I have both. I like the IsoMax much better. The footplate is not a big deal to me. The bar is slightly better. Yes you could just get the strap for the original IsoChain. The strap is a huge improvement over the chain, much easier to setup. The strap itself has a very slight give at the start of the movement, so the springs aren't needed. It is a well designed product. I am an old trainer (very old) and frankly sort of forgot about Isometrics until I had my shoulder replaced. Physical therapy starts with isometrics to gain back strength. All modes of resistance exercise can and should be part of your program, whether it's weightlifting, Total Gym, resistance bands... all good! The book is very good too. Nice review as always.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Bruce!
@trumpdrago517
Жыл бұрын
Where can I find the strap
@ironray123
10 ай бұрын
I'm curious, do any women use this? I've not seen one comment or review on You Tube from a female.
@PeaceIsYeshua
2 ай бұрын
@@ironray123 Yes, a 40+ female on YT told me about this device. She is up on Stacy Sim's research that older women need to lift heavy in order to stimulate the Central Nervous System, and Overcoming Isometrics also stimulates the CNS but in a safer way.
@emonymph6911
2 ай бұрын
the price of this is INSANE... just buy rock climber rope and you've made your own...
@M3tal_Fatigu3
Ай бұрын
I made my own isochain. It's really eeeeeasyyyyy. Look for materials in a hardware stores. (Use your observation.)
@20wonsavage55
3 ай бұрын
I want to get the isochain because of battery longevity but the website says it’s discontinued, is there no other way to order iso chain at this point? I can’t find anything but isomax
@RexieNem
Жыл бұрын
I have both. Paid full for IsoChain and got IsoMax half off pre-order as a repeat customer. The strap is definitely better, and yes, the same strap as the Vulken (which I also bought). I have no bar preference as I haven't had issues with either. The metal IsoChain plate is cool for placing under a bench, but otherwise the IsoMax plate is far superior and worth buying even without the bar. Which leads me to... I use isometrics as a supplement, not for my performance metrics. While I believe there is value in the bar's feedback when learning how to engage in isometric exercises, once I "got it" I felt I didn't really *need* the metrics. I do most of my isometrics work with the WorldFit Iso Trainer, a Forearm Forklift, or the strap with attachments other than the IsoMax bar - all with the plate when at home. One of my go-tos now is to wear one of the Vulken straps like a belt to a gym and take it off and just stand directly on the triangulated strap or wrap it around the machine structures to use with the various cable attachments. While I don't regret buying either because the feedback taught me subtleties of how to use isometrics, I can get the functionality I need out of under $100 in straps and handles. I do love that plate though.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for all of that! I can see that after some time (or with some people) the feedback from the bar might not be necessary. I've been asking this from you all who have both, if you had to recommend one, would you still say the isomax? I'm still figuring if someone wanted the bar feedback mechanism, the chain is the way to go. You get the longer lasting batteries, save $150, and get the flat metal plate. All the perks of the max can be had with a DIY footplate and the VulKen straps. Essentially leaves you more versatility, potentially more reliable product with the battery, and saves money. I don't know if I'm missing something.
@vincentlivoti4184
Жыл бұрын
@@hybridresistanceI agree with the ISO chain. The replaceable batteries is a big Plus. Rechable can suck if it's a proprietary battery pack.. if the company goes out of business, whether product has been discontinued, you're pretty much out of luck most of the time and getting replacement part.
@swamification
5 ай бұрын
Great review thanks! Couldn’t someone with an x3 setup simply swap out the bands for something like a $20 ratcheting tie down strap and have a highly adjustable version of this, minus the digital force readout? Or am I missing something key? I’ll try this and report back.
@briand5047
Жыл бұрын
I have the book. I wouldn't pay the current Iso Chain price. The DIY version can be made for way cheaper. You and your neighbor could sell low tech versions.
@mimszanadunstedt441
4 ай бұрын
They discontinued Isochain.
@curtisstewart3179
4 ай бұрын
I am using the IsoMax to gauge progress weekly. I use the Isokinator and do isometric holds in a dry sauna. I am using this to measure weekly my progress doing what I do. What escapes me is the first thing people bring up with isometric tools is cost of the tools. I beieve if they gave these things away people would say its too expensive because companies don't pay people. In May 2024 the IsoChain is no longer available
@hybridresistance
4 ай бұрын
Very true. I find that even
@DeadLinux
Жыл бұрын
Love how Jeet Kune Do just kinda casually gets mentioned - THAT sounds like a good story. Read through the Tao of Jeet Kune Do when I was much younger
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
Haha yes, I actually went on that but edited it out.Figured some of you would know what that was.I was really big into various martial arts in my 20s from JCK, WingChun, BJJ, Catch Wrestling, Small circle JJ, and others. That JKD place was awesome and was an affiliate of Richard Bustillo who was a Bruce Lee JKD student.
@oscarl.3563
Жыл бұрын
Changing batteries on the isochain is a pain, but can be done.
@loulopez554
Жыл бұрын
The question is do you believe isometrics will actually build muscle? I know they're good for strength training but curious about muscle building.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
I honestly can't speak on that because I've really never explored it too much with actual practice. From what I'm seeing even among proponents they're still supplementing with traditional bodybuilding type of training or at least other forms of dynamic resistance training.
@brotherdarkness89
Жыл бұрын
From actual experience of me and my brother doing it. Yes they definitely do. It was actually one of the main things my brother in law taught me about as he is into martial arts and was a fan of Bruce Lee who also used Isometrics and even had his own og diy isochain before the one we see today. They definitely build strength and muscle
@loulopez554
Жыл бұрын
@@brotherdarkness89 thanks 👍
@jameslloydtiffner8678
Жыл бұрын
i got pretty big when i was younger focusing isometrics (with some calisthenics and mace)... never lifted weights much to compare but i would guess isometrics build a dense compact build just going by my personal experience and seemed to have a strength advantage over most people in my weight class
@loulopez554
Жыл бұрын
@@jameslloydtiffner8678 Thanks for your reply I need to look more into them.
@ELDogStar
Жыл бұрын
It's my primary tool. Had the chain version first. This one is better.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
What do you like better about this one? I feel if you had another footplate, you could simply get that strap I found and call it a day. Plus you'd have the longevity of the old school battery. But I could be missing something.
@ELDogStar
Жыл бұрын
@@hybridresistance The first one I bought ala-cart. No plate no chain, bought my own chain and spring. Installed large eye bolts in outdoor deck and my bedroom. Works better than a plate. I mostly workout outside except wintertime. Downside really is the weight and the noise. The new one is slightly larger diameter and a different feel of the surface. Got in on the first batch and bought at a very deep discount, like half of retail. I have not looked into the problem of battery replacement eventually. I know it is damn efficient and holds a charge for a very long time. I will look into it more. I have multiple plates too. This is one of my preferred and certainly for the isomax. The strap fits prefecture around it. In the sense of the number layout. Ironically I also have 2 of the straps from Amazon too. Built a ring set up with them. They are the same just the layout of numbers is different. I have not confirmed overall lengths. I lean towards isometrics and more so as time goes on. Isometrics, harambe bands system, dumbells, bodyweight, suspension straps, and TG.
@ELDogStar
Жыл бұрын
Looked to the battery, it is accessible via 8 deep set screws. Certainly replaceable bits factory. I suspect replaceable via customer. They wouldn't make it unreplaceable. Also the company is instantly available with issues and a no questions asked approach.
@ELDogStar
Жыл бұрын
No Limit Squad, Chrys on KZitem is my go to hit for the isochain/max. Like you are for sliding bench.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
I did reach out to him. Hopefully I can get him on for an interview.
@ELDogStar
Жыл бұрын
@@hybridresistance He's real proof of hypertrophy with isometrics. And an honestly good, genuine man.
@firer35
Жыл бұрын
@@ELDogStar I really like No Limit Squad but im not so sure about his being a real proof of isometrics and hypertrophy. His workout he said is 90% freeweights and 10% isometrics and has been on a bulk lately and looks like the hulk. He is very honest and as you say ,a good genuine man.
@ELDogStar
Жыл бұрын
@@firer35 Yes, basically true, but I think he is mostly isometric since isochain came out. You can see his gains is the past 1.5 years. I'll ask him more specifics sometime.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
@@ELDogStar I’m sure he is. Tell him to get back to me for an interview.
@edyann
Жыл бұрын
Well.. for now I have my DB method machine- (which I'm not too fond of,) my mini stepper and now I'm waiting for my Total Gym machine. But I'll keep all of these in mind for the future. Because I got tired of going to the gym with all its germs, haha. Watching. :)
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
Let me know how you like that TG.
@Fitforacting
Жыл бұрын
Glad to see you got it! I have mine but haven’t been using the gym. It is cumbersome with the chain and how heavy the platform is. You should do a video with Chris. He is on KZitem and does mainly Isochain videos. I will end up using it more in the future for sure. It was a lot of money. 😊
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Reynaldo for sharing your experience. I did reach out to Chris so we'll see what happens. Definitely a lot $$ to not use it, so I"m with you on that. If I started to not use it, I'd just DIY something and sell it.
@billbredeck1249
2 ай бұрын
ISO chain is awesome, I’ve had mine for years and has been a great product.
@Kingoftheironfist656
Жыл бұрын
My only gripe with the iso chain, though I appreciate it and all you can do with it. Is that the housing for the batteries are so tight you have to take the thing apart when it comes time to change them out. With a little electronics savvy, you will be fine
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
I saw some negative reviews on this and was surprised how hard they seem to be. Is it just they're hard to pry out?
@Kingoftheironfist656
Жыл бұрын
@Sliding Bench Trainer So the housing is so tight that I would not recommend prying or tooling them out. There is no real room for anything. You can get the front one out with the battery strap in there, but not the one in the back. The only way I can safely say to get it out without damaging the electronics is to take the whole case apart and be mindful of the wiring because they are thin. Wish I had a better answer for you
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
@@Kingoftheironfist656 Thanks so much! That sounds like some "bomb squad" stuff right there.
@mreverybody1150
Жыл бұрын
It's no problem if you use 'Duracell Simply AA' which are slightly smaller than other AA so can just slide out.
@sonofman70x7
Жыл бұрын
I can't get over how easily this product, and the IsoChain, can be made DIY for much less money, and more personal satisfaction.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
This is true. I think I really boils down to seeing the numbers / bar features.
@sonofman70x7
Жыл бұрын
@@hybridresistance A hanging scale can show the numbers. I can't think of a way to replicate the other electronic features.
@ironray123
10 ай бұрын
I've been training for 43 years now. I'm not convinced that isometric training has any, or let's say much, benefit as opposed to conventional weight training. I would put it in the same category as negative only and partials........perhaps a good adjunct but not effective as the mainstay of a program. As Franco Columbu once told me, "It's better than nothing."
@b.bluebriz6147
Жыл бұрын
I tend to agree with your battery concern, time will tell I guess. Changing the battery on the Isochain is a real pain in ass, thoough. As someone who works out when the kids are asleep, the strap works great compared to the noisy chain. Also I like how easy it is to move the new baseplate around the room. I will say that the screen and buttons on the new bar doesn't look straight on mine, so the handle on the isochain looks better made to me.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for all of that. From someone who has both, am I missing something that if I have a base plate (clench fitness) and the strap from amazon, can I essentially do the same "pros" of the isomax with the isochain?
@b.bluebriz6147
Жыл бұрын
@@hybridresistance I don"t think you'd be missing out on anything, no.
@Tomasquo
Жыл бұрын
The Vulken strap would work with your Clench platform, using the center channel underneath, even better with the slots. Add a porch swing spring to emulate the Iso-Chain spring. The bar is basically an ergonomic dynamometer. Just some food for thought.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
I thought about that with my Clench. Big question is how much I'd appreciate having that bar.
@vincentlivoti4184
Жыл бұрын
You're review was on point. I would go for the iso chain. You can always buy a strap to mod it. When they first came out with the iso chain you could buy the bar stand on which was probably the best deal for about 200 or 150 bucks. You can a fabricate the plate and by chain from the hardware store and a spring and save a ton of money. Too bad they don't offer that anymore.
@hybridresistance
Жыл бұрын
I thought you could still buy the bar alone, but I could be wrong on that one.
@vincentlivoti4184
Жыл бұрын
@@hybridresistance my bad Mike you are correct. You can still buy the bar stand alone for $299.00. When it first came out I think they were selling it for $150.00 as an intro price. That was a good deal then.
@eladmitchell752
Жыл бұрын
seems like good but deferent way of resistance,might have to look into this training,very portable, clean looking good for a switch up on the muscle,foot plate looks good ,plenty of exercises can be done,all resistance is good resistance,id buy it,great video mike ,u always have good valid point on how things work,we appreciate u 👍
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