Since Soloflex’s are built like a tank, we’ve been having great success selling refurbished Soloflex machines. Once we get them, we go through a thorough process of stripping them down, repainting them, replace any missing or damaged parts and and send them out with all new straps. Just like new. We have barely been able to keep up with the demand. So my question is this…
Is there a market for brand new Soloflex machines? Would relaunching and marketing the Soloflex as the original and the best barbell machine really have broad appeal in 2009? If we did bring it back, what model do you believe is the best? Is it the original with the 90 degree welded mainframe, wood bench and welded lever arm? Or is the latest model of the Soloflex the best? Do you like the bent frame and fully padded bench? Which would you rather buy? Why do you believe one would sell better than the other?
I know many of you have already voiced your opinion about the original, thank you for the input! No matter what we decide, we will always put out the best Soloflex we can. New or refurbished. And yes, they will always be made in the US.
versus
Published by molly on August 2nd, 2009 in Competition.
We will be offering the original Soloflex next month with the launch of our new website. We have been energized by all of your comments. We know we can bring the classic Soloflex to a new generation of users. Perhaps with a greater emphasis on the free weight options. I think that producing a few commercials in the same style as the hybrid videos, would be a huge success. There really is no better, safer alternative to barbell exercises than the original Soloflex. We are launching a few ads on cable for our WBV platform and the Lift, but also look forward to relaunching what is the best and most versatile home gym ever created. Thank you for all the support and encouragement!
Published by molly on July 29th, 2009 in Information.
Check out Jerome. http://gallery.me.com/phoenixfilmz/100497
Check out Jen. http://gallery.me.com/phoenixfilmz#100485
These commercials are still in progress. We plan on adding text at the beginning and end with a brief description of the machine and the name. I was just so anxious to share them that I couldn’t wait ;-)
Thank you so much for all the input about the name! We got over 50 comments on that post and SOLOFLEX LIFT won hands down.
We are very, very close to launching this machine but we want it to be just right. We’re working diligently with our fabricators and suppliers to make sure that when you receive it, it’s perfect! It should be available on our new website, which is scheduled to be launched at the beginning of August.
Let us know what you’re thinking. Your input is extremely valuable to us.
All the best,
Molly
Special thanks to Gerding Edlen Development for allowing us to film at the beautiful Cyan apartment building, downtown Portland, Or.
Published by molly on July 16th, 2009 in Uncategorized.
We have been in business since 1978. In that time we have never had a major safety issue with our machines…sure an occasional stubbed toe. A tripping hazard, maybe? Major and repeated recalls, never!
For the last 30 years there have only been 2 major players in the home weight lifting industry, Soloflex and Bowflex. They couldn’t be more different. The Bowflex record speaks for itself. When I got the idea to write this post, I googled the term, ‘Bowflex recalls’, and holy crap, there were pages of information! I literally saw dozens of articles on their recalls, injury hotlines, and attorneys soliciting business from injured Bowflex owners. In 2004 alone, there were 800,000 Bowflex machines recalled. It’s amazing to me that with all this damaging information about how poorly constructed and dangerous they are, people still buy them! Unbelievable.
We have never considered Bowflex to be anywhere near the same quality as a Soloflex. We feel sorry for people who have gotten duped into buying one, only to realize how cheaply made they are, BUT cheap they are not! The Bowflex costs nearly $3000 bucks! The Bowflex is made in China, I’m guessing that’s a seriously healthy mark up.
The bigger point folks, is that a Bowflex is not real weight lifting equipment! Soloflex products are made from 100% steel, always made in the USA and have a awesome reputation for being durable and ageless in design. There are 25 year old Soloflex’s bought and sold on Ebay, that speaks volumes about the quality! I think it’s a safe bet that all Bowflex machines will be in a landfill 25 years from now.
At Soloflex we get regular calls from disgruntled Bowflex customers. The problem they have is this, Bowflex likes to come up with a new fancy design every few years. The problem is that they discontinue making the parts for retired models. In some cases, if you own a Bowflex that’s only a few years old, there’s no way to buy replacement parts if something breaks. Soloflex on the other hand, is still in the business of providing excellent customer service to people who bought their Soloflex machines in 1978. We still sell all the parts for the Soloflex and every other machine we’ve ever made. We don’t believe in planned obsolescence.
All good (and bad) things must come to an end eventually. Speaking of the end, I’ve noticed that Nautilus stock is plummeting month after month. I think Bowflex’s time is just about up. Maybe they need one more recall to finally call it quits. It shouldn’t take long.
And that’s how I see it, how about you?
Published by molly on July 13th, 2009 in Information.
This is a great video demonstrating the awesome versatility of the Soloflex. He’s used a 1” OD (outside dimension) pipe to include free weights on the lever arm. We sell the 1” pipe in black if you want to add free weights to your Soloflex workout, we highly recommend it! We also sell an olympic plate adapter too. My personal favorite is the combination of rubber resistance and free weights together. He’s also added a longer lever to incorporate hamstring and glute moves. This attachment we do not sell…yet. We haven’t seen this before, but we love it!
Overall, this is very impressive. He claims he hasn’t been back to the gym since he bought his Soloflex, and he’s got the body to show for it!
We had a video shoot with Jen and Jerome this last Friday for the new Soloflex machine. The footage looks awesome! They’re off the Aromas, CA next weekend for the CrossFit Games, the only 2 qualifiers from Oregon.
Exercise and Eat Right!
AND don’t forget to go see ‘Food, Inc’! Filmmaker Robert Kenner, along with producers Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser go big time. The movie opens in LA and NYC June 12th!
Published by molly on June 24th, 2009 in Information.
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