Warning to Home Users: Here’s How You Are Getting Cheated
Here is a PDF copy of an actual wholesale order form for a “Vibrating Massager”. Look carefully at the price: 125 US Dollars per item.
I’ve shown the picture from the order form.
Among the claims listed with the machine is this: “Excellent body shaper melts away mass body fat”.
Now let’s look an actual ad (see below) for the exact same machine from a retailer. You will note the machine appears to be identical (except for a different brand).
It sells for a price of 1,699 US Dollars. A mark-up of %1,359.
No wonder there is such a clamor to try and market these machines.
If integrity and quality does not enter the market soon - the entire concept of Whole Body Vibration will become (remain?) a laughing stock.
Please refer to the article Choosing a Vibration Platform for Home - before parting with your hard-earned cash.
UPDATE 11 Feb 2008: Picture removed after request from owner of the product
Written by Site Administrator on October 14th, 2007
134 Comments
- Di Heap
April 4th, 2008Hi Kim Bothwell, If you really want a Crazy Fit machine I suggest you buy one that’s not new. You will find many that have been used only a few times and then are being re-sold. Of course you will have to ask yourself why are they they being re-sold so quickly? Do they not perform as the User expected?
Please Read the articles on this site about these machines and about the differences between pivotal (see-saw) and lineal vibration machines before you choose to buy and if possible visit a studio or showroom to try some for yourself.
You need to carefully compare the machines that are for sale (if you intend to buy for home use) with your needs and what you want to gain from using a machine ie general fitness, sport fitness, rehab from injury etc. You can learn a lot from reading the articles and posts on this site.
Is there more than just power, amplitude and fq? well yes of course - even these have to work together to give the desired vibration and that’s where some machines fail - they simply don’t perform to their stated specs. Some even under-perform when the user is above an “average” weight.
And then..
there’s the program - the set of positions that the User executes on the machine platform - This is an essential component when looking at health/training benefits.
- mariana lara
April 4th, 2008In México this crazy fit is known as aparato multimasajes reductivos and it costs 510usd, as vibrogym home unit and it cost 856usd, vibrazone in 650usd, sky dancer in 1100usd or power plate fit massage.
Kim,
My experience trying 5 different pivotals including the noblerex k1, vibrslim/trim/crazyfit/slimvibes, galileo 2000 (and two others I dont know the brand names) is that the specs provided (amplitude, freq, and power) dont take the place of experience. And I have come to find out through my own testing that they are not always accurate (vibraslim for example doe NOT have a freq range 30-60hz as stated).
The Galileo no doubt is the strongest and perhaps best built of all the pivotals I have experienced. But it is expensive, noisy and perhaps has levels of intensity not needed for the average person.
The K1 in my direct experience has a stronger vibration and more tangible benefit than vibratrim, vibraslim, and the other two pivotals I have personally tried.
Personally I prefer pivotals especially the galileo and K1, but thats just my own experience… find yours
Do your own research, talk to different people and wbv companys, read posts on this wonderful forum and other fitness and osteoporosis forums…
Definitely dont take anyones word as gospel (certainly not mine…lol), try to locate different machines in your area to try out, or go to a fitness trade show where you could try many.
This is a big investment and noone knows your body like you,
Thats my two cents worth
I hope it makes sense
BryantIt would seem along with Power-Plate , Fit-X ( made in Korea ) distributors in Europe are still changing the “country of origin” in its advertising.
We already had the distributor of the Fit-X ( X-Fitness Systems Ltd ) here in N.Z. claim to be Vibra-Train at one stage.
They must do some kind of screening process to make sure you are dodgy enough to become a distributor.
Birds of a feather…..
- Robert
June 1st, 2008There are a lot of unflattering comments here regarding Vibraslim but I’m interested in whether it’s products have actually moved on. I’m looking at getting a machine, say 80% therapy and 20% training (if such a breakdown is of any sense!).
The following website was a useful introduction to some key principles. Now having seen some earlier model Vibraslim Euro pictures elsewhere, it’s clear that the ‘cheap copy’ pictures on the site match the early Vibraslims. So I can understand that Vibraslim must have at some point been doing the cheap import stuff:
http://www.vibrationexercise.ca/vibration-exercise-machine-buyer-guide.htm
But the above website also gives emphasis to Vibraslim as NOT being in the cheap copy bracket. And when you check Vibraslim’s site itself, it seems like they have directly addressed the kind of build concerns that the vibrationtraining.net website has been discussing:
My points are:
1. It may be true that if a company starts out dodgy or in some sense unprofessional then it loses credibility forever. Or for a very long time. But if we put that to one side, does the Vibraslim Euro now being described look like the same machine as the original Vibraslim Euro that provoked the uncomplimentary attention? Does it deserve a second chance? I’m not being rhetorical here, I’m genuinely asking for people’s (particularly Lloyd’s) opinion.
2. I’m in San Francisco. I can find virtually no fitness locations in the city that have any focus on vibration based equipment. A couple of gyms have Power Plates, but no other type. So my first direct experience of this type of equipment may well be a unit that I buy. Not ideal, but I’m probably not the only one in this boat.
3. There are plenty of machines out there for $300 or so. I’m not interested in those. And there are the Galileos, Hypergravitys and so on that are $4000 and above. I can’t afford those. $1700 (the Vibraslim Euro price) is already a lot of money to spend on any single item. But it represents a *potentially* valid compromise based upon various claims and descriptions on the Vibraslim website (above). I know that I’m effectively asking you something that as a professional you can’t really answer, which is, does the Vibraslim Euro as it’s now made look like it’s worth $1700? It’s a naive question - I’m in software and I wouldn’t expect to say that one application is worth $100 or $1000. But it’s an honest question, and you know enough to give some substance to a response.
Thanks for any comment you can give and for all of the facts that you’ve put forward here. Though there are countless people selling vibration machines in the US, there seems to be virtually no knowledge of them in the general fitness arena, so it’s hard to get direct intelligent opinion.
Your comment about a company being so dodgy to begin with can it ever be trusted , is a good question.
So the first question should be ” is the Europlate built in Europe ” as the name suggests. Or are they still being dodgy and misleading ? Ask them.
But to give them a chance , lets have a look at their new site…
(1) They warn people of Chinese machines ( but they are the biggest sellers of such equipment ) Did they refund all those people they sold the Chinese units too ?
(2) They claim to be the makers of the product , they claimed this with the last unit they sold . It was not the truth.
(3) Doctor approved ? ( they put this on the cheap Chinese unit they sold before ) Same Doctor.
(4) They warn people not to use Lineal machines , but are happy to use reports , sports stars endorsements and media coverage from Lineal units to get sales.
(5) They promote going up to 50Hz of their machine ( so they are still very uneducated and hence dangerous )
(6) “VibraSlim has spent years researching and developing vibration training machines and further perfecting training techniques so that your results are the best possible.”
This is simply not true , they are just sellers of imported units. They had to steal material for the launch of their companies website. Researcher and developers do not need to do this.
So to recap…
Basically nothing on their “new” site is the truth so it would seem they are still untrustworthy.
Get back to us in regards to the “Euro” claim.
I also think the actual people behind the dishonesty should be exposed , so the consumer can choose to deal with them or not.
The above company is one of those I am going to target as their offending has been non-stop and shameless .
I will be naming the ringleaders of such companies in the future on my new site.
So the right people can be blamed.
- Di Heap
June 2nd, 2008Straight from the myeuroplate.com website:
“We do not guarantee or warrant the quality, accuracy, completeness, timelines, appropriateness or suitability of the information provided. We expressly disclaim all warranties, representations and conditions regarding use of this site or the information provided.”
I know U.S. and Canadian Law differs from N.Z. and Australian but I would be very concerned if I read a similar disclaimer on a local site. They will say this disclaimer isn’t about their product but hey, it seems they can get away with saying anything at all.
- Di Heap
June 2nd, 2008Robert, You are in Software so you know that value is in the product doing what it says it will do and also specifically for what the end user wants/needs.
Also, that value is not necessarily dictated by price, just as it states on the EuroPlate site, although with software we are talking intellectual ability and time, like open source and excellent free applications (open office or picasa) whereas mechanical and electronic machines have a cost of parts factor and quality made parts tend to cost more (which I know doesn’t make up the whole equation but is a point to note).
You do need to also look further at the “types” of vibration machines available - 80% therapy 20% training - If you say what you need therapy for then you can be more acurately guided. Overall, if my first experience of a health fitness equipment/machine was going to be buying it “blind”, I’d buy locally made. Is this what vibraslim are claiming? They are saying Not made in China but where is the machine made? Not in USA?
Please don’t think I am being overly down on your research so far. It’s just that I have tried quite a lot of machines in studios, showrooms and homes and some are just scary. I have come away hurt several times - not good hurt as in sore muscles but with aches (severe backache, aggrevation of my knee injury) and neck pain. I suggest If you buy of the net make sure you have complete right of return and full money back option or a 14day trial before paying. Is there no way you can stretch to near $4000 for a good machine. Also please ensure that you are within the weight restriction for the machine as I see that the Europlate restriction is 120kg/275lbs
The “Europlate” is made buy PRO-SUPRA INTERNATIONAL CORP which is based in Tiawan with factories also in China.
Cant these guys tell the truth even once ?
- Lisa G
June 3rd, 2008I am getting really tired of Lloyd Shaw and his SPAMMING of this message board with his constant disparaging remarks about all other sellers of machines except for of course his machines that he peddles.
Why is he even allowed on here still. OH maybe he runs the blog maybe???
- Wayne Campbell
June 3rd, 2008Lisa, your comments are ill informed, there are other brands that Lloyd Shaw supports, even those that are in opposition to him.
You are really tired of someone dedicated to stopping consumers being ripped off and harmed by people who have no other motive than to put profits ahead of people? Thats hard to comprehend.
All power to Lloyd Shaw and others who expose these frauds. You should be congratulating him and encouraging others to have the steel to support him
Lisa,
Llyod does not sell his machines to anyone, if you are doubting this, call him and try to purchase one.
Lloyd has helped this industry far more than damaging it. There are many, many machines being sold out there right now making false claims and promises.
Lloyd identifies these fraudulant companies and exposess them.
Mary G….
I only go after the dishonest companies. And I point out how they are being misleading so there can be no confusion. If it is not the truth and I have gotten it wrong , they can always get on here and defend themselves.
But they wont , because apart from being lazy (which is why they steal others work ) they know I am right.
So they do what all con artist do , run away.
Sorry I meant Lisa G…
Notice how none of these people who come on to complain about my actions use their real name.
I use my name because I stand by what I say.
If any of you want to help them post the below statement on any forum you can find…
Be wary , the new Europlate is made in Taiwan. And sold by the same company supplying cheap machines from China before.
But this from their new “Euro”plate website….
Our vibrating machine is NOT made in China. BEWARE of Chinese vibration exercise machines, they will fall apart.
Talk about dodgy , do not trust these people.
- Di Heap
June 7th, 2008I have just found another example of the lack of integrity of the VibraSlim group. While I realise that Domain names are available to any who buy them..
Alas, the website we are on now also has a NZ version as many already know (hoping to get search visitors onto that site instead of this.. and though not their fault, google warned me it was distribiting a computer virus today so please don’t visit it right now)
and now I found also found a .us version of vibrationtraining (registered Dec 07). It is a one page advertisement for europlate and VibraSlim with links to both. It’s sad that they stoop so low to get business and to detract from this informative forum site.
Dont worry Di…
They have failed to atttract attention to their other sites before , because they are simply too lazy and basically useless at what they do .
That is why they have to resort to being dishonest in the first place.
We effected their sales last time , and with more effort and greater readership of the forums , we will again. Remember 70% of the readers of this forum are from the U.S.
These companies have to realize that Google picks up how many times they are mentioned and alot of the searches under their name come straight here. Over a period of time they cant beat that.
- Di Heap
June 8th, 2008Lloyd, these people are desperate … or they genuinely think that spamming other sites with their advertising websites is actually good business practice.
I have had an article I wrote about Vibration Training for a Directory site, edited (spammed) by someone associated with Europlate/VibraSlim. It was an informative general article not naming companies or machine brands at all. I’d used some of your material which you gave me persmission to use at the time so I had a link to your website BUT not only to yours. I’d also referenced to other sites.
After my article, In the list at the end of the page, as it is a Directory, there were pages to sites I don’t even like but that’s okay and it was okay for VibraSlim etc to be linked there BUT to spam my article is absolutely not on! I have spent two hours trying to retrieve my password for the directory site and am reverting the changes. I will leave in one of the new clickable links as it’s to studies on Vibration Training and as much as I very dislike VibraSlim group, that change to the open article is acceptable and although I own the article it is allowed that others make small changes/additions to it. I am removing their blatant spamming/advertising though.
How many more times will this group of companies play dirty. Their new machine even seems kind of okay but their ethics suck!
Confirmation….
Europlate is built in Taiwan/China
Costs them….. $208 ( U.S.)
How much are they trying to charge …..$1699 (U.S.)
Just one of my posts in regards to “Europlate” being made in Asia , costing only $208 has been read 303,000 times already on another site.
That has got to effect sales.
” Don’t be one of those people who end up coming back on to TradeMe or Ebay in 12 months claiming the cheap machine you brought is fantastic and gave results BUT you have to sell it because…
(1) You need the room.
(2) I have now joined a gym and don’t need it.
(3) Is an unwanted birthday present .Translated….. “It did not work and I want to sell it.” Do not short change your own health, pay the extra and have something work..
Another dodgy dealer to keep away from…..
http://www.mnleisure.com/how.html
Direct plagiarism from HyperGravity and they even had the cheek to put “Copyright © 2008 MN Leisure - all rights reserved” on the bottom.
We always have 2 issues here that serve as a warning with plagiarism
(1) They must be to uneducated to know what they are doing.
(2) They have no ethics.
Stupid and dishonest is never a good mixture.
On top of that I am informed they are selling those machines to businesses ?
Material was also stolen from Vibro-Gym , it would seem the entire site is a patchwork of other companies work.
- dan
December 8th, 2008Came accross this today, I like how they use “Read up on official DKN Studies”
If you actually review the studies many I have seen before, relate to various types of vibration both Pivotal & Vertical but none of the studies were done using “DKN” equipment.
Maureen……
Read some of the articles in “topics” on the right at the top of this page , it should answer your questions and give you the knowledge you need to buy a machine.
Bumping this up for Sophie who just phoned our office with some questions re: vitality600
Any other questions, feel free to contact us, or ask questions here, there are plenty of knowledgeable people who post here.
- Debby
December 10th, 2008Cheers to Marge in Canada! We run a studio just outside of Calgary with Vibrogym Pro models which are lineal. I believe the Slimvibe is an oscillating. With the type of training you and your family are looking at it may be a challenge to find one machine to suit all your needs in the $1500 price range. If you want to chat email us at revibe@live.ca and we can suggest some Canadian distibutors for you.
- sophie
December 10th, 2008Thanks Murray and Bree, from this site, you’ve saved me from two different lemons! I can’t believe how they can get away with it.
i’m still confused over hertz… the machine i’m interested in “hyper500″ highest frequency is 28hz but from what i’ve been reading here, it’s seems beneficial for some to go higher or is that just for supervised professional machines?
four people in my family plan on using my machine and we all have various reasons - some are weight loss, toning, arthritis and serotonin elevation, so i’m wanting a machine that covers most benefits.
if anyone has any knowledge, your opinions will be greatly valued.
thanks, sophie
Sophie…
Read some of the articles under “topics” at the top of this page to understand the difference in Fqs for Pivotal and Lineal machines. They have different rules.
Hi Sophie,
Typically,
Pivotal 5-30Hz & up to 13mm amplitude
Lineal 30-50Hz & up to 4mm amplitudeThats quite generalised, so as Lloyd said, have a look through the articles here and you will find some more info.
Feel free to contact me through our website, and I will gladly point you to some more literature.
- sophie
December 10th, 2008Thanks Lloyd and Murray. I get it now!
cheers, sophie
- Dawn
December 12th, 2008I am in BC Canada and have a friend who has been using a vibration machine in a spa and loves it…has lost 11 inches in a few months. I am house bound so can’t go out to a spa or gym and am trying to find a good one for my home for around $2000.00 Canadian or less (all I can afford). There are 2 that I have found selling in our area…the PowerPlate and PULSE TRAINER. http://www.eurosportfitness.com/products.php?cat=Cardio&scid=5 After reading many posts and articles it seems that the Power Plate isn’t a good one to buy, so would this other one be ok? I’m so confused…
Dawn…….
What articles have you read and what points are you confused about ?
- Dawn
December 13th, 2008Hi Lloyd, I’ve read so many articles in the last week on the internet saying one type of machine is better than the other that I just got confused on which is the best machine to buy here in Canada. I’m sold on the benefits of WBV but just not sure on what to buy in my price range. If could get out more I would try the various machines in gyms and spas in our small city but I can’t. I really can’t afford to waste money on junk so I guess I’m asking that someone here would just tell me what to buy in my price range. I’m an older lady on disability with Hep C and Chronic fatigue Syndrome and am out of shape. I have a treadmill and after a year am still only able to do half a mile a day. But I want to strengthen my muscles and was thinking of buying a home gym machine but when I went to the store the sales person said that a power plate would be better for me. My friend is using one at a spa (not Power Plate brand) and said it was very helpful to her. After all my reading this past week I’m sold on the technology, but just am confused on which brand to buy and don’t want to get ripped off.
Thank you so much for all the info that you are providing…
Ok the fact is you are not going to get a “Training” machine for that price . It has to be nearer the quality that your friend is using to give you pro-longed weight loss but they will give you some results .
You could pick up a decent Therapy machine for under $2000 . Which by the sounds of it is all you need.
The Pulse-Trainer is a good unit if available .
Proform ( you can order from Brookstone ) is selling a lineal unit called the Activator for $999 and will ship to Canada ( I just called to check ).
I know Sears Canada is selling the Power Plate My3 home unit for only $1999 now , but at that price its still a rip off . It only has 1 setting.
Hope this helps.
- Dawn
December 13th, 2008Yes it helps lots…thank you so much…there is a store in town selling the pulse trainer so I will go with that one…although the sales person didn’t really know much about it when my husband talked with him and that turned him off…
Yes, its a worry when the customer knows more about the product and training than the salesperson.
To make a point ask him if he knows how the treadmill works and offer to explain it to him if he doesnt.
Hello Dawn,
The Pulse Trainer is built with technology that I am not familiar with. Perhaps Lloyd can comment on their technology offering the possibility of two different vibration mechanism in one machine.
My concern is its range of amplitude max. 5mm makes this machine sounds powerful to me. However, it is small in size and weighs only 45 kg. It either do not generate much vibration energy (less amplitude that it claims especially with load) or it will dance around when it is switched on. Another point it disappointed me is that it does not provide information of its range of vibration frequency.
However, all the above negative comments from me are based only on reading their manuals.
You have to go trying it and other brands yourself in order to determine which one to purchase.
TC
April 3rd, 2008
these “Crazy Fit” looking machines are now selling on eBay for about $150-$400 USD plus shipping of $70-$160 for US delivery. the claim a 1.5 hp motor, 1cm amplitude and a bunch of frequencies.
Question:
Is there more than just power, amplitude (length of vibration hopefully measured in at least the vertical plan) and frequency to get the health/ training benefits?