Customer Reviews

Weider 390 Power Tower

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

 

 

NOT BAD
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First off, I'm pretty happy with it, but will try to write another review after 6 months, if Amazon allows that.

MISSING SCREWS
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The package was missing all of the M6 x 80mm Button Screws which are mentioned in the manual.

There's a cardboard sheet, covered by plastic which is supposed to contain all of the screws and bolts necessary to put the 390 together. All of the tools on the sheet, are clearly marked. But the 80mm screws aren't there at all - i.e., they are not only missing; there is not even any labeled place for it. The M6 x 80mm screws were completely forgotten when the factory put this together.

Anyway, I contacted Customer Care, using the number in the manual. First day I called the toll-free number, it was impossible to reach anyone. But the second day, it went smoothly. They took down the information, and I received the 80mm screws within a week.


ASSEMBLY
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Regarding assembly itself, the manual was clear enough. They manual recommends two people, but it took only me, and I'm about average when it comes to assembling these things. It took a few days, moving very slowly, but it could clearly be done in an evening.


THE WEIDER 390 POWER TOWER
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The equipment itself seems to operate as expected. The knee pad plate seems unnecessary, so it was removed. You could just as easily use a chair, and bend your knees loosely. That seems to accomplish the same thing.

My purpose for purchasing the 390 was for the pull-ups. My doors can't handle the weight of those pull-up bars which are sold everywhere, so the 390 seemed like a good substitute. A secondary reason was the dips.

Considering that there are no weights on this machine, the whole thing is surprisingly heavy. Nothing that a grown person or two can't re-position occasionally, mind you; just heavier than expected, for a non-weight exercise unit.

I don't care for the stiff-arm oblique knee raises on this machine, but that may be only a personal preference; someone else might find it convenient.

One pleasant surprise was a place for calf raises near the bottom of the unit. Very convenient, that.


GENERALLY, OK
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In general, it seems fine, but if Amazon permits it, I'll write a second review in about 6 months, with regard to the wear and tear issue.

I was looking for a simple pull up bar to use with P90X I recently started. I had purchased a door pull up bar and a power tower and both went back (door pull up didn't fit and power tower was unsturdy/unsafe). This is perfect for my gym. I currently use the assist pad for my pull ups and dips but in time will not. This assist pad quickly folds under when needed. I put this together myself with lots of patience and several hours of time which isn't bad for a mother of four with limited tool experience. I have had this over a month and still have no complaints.

Excellent Product! Sturdy construction and stable base. The assist platform is great for my wife and I, especially for pull-ups. Instead of struggling with poor form unassisted, the platform allows us to crank out sets with perfect form. Soon we won't need the assist any more. I recommend this for any home gym with the space.

This seemed like a good unit for the price but it falls short in many ways.

CONS

1) First off, it SHOULD NOT be used with P90X as the pull-up bars only allow for the wide grip and make it impossible to do close grip pull-ups (several exercises require this). What's more, the handles on the pull-up and dip bars don't have any traction so if you sweat a lot (which you will), your fingers constantly slip off the bars making it nearly impossible to hold on.

2) The assembly is awful. Many of the pieces don't fit together properly and require you to disobey the instructions just to get the unit to fit together.

3) The design is flawed. Trying to do dips is dangerous as the unit shakes and feels unsteady. The handles feel wobbly even when tightened and don't feel very nice on your hands.

PROS

1) Looks nice.

2) Cheap.

Only buy this unit if you plan on using it sparingly and like the way it looks.