TRX® Force Kit

Prospective buyers please note. This force kit is NOT the TRX force tactical kit which is the newest suspension kit available from TRX. This kit is being sold on the TRX site as a closeout as it does not have the improvements of the tactical kit; including the lighter weight, improved rubber (not foam) handles, improved booklet and carry bag. The two kits look very similar but they are not the same, do your own research and you will see what I am talking about. I thought it was the same kit as the one currently being offered as the improved version and I thought I was getting a heck of a deal...and it was too good to be true. All the improvements that are touted on the TRX website and video that set the Force tactical kit apart from the pro kit are not included in this kit. From what I can tell is it is essentially the pro kit but in a different color and more expensive. I was disappointed it didn''t have the improvements so I returned it. Just my two cents.

This review was geared for another product, but the comparisons I''ve discovered will help you make an educated decision.

Notice I gave this product Four Stars. I stand by it, even though the following review may seem to be geared toward another product.

So, I''ve owned the TRX force kit for about five years, XFit Rings for about three years, and the Jungle Gym XT for about a month now, and I have to say the Jungle Gym XT is the Best Over-all product, in almost all categories. Here''s the preferential order I would put the three products: First place: Jungle Gym XT, Second Place: XFit Rings, and Third Place: TRX. And I''m rating them REGARDLESS OF PRICE!!!!

I''m not trying to pick on any specific product. I''m giving my best over-all objective opinion based on my expertise (I am a personal trainer at an exclusive high level gym). To be fair to all manufacturers, I still use ALL three of the products. My intention with this review is to educate consumers so you can make an objective decision.

I''ll just limit my review to the cons because I don''t want to continue the redundancy of talking about what these products can do.

First: Hygiene! the TRX falls short especially if you are sharing the product with others. The Jungle Gym handles and foot cradles are made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer, which is a sturdy plastic with a rubber-like feel), and the XFit rings are olympic styled rings (lowest level is a very sturdy, almost invincible, hard plastic). Which both are easy to clean. The TRX, on the other hand, has a foam-like material over the handles, and the foot cradles over the nylon webbing. Which you can''t clean unless you want to speed up the deterioration process. So, little microbes can fester on the handles and foot cradles. So if you share it with others, have an anti-bacterial gel nearby.

Next: Durability! I''ve had the TRX the longest, So it''s been worked over!!! the main components of the straps are still well in tact. But!!! the foam on the handles have worn down, and are splitting. I''ve called FitnessAnywhere to find a solution, and they mailed me (for free), TAPE!!! Yes, TAPE!!! does it work? Yes. for how long? I don''t know. Definitely not a long term solution though. There only other offer was another older model force kit for a discounted price (ten dollars less than the newest model). The Rings are solid and I know they will maintain its over-all integrity for many years to come. For the Jungle Gym, I''m familiar with many gym products and seeing the design and quality of the materials, there is premium quality, long lasting materials. You can tell it''s the best made even if you compare all the products side by side if they were all new.

NEXT: Comfort. TRX, even with the foam handles, are last place. why??? the adjustable METAL buckle is designed to sit at a right angle to the handles. which means LOTS of snagging when doing pushing exercises. When I had the TRX the first two years, I would constantly have scratch marks on my arms, shoulders, and neck because of the metal buckle snagging me during use. Actually, an under armour long sleeve shirt (or similar) will go a long way. With the rings, the metal buckle can be adjusted to be away from your range of movement. The Jungle Gym, The adjustable buckle contraptions are modeled like the TRX except that it is made of a very durable hard plastic, contoured and rounded so there are no uncomfortable edges, and they lay flush (not at a right angle) to the handles. So... NO SNAGGING!!!

NEXT: Variations! you can do ALOT with any of the suspension trainers. But the TRX has the most limitations solely on the fact that both straps come to one point. So there is VERY LIMITED abduction exercises. and if you do try abduction... be ready for snagging. Not an issue with the other products. You''ll be surprised how much MORE VARiATION there is simply by having each handle individually anchored, and able to control how wide each anchor point is. The Xfit rings don''t have designed foot cradles, but if you are at an intermediate fitness level, you can stand your feet on the rings, and do all the foot cradle exercises comfortably. The jungle gym''s foot cradles are by far the easiest to get in and out of, and the most comfortable.

LASTLY: Portability! Finally, the TRX wins in this category. One, it comes with a mesh drawstring bag. If you want one so badly, spend five dollars and get one for the other products. Also, the TRX packs the smallest. Actually, I have the first model Force kit, and it packs about a third of the size of all the current TRX models and is slightly lighter. I actually HATE that the newer TRX models are bulkier than they used to be. All the models have the bulkier (less expensive), nylon webbing. Don''t be fooled if someone will try to lie to you and say it''s better quality. it''s not. I actually have the older, BETTER product. They''re saving money!!! Even though they other products (XFit Rings, and Jungle Gym XT) don''t pack as small, they are still VERY PORTABLE.

Because I have all the products, I have the advantage of doing total body suspension exercises. I can mix either of the products to achieve that. For my personal use, I''d use the Jungle Gym XT for my feet, and the rings for my hands (which coincidently, is the best buy), or you can get two Jungle Gyms, or Two TRX''s. I''d recommend to getting two jungle gyms though.

This review is meant to educate consumers so you''re not dazzled by the marketing, and you can buy confidently because you have as much objective information.

All the best on your fitness journey!!!

Buy TRX® Force Kit Now

I got this product during my most recent deployment to Iraq, and I have to say, I doubted it''s usefulness at first. This has quickly become my preferred method for strength and endurance training, and all I have to do is string it over my door. A simple chest press becomes a shoulder, chest, tricep and core workout all in one. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a change from traditional weight lifting, have limited available space, and are looking to combine exercises for a more functional workout. A great buy.

Read Best Reviews of TRX® Force Kit Here

I was in the military and the gym on base had a few sets of TRX''s that you could use. I don''t like lifting weights on a regular basis, every now and then is fine to gauge where you are at, but ultimately I feel body weight workouts will get you in better overall shape.

I added the TRX to my workout and noticed my stabilizer muscles were being heavily recruited and I thought I had trained them enough already. I was WRONG. The TRX system delivers its promise of being durable, portable and effective.

I used it a good bit and then when I wanted my own set I found out how expensive they were and started looking for alternatives.

I ended up with finding some nylon straps at my local Home Depot that are about 2" wide and can withstand up to 5,400 lbs of tension. I''ve used some stiff garden hose for handles, but I know people have used PVC pipe as well. I''ve made two sets; One with grommets placed 6" apart all down the webbing, and then another pair that are marked every 6" with a black line and you just wrap the remaining length around your anchor point. Both sets have the 6" sections numbered starting with ''1'' at the bottom grommet/line and increasing the numbers as you go up the length of webbing.

For attaching them to doors I found that using a carabiner wrapped in something soft (cloth, old wet suit material, etc.) and then tapped up are pretty decent and don''t damage doors. The pair without grommets I just tie a knot in the end of the line, or wherever I need the knot, and close the door on it.

I haven''t noticed anything wrong with the set with grommets, but I suspect that adding the grommets has reduced the tension resistance to a certain degree, thus the extra pair without the grommets I know can still hold the factory 5k+ tension.

A home made kit might run you $15-30 depending on your resources and scrounging ability

I was pleased with the system, but I can not see how they justify the prices. Also I can not find anything on their website saying where their product materials come from or where the manufacturing takes place. I would hope something developed by a Navy SEAL would try to keep as much of their product assembled and built by Americans. No offense to the rest of the world''s nations of course.

Want TRX® Force Kit Discount?

I''m over 50, in great shape and have been using the TRX 4 times a week for over two years. This, simply put, is the best system yet I''ve seen for portable, inexpensive and flexible overall strength conditioning. The workouts are as challenging or as easy as you make them and have a pretty good variety. Once you are in shape, however, I don''t find much of a cardio workout with the system. I bike, run or use a cross-country ski machine for cardio and the only equipment I otherwise supplement this with is a pair of adjustable weight dumbbells. That said, i really can''t recommend the system highly enough, and have found dealing with the company very professional and pleasant. Buy one, you won''t be disappointed. I''ve tried it all, including fancy gyms this can''t be beat.