Company Name
Icon Fitness
Product Claims
Unknown
Average Retail Value
$498.00 (prices may vary)
Similar Products
Bowflex | Gyrotonic | Gold's Gym Power Flex | Weider Crossbow
16 Sep 2008 - Hunter of Wheeling, WV, USA writes:
Purchased Weider Platinum in Winter '04 for $999. Worked fine for first year, then went down for broken wires. Icon sent a new wiring harness, the first of 3 to date. Re-wiring and reinforcing with electrical tape required 4+ hours of time for each episode, not to mention the frustration of disassembly and reassembly. It's currently down a 4th time; Icon is willing to send free parts if we pay shipping, but declined our request for a refund of any sort. We feel it's bad business and we don't want to continue repairing it annually for the life of the warranty (10 years). Nor do we want to sink more money into it by hiring a technician. If you want to exercise without the concern of unpredictable, inconvenient disruptions in your fitness regimen, pass on this Brand.
29 Apr 2008 - Frank of Tennessee, USA writes:
UPDATE: I originally wrote a posting in 2005. I hadn't had the issues that most had experienced with this machine until now. The machine just all of a sudden quit. It wouldn't let me adjust the weight and displayed a message telling me to release the tension on the handles. I pulled the cables in and out to see if that would release the tension. Nothing! I unplugged the machine and plugged it back in to see if it would reset the electronics. Nothing! I called customer service. They told me to take off the back cover and check the wiring harness and they could send me a new wiring harness as this seems to be a common problem. They would only charge me for shipping but I would have to replace it myself as the machine is way beyond warranty. I couldn't see the problem right away but after I got off the phone with them I examined the machine much closer. In the upper right hand corner of the pivoting arm two wires were cut clean through. You really have to look hard to see it because it is hidden behind the frame. The only way to get a good look at it is to release the resistance of the weight manually and pull one or both cables all the way out so that the pivot point actually swings out from behind the frame so you can get a better look or are able to access it in the event the wires are broken. For more instructions see Dan of Illinois Nov 2005 posting.
21 Nov 2007 - Jordan of Idaho, USA writes:
I loved this product when it worked. But then it stopped working. I fixed it. Then it started working. It broke down again. Fixed...working...broken...etc. It is not working right now. When I do get it working I know that it will only be a matter of time until it breaks again.
16 Dec 2006 - Kevin of Illinois, USA writes:
Bought model WESY78732 in March of 2005 from an online auction for $600. Was hesitant considering the electronics, but purchased it anyway. Used 3 – 4 times a week for several months with no issues. Recently I began rowing daily for 20 minutes in addition to a minor work-out. Then it started; first, weight calibration was intermittent, then it would not adjust weight correctly, then not at all… As I purchased the item second hand, I was not eligible to experience customer service first hand. After reading several postings online I began looking for wiring issues. Found several wires that were kinked, split open and one that was broken. I fixed the wires and am back to rowing and working-out. If you are not comfortable getting inside to repair yourself – purchase something without the electronic module.
29 Sep 2006 - Thomas of Maine, USA writes:
UPDATE: Owned my WESY78731 (the one up to 340lb) almost three years now (since Feb. 2004, lived in ID). I still believe that it is a great product with solid workmanship. I used it quite frequently—on average about four times a week, with breaks of a month here or there (move, x-mas laziness, …). I use the full range up to the 340lb, and yes at times wish it would go higher. Today my mech cable broke (the one inside the unit)—these things can happen it’s just a cable. Here is the nice part: I called the customer hot line, waited for about 5 minutes on hold, talked to a nice lady, gave her the serial number, and they will ship the cable, which is scheduled to arrive next week. So in my experience even if after three years of good use a cable might break getting a free replacement is quite painless! Good company—wish more businesses were this supportive.
18 Sep 2006 - Bob of Alberta, Canada writes:
My second, and LAST Weider product. You can read other's reviews of the nightmare that is ICON service elsewhere - I don't need to restate. How does Weider stay in business? My first product was the Crossbow 1500. A tension bar snapped after three months(quite dangerously BTW) and ICON was MIA. Thank goodness I bought it from [], who took it back and have promised a refund. Keep you posted. So, went online and bought the Platinum Plus for $999 from []. Spent three nights putting it together and viola, very cool machine. Until the third use when the electronic board where you program resistance flashed red once, made a funny noise, then died. End of machine. Three uses. I won't even bother with ICON, and have emailed [] asking for a full refund. Will keep you posted on how [] Canada handles this. When it comes to Weider machines, my advice is be afraid, be very afraid.
23 Jul 2006 - Porfie of Colorado, USA writes:
UPDATE: I first revied this item a few years back. It did take a few headches of having defective models and taking months to get it right. I used it off on on for the past 3 years and had no problem with it. Now over 3 years later guess what? The system's been a nightmare. The motor says all these error screens and the system does not recalibrate. Now it's July 2006 and I had to buy a new machine. I bought the Bowflex Revolution. The Bowflex Revolution has a 10 year warranty on everything. As for the Bowflex customer service they are amazing. I had a problem with misinformation on my delivery date and I called and explained to the rep and she answered fast, apoligized and gave me a $100.00 credit off the machine. Awesome service! despite the hefty price I am truly happier with the Bowflex Revolution in 1 week than I was in over 3 years with the crossbow platinum.
16 Jul 2006 - Ian of California, USA writes:
My Weider Platinum Crossbow does not work after few months. I wish I can get my money back. This is my first workout equipment and its very disappointing.
1 May 2006 - Adam of New York, USA writes:
I have owned/used a crossbow for just over a year and now I cannot adjust the weight because it reads that there is tension on the system when there is no tension to be found. The machine won't recalibrate and warrantry only covers parts, not labor. I have tried to get it fixed for about a month but it is impossible to get help from the company. I recommend getting something that doesn't have electronical parts that are prone to breaking or failure
23 Feb 2006 - Heather of Kansas, USA writes:
My husband and I bought this machine in March 2004. It worked well, then just quit. We lugged the thing back to the store and had it completely replaced in Jan 2005. It was working great until July when the resistence would no longer change. We tried recalibrating it without success. We tried contacting the company and were given the run around and transferred to several differnt number with no help. We were told the warrently on the manual was not actually the warrently. Finally after 6 months we were able to get someone to come look at the machine and the entire motor had to be replaced. A month after replacing the motor, it quit adjusting the resistence again. Again the motor is having to be replaced! At $800 a motor, you'd think the company would just refund the purchase price!
15 Feb 2006 - Ryan of Kentucky, USA writes:
Owned for the last year, it does have a larger ROM/cable length but the resistance is not consitent throughout the ROM, especially initialy. There is also very little eccentric resistance. If it does break you can not get a hold of customer service the number is always busy and when they ask you to leave your name it number it wil not let you. I do beleive customer service has left the building and won't answer the phone due to overwhelming product defects and the shear volume of complaints. Do not buy, invest in free weights.
9 Feb 2006 - Michael of Illinois, USA writes:
Great machine with two major problems, wiring and weight. But I have two solutions to two problems: See Dan of Illinois for the wiring problem as it is VERY common. For those of you wanting more weight on the squat machine, I have a great solution. Buy a pair of 2" U-bolts (double check the size of the tubing on your machine), a barbell, and some free weights. Strap the whole thing to the top of the trolley for the squat mechanism. You now have an unlimited (within reason) amount of weight on a safe (similar to a smith rack) mechanism. I have used this for over a year and have had no problems.
2 Feb 2006 - Brad of Iowa, USA writes:
I have owned this product for about 9 months now. Everything was going fine until just recently. I cannot adjust the weight anymore. It is stuck on 80 pounds. When I try to adjust it it gives me an error message that there is still resistence on the cables. This happens eventhough there is no resistence. I am a little confused on what is going on. If this problem can be fixed I would again be a promoter of the product. It isn't perfect by any means. The weights don't really seem like true amounts and it is a little tough getting used to but after using it for a while I have really grown to like it. For a home gym it can provide a pretty good workout.
12 Nov 2005 - Dan of Illinois, USA writes:
I too own the Crossbow wesy7874. I bought it back in Jan 2005 and got it in Feb 2005. A month later in Mar 2005, the limit switch wires (upper right pivot-arm when looking from the back) were cut by the mechanical moving parts. The computer would adjust the weight in the display, however the machine made no attempt in changing weights. ICON sent out a local fitness repair company who fixed the problem. Now, in Nov 2005, the same issue occurred. This time I took the problem into my own hands. I rewired and protected the entire wiring harness in the pivoting region. I used plenty of electrical tape and "zip-ties" which seems to have fixed the problem. When working on this corner... manually adjust the weight to the lowest setting (by rotating the "bar" to the left of the motor). THEN, pull one of the handles ALL THE WAY OUT. This will give you room to work on the wires. If you are somewhat handy, this should not be too difficult for you. Even if your machine is working properly, open up the back cover and learn the mechanics of the unit. You might also want to protect all wires BEFORE you have any problems. The small 22 gauge wires run right next to large moving parts. Try to be motherly and keep these little wires out of danger! Other than these issues, the unit is designed well. It does a lot for one machine. I would say go ahead and purchase the Crossbow... however be prepared to spend a little time behind the unit!
9 Oct 2005 - Len of Newfoundland, Canada writes:
This machine works great when it is working. I had trouble with a broken wire on a limit switch. It has worked flawlessly since I repaired that. I now have two broken strap handles that were not under a very large load when they broke. Otherwise when it is working I tend to get a good all-around workout from it.
6 Jul 2005 - James of Illinois, USA writes:
Machine will not stay calibrated. I had the resistance mech replaced 3 times.
14 Jun 2005 - J Warren of Kansas, USA writes:
Product is fine when it works. I have owned this machine for 1.5 years and it last broke down on four times. First it was the limit switches, then the consol, then the motor, and recently the limit switches again. Unbelievable! I couldn't make it up if I tried. Anyway, the exercises are fine but the machine is a lamon. Customer care really sucks! These guys at ICON are clowns.
31 May 2005 - Denise of Ohio, USA writes:
I purchased the platinum crossbow Oct 2003 did not receive it until end of January. The machine never worked right and the company is terrible with customer service. They keep offering to send out more parts but it never fixes the problem. I have not finished paying for this and will not unitl they do something about it. I would not recommend this machine or any other from them.
24 Apr 2005 - Roy of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I got my machine around December 2004. Picked it up from the store. One big box. Got it in without too much problem with a hand truck. Took about 4 hours to get together and have not had a problem, until today! I thought I was immune to the complaints noted on other posts. Anyhow, I love this machine. I've used free weights in the past and now that I am older (47) I just want to keep in good tone. This serves all my needs. I had the problem where the machine runs up to maximum weight and indicates 10 lbs on the display. Would not recalibrate. Daryl from Texas led me right to the problem. The orange wire to the lower limiting switch was cut clean through. After repairing this I was back in action in about 20 minutes. Hopefully this is it. If it happens again I will do a more thorough rewiring. Thanks to this site I did not waste any time with customer support. Otherwise, I would recommend this machine. I feel it was a good value for the money. Just be prepared to pull the back cover off every now and then. Also on initial set up the cable was off several pulleys. I had to fix this prior to use.
22 Apr 2005 - Frank of Tennessee, USA writes:
I purchased the Crossbow on January 31/05. I received it about two weeks later. Assembly took approximately four hours by myself. It wasn't difficult and the instructions were good. The video tape for the exercises has such poor quality that it is hard to watch but if you have weight trained before I don't think the video is necessary. I like the machine. It automatically adjusts the weight between exercises and counts your rest time. When you adjust the weight or your reps the machine will remember those settings for the next time you workout. This is a great feature but nowhere in the manual does it tell you that it is capable of doing this. After about six weeks, the repitition counter quit working. I called customer service and was on hold for about 10 minutes before someone answered and told me that a specialist would call me back within 24 hours. They told me that the part I need had to be backordered and when it comes in to contact the local service rep. It's been about a month and I have yet to receive the part. Without it, the only thing that works is the weight adjustment. Good thing I took the back off and fixed it myself. A strap off the rep counter had come off and I taped it on. The machine has worked great ever since. If that's the only problem that I ever have this machine is definitely worth it.
