Powertec Basic Trainer or Bowflex Body Tower

[XXGameXX]

Hi need help picking which product. I narrowed it down to 2 products: Powertec Basic Trainer or Bowflex Body Tower
I don't have much room for equipment, so i figured theseare good choices. Also I would like to attch trx suspension to it.

I am 5 11 about 220. Both Products look fine for that.

Powertec is $100 more at $400 while Bowflex is $300. Not sure if the $100 more is worth it?

Please Help

All response appreciated

Thanks in advance

[PaulWog]

The Powertec fitness tree is the superior choice of the two. The weight limitation of the Bowflex (300 pounds) is too low: if you ever intend to do any serious weighted dips or weighted chinups/pullups, you'd be ruining the unit.

I would recommend you shop around a little bit more just to be certain of your final purchase decision. There are other good choices at the $400 price-point.

Note, if you don't have a squat rack (and you are interested in one: you mention you have limited space), that the Powertec squat rack comes with pullup bars and dip bars on it. This would save you some space by removing the need for a fitness tree.

[XXGameXX]

The Powertec fitness tree is the superior choice of the two.

I would recommend you shop around a little bit more just to be certain of your final purchase decision.

ty for quick reply
any other towers better or better prices out there


ty

[PaulWog]

ty for quick reply
any other towers better or better prices out there


ty

This depends on your location. Would you prefer to stay at $400 or less? Or are you simply looking for the best bang for the buck?

[XXGameXX]

I rather spend less but if powertec much better then I go in for extra 100.
Bowflex seemsadjustable for more exercises andcomes with straps.
Live in NY

[PaulWog]

I rather spend less but if powertec much better then I go in for extra 100.
Bowflex seemsadjustable for more exercises andcomes with straps.
Live in NY

This isn't the topic or question of your thread, but I feel like if I'm giving advice I might as well ask: What sort of fitness routine are you purchasing this for? What is it that you already have in your home gym, and what is it that you are planning to add to it?

I think the Powertec is probably a decent choice. You could check back in this thread to see if someone else comes up with some advice, since I can't off the top of my head (or from quick google searches) find anything that is more suitable at the price-point. The armstraps really aren't necessary, and you can always attach straps to the Powertec unit by hanging them from the pullup bars if you want to. The difference between the two (the main thing) is the weight limitation.

[XXGameXX]

I have no equipment at home but do have a dumbells, rack bench at job.

I want to do pullups, trx training and leg raises with a tower

[PaulWog]

I have no equipment at home but do have a dumbells, rack bench at job.

I want to do pullups, trx training and leg raises with a tower

If you really want to save on space, and you're not doing weighted pullups, then you could get a doorway pullup bar and attach a TRX trainer to something somewhere in your living space securely. Leg raises can be done hanging in the pullup position.

You may want to reconsider and go with the Bowflex Body Tower if you're not doing any weighted work. It might be fine for you. My recommendation of the Powertec tower was specifically to be able to do weighted activities (I put on a belt to attach weight to me so I can do heavier dips, and sometimes heavier chinups or pullups).

[XXGameXX]

Forgot to add dips i want to do.

Ty Paul for information

Any others on insight on towers?

[ironwill2008]

Forgot to add dips i want to do.

Ty Paul for information

Any others on insight on towers?

Just on bowflex stuff; they have a history of poor quality, problems with the Federal Trade Commission, and are overpriced anyway. I would never recommend you buy anything from them.

[rlundregan]

I agree--stay away from Bowflex! I had a Powertec Basic Trainer. It is well-built, and can hold 400 lbs, so you can load up the weight. You should try it before you buy it though. I liked my Powertec well enough, but I remember thinking that the dip handles were just a hair wider than I wanted them to be. I have a smallish frame, so this may not be an issue for you. I felt the same way about the pullup bar. I could do regular pullups on that flip-up bar on top, but if I wanted to gradually widen my grip, it was hard to do because of the way the bar was made.

THe Powertec is a good piece--I'm certainly not telling you not to buy it. As a matter of "fit", it wasn't quite right for me.

[XXGameXX]

Ty for all replies
It just seems a lot $400 for a tower.
I really like that both dip and pull up on same side.

I wish I can find it cheaper

[KBKB]

I liked Paul's power rack suggestion. If you choose well, you'll be able to use it for both pull-ups and dips. And later, you'll be able to use it to safely spot squats and the bench press too.

You can also use gymnastic rings for both dips and pull ups if you can find a place to hang them. Ring dips are hard though, but that's okay, right?

Yet another approach is to watch Craigslist for something suitable.

[XXGameXX]

I liked Paul's power rack suggestion. If you choose well, you'll be able to use it for both pull-ups and dips. And later, you'll be able to use it to safely spot squats and the bench press too.

You can also use gymnastic rings for both dips and pull ups if you can find a place to hang them. Ring dips are hard though, but that's okay, right?

Yet another approach is to watch Craigslist for something suitable.
I seen and used the powertec rack with pullups and dips. It is a awesome piece and cheap. It is much better buy then the basic trainer but I don't have enough room for it :(. The olympic bar extends out of the cage.

[MrCrispy]

Do you have a doorway which can support a pullup bar? You can get something like this

http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Total-Upper-Body-Workout/dp/B001ND04U4/
+
http://www.amazon.com/Ontel-IRONAB-MC6-Iron-Gym-Straps/dp/B002AFJONM

and that would let you do most of the exercises, as well as hang your TRX. Although with your height it may be an issue.

[XXGameXX]

Wanted itfordips as well.

I just ordered the powertec Basic Trainer.
Went for the quality


I will update in about a month how i like it

[XXGameXX]

Wanted itfordips as well.

I just ordered the powertec Basic Trainer.
Went for the quality


I will update in about a month how i like it


Assembly of the basic trainer went good except for the last part. The back rest pad needs two screws to be put on. Only one screw can fit. The other screw does not reach to connect. They should of gave two different size screws instead on the same size. No big deal since the pad can hold with one screw.

Item is strong and does shake. I have not done any added weight exercises yet.

[KBKB]

Assembly of the basic trainer went good except for the last part. The back rest pad needs two screws to be put on. Only one screw can fit. The other screw does not reach to connect. They should of gave two different size screws instead on the same size. No big deal since the pad can hold with one screw.

Go to your local hardware store - Ace is good - and get a screw of the right length. Should cost less than 50 cents.