Company Name
Icon Fitness
Product Claims
The crossbow uses a "Compound Resistance System" to create resistance. According to the manufacturer, a few advantages of the Crossbow are a lower price, better resistance, more resistance, and better range of motion.
Average Retail Value
$499.99 (prices may vary)
Similar Products
Bowflex | Gyrotonic | Gold's Gym Power Flex | Weider Platinum Crossbow
25 Nov 2008 - Noot of IL, USA writes:
I had the chance to get one of these machines from a friend who simply wasn't using it as much as he thought he would. I went on-line and read as many reviews as I could and found MANY of them complained about wiring harness "issues". I decided to take a chance anyway and got the machine. After setting it up, I used it, on average, about three times a week (not more than an hour at a time) for about five weeks. And that's when the wiring harness failed!! I called the company and spoke with a very polite service rep who informed me it would cost around $300 to have the problem fixed. THREE HUNDRED BUCKS!!! Bottom line: forget about this abomination and spend your money on a better-quality, and more reliable, machine. Weider knows all about the wiring harness problems (even though the service rep tried to downplay the number of problems they've had with it) and uses it as an opportunity to grab more of your money. I'm just glad I didn't pay full price for this disaster.
2 Apr 2008 - mike of on, cnd writes:
I have had this gym for over 5 years, and have used it three times a week. I weight 300 lbs the max recommended user weight. First I broke the back seat plastic cap, the wheel bearings have worn out on the seat rower, cracked teh standing platform and the short handles have also broken. The bench pivot is also bent. O bye the way I have a 440 lbs resistance upgrade. The resistance is not the same as free weights and club machines. The rated resistance is only on when both handles are used and the bows are almost fully deformed. But for a home gym it is still pretty good. Considering the heavy use I put on this machine a rate it very well, the resistance bows have lost a bit but I can return them for new ones. The worst part of this machine is the assembly which took me a whole evening about 6 hours, I still remember it because it was a real pain. The machine is still fairly solid although it does wauble a bit. Like I said I really used this machine and it has held up pretty well considering it was half the price of a bowflex at the time. 4out of 5-good buy
27 Jan 2008 - Ann of Virginia, USA writes:
My husband bought me the crossbow by Weider for my 36th birthday in January 2003. It is now January 2008 and my crossbow works as well as it did before. I have used it off and on, when my work and family lifet allows and I find the machine to be excellent for what I am looking for. Toning and overall health wellness. I would recomment this machine to anyone who is looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
28 Apr 2007 - Ralph of Kentucky, USA writes:
I picked up a second hand Crossbow 1500x. The seller, a 25 year old male, was looking for a more intense workout. He had joined a local Gym. I am 55 and about 2 years ago had been promoted "indoors". better pay, more regular hours and no exercise what-so-evr. I needed something that I could esily use and provide a decent full-body workout. mainly to tone myself up and work on neglected areas. The Crossbow has done that. I used the 6 week woorkout booklet that came with the set. Even though I'm still not the "6-pack Aba" guy, I have lost 20 pounds and look more mtself + plus feel 100% better. I had weight/fat loss, gained muscle mass and had flexibility in my circuit training. It has my recommendation as someone who's not a fanatic, but wishes for an all-around routine.
23 Feb 2007 - Amberly of Utah, USA writes:
it is a well rounded machine and easily compacted to put away in storage. Its easy to move. I have found major results.I would highly recommend it.
31 Jul 2006 - Christopher of North Carolina, USA writes:
I'm 30 and a personal trainer. I just got a crossbow. Many of the exercises are uncomfortable like the leg curls with the attachment that fits around the waist. I would get the 6 leg developer instead of the 4 pad one. I would say the weight is about half of what it claims to be. For instance I'm doing the whole 240 lbs on biceps curls. I do around 120 on freeweights. I would recommend the lat bar and the 200lb upgrade and one of the models that has the 6 pad leg developer for better hamstring workout. I give it a 3 outta 5 stars and would recommend it for someone who isn't serious about getting all bulked up. Freeweights and all that thousand dollar gym equipment are still the king as far as the best workout.
7 Jun 2006 - James of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I purchased the original CrossBow I found [] for $300 from a police officer in Jersey. It is perhaps the best $300 I've ever spent. At 44, I was getting heavy and was 30 lbs. over weight and had no energy. Combining the CrossBow with a serious overhaul to my diet (6 week Body Makeover) and within 3 months I was down 30 lbs. and feel better than I have in decades. I love this machine. I ordered an extra 100ilb. bow - now total 340lbs. of resistiance. I have had no trouble with the unit whatsoever and have watched a nmber of friends spend over $1,000 or more on the Bowflex. This is a better piece of equipment all around and at a much lower price. Too bad Weider couldn't leave it alone and try the digital Cross Bar that appears to have a host of issues. My adivce? You find one of these things online or at [] or [], BUY IT!
28 Dec 2005 - Frank of California, USA writes:
I purchased the croeebow appx. 1 1/2 years ago. It turned out to be the biggest piece of junk I have ever purchased. Easy set up, ok. But it quit working after 1 month. Will not adjust for weight or much of anything else. It now turned into an expensive clothes hanger. Back to free weights. Would not recomend it to anyone.
3 Oct 2005 - Kerry of Hawaii, USA writes:
I used to own a bow flex. I was turned off by the limited extention of the cables and the design in general. When I assembled my new crossbow I was very impressed with quality and design. I also ordered the lat pull down and the additional 200lb bows. This is by far the best home training system I have seen or used. I have had my Crossbow for almost two years and I am as happy with it now as I was when I fist assembled it. The Crossbow is a wonderful design!
16 Sep 2005 - Chris of Michigan, USA writes:
I purchased my Cross Bow (03/03), and am 100% happy with it! I'm a 44 yr. old male who's used just about every piece of equipment ever invented. I started serious strength training at 15 yrs. of age, and have consistently done so to this very day. I can't comment on assembly of the machine, seeing that I paid someone who did it perfectly in 1.5 hrs. I've had no problems with anything on the machine.For the price vs. results, I'd say it's 'a steal!'Get the manual version. The electronic version opens the door for malfunctions, and doesn't provide any better results as far as I'm concerned. Don't be naive enough to believe that this machine is intended for power lifters, or extreme muscle heads. It's a strength maintenance & body shaping machine for novice to mid level lifters who seek an overall better look, and better than average health & strength gains. In other words, it's perfect for 95% of the human population! I use my machine for full body/circuit training workouts twice a week, and I don't need someone standing over me to make sure that I don't get a barbell stuck on my chest! Pulleys don't require (spotters/workout partners). I get some cardio advantages from it, however, I would suggest seeking other cardio alternatives on alternate days for best results. The only draw back I can see with this machine would be the exercises provided on the video & wall poster.There are some which I use,however, I've taken the time to invent my own.This could be a problem for the novice who doesn't understand the concept of 'tricking the muscle.'I personally developed 4 full body workouts, which I alternate approx. every 4 weeks/ 8 workouts. If you are a beginner, you probably know someone who could help you get it all together.I'd gladly share my workouts with anyone interested, however, I'm not certain as to the legalities (if any), regarding how I'd go about it? Having a 'game plan' when on a time limit, is vital! Without direction, you won't do anything with the machine, even if it followed you around. Mr. Weider, if you happen to read these reviews, I suggest using Mr.(and/or) Mrs. 'Middle America' in your next infomercials & training video(s). Maybe an individual with salt 'n' pepper hair, who's in excellent shape? I'd be willing to bet that they'd relate to the buying public better than a 20 yr. old model who should look fit, simply because they're 20.
11 Aug 2005 - Scott of Ontario, Canada writes:
I purchased this at a great price after seeing the results my friend got on the bowflex. This was much cheaper than the bowflex. Assembly was straight forward, everything was labeled, all the nuts and bolts came with 'road maps' of their containers. It took me by meself about 6 hours to build over two days. I am fairly mechanically inclined so this helped. I have previously used free weights quite a bit as well as pneumatic resistance units. The crossbar is better compared to the resistance machines rather than free weights. It develops you much better using a 4-5 second push/return cycle. Not much in the way of training programs comes witht he unit (though there may be some on the video, I no longer have a VCR to watch it), but if you have a basic knowledge you can develop one. If not, you can downloaded the 'other' machine's manual which does have good training programs. you can do nearly all the same excerices on the crossbow. Overall impression, good build, good machine but it is not a weight machine it is a resistance machine.
29 Jul 2005 - Rob of Ontario, Canada writes:
I just bought the Weider Crossbow at a reasonably good price. I had been looking at the Platinum with it's digital resistance, but my wife and I compromised on this model for it's price. I was impressed with the amount of resistance the Crossbow offers, although at first it did feel a little weird, having been used to free weights for so long. The setup guide is great and the bolts and nuts are indivdually labelled in their packets, but setup took me a few hours. One minor thing is the back rest for the seat does not seem to install well into the seat and is wobbly.
30 Jun 2005 - Joe of Hawaii, USA writes:
I bought this Machine 3 years ago. I love it it's still going strong. Great for upper body workouts. But maxes out to quick on the leg exercises. Again very little on routines from the company so you have to know how to design your own workouts. I have a few minor equipment failures over the last 3 years, but customer service responded quickly to all of them and i have no complaint with the quality. I bought this machine because i was tired of running to the gym to work out on resistance machines like nautilus. I get the same quality workouts and better results.I think it is a real value.
6 Jun 2005 - Johnny of Florida, USA writes:
Do not buy this product unless you ARE self MOTIVATED. It comes with absolutely NO SUPPORT. I've had to scour the internet to find a workout/training program. This thing comes with some rinky dink video showing you some exercises, then that's it, your on your own.
23 May 2005 - Troy of Virginia, USA writes:
I like others have a love hate relationship with this piece of equipment. When it is working, it is one of the best pieces of equipment I have owned, the hardware is well designed, the gradual weight increases mean my wife and I can both work out within our comfort levels. However the wiring of the electronic fitness console is poorly done. I bought my Crossbow from [], and was sorely disappointed in the customer support, for two months I had a running battle attempting to get this product serviced. I finally did a web search and stumbled upon this site on accident, but what a lucky break. After reading several responses I found that I was not alone with the weight control locking up at max 310lbs. I read three posts that explained the orange wire problem. Spent 10 minutes following the advice of others on this site, and wah-la I was up and running. I can't believe I waited two months for something I could do myself in 10 minutes. This fix should be published with the manual until the manufacturer builds a better wiring scheme. Thanks to those that offered the fix. Hopefully this site is in contact with the manufacturer so this itty bitty problem can be resolved.
7 May 2005 - Steve of Illinois, USA writes:
Arrived mid February. Set up was fine. Weight adjustment stopped working within 10 days. Called customer service - same gripes as everyone else here - waited a long time. Sent me parts I didn't need as well as ones that didn't fit and told to wait for call from local technician. 3 service calls later and still not working, I have all of the wiring harnesses they make except for the one they think I need - have to wait 2 more weeks because it is on backorder. I returned the machine to [] today. Icon refused to replace the machine and they couldn't extend the warranty until it had been broken for 6 months. Thought it was better than Bowflex (also from []), but only if it kept working. Tech said he sees this alot. Knew I was in trouble when Icon asked for the serial number and the label was blank - Icon didn't seem fazed by that at all. Avoid the Crossbow - I could deal with mechanical issues if they were taken care of.
4 May 2005 - Randall of New Jersey, USA writes:
I've owned the Crossbow for about 1 year. Overall I like the product - very good for simple workouts. I give it 8 out of 10. I wanted something to provide a resistance workout but didn't want something with heavy plates that could injure small kids. As noted in other reviews the Crossbow gives a good upper body workout, but the leg exercises aren't as good. The key is proper form and steady effort during exercise. I found I had to modify some exercises from the diagrams to get the desired effect. During installation I found I was missing several bolts, 1 call to customer service and they sent them out (it took a couple of days for them to arrive).
29 Apr 2005 - Frank of Ontario, Canada writes:
I bought this machine about 6 weeks ago but wanted to wait to give a review. Overall it is meeting all expectations and I am extremely happy with my purchase. Set up did take time but it is a big machine so expect about 3-4 hours. Not overly complicated but does take some time and reading. Exercises are excellent, challenging and quick to switch between different workouts. My wife has tried the rowing and says it worked really well. I had to call customer service as a rod cap broke after a couple of days and they answered the call and sent my replacement within 3-4 days. Not a problem like others have mentioned in their reviews. All in all, the machine does what it promises, workouts are quick and convenient. Highly recommended.
12 Apr 2005 - Greg of Ontario, Canada writes:
I have had this machine for almost 2 months now and it works great. I was pretty impressed with with the setup instructions as well as the legend to all the bolts and nuts. I was worried it would be like some other products and just have the whole pile of nuts and bolts stuffed in a baggie. As for the quality of the the machine. It is pretty high. There are some things that they cut corners on to keep the price low but nothing that will hamper your workout. The workouts are mostly very good. They claim 65 club quality workouts but that is taking some very creative licence to state that some of the exercises are club quality. I do like the machine and I do recommend it to anyone looking for a bowflex type machine with out the huge bowflex type price. One thing that I did change is for bicep curls, I use free weights instead of the machine. Not that the machine can't workout your arms, it can. I just find free weights hit the biceps better. Bottom line. I like it alot and do not for one second regret buying it.
5 Mar 2005 - Channing of California, USA writes:
I purchased the Crossbow about a year ago.It's a wonderful machine(for the price).It's heavy duty and has plenty of weight resistance. It's amazing how many exercises you can do on this machine. Since I've had it, I probably gained 10 pounds of muscle. Again, for the price, there's "nothing" close to what this machine can do.Enjoy
