The Bowflex Power Pro is a staple of the used fitness machine realm. Any search online at Craigslist or other classified ads will redoubtably show up several available. However, one must exercise a bit of caution with this particular unit since Nautilus was forced to recall about 680,000 Power Pro's and 102, 000 Ultimate Bowflex in 2004. This was due to a mechanical fault that had lead to a number of injuries.
What was happening with units that were built before September 2002 is that the seat pin, used to hold the bench in the upright position and keep it in place, was failing in some instances. There were something like 47 injuries reported, a couple of them serious. Bowflex sent out free repair kits for the Ultimates, and recalled the faulty Power Pro units.
If you are looking at getting a used Bowflex, be sure to ask the owner when they purchased the unit. Anything purchased after January 2004 will be safe, as that is when the recall order went out. If the unit was purchased previous to that, it is important to find out whether or not the repair was done, or the unit was replaced. If there is any doubt, it is probably best to stay away no matter how good the deal.
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The seat pin holds the bench in the upright position when doing things like bench presses. That means a lot of pressure is bearing down on the seat while completing the exercise. The last thing you want is for the bench to give way and collapse. There was also a problem with the lat tower coming down with some of these units, so another reason to stay away.
Most of the units that were faulty were undoubtedly repaired or replaced. After all, who would pass up an opportunity to have their unit made safe? But there is always the possibility that somehow a unit was overlooked, so do your homework before agreeing to the sale of a rental unit.
There are a lot of great deals to be had on used Bowflex if you don't mind an older model. These machines are durable and well made. Many units that are sitting in peoples homes are lightly used, due to a steady decline in resolve about working out. Indeed lots of great deals can be had on fitness equipment in the used market for the same reason. Unless money is no object, or you simply must have the latest greatest, getting a used unit may be the best way to get started working out at home in your own home gym.