ProSource Xtreme Heavy Duty Double Dipped Latex Stackable Resistance Bands Set with Extra Large Handles, Door Anchor, Carrying Case, and Exercise Chart

Compact- I was looking for something to workout with while I traveled, and didn't want to carry my heavy dumbbells around in my car. The bands are very compact and barely take up any space. I definitely don't think I'll travel without them. In addition to that I'm going to be using them at home as well because of the ease of use and ability to do so many different workouts.Resistance- I'm a personal trainer and I workout regularly. I was looking for something to do heavy workouts with, especially for my leg, back, and chest workouts. These resistance bands aren't the ones that the elderly should use for rehab. These bands have SERIOUS resistance. At first I was wondering whether it would be enough resistance if I stacked all the bands at once. When I actually did my first chest workout, I realized that I'm not going to be stacking them for a while. I was in pain with only the purple band (lowest one). I ended up buying the lighter ones (Red and blue) to warm-up with, use for supersets, and as I am tiring out. It's not just the equivalent weight that each band gives that makes the workout intense. It's the CONSTANT resistance that makes the workout so hard. Gravity can't help you here like with dumbbells. The pamphlet that it comes with shows a handful of workouts. But there's an enormous amount of resistance band workout videos on you tube that made me realize that these bands really can replace dumbbells, in terms of weight and workout type. The only downside is if you don't know much about proper form and how to do workouts you'll need to learn from youtube videos. When you want to change the weight, you can just clip and unclip very quickly. I'd suggest buying some of the lighter ones as well (red or blue) or warming up and better stackability. I also purchased some ankle cuffs for leg and ab workouts.Quality/Durability- At first I thought that these bands would be too strong for my old wooden door. But even with the strong resistance, I only found a tiny dent in the door's molding that I had to search for to notice. The door doesn't even squeak when I am doing the workouts. I really thought my door wouldn't handle a simple set with these bands. The actual bands are reinforced at each end so they don't snap during workouts. The metal clips are of high quality and not cheap. I don't know how these bands would snap on anyone.Overall- Highly recommended especially for the HIGH QUALITY and LOW PRICE. The other companies were very expensive especially for high weight resistance bands. I have already recommended these bands to one of my friend who didn't think that he can replace dumbbells with these. But he has something comin'.

I did a lot of research before I actually bought a set of resistance bands. I read a lot of reviews that said the bands have suddenly broke during use, clips sheared off, and overall didn't last long. The Prosource bands provided a higher resistance level for what I was looking for while deployed to Afghanistan. The gym here does not have a cable machine or many options for lat pull downs, rows, tricep pressdowns, or flyes. The bands have done a pretty good job of filling in as a substitute for cables, just takes a little creative thinking.I was a little skeptical about using bands as I wondered if they would provide enough resistance to see muscle gains. So far I have found to use a combination of bands with different lengths and heights to work different muscle groups with varied resistance levels. I have been using these bands with a workout partner for about 2 months now and they show no signs of weakening, just a little wear and tear from normal use. The weight level resistance seems pretty accurate as with all 3 bands put together provides a good bit of resistance while doing flat and incline flyes. We have just put the bands between the floor and the bottom bar of the bench to provide solid way of doing flyes and presses. If there is not enough resistance, just increase the incline as it will cause you to stretch the bands out farther. Trust me, it does get tough. There are many different exercises you can do with the bands with or without an anchor point. The manual that comes with the bands provides some decent options for use without anchor points, so you can get creative and get a good workout going. I also like the way you can add extra bands to the handles if the resistance needs to be increased, which is why I also bought another set of lighter resistance bands from black mountain products.Overall I think the bands are great to provide a good workout either when equipment is not available, when traveling, or when looking for something just a little different. It could also be really good to use to rehab shoulder injuries. I would highly recommend them to anyone, just know you have to inspect them regularly and take care of them to insure they will not break during use.

I have been using these bands for 2 years (3 sets, and 1 band broke of the 3 sets), specifically to do P90X (I use these for 98% of all weight exercises in this program). When I am doing the program, I use these 3x per week. As with any band: yes, they can break but it all depends how you use it. I have broken only 1 band in the 2 years and it was caused by friction between my shoe and the band. After noticing the fraying starting (on one side of the band), I started trying to make sure that put my foot on the band on one side for the first set (let's say on the right side) and then switch to the other side of the band when doing the left side. I have not seen any noticeable fraying or risk of snapping since.The reason why I have 3 sets is that it allows me to be more efficient when working out. Usually during a break, I'll set up the bands for the next 3-4 exercises so that the workout can be efficient. I definitely suggest it for that. They are also very heavy duty, so that you can work as hard as you want when doing any of the reps. However, do I think that free weights would be better? Yes because the resistance is more natural and the exercises don'g have to be modified. But this is by far the most economical option (i.e., getting the same number of free weight options would be WAY more expensive).In addition to the bands, it also comes with 2 handles as well as a piece that allows you to use a door to do "replica" pull ups. It also comes with a little booklet which I didn't really find useful and a bag to store the bands in.I fully recommend this for P90X or any similar workout.

Bought this set in 2011 and they lasted 3-5 years albeit I was leaving them out in the sun. After gyms shut down I bought another set and the durability of the bands seems the same. The handles have improved, it's bigger and more comfortable . They shrunk the size of the door anchor (the marble inside) which I didn't like too much.The carabiners have issues staying straight on the bands, an issue I didn't have with the older set. They also came rusty/tarnished. The rings on the handle were dulled with tarnish or rust. If they fixed this quality control issue I would give 5 stars.

. As a Dr. of Physical Therapy I use various exercise equipment on a daily basis. I workout daily and I'm training patients 5-6 days a week. With over 35 years of training I guess I'm supposed to be an expert. Exercise bands are a mainstay of Physical Therapy treatment to bring patients back their optimum strength levels. Unlike metal dumb bells and other weights, any exercise band made of rubber, plastic, even the old springs, will eventually snap.*******SOLUTION: I replace my Theraband and other exercise bands every year for my patients and myself. I advise my patients/clients to check the bands each time before use. I know...seems like a waste of money to buy new every year, but how much is the average gym membership now?*******Here's a way to check these bands: hold the band firm on one end and with your other hand slide your grip over the band one foot at a time while stretching the band. Then move down the band one section at a time, moving your holding hand down the band and repeating the stretching/ slide with the other hand. takes less than a minute. You will feel and possibly see rough areas on the band that will indicate its time to toss it. If it feels rough throw it away,don't take the chance!! I even cut mine so some kids don't play with a damaged band and get hurt.I don't see exercise bands snapping after 2-3 years any more a failure than to expect a pair of shoes to remain in perfect condition after 2 years of constant use. The materials just will not hold up.Hope this helps!!