What I Think of The Bodylastics Flexicon and Will I Get One?

[@ktfo4620]

For me personally, who only uses resistance bands, this is my dream machine. Already have a room set up for it. I'm 56 with MS so this is perfect for me.

[@blakekassel7002]

Thanks Michael! Love your reviews. Always fair! So here are the upgrades that we made from your helpful comments: 1. All bolts are now the same size 2. Assembly time has now been shortened to 40 minutes (with the ratchet wrench, which is included) and even faster with the included adapter for a power drill 3. Bench was widened by 2 inches 4. We shifted to C rings so Loop bands can be easily used 5. Handle structure and frame were strengthened to limit torque even under the stress of 300 pounds+ per side 6. Pull up bar has been reinforced and strengthened In regards to speed reps they add another element to the training but are most important to athletes. Now athletes can train for speed and power without the risk of injury. Our Patents Pending actually cover the 360 rotatable handle in addition to other unique elements of FLEXICON that enable it to do what it does. We intent on defending our patents fiercely. Thank you for all that you do and God Bless you for your amazing suggestions. I listened to them carefully and acted on every one of them. Best Regards, Blake

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for all this information Blake! Almost missed this comment. I know I'll speak for everyone when I say the market would be a better place if owners stepped and did what you're doing. Best of success on the kickstarter and God bless to you and your family.

[@blakekassel7002]

@@hybridresistance I cannot thank you enough for the help and honesty!! You saved us a ton of headaches. I look forward to sending you the commercial machine - soon!!

[@jonziegler6538]

I have had my Soloflex for almost 40 years. I bought it when real men used real weights. Times have changed. I have always been happy I have kept my "Old School" Soloflex.

[@m.b.593]

Always wanted one and wish they still made them. You’re lucky.

Solo Flex is not Real Men using Real weights!! Real men go to the GYM!!!

[@thefix-itguyreviewer8151]

Why would you laugh at someone because they use the soloflex.. you do what you do to make you happy what works for you Resistance is resistance it doesn't matter how you get there it's how you use the tool. Newer technology everything's always evolving.. With machines like this you could do everything you could do in the gym and save tons of money not going to it

[@chucknavarra]

I'm so glad I found this youtube channel, and you've got a loyal subscriber here. I recently bought a total gym for myself and my wife and we started doing your total body workouts. She is SO sore, but loves it. They are so effective and couldn't ask for more for busy parents who want to get a great workout in 30 to 40 mins. Thanks for all your great videos!

[@hybridresistance]

Thank so much for that very positive comment my friend. I'm very grateful that you found the channel and that the content is helpful. Feel free to let me know what content you want to see in the future.

[@chucknavarra]

@hybridresistance maybe body specific routines for body splits on the total gym. *chest, back and bis, etc)

[@grendeldog01]

I had a Soloflex in the late Eighties and it didn't make a move. I regretted that ever since and picked up a brand new one just before they went out of business. I'm sticking with the original for now!

[@shiwakuseven5859]

I bought my Soloflex for $100 off of Craigslist. I agree it is an excellent exercise machine.

[@Hundefuhrer1]

Fair review. I have had Bodylastics resistance bands since 2011. I still had a gym membership and did my regular free weights during the week and resistance bands for supplemental, weekend workouts and most importantly, my travel gym. As recommended by my cardiologist, no more heavy weights. Covid closed my gym and i never went back. i have been using resistance bands since then exclusively. I have preordered this machine and I am genuinely excited about it! I am not a fence sitter!

[@DaviWalt]

SoloFlex was so much simpler… I’m still looking for one in my area

[@davidcayo3117]

This mechine looks great ,it's a lever gym for bands .Great video

[@mattiadistasi-crowdfunding7867]

love this, waiting for the Kickstarter!

[@Mrwatson185]

Great overview as always! My honest feedback is that this takes away one of the main benefits of resistance band training: killer workouts with minimal footprint. If you are going to go with such a large piece of equipment I think there other options that are more worthwhile for the money/space.

[@hybridresistance]

@@Mrwatson185 I agree I love the simplicity and minimalism of resistance bands. It’s one of the reasons I was never a fan of door anchor systems because they just seem like a little bit of extra work than necessary compared to just the loop bands. But for sure something like this machine with their specific exercises definitely make for some unique variable resistance movements you otherwise couldn’t do with some basic loop band set ups.

[@reggiepathak9684]

@@hybridresistance if anyone has powertec lever game just use resistance bands instead its the samething

[@thefix-itguyreviewer8151]

They did fix the pull-up bar if you watch some of his newer videos. They made it rugged, better rubber and stronger elite

[@loulopez554]

You covered the product very well as expected, and not to sound like a broken record but if it's going to sit there and not move I think spend a bit extra and get a sliding bench trainer. I love bands but what makes them so desirable is their portability. All in all thanks for another great review.

[@hybridresistance]

@@loulopez554 great points, Lou. I think this definitely applies to everything as a lot of what makes it “good” for one person or “bad” is really in the eye of the beholder and if you’ll really end up using it for your needs.

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

Totally agree and honestly you can get a cheap sliding bench and a plate system might better be a workout overall. Only thing might be going for it is the price vs some of these plate and band systems

[@The_Equalist]

The selling point for me is the fact that I could use heavy amounts of resistance bands for compound movements that would be hard to do otherwise unless you have other equipment already which I don't I just use a door anchor etc.. but to be able take advantage of being able to do heavy chest press or heave squats would be great along with other exercises but I'll wait and see how it turns out in the future

[@hybridresistance]

Great points thanks for that comment.

[@ROMANEMPIRE69]

I like the idea since I do/have used resistance bands. How ever if you have an open wall you can just attach those handy bars at different angles and attach bands that way. Not as much movements as this but for basics it works.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

Nice review. I think this machine will be more geared towards people who have no desire to use free weights. I'm 57 and started my exercise career at age 16 using free weights and used them until my early 40's but over time they beat my body up to the point where I have no desire to use them nor do I have the room to store a bunch of weight plates or dumbells.

[@hybridresistance]

@@Mr2004MCSS I definitely agree with you. This was something I mentioned toward the end of the video.

[@red-clad-vlad]

I would be interested in seeing something like this work with a plate loaded cable tower

[@Junglebtc]

Awesome idea

[@tsg2513]

I have done just that. I combined a Smartgym Platform (Innodigym P1 Lite), the Innodigym Bench and multiple Anchor Points to my Plate-Loaded Eonfitomni Plate-Loaded CableTower. The end-result is (for me) the ultimate space saving piece that provides tremendous variety.

[@marcaube7257]

Nice review for pros and cons. Yesterday, I incurred, my first ever tube band snap. To my surprise the band snapped at the connection end which is hidden from view. There was no possible means to detect that the band had worn in that area. I use only GoFit and Bodylastics branded tube bands. The GoFit 30 lb band was the snapper. I was using a low anchor point and performing lateral raises. The band is 38 months old. As I never use the fabric door anchors that cause wear on the bands surface I believed I was exempt from snapping. I always loop the tube bands thru heavy duty 6-7" snap hook carabiners that are polished steel to prevent wear and snapping. Both the GoFit and Bodylastics bands have heavy duty end connectors were the band passes thru and is secured. Although the Bodylastics brand has a string running thru the inner core, the string would not have prevented the loss of control that I incurred during the snap event. That concern will result in my never purchasing tube bands ever again. At least with the loop bands from Serious Steel, Rogue and Undersun it is very easy to detect wear and remove the band from service. I have never incurred a snap event with loop bands in over 3 years of service life. I was contemplating purchasing the Flexicon however a plate loaded trainer is the better and safer solution. After all weights do not snap.

[@hybridresistance]

Really appreciate this detailed comment on your experience. This will be very helpful for other viewers.

[@briand5047]

I like their bands and curl bar and the creativity of this, but a lot of the moves can be done on suspension trainer anchors mounted to the ceiling and the wall.

[@jboy27]

they do not sell it anymore but a Weider X-factor Plus Home Gym use to be a resistance ban machine

[@hybridresistance]

@@jboy27 I can remember a few years ago people writing into me mentioning that device

[@mavatj]

Bodylastics are great. A machine is extremely overdue. I used to install hooks into studs but nerve wracking. Was hoping for something a bit smaller and simpler.

[@hybridresistance]

@@mavatj given what you’re saying I do think someone like you would love this machine. You just be making a sacrifice a little bit with the footprint.

[@Ice_Box_Gym]

I talked to them last week. Sounds like this will end up being at Home Gym Con, though not officially signed up.

[@hybridresistance]

@@Ice_Box_Gym that would be good for sure.

[@bearforce187]

The only type of resistance band equipment I have is the EZ-Shaper Pro by Tony Little, not expensive at all and you can do lots of resistance band exercises if that is what you want.

[@rinkevichjm]

Take a look at the way stamina’s bandflex worked.

[@619_ER]

I don’t think this is for a home gym. I can see physical therapy clinics, outpatient facilities using this.

[@hybridresistance]

@@619_ER I do think their commercial grade unit could be perfect for exactly what you’re talking about.

[@Besokool]

Mike, would you believe I recently grabbed a knock off Gorilla Bow on Amazon for around $100? I am shocked. Some of the best VRT I've worked with, and super convenient to just step on more, or less bands. Also using my body as the anchor for many pressing movements is not different than Harambe or X3 at a fraction of the price. So quick and satisfying to just pop those meaty ends into the bow, and start cranking. Thanks as usual for the superior content. Barry.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Barry. Let me know that knock off you picked up and maybe I'll cover it on a future video.

[@dasshape00]

Nice ICONS. I love icon paintings. U got a.sub just for the icons.. lol

[@hybridresistance]

Appreciate that my friend.

[@oldnatty61]

It looks like you could use a barbell and bands on the platform.

[@RTB_1234]

They need to sale the bottom platform alone before it becomes standard on every other machine.

[@theticoboy]

Nice vid. Subscribed due to your total gym reviews and work out videos. So glad I bought it. Also, nice icons on the wall! You Catholic or Orthodox?

[@hybridresistance]

@@theticoboy thank you my friend. I am Catholic. I’ve got a blend throughout my house of classical orthodox and Catholic icons. Some of the new artwork, though that I see is pretty amazing as well.

[@theticoboy]

@@hybridresistance awesome. I’ll be sure to remember you and your family’s intentions in our family rosary. Keep the great content coming.

[@hybridresistance]

@@theticoboy likewise my friend I’ll do the same tonight

[@jameshankins1514]

Selling some of my home gym equipment to fund this purchase. I have X3 bands that I’ll be using for resistance. Probably be keeping my dumbbell set and Iron Master bench though

[@hybridresistance]

If you like what you're seeing, then this product for sure will be for someone like you.

[@madmantrader]

It looks neat but I don’t think I have room and kinda pricey. I still love doing bands with body weight.

[@dbaluev]

It reminds me of levergym, but with bands instead of free weights. Adjustable angle for handles is a good idea, though.

[@hybridresistance]

I agree you can replicate a lot with a lever gym, but the adjustability is for sure higher on the flexicon

[@Johnl1800]

$1,000 for a Flexicon sounds like a lot (and it is) but it almost sounds like a bargain when you compare it to the X3 Bar: X3 Force Bar: $950 full setup ($800 for just the bar) X3 Bar+ Performance Bands+ Squat belt: $820 X3 Base System: $550 GHAccelerator (whole body vibration plate): $1395(?!) The big advantage that the X3 has over the Flexicon is in ease of setup, portability and a very convenient size. Where the Flexicon blows the minimalist X3 away is in the variety of exercises. Personally I hated the X3 and felt that the 4 months that I used it were a complete waste of time and effort. The Flexicon looks better but there is zero chance that I would spend $1,000 on one without having any idea of what it feels like, whether or not I'm going to like it or if the results will be any better than the X3. This is a lot of money to commit to something hoping that it will be as good as the manufacturer claims. And then there is the issue of size. The Flexicon will take up a lot of room. If I was going to spend this kind of money and commit this amount of space to equipment then I would just buy a power rack because at least then I would know that I'm committing to a product (weights) that I already know that I like and that has a track record of over a century of producing results. I've yet (and very likely never will) see someone with a physique like the guy demonstrating in the Flexicon promo clips (at the 2:10 mark in the video) who built that physique using resistance bands alone.

[@hybridresistance]

@@Johnl1800 really appreciate the detailed and honest comment John. The other X3 products definitely are a ton of money. I paid for mine think 300-ish dollars which I think is the current sale going on right now. I think in general people have to be realistic about what they’re paying for and also how they’re practically going to use the product, especially for something like this. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who use the X3 on my online training sessions and it’s clear right away that what they heard and what they were doing are different things altogether.

[@maskmanfitnessmmf7710]

This is cool but I feel like I can do the same with my powertech but if I didn’t have a powertech I would think about it

[@raiden225005]

I was so excited for this machine initially but after months of changes and delays it ended up being a massive machine and over double the original goal price when it was announced. It no longer fits my needs but hopefully other people find value in it. I do wish it was closer to a soloflex or bowflex which seems way easier to adjust resistance on.

[@spazboy0063]

I would spent $1,000 on this machine, I think it’s badass. But I simply don’t have the room. They really needed this to fold up against a wall… as a normal person with a 3 bed 3 bath house, I don’t have a place for this. And I think that’s the biggest problem. The size makes it so only wealthier people with larger homes or a personal home gym can have the space for it, and I think those people would be the people to buy the more expensive machines such as bowflex. The market for this product is super small - people with large homes who strictly want to use resistance bands. I’m sure there are people that will buy it but I don’t think it’s for me

[@hybridresistance]

I think you bring up a very valid point that a large part of the allure of bands is portability and function for the price.

[@jamesbianchei]

I agree with you. I think you can just use bands with hooks in your garage or a bed room. The price factor is going to be key. Just like the total gym. Bottom line I think sticking with a 30 dollars band set is just as good and you don’t need this gym.

[@thomaskennedy7842]

I love bands. I'll always have bands as part of my programming. BUT $9000-1100 for something that takes up that footprint and ONLY uses bands? That's a tough one for me personally. I think the best use case of this might be to combine it with a digital/smart gym product like the upcoming Unitree Pump Max, or the (non-smart) handy gym, or even Maxpro. At least you could get something other than variable resistance for those days you feel like mixing it up.

[@ffffff7593]

For example the goblinsgym bandbox makes more sense for 1/10 of the price

[@hybridresistance]

Kind of depends what you're into and how you use bands. I have that box can't really get into it.

[@stjoseph01]

I appreciate you being unashamed to reveal your faith in these videos via icons etc. Catholic or Orthodox?

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you my friend. I'm a proud Catholic

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

I like the machine . It really should have been developed in the bowflex era it would have crushed the bowflex. Honestly I think flexicon is awesome but I don’t feel it will be a hit because of all the alternatives.

[@hybridresistance]

The one thing a bow flex had over this is that (while less versatile) you could switch out exercises / tension faster. With this I think you'll need to find a groove on what exercises / movements you prefer.

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

@@hybridresistance hmm good point since you have tried this machine you definitely know its faults. I hope they listened to you on possibly improving the product since you are an excellent reviewer I think companies should send you stuff for product testing and improvement. When I tried bowflex its resistance was not on par I think total gym was actually better and more versatile. I personally think bowflex was wayyy overhyped. This system seems more serious to me anyway but I haven’t tried it.

[@hybridresistance]

@@mrqualityreviewer4752 for sure. I don’t really know too much about the bow flex. It’s more so a short coming on resistance bands, and just general set up.

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

@@hybridresistance You could probably grab one for cheap. They might have improved them with the cable system but honestly I wasn’t impressed with it.

[@jboy27]

it looks nice but way to expensive also why is the pullup bar not inculded

[@hybridresistance]

@@jboy27 I can see possibly with enough feedback that they may include this in the base package. I also agree I think it just makes sense.

[@o5you86]

I’d rather just make a ‘Clench Footplate’ out of a Piece of Wood & use 4X ‘PTP Door Anchors’, 2X at the Top of the Door & 2X at the Bottom of the Door & have an adjustable Gym Bench with a Leg Curl/Extension attachment on my Homemade Gym Setup. If I made it myself, I’d appreciate it allot more! My Homemade Gym would be a Perfect Gym for a Van!

[@Quangcurry13524]

They’ll give you one 😅

[@SMITTY19722]

Stop watching the full video I can tell you confidently no it’s not worth the wait😂😂😂

[@jessecannone1839]

BIGGEST ISSUE is this... the resistance is at it's peak at the end range of many exercises (ie. band rows for back) and this puts a lot of unnecessary strain on ligaments and joints... whereas with a traditional strength machine their is a resistance curve. There is a reason they use resistance curves on machines. I learned this the hard way after training pretty much exclusively with bands for the past few years... and then had to spend nearly a year rehabbing my elbow and shoulder. Not saying bands are bad, not at all... great tool... but just one tool... and ideally we have more than one tool in our toolbox. Also, if you are going to spend that much $, you can get far more effective pieces of equipment.

[@Rawsavon]

If hypertrophy is the goal, bands are complete trash (comparatively speaking at least). They are easiest in the toughest part of the motion and hardest in the easiest part...the exact opposite of what you want for hypertrophy. To put it another way, you want a squat/press to be most difficult in the stretched position in the bottom of the motion (see Lengthened Partials studies). Bands, by their nature, do the opposite. Can't comment on rehab as that is outside my area of expertise.

[@WizzdummHeadley]

I honestly see no reason to purchase this as you can do everything and then some with a simple door-mount/wall-mount/footplate!!!???

[@lildrummerboy80]

Used soloflex 100.00. Better Most bowflex models. Better. Lots of those moves look very uncomfortable. Deadlift. Rows. Military press. Super disappointed with this release

[@lildrummerboy80]

I should add. This is the most transparent fitness channel and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it back in the day. God bless

[@idx1941]

It's not worth the money. It won't do anything that you couldn't replicate on your own. Many of the configurations look confusing and would waste a lot of time. Buy a power rack with with attachments points for bands...far better bang for your buck and you (obviously) could use the rack for weight training as well, plus you can do chins/pullups...the Flexicon offers a chin bar as an option you need to spend more money on.

[@hybridresistance]

Stay tuned for the next video. I'll be showing some of this

[@monkeyb1820]

the super fast training stuff is silly. Training fast does not make a person fast in other activities. There's just little point in it.

[@hybridresistance]

I know the Blake obviously loves this style of training and while training like this can be unique to band training, I don't know if would make this a selling point of the machine.

[@michaeldungee2666]

It’s ok but not a big resistance band kinda person. Nice try tho to create a machine based around bands as opposed to just standing up an using them. I found that over a period of time, bands tend to stretch an sometimes pop. Would have been better if they allowed for using plates but I guess they were more focused on a band only machine. Actually I would have liked if they placed a single weight stack in the middle with 80-100 pds of resistance. The base of the machine seems like it would really work that way a keeping it compact is really cool . Usually the first model will be ok but it’s what the do the 2nd and 3rd time around is when they may have a winner. Ima pass for now

[@Cokblokula]

I feel like Flexicon is gonna end up competing with the band/board/bar setups a lot more than they think. Versatility is fine, but I struggle to see how Flexicon can beat X3 or Harambe. Especially with as heavily accessorized as Harambe's product line already is. I think Flexicon is gonna end up being a much more rehab/physical therapy focused product than a strength training product.

[@hybridresistance]

I think this is a very fair statement. My whole thing with bands (as addressed in the video) and this is for sure personal preference, is that many of the innovations can lose sight of the simplicity of using bands. I think if someone gets really into the idea of variable resistance training outside of basic bands, the most promising future is with the "smart" digital weight machines such as a gym monster.

Home Gyms are a thing of the past... This will be an EPIC FAIL! People are Broke and arent spending, what a time to release a home gym!

[@thesummoning14]

Such a gimmicky and limiting machine that no doubt will be overpriced for what it is. This belongs in a physical therapy office, not a home gym. The vast majority of people that have the bare bones of a home gym will have a squat rack and band pegs for racks are a thing. Throw in some cheap lever/jammer arms and you have the same thing here. The real question is who is working out/lifting solely with resistance bands? Maybe just people rehabbing an injury? I say all this as someone who sues resistance bands from time to time but really only with compound lifts and to help break plateaus and to periodically warm up with. Don't buy this thing people.

[@marlow769]

It’s an ugly version of a Soloflex.

[@dancalabrese3523]

Too bad it's being made in China.

[@hybridresistance]

I mentioned this in another comment, but the big problem is if this were made in the US it would be MUCH more expensive probably at least 3x the price.

[@dancalabrese3523]

@@hybridresistance Well that's a problem we as a nation need to figure out how to overcome.

[@martincoyle6632]

The fact made w China turns me off.

[@mrsh2167]

sadly about everything is made there

[@hybridresistance]

Yes, that true. Something like this made in the USA would be 3x the price and then you're REALLY have people complaining about the price.

[@gad3iii532]

Bands are basic, not great for resistance training, opposite curve, and this is just a very expensive basic machine.

[@forgingicehole4750]

I love your Holy Icon's! May Our Holy Panagia & All The Angels & Saints, Pray for us!

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you so much. I've got to move them around a bit since my new machine came it. Feel it's a bit disrespectful to have some of the icons especially the Theotokos covered up.