FLEXICON Band Machine by Bodylastics: First Look and Impressions

10% Off Early Bird Flexicon Signup Link: bit.ly/4aRvgsE
Exclusive first impressions having one of the few Bodylastics Flexicon Models in production (NOT THE FINAL VERSION). I'll provide a description on what it is, the price, and my honest thoughts on this 3rd rendering of this machine. I was told to simply not show the whole machine, so that is why you are not seeing close up shots or the full features of the Flexicon.
First Interview With Blake about Flexicon: • FLEXICON Band Machine:...
Lever Gym W/ Bands Video: • The Best Resistance Ba...
Stuff Seen or Mentioned in Video:
➔Bodylastics Bands: lvnta.com/lv_LpuGEya7Jc5ROXo9kN
➔Cheap Lever Gym: amzn.to/3wLWGCg
➔Powertec Lever Gym: powertec.com/?ref=Hybrid
➔Vector Athletics Fabric Bands: SAVE 20% anything Vector Athletics "MIKE20": www.vectorathletics.fit?sca_ref=4817832.NgMsXGNzJF
➔SAVE 10% OFF Serious Steel Resistance Bands (37in bands) using CODE "SBT: SeriousSteel.com
➔SAVE 15% OFF CLENCH FITNESS Platform, Handles, and Bands Use Code "SBT15": clenchfitness.com/?rfsn=73628...
🦍SAVE 10% OFF "SLIDINGBENCHTRAINER" Harambe Systems: www.harambesystems.com/slidingbenchtrainer
✴️SAVE $50 OFF X3 WITH "MIKE" link: www.jdoqocy.com/click-1008252...
0:00 - Intro
2:23 - "far superior"
3:40 - First impressions / description
8:54 - Who will like this
10:00 - Price ~$900
10:54 - Wrap up
------
DISCLAIMER:
Hybrid Resistance KZbin channel is not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, or death sustained from following the exercises demonstrated or fitness advice discussed in this video. By following the information and performing the exercises provided, you are responsible for any and all injuries sustained. It is strongly recommended you consult your physician before starting any exercise or diet program.
Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. Please know that I include affiliates that I personally have investigated / personally use and feel that they would be of value to you. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting this channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week

[@hybridresistance]

Want to thank Blake and Bodylastics for this great opportunity and trust in using one of the only Flexicons in existence. You can expect more features with this equipment. If you want to sign up for their kickstarter to save 10% on the limited first run, this link shows that I pointed you there bit.ly/4aRvgsE

[@blakekassel7002]

Mike, Your critiques and suggestions were invaluable!! I listened to them all and are making mods to address.

[@hybridresistance]

@@blakekassel7002 thanks Blake! I’ll also say it again that VERY few owners make themselves accessible, especially in the comment section.

[@toneijkoop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqSmhal_pLmWjqcsi=3kNUyz5un-Kert0M

[@toneijkoop]

All benefits provided by training with resistance bands are diminished with the sole purpose of replacing weight. This thing has been extensively discussed (and criticized) on Reddit, with complete video evidence. Even you aren't particularly enthusiastic about it. 'Suboptimal' comes to mind.

[@blakekassel7002]

@@toneijkoop Why not try it first before you make a decision :)

[@loulopez554]

As much fun as it is to get to play with all this fitness equipment, I hope the owners of these companies are thankful for your reviews as what you do is better than any infomercial.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks so much Lou. I'm always grateful for companies trusting me to not only test their products but also provide honest feedback.

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

I agree Lou this is the best commercial for a product an actual trusted reviewer

[@Mrwatson185]

Th quantity and quality of the content you have been producing lately is absolutely incredible. Thanks as always, you have saved me so much time and money while simultaneously costing me so much money :P Thanks Mike!

[@hybridresistance]

haha, thank you so much. I'll just tell you that it's mutual. Sure I get some stuff for free, but I've dropped a bunch of $ recently on home equipment which also comes from your suggestions.

[@riccosx8143]

Bodylastic tube bands are one of the standards in my garage gym. They are high quality, and their accessories are also top shelf, very well built. The sticking point for me was always working the chest, you can only apply so much resistance because you are not anchored, and so, you get pulled off you feet. That's what led me to buy a knock off X3 type bar and some Serious Steel R bands. Using your back as the attachment point works for that. The Flexicon looks like it solves some of the problems, but so far, size and price are dampening the "I want it" factor. Than again, you can look at it as a more affordable functional trainer . Besides, at 70 Y/o, my TG Fit, the aforementioned R band set ups, some kettle bells and club bells are more than enough to keep me busy and not bored. Thanks for the content Mike, you're always full of ideas we can use

[@hybridresistance]

I appreciate the feedback Ricco. I can tell you Blake has intentions to make this stand up to the Bodylastics brand, so I'll be excited as everyone else to see the finished product. It does solve many of the problems people had with tube bands no question.

[@captain4825]

This is really neat and I think you are definitely the guy to review and test this product with your experience with such a variety of fitness items. Thanks for sharing this, I would love to see more videos on it.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you for that compliment, always means a lot. I'll share more if you guys want to see it!

[@herrband7320]

Mad respect to both you and Blake for an honest, forthcoming review. This video continues to showcase your dignity and character, as well as the quality of your reviews. Hats off to Blake as well for giving you the chance to try an early Flexicon model and speak candidly about your experience!

[@hybridresistance]

100%

[@MyHomeGym_]

Appreciate your honest reviews, Mike. Very informative and I’m sure Blake will appreciate your feedback to adjust his product before released. Awesome opportunity that you got your hands on this before released to the public.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Larry. Blake has been taking in all the feedback he's been getting and should be tweaking what you're seeing here, so I'm looking forward to it as much as you guys.

[@matthewruhland8443]

Yes! been waiting for this review!

[@martinlingle9369]

Hi Mike! I was excited to see this review. After your interview with Blake, I signed up to get the early release notices for this on his site. i always appreciate your views and candor, and the depth of experience you bring. Also, when a manufacturer opens themselves up for criticisms from you, it speaks highly of their credibility. While the first views are intriguing, i will reserve judgement until I can inspect the final release from all angles. That said, new entries into the home fitness market is very encouraging to see. Congratulations and thanks for another for another scoop on a new product review!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Martin, really appreciate that. I totally agree, I don't see many owners as out there with their customers as much as I'm seeing Blake do. I can also attest that Blake 100% believes and uses this product. I was actually surprised to hear how much he does not use weights for his training.

[@skin28420]

Thanks for the review. I am excited to see there production model.

[@Resist_The_Band]

Congratulations on the exclusive preview on this unit! Edit: It's finally here! Let's see what it can do! The base platform is a given 😂 I forgot what strongman had the squat rack flip on him when he attached the bands on the pegs 😂 I am hoping that becomes a standard across more platforms.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you my friend.

[@raiden225005]

Great video, I always appreciate how honest you are on your reviews.

[@hybridresistance]

Appreciate you watching my friend.

[@Mrfitness4397]

Great review- preview of this product. Really appreciate your honest reviews. Keep up the great content. As a Soloflex owner It was interesting to see. Would like to see further videos on this.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you and will do!

[@jaleesa00]

I’ve been waiting for this video. I felt like I was playing Pictionary and so happy to see this option of machine. Kindve reminds me of a ‘True Stretch’ cage with lever arms. Thank you.

[@hybridresistance]

haha thanks Jaleesa. I tried to respect Blake's request of not showing all of it, while still allowing you guys to piece it together.

[@jaleesa00]

@@hybridresistance thank you

[@maxthenova]

Awesome feature man! I do think this is exciting as it's a big risk and investment to develop such a complex machine to go head to head with weight machines, also really good validation for the power of bands and will definitely help drive the market forward. I like the ability to do super fast reps without sacrificing stability as that cannot really be done safely with bar and platform setups. Also, very smart to make a conversion kit for loop bands as it will expand their reach.

[@hybridresistance]

I agree all round Max. Don't know if you caught it in the video, but I've been loving those fabric bands.

[@maxthenova]

@@hybridresistance I did! Appreciate the feature and glad you like them :), they have been my go tos lately, especially for travel and outdoor training

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

Awesome you are lucky to get early access to this

[@hybridresistance]

I agree, very lucky to get ahold of it.

[@Tiger1016.]

Seems like the Tytax MX with the Option JA will be preferable to this in every way. I'd love to see something like Spediance with a height adjustable lever arm integration.

[@theozwalter3009]

I’m definitely getting one. I’ve been looking for a gently used SoloFlex for months now. Even if the price is 1k it’s still lower than the last manufactured SoloFlex model. Great video!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for watching man.

[@lukesalazar9667]

Incredible!

[@larryschnurr6407]

Thank you Mike for another great video! Would you ever consider reviewing the Inspire/Centr SF3 function trainer which includes a smith machine built in?

[@hybridresistance]

I can certainly look into it.

[@williamsullivan1126]

Interesting video Mike. As it’s still in development, I’d recommend having the height be adjustable so it could fit into more basements. I’d also recommend that some base level of bands be included so that the machine can be used immediately upon setup without being nickeled and dimed for items needed to use it.

[@hybridresistance]

great feedback William.

[@adamc9147]

Hey there Mike great review. Whats about hamstring/glute exercises? Can you do leg curls or hip thrust?

[@hybridresistance]

You could pull off hip thrusts in a few ways with the bar and attachment sites. You could also do a variety of kick backs and possible quad extensions if the band with the bench was anchored a certain way.

[@marcvinyard3050]

Thank you for another great review. I love band training for pressing movements since it's easier on my old joints, but pulling movements always feel off with bands and so I got a standalone lat pulldown machine. Question: for hypertrophy purposes, how does the Flexicon chest press compare with an X3 bar/Harambe chest press?

[@hybridresistance]

Chest press on here is much better than a x3/harambe press, but it's almost not fair because it is a legit full on machine. I'd say if you can spare the space, pretty much all harambe/x3 exercises can be replicated and can be made better with this machine.

[@marcvinyard3050]

@@hybridresistancethank you this is really helpful. I just hope the footprint is small enough to fit in my garage.

[@vilhelmstein2091]

I'm buying one

[@briand5047]

I like the ability to adjust the angles. I don't think I will get one, but I do appreciate anything helpful in training to failure alone safely. I would tend to think it is a good product since I have many of their bands and curl bar and they are great. If they pandemic didn't happen, I probably would have never tried tube bands. They were a bargain compared to other products at that time.

[@hybridresistance]

I hear you Brian. Most likely more bands were sold during that period then all previous years combined.

[@briand5047]

@@hybridresistance The Bodylastics bands, and curl bar (or the Innstar straight bar) is my favorite bicep exercise. It is nice to do a few band exercises mixed with free weights to save on setup time.

[@outtrigger]

this looks really cool, it doubling as a functional trainer makes this a very compelling offer imo do you know if there are any plans for any attachments for stuff like leg curls or leg extensions?

[@hybridresistance]

I personally wouldn't say it's the same as FT. Each one has some distinctive pros and cons for sure. As far as I know, no leg curls / extensions.

[@blakekassel7002]

That is planned for future release.

[@bsquaredkc]

@@blakekassel7002 Will the bench that this is released with allow an upgrade or retrofit for the leg curls and extensions? Or will a different bench purchase be required to make use of those exercises?

[@blakekassel7002]

@@bsquaredkc Hi Bruce. The issue with making an all in one is that the bench is not high enough off the floor. I would rather create a Seated Leg Curl/Leg Extension solo piece to go along with the tower

[@JAC3DG33K]

Great review. I heard that the final version will be able to fold to save space. I have both free weights and bands in my gym and this will be the deal breaker. However, I not sure if there will be much benefit between squatting with this machine vs. doing belt squats with my landmine setup.

[@hybridresistance]

I think (from what I heard) they scrapped the foldable version because of possible liability concerns. Blake told me this is "93%" of the finished product.

[@JAC3DG33K]

@@hybridresistance thanks for the update. Looks like I’m going to need to rearrange my home gym set up after all. However, I’d rather deal with inconvenience of moving stuff around vs. having a machine collapse on me mid work out.

[@nilesphilpot3819]

this is what I'm talkin bout!

[@outtrigger]

if you ever see one for cheap please review the og soloflex, would love to know your thoughts

[@hybridresistance]

I'm looking, seems like like they're going up in price in the second hand market.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

Nice review. I don't think that the price is out of line for the type of machine it is and how it's constructed. I bought a new Bowflex back in 1997 that was around $1,000 for everything and it probably wasn't built as well as that one looks to be. I believe a new Soloflex cost around the same amount back in the day but of course the SF is built very well and is very heavy duty. I like the concept of this machine but it is quite large from the looks of it and currently I would have no place to put it. I think for those that have the room and are dedicated band users, this machine will definitely appeal to them. I am a long-time user of Bodylastics bands and products and still use them today along with my loop bands and related products. I would definitely be interested in seeing you use this machine more extensively and give some more of your impressions of it.

[@hybridresistance]

Yes, I think the price is fair all things considered. It also includes a bench as well. I will for sure be providing updates as soon as I get the green light from Bodylastics to do so.

[@thomaskennedy7842]

I like resistance bands, but I still think he should add weight horns to this thing. At least for the leverarm component. I just think people want that flexibility and want that option. Even it's just some sort of additional optional upgrade. I think people would respond well to that.

[@marcaube7257]

I am a full time tube and loop band user. The equipment would be ideal for myself. Is it portable, can it slide across the floor with ease Assembly / Disassembly quick? With all the recent videos for lever gyms, Spediance and the Flexicon I drifted over to the REP Fitness web site. I watched their own video on the new ARES 2.0 equipment. Not sure Mike, considering the cost of the Spediance and QT Trainer why not purchase the ARES 2.0 which is supplied with 600 + lbs. of weight on two stacks. The footprint might be larger but what a machine. I know the REP video is biased but it is a nice machine. However it is not portable and assembly is "permanent". Thanks for this video possibly my x-mas present.

[@hybridresistance]

As of right now no, it is not easy to move around / disassemble. But that was one area of feedback that I stressed to them. Excellent question and point about the functional trainers + rack options. I actually have a related video on this point coming soon, but some considerations among many are...will you maximize such a setup, do you have the space, and how much of portability do you value in your set up. I know many people (myself included in the past) that have built and broken down such set ups because of those reasons I just listed.

[@durtle4colsoh]

This machine looks compelling. If you purchased ONE machine - this one or Speedience?

[@hybridresistance]

It kind of depends on preferences / needs. Speediance has a "chain" function which is basically is a variable resistance band function, more expensive, is a much lower footprint, but is electronic. This is MUCH bigger, has wider angles say for flys, less expensive, has no electronics, but bands don't last forever so those will need replacing. But if you're asking for my personal needs as of right now also let's pretend the Gym Monster will never break down, probably a gym monster at this time. You also have to consider I have equipment that can replicate some of my favorite exercises on here.

[@edsweeney6843]

Looks cool, but out of my price range. I recently retired and now have to stick to a fairly strict budget.

[@taylorpark3544]

I agree with your perspective. Would I spend $900 to $1000 for this device? Maybe if I used bands exclusively. Other band frames tend to be a lot smaller. I think I'd rather order an affordable lever gym for $600 to $800 off Amazon and utilize resistance bands with it like you've shown. If they kept the price in the affordable lever gym range of $600 to $800 then I feel like it would be a lot more accessible, especially in this economy. Even then, its very niche. That being said, I think its a great design as long as it feels as good as it looks. It looks like it can do a lot.

[@hybridresistance]

Excellent points all around. Those are certainly good considerations.

[@yediydeyah78]

I watched the workout video that was published in one of the newsletters and I was impressed with the machine then ( I think it was version 2.0 or something like that). I am hoping that there are some tweaks made to accommodate looped resistance bands. Can you please tell Blake that the bar handles need to be angled for better grip and structure alignment? Thank you for the link btw!

[@outtrigger]

can you link the video? i cant find it

[@hybridresistance]

Yes, I will relay this message. I also had some comments to Blake on the handle. Thanks for that feedback

[@StevieRichardsFitness]

I can appreciate someone who created a resistance band all in one trainer, but the functionality for the amount of space it takes up may not be worth it to most. The price also seems high, but it’s 2024. Everything is getting expensive to make as well as buy.

[@hybridresistance]

Excellent point Stevie and you would know with your "all in one" functional trainer experience.

[@blakekassel7002]

This machine takes up no more room than a half rack. I would have loved for the machine to be smaller. I would cost me less to make, hence a lower price. That being said. I cannot in good faith put out a product that is sub par. My customers deserve better than that. I led over 2000 resistance bands workouts Online and had a long wishlist of what I wanted to make it better. This machine fills in ALL of those gaps.

[@StevieRichardsFitness]

@@blakekassel7002believe me, Blake- I love resistance band training and bands have kept me looking TV ready during my time as a full time professional wrestler. I’ve personally wanted a resistance band version of an all in one trainer, so I give you tons of credit for making that a reality.

[@JoesLife89]

Its cool but will have a limited market. I prefer band/board for portability. One of those door anchor systems acts as a machine and doesn't take up room. I think this does push the resistance band market but id like to see one that is smaller or folds.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@Resist_The_Band]

I found the full picture of this contraption. 😂

[@hybridresistance]

Yes, it's still out there. I kind of feel that if you piece some of these clips together you kind of see the whole machine. I really took liberty with Blake's request "to show some of it, but not all of it".

[@rambojohn7118]

Machine seems to do a lot. I think the space that the machine takes up will turn off alot of potential buyers.

[@hybridresistance]

I agree, I think you're either going to be in or out on this one.

[@shiwakuseven5859]

It takes up too much space. Space is the biggest criteria for most current home gym owners.

[@blakekassel7002]

No bigger than a half rack

[@sprocketdogs4964]

Every movement can be done on a rack with band pegs. Set up on rack looks easier than this. I also use Soloflex and I don’t think this thing even comes close to that especially the way I have it set up. Plus it can use weights. I think if he opened it up to use free weights and loop bands it would be better. This thing doesn’t even resemble the original prototype. I think that one had the ability to use both types of bands. Also if the price is that low for a machine that size it is probably made out of thin metal. I’ll wait to see the final product.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for sharing your feedback and watching. I had similar pushback, but Blake's argument (which is true to point) is that when you start to add more weight you'll need a lot of counter weight for the rack.

[@toneijkoop]

life fitness circuit series

[@markandrewkoval8920]

Seems a bit too niche of a product. Very possible to simply DIY some extra band peg attachments to a lever gym type device. Adjustable handles look sick though. A type of hybrid training system I’d like to see more common in the home gym market would be combining plate loaded lever devices combined with cable resistance. KZbin Matt Rosenman has done videos on building/replicating such systems to mimic commercial pieces

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Mark. I'm looking at some unique jammer arms to see if they can out perform my Quantum Trainer

[@blakekassel7002]

We think alike! I actually have something in mind so that you would be able to add plates towards the handle connection

[@JimR-hg4dm]

So first, the=is review is virtually content-free. When there is an actual unit to review, perhaps then? Second, this is supposed to be about a bodylastics review, but LOOK at the clips of exercises he is doing _ALL are with loop bands. How about r=teasing the actual product??

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Jim, but I never said this was a "review" and tried to make it pretty clear what the intent and why (by the owners request) to not show the full machine. I'm not sure if you watched or the whole thing. I appreciate you watching / commenting regardless.

[@sheppygawdog1954]

Honestly, the Soloflex muscle machine was built like a tank. You can easily get a fully functional Soloflex for way cheaper and use resistance bands with it. If you have a local welder, just add more pegs on the base for looped resistance bands. I've even seen used Rocket Squat Machines for sale. With Soloflex, you get the bonus of using 1" weight plates for a hybrid resistance. I believe the Price of the Soloflex muscle machine was 500 bucks, so 900 bucks is a discount on the rate of inflation for the product. Still, I could spend 200 bucks on second hand 100% fully functional Soloflex, spend another $200 in mods. I could use my 1' weights and get a better product with enough money to find and buy that cool Rocket Squat. It'd be cool if you made a video DIY of a used Soloflex mod and gave us an honest review of the workouts and cost. Actually, if you do that, the demand will go up and the price will increase in secondary markets. The dual nature of consequences.

[@blakekassel7002]

Not sure I agree. This machine allows for dumbbell experience and barbell experience. I had a Soloflex when I was younger and there was a lot to be desired. I fixed all of that with my wish list for this machine. There is 0 comparison performance wise between the 2.

[@hybridresistance]

I haven't used one so I can't really comment, but it does seem like the Flexicon would offer much more variety of exercises.