Customer Reviews

Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Sport Inversion Therapy Table

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Why I chose EP-550 Sport:

Purchased this item on Oct.6,08. Chose this model, because of a positive reputation and the easy storage function, though it was a bit more expensive than other brands. In addition, this model is supposed to have a very comfortable ankle clasp. Sport version even includes the gravity boots. So, I decided to purchase EP-550 Sport instead of regular EP-550.

The First Day:
The assembly is not hard, but the whole package is quite ponderous. Once assembled, the inversion table needs some practice, adjusting the height and weight distribution, when one first uses it. This will take a while to get used to it. Unlike some other models, this table uses a seesaw mechanism, which means there is no locking into 30, 60 or 90 degree angle. The whole movement depends on balancing weight between one's head vs. his feet by swaying his arm either toward his head or toward his knee, once the balance has been established. Make sure to view the DVD that comes with the kit.

Pros:
Gravity boots are quite helpful, and I love how I can oscillate.

Cons:
Cam Locks arrived completely broken on both sides. When I called the customer service, they knew exactly what was broken, even before I mention the specific location. Obviously, there is a proven packaging problem.

If you are less than 100 lb, you might have a difficult time going into full inversion, since there is a lot of weight at the bottom. Using the gravity boots helps a bit.

Because the table is bottom heavy, it does not fold like a video. I find that, even when I shorten the table to the maximum storage mode, the table still sways into the horizontal angle, which makes it difficult to store without scratching the wall.

Traction handle is a rip off. Personally, I do not find them useful at all. Besides, they are supposed to be worth $30?!

Conclusion:
I recommend buying the regular EP-550 and the gravity boots kit separately and save money for Traction handle. If you really want to try the traction handle, just buy them separately. Buying EP-550 Sport model does not give you any discount for buying the whole package. EP-550 Sport should be around $350, when EP-550 is $299.

Its solid, real solid...and it works great. Perfectly balenced construction makes inversion easy. Great move going with the sport model since it makes hanging upside down a lot more bearable. People often complain about ankle pain caused by inversion, however some discomfort is to be expected because our bodies are not made to be hung by our ankles. The boot kit makes inversion much more tolerable than traditional methods and I can hang comfortably for a half hour or longer in them. If you have bad ankles however look into waist supported inversion (not as effective, but much easier on the knees and ankles). If your joints can take a little beating, this is the best your gonna get!

I was impressed with the quality of the product and it was easy to assemble. It looks like a lot of stuff to put together when you first open the box, but there are really very few pieces to assemble. Plan on 1 hour to unpack, read the manual, and assemble the item.

The one thing I did not like about it is that you can not quickly change between the ankle clamps and the gravity boot bar. I have not used the gravity boots that came with my unit yet. To use them you have to disassemble the ankle clamp to replace it with the boot bar. It would take very little design change so that you could do this by just pulling out a pin. But with the current design you need to get your tools out to swap out the unit. After using it a few more days I will install the gravity boot bar to see which hanging option I prefer to use.

The unit easily breaks down into two parts by lifting the table off the frame by simply sliding 2 spring loaded retainer clips with your fingers. The table is 32.5 pounds and the base 27.5 pounds for a total combined weight of 60 pounds. It is a bit cumbersome and heavy to move as one unit. When you pull the table off it is much easier to move the two individual pieces. With the table attached to the base it does not fold up into a very compact unit. You can store it in less space by removing the table from the base. Although for people with a bad back the table at 32.5 pounds could be too heavy to lift on and off the base.

I would have given it 5 stars if the design allowed you to swap between the standard ankle supports and the gravity boot bar without needing tools on this sport model. For that oversight I took off 1 star. Other than that it is very well built and feels like a very high quality item. It also operates very smoothly with no clunks or noise of any nature. I do think they could have made it lighter. The sturdy build is comforting in a way as you certainly don't have to worry about it collapsing or breaking. However, if you do have a bad back when it comes to lifting, you should probably plan on leaving the unit in a fixed location rather than planning on folding it up and storing it away when not in use.

I don't have a bad back, but from time to time I have thrown my back out of place causing muscle spasm and pain. I would go to the chiropractor, then one would adjust me into place in one spot, & adjust me out in another, popping a rib tip out of place from my back, to have me come back the next wk. After adjusting the rib tip back in, I couldn't get off the table because of the pain,that was gone in a day or two. While riding my wave runner I hit a wave and felt a sharp pain in my lower back (like a nerve pain). The Chiropractor could not (or would not in order to have me come back & back, billing my CoPay & insurance each time.I have gone to chiropractors my whole life, my uncle is one. Before the chiropractor visits were covered by Ins. Co's. the chiropractors would adjust your back relieving pain instantly one adjustment & your good to go! I'm not saying all chiropractors are more interested in scheduling more appointments to pay for all their new expensive equipment, but when all chiropractors used was massage, stimulation & hands on adjustment the patients comfort & relief was there immediately.My brother in law bought a less expensive brand of inversion table he told me I should try it that it works for him. I did allot of research before deciding which inversion table I would buy. I bought the Teeter EP 550 Sport because it is medical grade, has a 5 yr warranty, is Very Stable easy to use, and comes with the gravity boots they make the inversion much more comfortable on your feet and ankles.The very first time I used my Teeter I GOT RELIEF FROM BACK PAIN!!!My husbands first use at bedtime, we heard an immediate popping noise and he went to bed waking with no pain! I find that regular use keeps me from having pain, gives me more flexibility, It has even helped my knees (which I blew out lifting weights, and had surgery). I bought the vibrating mat W/infrared heat to help relax muscles before fully inverting.I Love My Teeter it's quality, stability, ease of operation, warranty, and the fact that IT WORKS! I am happy with the purchase. The cost of the Teeter is a bit more than others but well worth it! Buy the boots also you will be glad you did! Thank You Teeter hang ups!!! Goodbye back pain, Goodbye Chiropractors!!!

This is a good product however it's important to ease into a routine. Until you become comfortable, do the minimum. Ignore your urge to hang upside down or you will likely spend the rest of your day nauseous.
Purchasing the boots and other hardware is a needless expenditure.
The unit works fine without add-ons. It is possible, if you haven't properly adjusted the machine to your height, to get stuck in an upside-down position which, if you're alone, could be "problematic."

This is an excellent product, well built, solid construction. Assembly is easy as long as you do two things. First, read all the directions first, hey, I'm a man what can I say; and two, make sure the box is right side up when you open it. I had it upside down and it was a little confusing until I figured that out. The product goes together really easy once you have every thing in order.

I'm 42, male, 250lbs and had a L4-L5 microdisectomy February of 2009. I have a reoccurence and am having a second surgery, L4-L5 laminectomy & disectomy. All said, the Teeter EP 550 Sport is one of the best tools I have had to relieve pain and partially reverse some of my herniated disc. The product is exceptionally well made, FDA approved, our insurance paid for 80% of it with a DR. prescription and it is a phenominal tool for back pain relief, back care and over all total health care.

We feel it has not only relieved my back pain but also enabled partially herniated discs above and below to become more hydrated, supple and they are back in place. We used MRI's to identify this. Additionally, we find it very theraputic for sinus drainage, cardiovascular improvement and you can do core excersizes, while inverted, without using your back muscles.

This is a must have for anyone with back issues, scoliosis, etc..

Don't buy imposters....this one is the best, has exceptional engineering and will last the test of time.

I should have purchased this a long time ago! It is helping my back and Sciatic nerve issues.

Nice sturdy unit which is reflected in the price. Took less than 30 minutes to assemble and used it right away. Gives a good stretch for the back and feels great after sitting all day in front of my work computer. Will try to incorporate the exercises and full inversion in time as I get used to being upside down. I find it best to do things gradually so it doesn't feel like blood is rushing to my head or getting light-headed when turning upright. I got the boots but haven't used them yet as I feel comfortable with the ankle bar, but it hurts my wife's feet, so may try to convince her to try the boots. Once the novelty wears off, will try to incorproate full inversion and exercises. So far, I am pleased with this purchase.

well constructed, easy to use, just 30 minutes to assemble, and stores against a wall. quite satisfied