satisfied, May 25, 2010
This review is from: Stamina Gravity Inversion Table (Sports)
This is the first inversion table that I have used. I did a lot of comparison shopping, and I believe I got the best deal for my money. It arrived in good condition. It took about an hour to assemble it, and it was not hard to follow the instructions.
I have been using the table now for about 1 month. I started at a gradual incline and now have it set at about 60 degrees. I was having a lot of problems with sciatica. That has greatly reduced.
I noticed, in the reviews of other models, people complained about how painful the ankle restraints were. I am slightly overweight, and this model hasn't caused me any problem other than the mild discomfort you would expect from hanging by your feet. I only use it for about 7 minutes, three times a day.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone else who is wanting to try inversion therapy.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Sturdy - Fold Up - Does the Job - Could b more Comfortable, December 9, 2011
This review is from: Stamina Gravity Inversion Table (Sports)
My husband needed a table that was ultimately sturdy above all. We like that he can fold it up to set it aside when he needs to, and it does it's job. He doesn't complain about the comfort of the back support, but I have used it personally myself and thought it was rather uncomfortable since there is a bar behind it with a pad between it and your back. But the pad isn't all that comfortable in my opinion. Over all not a bad product though and it gets much use. We have had it well over a year and no problems. It has held up well.
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