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Soloflex

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Soloflex Overview

The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

  • Soloflex has 1.6 star rating based on 5 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.

  • Rating Distribution
  • Pros: Awesome system, Like the machine.
    Cons: Poor customer service, Weight straps get old and break.

  • Recent recommendations regarding this business are as follows: "No longer available, get one used. It's cheap.", "DO NOT BUY THIS USED 1978 SOLOFLX!", "No advise", "Never buy one".

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Frank Pvx

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker San Jose, California

Still using it

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I cannot rate the other stuff (hence one star), got it used. Really 5 stars for the machine, commercial quality and last forever.

It outlasted the company and will also outlast me, all you need are band replacements available from Amazon and eBay. I make my own with various resistance bands, cut to size and using heavy-duty staples. Works quite well, cheap and not one failed.

I'm on hormone therapy which means losing muscle mass, bone mass and weight gain. You could get a complete workout without free weights and without the danger.

I have free memberships to various gyms but don't need it.

The SoloFflex Muscle Machine is a lifesaver and so convenient no need driving to the gym. For aerobics, I have a commercial treadmill and a rolling machine.

Five stars for the Soloflex.

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User's recommendation: No longer available, get one used. It's cheap.

ken n Pxy

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

STUPID EXERCISE MACHINE

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i am refering to the very first and original 1978 model, (that never changed) the claim has been made that 1M people were fooled and conned into buying this stupidly expensive home-gym device, i am beyond all human comprehension mystified how this was ever possible, this stupid crap-device, while made of excellent materials and well manufactured, and well "packaged" (advertized everywhere with that same well tonned male-model) was in "functionality" something entirely different: very cumbersome to use, the first thing i noticed (spent $900 in 1992 to purchase a used one) was the "creaking-noise" from the rubber weight plates, and then soon realized these stupid rubber weight plates needed to be replaced every so often due to the "cracking", the 'final straw' for me, was when i layed on my back and did a series of leg-presses, shortly after that i began to develop a back sprain or strain (for 5 or 6 days, i was debilitated, thankfully on vacation at that time) this stupid beyond all belief crap-device was by far the very worst expenditure of monies one could have ever possibly made (1M suckered into this) into creating a 'home-gym' i very personally would relish in some kind of correspondence with the stupid-dumbass idiot (jerry-wilson) who invented this crap-device, and became rich as a snake-oil promoter conning 1M suckers into buying the very worst of the very worst crap-exercise-machine-devices, ever thought up and invented and manufactured (of course the stupid 1978 model no longer made, not sure how long its run was, maybe as long as 20 years perhaps)

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Loss:
$900

Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: DO NOT BUY THIS USED 1978 SOLOFLX!!!

Richard E Wgy

Cannot contact Soloflex with my problem of weight straps breaking

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I have always been very happy with my Soloflex system. Recently, my weight straps have been breaking and Soloflex is no longer answering their phone

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Pros:
  • Awesome system
Cons:
  • Weight straps get old and break

Preferred solution: Purchase new weight straps

User's recommendation: No advise

1 comment
Guest

Soloflex went out of business in April. New bands can be purchased on Ebay

Gregory S Kcf

Order weight straps

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I didn't get anyone to answer the phone when I called. So I wasn't able to order the weight straps that I needed. Not sure why no one answered the phone

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Pros:
  • Like the machine
Cons:
  • Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Some one to answer the phone. I wanted to order online bu had a hard time

1 comment
Guest

Soloflex ceased operations in April. That is, they went out of business. That's why no one answered the phone.

Anonymous
map-marker Urbandale, Iowa

Used to own one

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I owned a soloflex years ago. The snapping motion of the rubber bands gave me terrible back & shoulder pain.

Worst machine ever. Bought machine with weight stack, along with free weights.

Best decision ever. Soloflex is over priced junk.

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User's recommendation: Never buy one

2 comments
Guest

I've been lifting a long time, and I will give a different opinion. I went from free weights, to 3 different Bowflex machines.

Bowflex is okay but the power rods for leg exercises are a joke. I finally gave in and bought a used Soloflex, with all attachments, and over 400lbs. of resistance straps, all for $150. I now have a special squat bar coming to make doing front squats, and squats easier to do.

Every form of exercise, whether free weights, Bowflex (horrible for legs), or Soloflex comes down to discipline. I am very self-motivated, and have no problem lifting weights 3 days a week and row 5-6 times a week. I am going into my fourth year of using Soloflex in April. Soloflex is awesome but it takes some getting use to, especially if all you have known are free weights.

Soloflex, Bowflex, or free weights are not magical if you don't have discipline they all become clothes hangers. To enhance my lifting experience with my Soloflex I also have hexagon dumbbells (10-20lbs), adjustable dumbbells (25-65lbs), and resistance bands. Then you add a rower to this and you can't lose! I'm 59 years old and I don't regret for one second purchasing my used Soloflex, especially being able to do pull-ups, chin-ups, and dips all on one machine.

I have spine surgery coming up due to spinal stenosis which is a bummer especially considering the fact that my favorite exercises are squats and front squats. Now if you're disciplined go and get some kind of workout equipment and get heaving those weights!!!

Guest

I'm in the same position you are. 62 and disciplined but I need new bands.

I see lots of knockoff brands and can't get a call back from Soloflex to see if I can purchase and new OWM bands. Any thoughts where I can purchase new bands? Thanks. If texting is easier, I'm at 440-670-****.

Thanks. Tony :-)

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Natlie Bub

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

The Solo-Flex Muscle Machine 30 year experiment....By. John Hobbs.. Professional Hater blog writer destroyer

SoloFlex was the genius idea of a great man Jerry Wilson. Yes he did say..."If your tough enough to wear them out we will replace them".

pertaining to the resistance bands. What Jerry did not say is...." Buy a SoloFlex in 1988.....Use it for 6 months.....continue to be a fat ***... Then 30 years latter... Pull your machine out of your crusty *** storage unit..

Where it has been sitting rusting and rubber does get brittle after 3 decades kids...Then call the company and try to get replacement straps... because you want to sell it at your garage sale next to your Poki-man card collection... or wait 30 years and find a blog....ANY blog and *** about the price that you paid for the machine in 1986"... Which by the way Jerry,,,,Marilyn,,,,Stuart....Connie,...,Molly...or...Brian...

Did not force you to pay... Its the price you chose to pay.....Now your all butt hurt over a 30 year old piece of rubber that you could make your self if you had half of the infectious drive that the Wilson family has.... Just because you don't look like the shirtless spokes model, because the only resistance type work-out you have been doing is trying to tear the *** Twinkies wrapper off for the last 3 decades... looking like you used your inheritance to buy a burger king so you could make your own double bacon Whopper looking ***.

I'll tell you this Mr. and Mrs. couch potatoes eating couch potatoes. The Wilson family will always be some of the most genuine, nicest, giving, caring people I have ever met.(I.E.) family basketball games at the house...I can say i am a Very proud owner of a 1986 SoloFlex Muscle Machine...

Every resistance band is in perfect working order... But here is the difference.... I've used mine almost every day since 1986.. And have kept very good care of my equipment......and my Solo-Flex...(LOL)..

I believe SoloFlex is a big reason I am a very successful business man today... i truly believe that, Not only did it make me feel good about myself... I look great.. and come across as someone that has had the pleasure of having the Wilson family and the SoloFlex muscle machine push me to the top of the cooperate ladder where i stand proudly today...

Oh yeah...I did make one minor change to my SoloFlex...Two years ago I had it gold plated.. You know.....Cause I could.....I'm just saying Go buy a trampoline next time you clown.......Thanks Jerry!!!!!!---- John Hobbs {{Redacted}} #soloflex

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Reason of review:
because i choose to be. And my body is by Soloflex......Not Hotpocket..
3 comments
Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1886216

For sure.. I find it very healthy to speak your mind and release the tension and built up aggression and anger that might be dwelling burning holes in your stomach and/or heart.

I hope it didn't come off as total dickish. But I just can't stand a whiner. Anyways thanks for the acknowledgement.

It makes my rants worth it. "TRY NOT...DO YOU MUST"--YODA

Guest

Thank you for sharing that.

Guest

"Body by Hotpocket." Damn. :D

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Brienna Vxs

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Providence, Rhode Island

Screwed slowly over time

Solo Flex produced thousands of high end 2000 dollar exercise work stations back in the 1980's to present. The system used flexible bands, the company policy always replaced the bands if split or worn, no questions asked,it was a life time warranty that mysteriously changed over the years from 6 yrs>2 yrs>1 yr > 6 months and now you pay for all replacement bands that have skyrocketed 900% over original cost. I paid 2000 back in 1980 that was akin to spending 5000 dollars today. The new president of the family run company came off like a stone cold arrogant *** reading me the bible of corporate *** on margin and costs to make the bands for the station.

They would not replace several cracked bands that i returned. they never shipped the defective bands back to me either....they wanted all the money and (president/ceo Connie Wilson) refused to comment on the warranty policy that doesn't exist anymore, or exactly why they dropped replacement support for an expensive piece of hardware that is rendered useless with out proper weight groups.

they knew then and now their product is defective in the 5,10,and 25 pound resistance straps and rather than satisfy the customer and protect the consumer from potential injury if the bands snapped , they chose to screw their customer base and drop the ball.This is a flexible rubber that was sold as near indestructible for the life of the machine. that banter changed over the years.In fact they upgraded the quality years ago and shipped the new bands design free of cost , to me and other solo flex customers."some improvement eh"! Now I have a unit that can only use weight plates as an alternative. that was not the way the machine was supposed to work, and not what i paid for.do not buy anything from SOLO FLEX FITNESS CORP HILLSBORO OREGON !!! they no longer take my calls and apparently believe that the cost and investment in their product is not worth the cost of standing behind any warranty worth a spit. this was a scam and *** job, big sales hype and incentive to by attachments and add ons ......very expensive investment and big disappointments !

View full review
Loss:
$2500
28 comments
Guest

Also a counter rebuttal here, but in a different way. Yes, the straps are ridiculous in price and the shock cords even more so....you can make you own by buying the raw shock cord and a crimping tool.

But, even if you don't want to give Soloflex more of your money, they make extensions that fit in the bar and hold weights. These are really worth their weight in gold if you already have a machine. I converted mine over to olympic weight plates and haven't looked back. I even disassembled my power rack which took up twice the space in my home.

Now I lift iron at home safely without a spotter and do it in a very compact space on an unobtrusive machine that blends in well with the furniture. The cats use the pretty wooden bench for sleeping when I'm not using it.

Guest

Your *** you have no idea what your talking about your just an *** soloflex is a great exercise machine

Guest

$2000.00 in $1980 bogus!

You just sound like a real pain in the ***!

I paid around $1200.00 with the butterfly and leg attachment in the late 80's. Shipped Roadway to my curb.

I recall the weight straps had a 5 year warranty.

Now the warranty is 1 year.

I just ordered the Shock Rings because I've heard they are better. I will see for myself.

If you have a beef with a company be honest. You've lost all credibility and sound like a tool.

Guest

I never have a problem with Solo Flex Co. Shipped my parts no problems. LoL

Guest

The Soloflex is a superior gym system. I have owned three Soloflex muscle machine s and the straps dry out over time.

Use real weights if you choose. I love the gym and buy off market straps if you need to order more. My third Soloflex was fully used and equipped...in great condition. My cost from a local family was $125- cash.

! The entire gym. I still maintain it well.

Straps get old....live with it. Soloflex is a winner to this day!!!!!!

Ignacia Mal

I’ve already posted a complete comment regarding this guy’s demands for satisfaction. Solo flex never offered a lifetime warranty on their bands the longest was 10 years and the machine was only 450 bucks in 1983.

Mine has worked great for years with the understanding that I do have to replace some of the lower value bands 5, 10 and 25 pounds every ten years or so. This guy’s facts are wrong and he may be angry but he doesn’t have a basis for being angry.

Ignacia Mal

Soloflex bands never came with a lifetime warranty. They came with a 10 year warranty.

And in 1983 they were $550 not thousands. I know I still have mine from when I bought it in 1983. You can buy 185 pounds of bans from solflex for only $330 and 405 pounds for only $530. Furthermore if you buy a new set now the ones that you buy today have a five year warranty.

Mostly because I think over time the company realized the lower level bands, 25 lbs or less don’t last 10 years.

Higher value bands 50 to 100 pounds rarely break (I bought a set of hundred pound ones when they first came out because they didn’t have them on the original machine and they still work fine). Soloflex is a great company and they make a great product, with the exception of replacing a couple of sets of 25,10 and 5 pound bands, I have had and used mine for 38 years with no issues.

Natlie Bub

SoloFlex was the genius idea of a great man Jerry Wilson. Yes he did say..."If your tough enough to wear them out we will replace them".

pertaining to the resistance bands. What Jerry did not say is...." Buy a SoloFlex in 1988.....Use it for 6 months.....continue to be a fat ***... Then 30 years latter... Pull your machine out of your crusty *** storage unit..

Where it has been sitting rusting and rubber does get brittle after 3 decades kids...Then call the company and try to get replacement straps... because you want to sell it at your garage sale next to your Poki-man card collection... or wait 30 years and find a blog....ANY blog and *** about the price that you paid for the machine in 1986"... Which by the way Jerry,,,,Marilyn,,,,Stuart....Connie,...,Molly...or...Brian...

Did not force you to pay... Its the price you chose to pay.....Now your all butt hurt over a 30 year old piece of rubber that you could make your self if you had half of the infectious drive that the Wilson family has.... Just because you don't look like the shirtless spokes model, because the only resistance type work-out you have been doing is trying to tear the *** Twinkies wrapper off for the last 3 decades... looking like you used your inheritance to buy a burger king so you could make your own double bacon Whopper looking ***.

I'll tell you this Mr. and Mrs. couch potatoes eating couch potatoes. The Wilson family will always be some of the most genuine, nicest, giving, caring people I have ever met.(I.E.) family basketball games at the house...I can say i am a Very proud owner of a 1986 SoloFlex Muscle Machine...

Every resistance band is in perfect working order... But here is the difference.... I've used mine almost every day since 1986.. And have kept very good care of my equipment......and my Solo-Flex...(LOL)..

I believe SoloFlex is a big reason I am a very successful business man today... i truly believe that, Not only did it make me feel good about myself... I look great.. and come across as someone that has had the pleasure of having the Wilson family and the SoloFlex muscle machine push me to the top of the cooperate ladder where i stand proudly today...

Oh yeah...I did make one minor change to my SoloFlex...Two years ago I had it gold plated.. You know.....Cause I could.....I'm just saying Go buy a trampoline next time you clown.......Thanks Jerry!!!!!!---- John Hobbs #soloflex #stopthewhining #stopeatingtwinkies #actuallyuseyoursoloflexyoufatass

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Natlie Bub

Have owned my Soloflex since the early 80s. It was good for what I purchased it for for many years (basic upper body resistance with no spotter required).

It was put aside for many years and I was thrilled to find out that resistance straps were still available after nearly 40 years.

There are limitations, but it has some good uses, not the least of which straps can be supplemented with plates (giving some resistance from initial movement of the bar). No complaints, then or now.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Natlie Bub

Awesome machines. I have five of them bought at garage sales.

It is indestructible.

They are all in perfect condition. I use them everyday.

Ignacia Mal
reply icon Replying to comment of Natlie Bub

Nice burn.

Guest

Hey there’s this thing called the internet. You can find many strap options.

How many product mfgs are even still around after 30 plus years? Go buy some used straps cheap and actually use the machine. Soloflex is one of the best workout machines ever made.

I have two, plus a Rockit. I’m 55 and ripped.

Guest

Monetary loss!!! Please....

get off your *** and workout. Hang from the bar...that's worth fifty bucks right there....the vertical Situps alone is worth $500- to my 58 year young back. Find a way to get your gym in gear cause' the attitude has loser written all over . Soloflex is a winner since day one.

I still have my 1985 brochure and promotion video cassettes!

Monetary loss....please. maybe you can sell it used

Guest

I work out on soloflex for 20 years and only 3 bands break

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1474047

Soloflex is great

Guest

The Soloflex with leg attachment and butterfly cost $1050 brand new in mid 1989.

Guest

Same thing, here. I still use my Soloflex, but I've converted completely over to free weights on it, now, since all the straps are busted and replacement straps are *** expensive.

I'm thinking of trying to figure out how to build an alternative resistance that uses the pegs that the straps go on, since if you put much weight on the leg extension, then the whole thing tips over when you are extended, since the center of gravity is screwed up on it. I guess I could clamp the machine to the floor.

Nice job dropping the ball on replacing the straps for life, Soloflex.

"If you're tough enough to wear them out, we'll replace them. For life." Sound familiar, Soloflex?

Guest

I agree wholeheartedly, bought mine also in the 80s, it just sets now as decor as I have gone to free weights. There has to be renegade company somewhere that could produce the straps at an affordable price. Oh well back to to my frees,,

Guest

Helpful blog post , Speaking of which , others want a VA DoT 763 , my boss filled out and esigned a blank form here http://goo.gl/zidkiE

Guest

2nd generation *** took the operations over from family, she is indifferent,bottom line and quick to tell you what it costs her company to *** out of your hard earned money for way way over priced weight bands, the heart of the original solo flex system....the bands suck, do not last, no matter what you do...and the cost of their machines was 1600 dollars for the base machine and the leg and chest attachments,....that was equal to 3000 dollars by to days standard if not more in the 1980's , any one who disputes that number is a *** and has no idea what the word inflation is or greed and corporate margin! I mailed worn and slip bands back to the company and they didn't even have the courtesy to return them after telling me they would not replace them for free or at discount.....! solo flex can kiss my ***....as i have seen many of their machines kicked to the curb over the years!

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