Here’s the original Soloflex! This photo was taken from a brochure published in 1982.
This was the photo in our 1st Playboy ad, 1980. What about that Speedo..hot ;)
I asked my boyfriend who Gale Sayers was. He thought I was joking, buy hey, football’s not really my thing.
Soloflex assembly is one bolt!! This is a page out of a early 80′s brochure.
The original Soloflex straps are actually airplane landing gear shocks. They are still being manufacturing for several models of small aircraft. You’d have to ask Jerry the specifics.
August 8, 2009 at 7:41 am
I have this machine, as well as this brochure. (I think I have at least one of all the early brochures – including the first)!
The other thing most folks don’t know (or forgot) is that during these early years the bench did not have 3M Rubber Tape Strips on the bottom. The bench had (two) inch long steel pins protruding downward, right in the center/bottom section; and fit inside two of three pre-drilled holes on the top surface of the MainFrame for standing exercises. There were two preset bench locations. Close to the Stabilizer, and then one bench-width back towards the upright. This locked the bench in nice and rock solid. I think they started off this way, then stopped for a while, and then incorporated this system again up until the Bent-Frame change over in ’83. I really like this system.
And the “Malaysian Hardwood” (as the brochure describes)is definitly the nicest of all the wood benches. The thickest, prettiest, and most handcrafted all-the-way around, trust me.
Another thing with these early models, is that all pins were solid, polished, stainless steel. Even the four pins on the Lever-arm were left polished steel. Looks so nice against the Flat Black finish.
I even like the T-Pins (as in the picture) better myself. The Lever-Arm T-Pin’s cross section was painted flat black and the bench T-Pin was left all polished steel. This thing is just a different animal all together.
Between the Flat Black finished, all-welded, frame. And the gorgeous laminated Malaysian Hardwood bench with leather saddle mounted in place with rounded tacks, welded pins and the Aircraft Shock-Rings, this thing is something to behold. They all were, right up to the end, but THESE WERE SPECIAL !
And I feel the difference when using my original machine as well.
August 8, 2009 at 3:51 pm
i love working out and this machine is a spectacular invention
August 8, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Okay,
After seeing such nice photos of the original model I am more convinced that such a model would be right or me. The curved lines on the newer models is nice, but there is something to say about the design of the earlier model…especially the T-pin, wooden board, and ease of set up of the L-shaped frame.
August 8, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I have one of the welded frame models, #23761, as well as one of the bent frame. While both perform flawlessly, I love the looks of the bent frame. It just looks more refined, probably has to due with the fact that when I came to know about Soloflex the bent frame was the standard.
August 8, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Wow, never seen those bungee cords before. I could see why it was changed to the rubber straps later.
August 9, 2009 at 7:58 am
I find the bungee-style cords to be rather fetching. Being smaller in size is a nice benefit. Now, why the change to the rubber weights? Did the bungee cords not last as long? I thought that when these cords were available the warranty was 10 years, not 5 like in the later 80′s and 90′s and definitely not 1 year as is today. PLEASE consider bringing back the 5-year warranty!
I hope that Soloflex brings back the T-bar )original design with no paint) with the wooden bench. I have used the T-bar and the newer design and prefer the T-bar. How about cutting back on the paint on the pins as a whole. Also, consider dropping the bench pin; I simply use the current silver lever-arm pin as a replacement.
August 9, 2009 at 10:43 am
Joe,
I think from the beginning, customer feedback probably drove most of the changes. Pins, Wood Bench to Padded bench. Most of my conversations I’ve had with Soloflex folks usually told of customer comments and complaints when it came to comfort, weight, and ease of use. BUT, I think that will always be the case with anything you manufacture/offer.
Everyone wants something a little different, to suit them. Women didn’t like the weight of the 1st Butterfly Attachment (45 lbs), so Jerry redesigned to be lighter… and produced a completely different beast all together. I’m sure all the Ring Pin/Load Pin changes were driven by the same thing.
But SOLOFLEX did a bang-up job keeping to their basic design and trying to make us all happy. I’d never even seen water-blown foam rubber before they used it. I liked it, but felt like a major staple component was lost with the exiting of the Wood Bench.
I think a lot of people complained about the location of the Leather Saddle too… so it ultimately was removed.
I’ll bet some of those decisions were murder on Jerry too!
I too prefer the T-Pins, and the unpainted Pins at that… even on the Lever-Arm Pins. As I stated I before, I hope they try to nail the original design as close as they can. Give or take a end cap, or bench legs degign, etc.
August 9, 2009 at 11:04 am
I have mixed feeling about all of this. If the newly manufactured Soloflex machines are going to look exactly like the 70′s models then what is the point. I can see how the 90 welded frame maybe cheaper to produce, same with the welded bench arm. But, it seems like going backward instead of forward. That is something that could be used against the company by competitors in media campaigns. I don’t like the flat paint, nor do I like the old style bench with hump in the middle, the saddle/pad part. I do like what I have seen of the Soloflex Lift. But the idea of going back to the 70′s model is just not for me. I guess I will track down a few more of the bent frame models on craigslist for spare parts before they’re all gone. One thing I would love to see again is the organizer. I don’t know how many times I have almost broken my neck tripping over the attachments, I have very limited space here. I would kill for one of those hard to find pieces.
August 9, 2009 at 1:10 pm
The bungee-style cords are also called Shock Rings. I found some online at an aircraft parts and pilot supply store. Price ranges are $20-40.00 each. Well worth it if they last 5-10 years…..hmmmmm.
August 9, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Old Soloflex: I bought one of the first generation models back when I was a freshman in college. Today I came across a wood bench model sitting in a guys garage for $50. Condition was poor to bad but the bench was in good shape. I now have a son who is 14 and want to show him how he can do dips, chin ups, pull ups and the verticle hanging sit up. He is into TKO and this type of training will be awesome.
I currently have a WBV board and also use to own a Rockit. I am happy to have back in inventory a true soloflex.
August 10, 2009 at 5:33 am
That is the exact machine I bought in July of 1982 when I was 33 years old. I recently picked up a second one just like it for $20
on ebay. A quick coat of flat black paint, refinished the bench, and it’s like new. The load pin floats just like the barbell arm for a real nice feel. I can hardly wait for the bungee cords to be available again. Thanks ,Jerry.
August 10, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I have to say I like what I see, alot.
I thought I knew alot about Soloflex Muscle Machines. A friend of mine had one of the original models, but I didn’t quite catch all of the small details & differences between his and mine.
As far as going backwards, I don’t agree, I see it as a possible case of the first design being the best.
With the launching of the Lift and the reintroduction of the Muscle Machine, I have to say it’s good to see Soloflex back in the game.
August 10, 2009 at 6:26 pm
If the original soloflex used landing gear shocks, why the change from this to rubber plates?
August 10, 2009 at 6:39 pm
The change was made because the shock ring manufacturer could not keep up with our demand. Our source for molded rubber straps were much more reliable and Oil States had the capacity to supply us with high quality straps as fast as we could sell the machines. We have no plans to replace the rubber straps, just add the rings for people who would prefer them.
Happy to report that the shock rings are now manufactured by a different company out of Georgia. It should work out just great.
August 13, 2009 at 8:15 am
Is there a start date for when the reintroduction of the soloflex will start and how much you think you will sell it for? Will it be close to the amount of the use soloflex that is on the soloflex website?
August 22, 2009 at 7:09 am
Worst mistake I made was to sell my first Soloflex to a friend of mine because i moved to a new place 7 years ago. Just found a used one in great shape really cheap.
Because my hours at work changes often,
I wound up paying for a gym membership for the last year,and never going. Could have bought a new Soloflex for that price.
Using the Soloflex free weights, with the weight straps for now. Not sure how worn the straps are, so I would be interested in trying the Shock Rings. If anyone has info on the company and the shock rings that can be used, it would be very helpful.
August 22, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Well ,
after looking at the earlier posts , I see that the shock rings may return.
I just tried a new set of bungee cords on my Soloflex , and as someone else wrote here they do feel better than the rubber weight straps.
It keeps the tension on the handle bar like free weights.
The rubber straps for some reason loose some tension during extension, but the bungee cords don’t. Feels more like free weights.
It might just be me, but if someone wants to try it on their soloflex please let us know.
Can’t wait for the new shock rings.
August 27, 2009 at 7:54 am
Hello Jerry and Molly,
First and foremost, you are true entrepreneurs–and I applaud you! You created a product that was revolutionary, efficient, and a standard-bearer. And you are stll going strong 30 years later!
I bought an original soloflex in 1981, which I sold to a friend a few years later. Shortly thereafter, I bought an “armchair quarterback.” You used Frank Zane and Mitch Gaylord as models for that unique piece of gear. Bet you never hear anybody talk about those too much! In fact, I had even called your company on time to ask about working for you!
I have always played sports and continued to exercise, and I have worked out on various types of equipment; the soloflex, however, was a marvel of quality, engineering, simplicity, and great design. Nowadays, I do body weight resistance exercises and kettlebells.
To bring back the original classic with the L-frame and beautiful-grained bench would be fantastic! Heck, I remember putting Old English oil on te bench to enhance the grain and luster of the wood–stepping back and just eyeballing that machine. I also bought olympic plate adapters to use olympic plates with it. With 20/20 hindsight, the original was amazing.
I guess I would have to ask you, “Jerry and Molly, after 30 years of producing these machines, and seeing the changes in the fitness industry, what has your company learned”?
Oh yes, just one more thought–please consider producing 25 pound weight plates!
Best Wishes & God Bless You,
Mark Bennett
August 28, 2009 at 9:53 am
Welcome back Soloflex Classic!
September 1, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I don’t like the classic.
September 27, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I have had my machine for many many years, and I must say…..ITS THE BEST PIECE OF EQUIPTMENT I HAVE EVER OWNED!! I did also own a Bowflex, BUT sold it because ONCE you own a Soloflex …NOTHING else compares. The machine is SOLID! And I feel that my Soloflex targets my muscles better then even the gyms free weights. When you do calfs, it really does BOMB your legs….it hurts like hell BUT you know your workking the right muscles. Soloflex is NOT made to ‘ workout ” your muscles….its built to “TRAIN” your muscles to be the best they can be. I just started using my machine again, and I feel the muscles of my body responding. My weights are a little worn and cracked….but thats expected . Today sit at a heafty 290, my goal is to get back to 220….I will keep you guys posted!!
October 4, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I have a REALLY old Soloflex. It has the weld points on it, not the curved arm.
I guess because it’s so old I’m getting a little paranoid that it will break now that I’ve started using weights on it again.
Has anyone ever had one of these older arms break under the weight of barbell plates?
Bob
October 15, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I miss our summer blog conversations. They were great distractions from our busy lives. I just saw this video for the first time and can’t help but wonder about how our Soloflex Machines can become transformed into a ‘Lift type’ product with this simple attachment. I always knew this was possible. Will Soloflex sell an attachment like this? This seems to solve the puzzle for those wanting a free weight barbell holder for squats and bench presses. All roads seem to point back to the muscle machine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVXUK7-7OzA
December 24, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I bought an Armchair Quarterback on a whim back in 1985 and am still actively using it today. I understand that it can be tough to work-out with your body weight, but I am so happy to have grabbed this product when I did.
The idea behind the chair is very simple, but you still get to train all major muscle groups. A variable height “ottoman” would be a great add-on for triceps (as the suggested exercise is in a constricted position) and for chilling.
You almost never see a used armchair quarterback for sale. I take this as a statement for the satisfaction of most owners.
April 5, 2010 at 1:07 pm
I also bought an Armchair Quarterback back in 1985, I thought it was more of an Armchair Linebacker,
this piece of machinery is built like a tank, it is one of the safest, most versatile pieces of equipment that
I have seen. I use it as a back-up when I don’t make it to the gymn, because nothing beats the exhiliration of heavy squats and bench presses to really get the juices flowing but this guy is a great back
up. I believe that anyone who is serious about their workouts would respect this piece of equipment
even though they would still need a good gymn. I’ve wondered why it wasn’t a commercial success and
my guess was that it was to difficult or expensive to ship.
April 5, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I also bought an Armchair Quarterback back in 1985, I thought it was more of an Armchair Linebacker,
this piece of machinery is built like a tank, it is one of the safest, most versatile pieces of equipment that
I have seen. I use it as a back-up when I don’t make it to the gymn, because nothing beats the exhiliration of heavy squats and bench presses to really get the juices flowing but this guy is a great back
up. I believe that anyone who is serious about their workouts would respect this piece of equipment
even though they might prefer a good gymn. I’ve wondered why it wasn’t a commercial success and
my guess was that it was to difficult or expensive to ship.
May 18, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Who makes the shock rings?
June 2, 2010 at 11:18 am
The shock rings are made by a company by the name of SBC Industries. They are primarily airline contractors. Great company.
January 19, 2012 at 3:01 pm
I also purchased an armchair quarterback in 1985. I still use it three times a week. It’s a great piece of equipment. I have a weight machine that I rarely use, and all the other pieces of equipment I have purchased over the years are gone.
I spoke with the people at Soloflex when they were about to discontinue its production. They told me that it was too expensive to manufacture. I believe it. And when I bought mine, it was at least 3 times the price of any other chinup type of equipment. I saved up for it. I think they had a hard time getting the price for it, and there was no way they could raise the price.
I remember purchasing it for its chinup capabilities and because I could just leave it out in my studio apartment disguised as a chair. Perhaps had they played down the chinup aspect and shown its other capabilities more, they could have gotten the higher price.