Dragon Door Isochain Review

[@tonyx8750]

It works although the price tag is madness ! It is at least $250 to $300 overpriced regardless of how much dragondoor advertises. Most people will never justify the expense. There are weighing handles that can be used with a chain and use a clock for time ! Think of the cost ? Then the amount of use and benefit ? And can anything else do the same ? Cost vs benefit, and will you feel a mug for spending this for that ! Huge fan of the show, isometrics are great ( both overcoming and yeilding) and just being constructive. The product is good the cost is nuts !

[@bealltho1]

I have one, and, I just use the load function with the beep options to avoid needing to paying attention to the gauge in the moment (I just set the force output to slightly beyond where I want to be so when I hit it I know without having to read the gauge). It hasn't been an issue for me and the metrics are incredibly valuable to me because I also lift weights and can target specific issues. I use the isochain specifically to replace free weights on days/ weeks when I'm too spent to do a full workout.

[@bobl9949]

That's a Great idea 👍

[@davidbaker9286]

Thanks for your honest review. I’m not going to pay that amount of money for that device although Paul Wade’s isometric book is definitely worth buying. I put together my own device for about $80 that does everything the iso chain does other than the digital measuring components and I’m getting great results.

[@benjiluck]

What did you use to rig up your own device? Crane scale or other?

[@lukeuseforce]

What did you exactly do?

[@davidbaker9286]

I bought materials off Amazon. Steel base plate $30 1,000lb capacity hammock mount for base hook $10 Heavy duty spring $15-$20 10 ft chain $10 Heavy duty caribeener hooks $10 I already had a bar to wrap the chain around Might pay over $80 if you need a bar I don’t have any kind of “strength measuring” component wasn’t too concerned about that

[@benjiluck]

If/when you did want to include the quantifiable component you could incorporate something similar to this Hanging Weight Scale | 660lb Digital Electronic Weighing Scale with Accurate Sensors | for Hunting, Outdoor, Bass Fishing, Big Game, Farm, Large Luggage, Hoyer Patient Lift, Bow Draw Weight and More www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7Y6XF1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4betFbXSY4N8A

[@psvrdann4341]

I've also built my own for about 60 bucks... but your right... any component you try to add that can tell you your max output or indicate a pre set resistance has been achieved is much more expensive.... so for what it does the product isn't "over priced".... just a matter of if you're willing to spend that kind of money

[@lukeuseforce]

This thing NEEDS bluetooth/wifi. Readings every 1/10th(?) of a second go to your pc in a graphical layout of volume, intensity, and time. For $500+, I thought this would have been included.

[@florincristian9818]

Dragon door products are way too overpriced

[@sabelch]

Magnus Midtbø created a similar load measuring device for climbing and instead of a display on the device it just sends all the data over bluetooth to your phone where you can see graphs and statistics. Seems like a no-brainer for 21st century gadgets.

[@LetsGameDev]

That's why I build the same thing with Bluetooth and a PC Software at the moment XD

[@RedDeltaProject]

I keep meaning to ask them about that too, but I wonder if the reliability of BT is an issue. It might just be my personal tech vortex but I can't seem to get anything blue tooth to stay connected to anything for me.

[@nimeshpatel6006]

I agree, either Dragon Door needs to make it or some other company should.

[@cheesedudel6576]

I really appreciate how you can speak to the strengths of this product while openly recognizing that it might not be the best option for some people depending on their fitness goals and priorities. Recently I've stopped counting reps during exercises, and only checked them via recordings afterwards to check my progress. I felt like going into a set with numbers in mind constrained me from the get-go. Super looking forward to playing with the options the Isochain has to measure different variables in real time that won't affect my concentration.

[@jellewierda3828]

That's why i do timed sets. 4 to 5 sets, 1 minute each with 45 sec rest in between. When I fail after a few reps I just rest a breath or 3 and than proceed till I reach the 1 minute.

[@Cloppa2000]

Having been training for a good number of years now with Power lifting and calistenics.. just ordered my Isochain! Thanks for all your awesome videos that got me to this point..

[@woodfamily5229]

How are you liking it?

[@Cloppa2000]

@@woodfamily5229 I like it when I use it but like so many times in my life I'm inconsistent! Is it worth it? I'd say yes if you use it. I think even if I just use it for wrist and reverse wrist curls and maybe calves I'd be happy. And I do think it can help with sticking points if you're trying to increase strength.

[@woodfamily5229]

@@Cloppa2000 Man, I am too! I buy something expensive, use it a ton for a month of so then it sits. Ugh. haha. This though...is too pricey for me even if I wanted it, but I am new to hearing about such a thing and am considering building something using some of the other comments here. Thanks for getting back to me

[@Cloppa2000]

@@woodfamily5229 I wasted a little money buying a crane scale to make my own. Was too fiddly to set up each time! Then bought the Isochain bar only and made my own base very easily. I'm in the UK and had to pay something like £30 shipping and then another £60 import tax!!!! But i still think it was worth it as it is so much better than the crane scale.

[@woodfamily5229]

@@Cloppa2000 Excellent. I am excited to try this out. Off to plan...

[@dannyshark7822]

For me isochain became worth it once I did the Prometheus just as programmed in the manual. That was a real workout.

[@trumpeteer211]

Thanks for honest review. I’m not a dragon door fan personally, except for some of their books. This is over priced and the neuro grips were a stolen idea.

[@HeathWatts]

Very nice review. It’s great to know that I won’t have to stare at the screen of the Isochain, if I buy one.

[@RedDeltaProject]

Thanks Heath, yea I don't think I've ever really looked at the screen during an exercise now that I've been using it

[@HeathWatts]

@@RedDeltaProject I’ve been reading the Ultimate Isometrics ebook while I decide if I want to buy an Isochain. If I’m using the time mode, is it possible to adjust the load. For example, is it possible use the default 6 sec count in time mode with various weights or is the resistance locked in time mode? If the resistance is variable in time mode, what is the point of load mode? Sorry that I’m asking you these questions, but Dragon Door isn’t responsive and you have a an excellent understanding of the Isochain. Thanks in advance.

[@Koribashi]

@@HeathWatts you may have already found the answer to this but if not- timed mode lets you set a minimum force at which the timer will countdown. I always pull as hard as I can, but if I can't maintain at least that force for the whole 6 seconds it'll let me know by stopping early

[@thestuff4321]

Thanks for an honest review Matt

[@dmsdad6866]

Extremely informative and honest review. Thank you.

[@monteyoung5696]

Thanks for the thorough and objective review Matt. Can't wait to hear new insights and discoveries as you work with it more. I jumped on the first offering so it's getting close to a year waiting. I'm sure it will be worth it!

[@RedDeltaProject]

Good call there Monte, A bit of advice, when you're starting out I recommend implementing one of the programs in the manual. (I'm using the Prometheus Mark II atm) it's hard to really understand the value of this thing by just playing around with it, but using it in a structured routine and tracking your results helps you get the full value right off the bat

[@michaelsanchez9983]

Just received my isochain, it doesn’t work. The weight goes past 999 lbs(up to 2000 lbs) the bottom digits on the numbers is out. The volume, avg and battery power digits don’t work. Yep Chinese technology at work.

[@Oldmanorange]

Sweet. I really want one of these bad boys even more now. Can't wait to see you put some more time into the Iso Chain. It looks like those little average numbers will be where you could really add the data together and make progressive advancements.

[@rageoid]

Good complete review. I wonder if looking at a screen, even if you have a clear view, is contra-indicated in isometric training, where you are seeking to focus the maximum mental energy into muscle fiber activation ? Seems looking at, or trying to look at a screen may put a person right out of that moment to moment effort ?

[@RedDeltaProject]

To a degree for sure. Sometimes, seeing that number can help motivate you to get that last 1% of tension in to the muscles, but most of the time sure, looking at a screen or dial is more trouble than it's worth

[@bobbytate9907]

Great honest review. Pros and cons. I learned a lot here. You're the best, matt

[@ted1045]

Seems like it needs an app that will automatically record the data for you and save it so you can look at it afterwards.

[@shannonphilpott214]

Good day. Have you ever heard of or used the Gstrength from exsurgo for overcoming isometrics? If yes how do you like it. If no would you be able to do a review on it? Kind regards

[@aqilisnin7818]

Props to this guy! The quality of content is sublime 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RedDeltaProject]

Much appreciated!

[@chuckleberryflin]

Very honest review Matt thank you!

[@asiseeit1782]

Honest review! Knowing how much tension that you are doing is nice. But at $449.00 I will just keep using a Tabata timer.

[@sifuuga]

Thanks for your review. I just ordered one.

[@andrewmasc3174]

The screen should be externalized from the bar. You can hook it up to the floor and it stores information for you to look up later. You can also have a camera record the force meter too

[@RedDeltaProject]

Again, the screen I actually not that important. Making the feedback audible is the real way to use quantitative isometrics.

[@andrewmasc3174]

@@RedDeltaProject good point

[@josephbrown82]

Appreciate the detailed review, helps me understand how I can use it effectively.

[@nikakutaladze5544]

i would recommend Nolimitsquad.there is isometric programms and even transformation.it's youtube channel.

[@AlteredState1123]

You had me worried there at the beginning when you didn’t discuss the handle and seemingly dismissed the Isochain out of hand. I want this toy. I might just buy the handle and make my own platform as the handle does sell separately. Thanks for the review.

[@mreverybody1150]

The platform is slick, sturdy and solid. Definitely worth the purchase. Ive trained in all kinds of systems from weights, bands, dumbbells, barbell, dip bars but never have I felt as taxed as I did from doing 20 second holds with the isochain. That spring they added is really a complete game changer and they solved all of the reasons why I stopped doing isometrics decades ago.

[@AlteredState1123]

@@mreverybody1150 Thanks for letting me know.

[@mreverybody1150]

@@AlteredState1123 I did like this DIY build though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/el61lItqj5lnZ7M Did you make one yet?

[@johndambrosio5718]

Hey Matt, 7 months later, is this still a game changer? Have you noticed mass and strength increases? Are they still coming if you have?

[@jaxbriggs173]

Hi Matt, Do you recommend "hip sweeps" everyday, to improve flexibility, mobility, and stability in the hips and legs ? If so, can you give a sample of how to implement it on a week schedule please ? Greetings from France 🇫🇷🙏🏾

[@RedDeltaProject]

For sure, although, these days I use an even simpler technique where I stand on one leg and lift the other one straight out in front of me. That actually works the hips in a pretty complete way and you can really focus on getting more out of that simpler move

[@aurelienyonrac]

Hello. You can mention that Bruce Lee got his speed and strength from working on his tendon using isometric. 😉

[@lesgrosporcdesifs]

Best review on it thx a lot

[@vaibhavjain3234]

Great video Matt👌

[@lt5550]

It should have Audible prompts Or BT signal to a screen on a app👍🏽

[@jeremypresutti]

It has audible prompts. It also has the ability to show you your max and your average. There's no reason to even look at the screen in real time. It ALSO has a timer mode to tell you how long it's been audibly. This review needs a modification to make that much more obvious.

[@fallingleaveskungfu]

Sifu says"you must understand how minds work; minds only work one at one time."

[@Against_Gravity]

Are you going to upload more vids regarding the isochain anytime soon? You're the only one showing this stuff in the whole youtube right now. I'd like to suggest to upload a video showing a full workout demo using the device (exercises, sets & TUT used), as well as some exciting specific goals to aim for (we all have goals for calisthenics, why not for the isochain?).

[@RedDeltaProject]

For sure, stay tuned!

[@trevbarlow9719]

This thing sounds fun and useful. The price is rather high, though it is compact. I would get it for 250 or maybe 300 instantly. As it stands, I'd probably wait until I get all my other equipment first.

[@josephmaurer6620]

Hey Matt, I picked up an Isochain and I love it! Do you have any hybrid workouts that uses both the Isochain and Convict Conditioning style workouts, such as Veterano+, like you created?

[@RedDeltaProject]

I don't at the moment but I do have a video on the three ways I prefer to use isometrics along with dynamic movement. it should give you some good ideas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np-lkmyAlJyalaM

[@josephmaurer6620]

@@RedDeltaProject Thx Matt-looking forward to more! Maybe you can craft up a hybrid program for Vet+ and Iso! Hint hint.

[@andrewmasc3174]

Great content!

[@obaolori]

to me it seems something that would be cool to try on a commercial gym but i woudnt buy it for my home

[@thomasbazley8049]

How critical is this load reflex Paul Wade references in his book? I’ve never heard of it, but he makes it sound as though using a strap or a stationary bar for isometric training would have little to no value due to the lack of it. Thoughts?

[@RedDeltaProject]

It's more important than you might think, however not having it doesn't totally negate the effect of the exericse. It just holds you back a bit so you can't go all-out. There is still value for non-loaded isometrics for sure, especially for improving tension control and synergy which i what I primarily use them for in GSC. However, if you want to use isometrics for building strength and muscle it's pretty important.

[@Ordinary-Hendrik]

Hi Matt, I have read your book overcoming isometrics, am I correct to define neuromuscular proficiency as the proficiency of neural muscular pairing or works together? Thanks!

[@RedDeltaProject]

That's certainly part of it, it's also about how long and hard you can consciously contract a muscle for as well.

[@Ordinary-Hendrik]

RedDeltaProject Thank you and appreciate !

[@benjiluck]

Matt just from your initial few weeks, what is the one thing you would add to make the Isochain even more awesome for your purposes?

[@RedDeltaProject]

A louder beeper. The volume on that beeper is fine in most cases, but it's a bit harder to hear when I'm in the gym with the music blasting and people shouting while dropping weights.

[@timotheus2020]

Hey Matt is there a way to do a chest press with this thing? And if not what is a alternative?

[@keepitsecretce4954]

Wow I really wish I could afford this

[@thehappyvulcan]

Maybe it would be better if they put a blue tooth in it, and then you can see the high points, the low points, the average value, and the time on the phone afterwards. A neat graph of time with strength.

[@BC4SelfImprovement]

Please show different exercises with this device as I plan to get it soon!

[@RedDeltaProject]

Yep, that's coming soon!

[@dennispickard7743]

Supreme Potential don’t waste your money

[@ADAPTATION7]

Gimmicks and gadgets aside, is it fair to say that this method of training favors neural strength as opposed to muscular strength? Since there is no dynamic movement, will this translate into dynamic strength as well?

[@RedDeltaProject]

For sure. After all, strength is fundamentally about the nervous system in the first place. Like with a car. Your nervous system is your engine. Your muscles are just the wheels. Strength in the nervous system -----> strength of the muscles.

[@chrismunz8262]

osteostrong gives peak output results. Hundreds to thousands of pounds. Bone density and tendons 1-2 times a week.

[@maximalefitness5772]

Did you have after using it any measurable strength or muscle gains by using this tool? In general, I think, this is an interesting approach... but: I ask because "Paul Wade" (whoever he is) mentioned in his book the success of Bob Hofmans athletes as an example for the effectiveness of isometric training, but he fails to tell that their success really came from steroids - not from the isometric training. So I asked myself, if isometric training is nevertheless a good training or just scam... and this is another tool not worth the money. By the way: I build myself such a chain and just count my breaths, which comes in a fixed rhythm. Nevertheless I am interested in your experience.

[@karmacop217]

You don't necessarily need that contraption, a thick rope and steel pipe attatched to anything sturdy enough, should just about do it, buying that isochain thing is just more convenient I guess.

[@RedDeltaProject]

Don't forget the spring. That's more important than people realize.

[@mohammedismail6478]

How much this equipment in India prize

[@Rick-se5qm]

Matt if you decide to sell it I will gladly pay 60% off the listed price. Why...for one reason only, I like experimenting with gadgets.

[@anthonyromayo6296]

Isometrics makes up 95% of my training. I have the world fit ISO trainer the world fit ISO strap and other training equipment. Whatever happened to progression.. I know when I'm getting stronger with my holds. I don't need some meter to tell me that. The more you apply isometrics the stronger you're going to get and you will know it.

[@mreverybody1150]

Yes but how popular would weight lifting in the gym be if all of the weights were blank...

[@sethpawlik]

“Atrociously bad in application” for a $450 toy. Thanks for the honest review.

[@regprofant6984]

Where did you get the iso loop? I would like to get one.

[@RedDeltaProject]

That one was made special for me by Worldfit, but you can make your own over at Strapworks.com

[@regprofant6984]

Thank you. Is there a length you prefer?

you should reupload it in hd

[@RedDeltaProject]

Boredom is a big issue for sure. I suggest trying to change your rep speed and tempo to shake things up. Try doing a set of slow reps and then shift to a set of faster reps.

@@RedDeltaProject thanks for the advice but you replied to wrong comment i think

[@sweetsilage]

Interesting

[@priestof1s]

6:05 better hope physicist doesn't hear this. You will end up having a term paper on this video.

[@jmcantila9104]

if that's the only Con I don't see why I can't just get my phone to video the scale and record it as I work, and check it out after my workout

[@psvrdann4341]

That what I do (hanging scale).... but the difference here is the indication that a preset resistance has been met and for a preset duration while performing the exercise.... those afte the components that are much more difficult (and expensive) to emulate in a DIY unit

[@dennispickard7743]

JM Cantila Lol 😂 why would you want to its easy isometric = 100% effort and you know when you don’t !

[@thereal702edge]

STILL waiting for confirmation of ship - gold level advocate here.

[@josephbrown82]

You and me both, brother. Also a gold level advocate. I asked DragonDoor about delivery late last week and they said the ship bringing the isochains from China was two-thirds of the way here, they expected it to arrive in a couple of weeks.

[@nysurdatu5012]

Thank you for the review but, I would never pay 450$ for that. For 30$ I just bought the world fit iso trainer. You could use a towel . Charles atlas made a whole program using his own body .

[@UniversalStand]

It’s overpriced but has no competition. There is nothing that will replace the feedback from those beeps. Hopefully in the future a company will produce a similar device to help drive down the price.

[@xCorvus7x]

First. Edit: So rather some post-training feedback is required. Some way to have the measuring device record your effort for later display (maybe send it to your smartphone for more fancy, possibly interactive display).

[@micktrickmp]

Digital display should blue tooth to phone or tablet screen.

[@eucharistenjoyer]

U$450 for a overglorified hook scale with a handle. I'll see how cheap I can make one with arduino, a hook scale and some buttons. You have awesome content, but this was a stretch, the whole concept of isometrics is to push as hard as you can, no need to quantize it (you shouldn't use only isometrics to begin with). The concentration thing I can see being somewhat of a valid point, maybe counting time on your mind takes away from your max effort, which I doubt, but who knows, but you can replace it with a timer that counts seconds and just put your max effort as soon as the bip begins (lots of apps to do it, I recommend Impetus).

[@RedDeltaProject]

Yea I certainly recommend using a timer app as opposed to watching a clock for sure, it helps keep the pace of your workout on track too. But yea, if you DIY i highly recommend not going the way of using a scale. Trying to watch a screen or scale is just not worth it. It's much more of pain than its worth as I mentioned. Best ot use use a strap with some handles and use other methods for your primary strength training

[@dennispickard7743]

Aneun Oppa yup isometrics = 100% effort whilst trying to get 110%

[@nobo1682]

so what's the maximum weight

[@RedDeltaProject]

I believe #999

[@mreverybody1150]

@@RedDeltaProject What's interesting is a user went beyond that and it still read 1018 lbs or more. It seems mechanically it's rated to 1000lbs, but electronically it can go beyond. I wonder what the limit is!

[@oldnatty61]

Way over priced like most of DD's products. Make your own like the old timers.

[@gamerchristina1079]

💪💪❤️❤️‼️

[@anonymouspreme3425]

I would never pay for a rope/chain and a stick no place other than the hardware store.

[@mutsu-tv]

who else paused the video and try to find waldo? :D

[@jgeusebroek]

That beep will drive me crazy. They could have easily used a less irritating sound.

[@RedDeltaProject]

lol, I'm trying to imagine while a friendly beep would sound like. Like maybe a bell or something?

[@jgeusebroek]

@@RedDeltaProject glad you like it :) But seriously! It would drive me crazy because it's not a single beep, it just keeps going. Worse then an alarm clock :)

[@CWBush73]

I thought it was a joke that Dragon Door had this on their site.

[@RedDeltaProject]

believe me, it's no joke, but the uphill battle they have is to help people understand it's value without using it, which is almost impossible. It really is one of those things you have to use to really understand the value.

[@alokkatdare1933]

OVERPRICED PRODUCT WHATS THE USE

[@dennispickard7743]

It’s a gadget

[@RedDeltaProject]

Naturally. Just like the smart phone, duct tape, and flashlights.

[@danstafford5977]

That isometric apparatus has nothing to do with bodybuilding... if you don't know what it's used for you should not be talking about it! The Swiss ball is another example... it has nothing to do with bodybuilding... people are always trying to sell Bogus novelty gadgets!