Where to start?
Bodylastics have dominated this industry for so long that some might say there’s no reason to even attempt comparing other brands to their seeming-monopoly.
But the leading competitors all have something to offer that Bodylastics doesn’t. The question seems to be, can the Bodylastics clipping system hold up against individual-handle resistance bands?
Ripcords
The best-known competitor and probably your best bet if you’re looking for an alternative to Bodylastics. Ripcords were launched a few years after bodylastics and have built a reputation that even Bodylastics should be intimidated by. There are a few obvious and some less-so advantages of using Ripcords over Bodylastics. Most notably, Ripcords use a single-handle system. This model (much sullied by Bodylastics) allows the user to rapidly change between tensions and therefore get great Cardio benefits during their training.
During this past year, Ripcords have had some problems with their manufacutring, but this appears to have beenb straightened out completely and Ripcords are now the only company to offer resistanc ebands with ergonomical rubber handles, while Bodylastics have fallen down slightly in this area and maintain their foam grips despite criticism about its longevity and potential for odors to occur with repeated use. Another reason to choose Ripcords is the tension. While Bodylastics have always maintained that you can get a higher tension and tougher workout with their bands, Ripcords released their “Black Sniper” band this year which has over 60 lbs of resistance and is more than enough for all but the strongest of amateur and professional athletes.
Flexcords
This Amazon-Only (though not owned by Amazon) has burst onto the market in the lead up to Christmas this year. The construction of the bands is very similar to that of Ripcords. Again, they use single-handle cords so all the benfefits are the same in that regard. However, being a budget brand, the handles are ony made of Plastic and hance are nowhere near as comfortable as either Bodylastic or Ripcords handles. This is, however, a real competitor in the resistance-band market.
Slastix
Another band on the cheaper side. Slastix championed a “sheath” technology that covers the latex of the resistance band and is designed to be safer as regards potential injury. The risk of injury though with any resistance band is very slight, especially due to breakage. You’re more likely to take a hit if you step off the cord itself and suffer recoil. This is more common with clipping systems like Bodylastics than with single-handle cords like Ripcords, Flexcords and Slastix.
Workoutz (Homebrand)
The dot com “Workoutz” have recently made a foray into this market as well with a budget brand that is designed to be a major competitor to Bodylastics. At first glance, they do seem a viable alternative, offering all the same features and presumably are just as versatile. And that would be fine, the the tensions you can achieve are the same as with Bodylastics. Unfortunately however they are not. But this is the only major drawback. If you were thinking of buying Flexcords over Ripcords simply for the cost you’d do the same thing with Workoutz and Bodylastics. They also offer a range of Leg Cords, similar to those that Ripcords carry in their Ultrapacks.
Lifeline
Lifeline offer a range of home fitness products. Everything from skipping ropes to walking aids. Their resistance bands are ranked quite high by Amazon (alongside Flexcords and Ripcords) which would indicate that they do get good sales. But it’s hard to imagine that they are really competitive in this market. Perhaps a lack of development in recent years has set them back, but their design is dated and there is little to make you choose this as a premier single-handle resistance band.