Inversion therapy tables are a tool used to decompress your spine. They use the effects of gravity to create a stretching traction which is claimed to increase blood flow and allow vertebrae realign. You can read our review on the concept here. In this post we take a look at three of the most popular inversion tables and discuss the main points of difference.
Ironman Gravity 4000 | Body Champ IT8070 | Ironman Gravity 1000 | |
---|---|---|---|
Covering material | Vinyl covered foam | Vinyl covered foam | Nylon |
Lumbar support | No | No | Yes |
Max user weight | 350 pounds (158 kgs) | 250 pounds (113kgs) | 300 pounds (136 kgs) |
Max user height | 6' 6" (1.98m) | 6' 8" (2.04m) | 6' 6" (1.98m) |
Ankle secure system | Ratchet | Spring | Spring |
Folds for storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Product weight | 83 pounds | 46 pounds | 64 pounds |
Product dimension | 51 x 29 x 7 inches | 45 x 26 x 5 inches | 54 x 29 x 7 inches |
Price | List $349usd Best price $198.99usd Read Reviews on Amazon | List $229usd Best price $114usd Read Reviews on Amazon | List $199usd Best price $145.99usd Read Reviews on Amazon |
No. 1 Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table
With over 1000 reviews on Amazon, the Ironman Gravity 4000 is a very popular inversion table. It takes the number 1 spot by combining a reasonable price with a solidly built frame and hardware. The ratchet ankle holder is a feature that many users like as it is easy to use and feels very secure (a good thing if hanging upside down!). In fact, many reviewers comment that this feature alone is enough to make the purchase decision on.
It also has the added feature of a lumbar support which some people find makes using it comfortable. Not everybody uses an inversion table at the full 90 degrees so the level of comfort built into the table surfaces is very important.
Conclusion: A solidly built inversion table, at a reasonable price, that has an excellent ankle holding system.
No. 2 Body Champ IT8070 Inversion Table
The Body Champ inversion table is the number two seller because it has a basic, but functional set of features that allow you to invert safely and easily. When compared to the Gravity 4000 it is definitely lighter built and larger users might not find it as comfortable. However, you can buy this table for close to $100 usd when on special, and for that figure it is great value.
Once setup, you will find it has plenty of angle adjustments to suit the degree of inversion that you prefer. Another plus is that it is considerably lighter to move around, which is a bonus if you need to fold it away after use.
Conclusion: It gets the job done at a very reasonable price.
No. 3 Ironman Gravity 1000 Inversion Table
The Gravity 1000 is obviously in the same model range as the Gravity 4000 and as such has many of the features of its bigger sibling. There are two significant differences that would push us towards the 4000. The first, and most important is the ankle securing system. The Gravity 1000 uses a spring loaded mechanism that is simply not as comfortable as the system used on the 4000. The second is the degree of padding on the table surfaces – it is much less and you will notice the difference. While the retail price of the 4000 is $150 greater, in reality you can often buy it for only $50 more.
Conclusion: A fully functional inversion table that does its job at a fair price, but, we’d buy the 4000 if it were our money.
A Couple of Extra Comments
All three of these inversion tables are at the less expensive end of the market. Because of this, some features are not as refined as their more pricey counterparts. The reason that these three tables are so popular is that they give you outstanding value for money.
Storage – all three claim to fold “flat” to be stored, but be prepared to use a spanner to do this.
Assembly – they each require assembly when you receive them. You will need some basic tools, and an extra pair of hands might be useful too.
You can read our general comments about the effectiveness of inversion tables here – Inversion Tables – Pleasure or Pain?