Buying the Right Whole Body Vibration Machine

You’ve seen all of the positive press and reported benefits on vibration plate training and are considering purchasing your own machine.  How do you know which is the right one to buy?  There are a large variety of vibration machines available and they by no means offer the same benefits and advantages, so a bit of research and comparison is absolutely crucial. 

You don’t want to waste your money with a machine that will break down or never be used because it feels weak or awkward, and you certainly don’t want to waste your time returning a machine you're not delighted with.

Vibration plate machines range dramatically in price from $200 to $15,000 for top- of-the-line professional models.

The more serious home user tends to ignore the lower priced models and opt for something between $3,000 to $5,000; however, there are a number of machines available in this range, so how do you know what you should look for?

Below are the key components of vibration machines and the important considerations you should take in to account when considering which to buy:

Machine Stability

Lightweight plastic models (under 80 lbs, for example) may move when in use and some have even been known to topple over.  This movement puts a strain on the parts, loosening bolts and screws, and ultimately lessens the life of the machine.  The additional movement could also have a negative effect on the user, causing unnecessary shaking to the body.   A stable, heavier machine with a design built for sturdiness, and not just for looks, is critically important.

Maximum User Weight

The higher the maximum user weight, the sturdier your vibration exercise machine.  It’s as simple as that.  Lower maximum weight means weaker bearings.  If a machine wears down it may operate at a lower frequency then indicated, meaning you won’t get the full benefits you think you’re getting.

Commercially Rated

A commercial rating ensures the machine will be tough enough to sustain all day use in a gym, office, or clinical setting.  The motor and parts are built to last on a commercial machine.  A commercially rated machine could last you for years or even decades if you plan on using it just for yourself or your family.  We have a good friend who ran his Noblerex K-1 for 3 straight days CONTINUOUSLY with no problem whatsoever, just for experiment’s sake.  There is also a clinic that has dozens of clients on the machine all day long and it has never broken down.  When comparing the K-1 to other vibration machines, make sure to compare it to a similar commercially rated model.

Type of Vibration

There are a number of differences between oscillating and linear vibrations.  Oscillating (a.k.a. pivotal) vibration have been shown in independent research to be the safest and most effective method of whole body vibration exercise (see this page for a full breakdown). 

Frequency Range

The frequency is the number of times the platform vibrates per second.  For example: a frequency of 15 Hz means the plates are moving up and down 15 times per second.  Machines boasting very high frequencies (over 30 Hz) can be dangerous and can adversely impact muscles.   Lower frequencies on the other hand, simply do not provide enough benefit.  Research proves the peak frequency range for benefiting the muscles is 18-27 Hertz (approximate vibrations a second). This is based on the natural contraction and relaxation cycles of the muscles resulting in reinforcement or resonance.

Program Duration Options

Some whole body vibration machine models have very short program time options – for example, 15 to 60 seconds.  This is usually because it’s not always safe to spend a long period of time on a vibration-training machine in certain poses.  But more often than not, you will be doing poses one right after another. With longer program durations you wouldn't have to keep re-starting the machine.  Longer program durations can also be an indication that the machine is safe to use for longer periods of time, e.g. with oscillating equipment.  If you’re older or in need of recovery, the ability to use the machine for 10 minutes or longer at a time without stopping means that you can simply set it once and then stand or sit on it to enjoy the benefits.

Price

Most of the lower priced machines do not perform well because they don’t follow the movement whole body vibration science is based on.  They are just platforms with a motor underneath; not really much of a whole body vibration at all.  Vibration machines under $1,000 tend to fall in to this category.  On the flip side, the more expensive machines ($5,000 and up) are priced unnecessarily high, especially those that aren’t commercially rated, or they're just not necessary for the average person.   While there are some pretty nice vibration machines over $5,000, most people won't spend that type of money, even if they need it for therapeutic reasons.

The Noblerex K-1 is just under $3,000 and that's a price you can feel good about.  It has a sturdy construction and a quality motor.  While the K-1 has a premium price,  relative to similar machines in its class (like the Galileo and Vibraflex, both over 10k) it’s actually quite a bargain.

The Noblerex K-1 Platinum:

• Is very sturdy and stable at 98 lbs and can hold up to 330 lbs.
• Is Commercially Rated.  It is very well built and will not break down.  It has a very well made motor with a smooth and strong vibration.
• Uses the oscillating motion that has been shown in independent research to be the safest and most effective method of whole body vibration exercise. It is the easiest type of vibration to use in an exercise program as well.
• Provides the right frequency range for optimal benefits.  Levels 5-10 on the K-1 operate in optimal range of 16-28 vibrations per second, which are the recommended setting, unless someone is just recovering from a serious injury or is elderly.
• Offers flexible programs times: You can choose 1-10 minute increments, auto or manual settings.
• Has a quality-made 2 HP motor that may last longer than you!  Again, a good friend of mine ran his K-1 for 3 straight days CONTINUOUSLY with no problem at all.
• Produces up to 4 Gs of force (the stronger the G force, the stronger the workout)
• Is the best machine on the market that most closely matches the original Whole Body Vibration machine, the Galileo.  It is 1/4 the price of the original Galileo with almost all the same benefits, and in a survey at Ohio State University, 26 out of 28 people actually preferred the Noblerex K-1 over the more expensive Galileo.
• Is endorsed by fitness and strength legend Peter Ragnar who loves it and strongly recommends it.
• Activates reflexology points on the bottom of the feet.
• Is quieter than similar products on the market.
• Has been found by doctors at a medical clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, to be the safest, most efficient, and most economical model that they could purchase.  It is recommended by more physicians than any other whole body vibration machine on the market as well.
• Is the best pivotal / oscillating vibration machine under $7,000, in our findings!

Warning: Beware of Cheap Knock-offs

To get a great one-hour workout in 10 minutes requires your machine have enough amplitude (rise and fall of the platform edge) to generate enough force.   We have actually tested 90% of the competitor oscillating systems and only the Noblerex K-1 matches the amplitude and intensity of the Galileo.  Other units may be less expensive, but they lack the proper amplitude, which means you hardly feel like you are getting a workout.  This is just one of the reasons why we believe so strongly in the K-1’s ability to deliver the benefits you’ve read about.

There are a lot of other whole body vibration machines out there.  You can spend hours researching trying to find a similar type of machine for much less money.  But don't be fooled by cheap knock offs under $2,000.   In fact, we've learned that the majority of the lower-end whole body vibration market (under $2,500) is comprised of a handful of identical models being sold under different names!

Just examine the look and feel of them – many are exactly the same but with a different sticker or label on them.  To the left is a shocking invoice that shows some of these machines cost only $125 to make!  These cheap units are costing only $125 to buy from the manufacturer, yet some companies are charging as much as $1,699.00. That’s quite a markup!

For your sake, we’ve compiled a list of machines and companies you’ll want to be wary of. While these machines tend to be cheaper and claim the same benefits as many of the more expensive machines, don’t be fooled.

We’ve done the comparison testing for you!

If you could try a Noblerex K-1 Platinum side by side with any one of these cheap units, as we have, you will see there is no comparison.  We have actually been able to test many of the competing oscillating and linear vibration machines and the differences are huge!  The Noblerex K-1 has a stronger and smoother vibration, feels better and more natural, and we know it is built with a stronger and more durable motor (so it will last MUCH longer).

Models we’ve tried and tested include:

• Turbosonic
• Soloflex
• Vibeplate
• Crazyfit
• Vibratrim
• Europlate
• Proenergy
• Vibrapro 5500
• Vibraflex
• Galileo
• Power Plate Commercial Model
• Power Plate My3
• Power Plate My5
• DKN
• Hypergravity
• Vibrafit
• Two others (brand unknown)

Take your time to consider the benefits offered by the various vibration machines before you make your investment. Don't be fooled by cheap imitations–get the model closest to the original Galileo vibration machine that's quieter, lighter, commercially rated, and 1/4 the price–the Noblerex K-1!

Don't waste your money or time by buying the wrong product.   Give us a call today!  1-800-K1-VIBRATION.  The Noblerex K-1 Platinum is the best vibration machine for the quality, sturdiness, motor power and precision, pivotal system, and price.  There’s no question about it.

We personally stake our personal and professional reputation on the Noblerex K-1 Platinum. We own it ourselves, of course, and use it once or twice a day at least to keep in tip-top shape!