- Brian of Florida, USA writes:
Picked up my Crossbow last week. It takes some getting used to but is great for workouts where time is a factor. My point of sale was a major retail store. I saved the shipping and after a week of trading e-mails found that I had lost the lifetime warranty on the power rods. The manufacturer is the only one who offers this warranty. The retail store I worked with only covers the rods for 5 years, a long time but not a lifetime. They originally indicated that the lifetime warranty existed but later changed their story (I have the e-mails history but it probably won't help on day 1 of year 6 when I am quite sure the rods will snap). According to the manufacturer, while the machines are identical in every way, the retailer does not want to be responsible for the warranty for that period of time. Keep in mind also that the manufacturer defines lifetime as the term of ownership for the original purchaser. If you sell your machine, pass the receipt to the buyer and have them say it was a gift. This idea came from the sales woman who sold me the machine.
- Robert of Florida, USA writes:
This machine was everything I expected it to be considering it was built by Weider. A quality product that performs as advertised. Easy to use and so very smooth. The burn felt during my workout was complete. The machine forces you to use all your stabilizing muscles. Yes, the assembly time is long, but do it slowly and you will have no problems. You will also have the most complete and compact home gym on the market today. And best of all you will not spend your weekly paycheck or go into hock!!
- Ron of Washington DC, USA writes:
After a 4.5 hr. assembly and an accumulative 3 hr workout, I am concerned with the Crossbow. It is smartly designed for a workout in a small apartment. But I am curious about the accuracy of the resistance weight posted on the rods. I stopped attending a commercial gym over a year ago and have not done any heavy lifting since then. Today, I tried doing lat pull downs and had to put nearly all the rods on to get some real resistance. Also, the lat pull down bar that I ordered with the full homegym did not come. When I called, after being on hold for about 30 minutes, someone answered and said they would call me back. I have yet to here from them. If anyone is considering buying the CrossBow I would search down more scientific reviews that validate the resistance weight of the rods. Also, be prepared for extremely poor customer service.
- John of Washington, USA writes:
I've been looking at Bowflex for a couple of years - my son has one, and is very happy with it - but I was put off by the price. Bowflex must have some incredible profit margins. I was tired of the negatives of free weights and was looking for something more convenient (no spotter, etc.) that could fold up and take up a lot less space than weights and a bench. When I heard about the Crossbow, I read many reviews - including those on this site - and decided to take the plunge. It wasn't the easiest thing to assemble, but once I separated the parts into piles marked with the part numbers from the manual (they were accurate), it went fairly well and took about 5 hours to put together. Based on the reviews I've read, that's in the ballpark of average. In hindsight, I wish I'd read the manual more carefully before I started. If I'd done that it would have saved me at least an hour. The workouts are excellent, comparable to free weights for people who are not trying to build serious muscle mass. Also, I went to the Bowflex site and downloaded their manual. It's pretty easy to cross-reference the Crossbow exercises to those of Bowflex. One thing I hated about the Crossbow was the little wheels on the unit. I keep my machine in a family room that is carpeted and trying to move the machine (for example, to make room for a ping pong table) was pretty difficult. To solve that problem, I went to my local caster/wheel store and bought a couple of 4" wheels, installed them in place of those that come with the Crossbow, and now it rolls very nicely, even on relatively thick carpet. In other words, it's mobile, which is a great improvement.Overall, I think it's a nice machine and would recommend it over the Bowflex to anyone who asked. It's similar to the Bowflex, even has its advantages and is a heck of a lot cheaper. As always though, it has to be used as intended and not as a coat rack.
- John of Ontario, Canada writes:
I finished assembling my new Crossbow last night. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the materials and the accuracy of the fit. However, be warned, assembly is time consuming. Sort of like putting together a very very large mechano set. I received my unit via the department store and it was their instructions so perhaps they were a bit clearer than those that come directly from Weider. One thing I found most helpful is to lay out all of the small parts on a table first, identify their part numbers from the parts list before assembly and label the various parts numbers with post it notes. It takes a bit but is well worth it when you start following the instructions to assemble. The training Video clearly demos the various exercises and the wall chart is very helpful. I am starting to use the machine now and will post another review in about a month to let all know about my views on the equipment's performance.
- Deric of Virginia, USA writes:
I recently purchased a CrossBow from a major local department store and I think it is going to be a good thing for my wife and I. While assembling the unit, I found that I was missing 3 parts, one of which (the seat post), is a pretty important piece to the function of the Crossbow. Trying to get the pieces was a bit of a pain but they should be here this week. I believe that it a good product, comparable to BowFlex, however, the customer service between the 2 does not seem comparable. If this machine does not last on the market, I think it will be due to the lack of customer service report. After you have read about this machine, check out the reviews for BowFlex. Whether or not the extra cash is worth the better support or not, remains to be seen since this is a fairly new product. So far (1 week), believe it or not, I'm glad I found this machine. Hopefully, it will last for a while.
- Joe of North Dakota, USA writes:
Purchased the Crossbow from the only retailer that sells it. Saved Shipping and got it on sale at $499. Assembly took just under two hours. Fortunately I have a friend who understands those kind of instructions. Only one minor problem in which the seat and backrest backplates were not machined for the holes to fit over the seat and backrest screw holes. Like I said, minor. I have used the Crossbow and am more than pleased with the results. It is a quality product and a fair price. Also buying it through the retailer I have another venue for any future complaints. So far, none expected. They should include the lat bar.
- Ritchie of Alabama, USA writes:
I purchased the crossbow about 3 months ago. I sorted the parts before starting the assembly which may have helped make things quicker than normal because it only took me about 3 hours to put it together. It seems to be a fine piece of equipment so far. I don't feel like the 240 lbs of resistance (if it is true weight) is enough for the average male trying to build muscle mass. It certainly is not for me and I am 5'11" and 185lbs. When I started out with the crossbow I could only bench 180 for 6 to 8 reps and now 3 months later I am benching the full 240 for 10 reps(so obviously it does make you stronger). I have compared the crossbow to a friends bowflex and really can't tell any difference in quality other than superficial things. I do get a good workout and have built some muscle. I have people compliment me on how much better I look since I have been working out. I would highly recommend this machine to anyone that seriously wants to get in shape without the danger of free weights without a spotter and the expense of a healthclub membership.
- Samuel of California, USA writes:
I was interested in buying a home gym but was in a tight buget. The crossbow never really caught my eye because it had such a low price for a home gym. I also thought it would be of low quality since the bowflex came out first. Then i saw an infomercial of the crossbow and wanted to try the crossbow.I went to a local store who had the crossbow and tried it out. I was so impressed i bought it right away. I've had it for a couple of months and wouldnt trade it for a thing. I am in such a better condition ever since. My only complaint is that it difficult to do the squat since im pretty tall.Otherwise i have no complaints. I love this machine!
- Jerry of Kansas, USA writes:
I received my crossbow last Monday afternoon. The assembly of the machine is not easy but it's also not brain surgery. It took me about 3.5 to 4 hours solo to put it together. I paid $599 through the manufacturers web site, I also purchased the addtional lat bar, smart choice. I am very pleased with the overall construction and durabilty of the crossbow. If you have been comparing Crossbow to Bowflex, (like I have been), you will not be disappointed with the Crossbow, basically the same machine as the Bowflex but a heck of alot easier on the wallet. The only part I was missing was the #10 lock washers, I emailed customer service and got a response the next day saying they would be arriving in about 5-7 business days. I wish they would include an exercise routine with the unit. They do have one, but it costs $25.00 for their 6 week exercise routine. I'm still debating that one? Overall 9 of 10 score for Crossbow!
- Joe of Illinois, USA writes:
I just purchased the Crossbow from a local retailer and after 3 hours of assembly am up and going. First impression is great. The machine is smooth and appears to give me a great workout. I am new to working out after 10 years off and need some help developing a good workout routine with the product. This is the only area that I have been dissappointed. The video and workout routine information is a bit week. If anyone knows of a good way to find a workout routine to tone on the Crossbow, I would love to know how to find it.
- Jeff of Virginia, USA writes:
I purchased the crossbow about eight weeks ago and am very plesed with the results I seeen since starting to use the product. My wife has commented on the changes she sees in my appearance in the last 8 weeks. Putting it together was not that bad if, you take your time. Overall I am very satisfied with the crossbow and would recommend it to a friend.
- Josue of Massachussets, USA writes:
Crossbow is #1. For the price that you get this incredible machine I don't know why anyone complains. It can take you from dud to stud in no time. It is practically all you need to either lose weight (this and good cardio) or gain weight (especially if you opt for the 200lb upgrade). Yep, the down side is the construction part it will take you quite some time to build especially with the bad instructions, so be prepared and organized. I highly-highly recommend the Crossbow it will satisfy almost all your needs...
- Ron of Connecticut, USA writes:
I have had this machine for about 3 weeks and it is great. It allows me to do a wide variety of exercises quickly, and it gives you a good workout. I am very impressed with it and am very glad I purchased it.
- Harold of Tennessee, USA writes:
I saw the infomercial for it and was immediately interested. I've checked out the Bowflex but the price was just too prohibitive. I read numerous reviews here and was a bit concerned but through caution to the wind.. I tested one at a local sporting goods outlet and liked the "pump" I got from doing some simple bench presses. I bought the 1500E model?? Not sure which one that is because their are several out there. It came with 320LBS and the Lat bar for $549.00. Brought it home and as most have said, sorted out the hardware. Assembly took a few hours but I wasn't putting full effort into it. I took numerous breaks for dinner, telephone and my brother came by too. It went together somewhat smoothly.. Some of the hardware didn't match up with the instructions but everything is together and working. The product is great. I did several test excercises and all seemed to be just what I was looking for. The leg extension was incredibly smooth. The seat slid back and forth with no hesitation or scratches to the aluminum slide. Everybody's so concerned with the weight!!! I've lifted free weights for years and let me tell you. Weight is relative. If it's heavy for you then it is sufficient. With free weights I can bench 365LBS for reps. On this, a couple of hundred pounds wore me out. I admit it scares me somewhat putting the bows in the holder because some people have said they have shattered and that would hurt big time. But I dig this unit. It's smooth and provides me with a good physical workout that I want. Also, when I bench free weights the first few reps my spine would crack all the way down from mis alignment. With this no pain or kinks. So there ya go... an honest review.
