Suspension trainers has taken the world by storm over the past 6 year ever since the TRX was featured in "The Biggest Loser". Since then, every gym has one, every average gym goer wants to use one, and every seller tried to mimic or replicate (i.e. rip offs) them.
I've been using suspension trainers for a while as my most go-to work outs. I own three types, actually; The TRX Force Tactical, The Jungle Gym XT and a pair of EXR gymnastic rings.
My TRX Force Tactical is my second TRX actually. I bought the first generation around 6 years ago. It held up pretty well despite the abuse I've put it thru. I've trained at home, outdoors, anchored it to doors, trees, pull up bars and beams. I went on to give it to my brother (to incorporate into his circuit training regime) and bought the TRX Force Tactical. This is the most current version and am very very happy with it. Sure, it costs a bomb but the whole kit is worth it. It comes with the upgraded version (using D-links instead of buckles, rubber handles instead of foam, and is army green instead of the dumb yellow) of the kit, as well as an anchor extender, a rip proof bag, and a full tactical program for a full 3 months training.
Then I went on to buy the Lifeline USA's Jungle Gym XT. I have previously bought the TNT cable from the company and was very pleased with the quality (despite looking a bit flimsy). I bought it coz I felt slightly limited with the V design the TRX gave (i.e. 1 anchor point) and wanted a split design.
So the Jungle Gym came and I trained with it. The handles and buckle are ABS plastic and are very durable. The split design allowed me to do more with the suspension trainer, allowing me to do pull ups / chin ups (even against the door you can do it), dips or make single use with 1 handle.
Being in Singapore, I came home a lot, and I didn't want my trainers to fill in the space of my luggage during my usual weekend stay. That's why I bought EXR Olympic Rings and installed them (permanently) on the beam at home. I couldn't do leg exercises, but they do allow me do a full range of upper body and core workouts.
Each has their pros and cons, and each has their own value in different situations. I'd like to draw this one out to ease people in deciding which to buy, as I believe all are good products and has their place in the world.
Construction
TRX
Very well built, especially the force kit. With no moving parts I can say they're indestructible (unless you but it on fire or wrap a bomb onto it). The handles are soft rubber and are very very durable. The kit was meant to be used by US Army during deployment, so its meant to last under harsh condition and abuse.
XT
The webbing is softer than the TRX, but just are indestructible. The handles, foot rests, buckle and built in door anchor are ABS plastic, which is the tough and light weight. My only worries are the handles which creaks under stress, and the buckles with loses it's springiness after much use.
EXF
The material of the handles are that is used in riot shields. Webbing is soft, and the buckle and S link are solid steel (not stainless). Problem is that my country has a high humidity level, with highest rainfall in the country (4,200mm of rainfall yearly). My S link started to rust a bit, but apart from that its no problem.
Ease of use during training
TRX
Extremely easy. Just push up the D-link, adjust the length of the webbing, and you're done. The V-design allows some errors during adjustment, allowing you to slide and align the handle's height if the length of adjustment isn't equal. The foot pegs are large and moldable enough to quickly get your foot thru them.
XT
A bit fiddly compared to the TRX. You push down the cam buckle, adjust the handle on the webbing, and since it's a split design, you will have to ensure both lengths of adjustment are equal, or else it'll be uneven. You will have to adjust and test it a few times (you'd feel it once you do a row or push up) before getting it perfect.
EXF
The most fiddly of the three. Like the XT, you will have to ensure both lengths of adjustment are equal, or else it'll be uneven, and this depends on the set up. If you're using the old school method of set up, you'd have to climb onto a chair or ladder to adjust the buckle. The EXF is meant to be fixed at a fixed height with minimum adjustment, so it's understandable that the design allows minimum adjustments.
Comfort during use
TRX
Its a mixed bag for the TRX. The handles, while made of rubber, is comfortable and provides excellent grip. The foot pegs are very comfortable, making abs and leg exercises a breeze. The problem is the webbing that connects to the handles. You see, the webbing is designed to be vertical to the handle, making the webbing dig into your arms when you hold the handles during push up or tricep exercises. Its a little annoying.
XT
Unlike the TRX, the webbing is on the same horizontal plane as the handles, so its very comfortable during push ups, tricep extensions, even dips. The handles are solid enough, though I do question if they break if I dropped them from the 2nd storey. The foot pegs, however, are a pain. They're made of rigid silicone (I think), so you can't adjust or mold them. Also, I like workout out using sandals or barefoot, and rubbing against this gives me quite a bit of rashes.
EXF
Olympic rings are olympic rings. While some say you can use them for foot work, I highly doubt that you can without having to readjust all the time. The EXF has a tri-texture handle / ring. The ring are divided into three parts: smooth, textured and rubberised. Each have their uses during different exercises, like the smooth is good during muscle ups (I can't do one yet but I know it'll help).
Portability and ease of set up
TRX
The TRX is made to be used on the go. Its packs down the smallest of all 3, and that's the most important part. You can buy something that weighs close to nothing but if it's still too bulky to pack, I don't see the point.
One gripe I have is that there are too many parts in the package. The TRX is made of 1 main webbing with handles, a connection webbing to wrap around the anchor point, a door attachment, and an extension webbing if the connection is too short. You can easily lose the parts if you don't pack them into one place.
Set up is easy enough; if you're using an overhead bar or a pole/tree, wrap the connection webbing or the extension webbing to make your anchor. If it's a door, replace it with the door attachment instead.
XT
I enjoy the XT's design. The handle is attached to a webbing long enough to be used on an anchor point 8 feet high. On the end it has a big plastic anchor that you either loop your webbing into (the webbing splits there) or use the anchor as a built in door anchor. I love the length, at 8 feet @ 2.6m you can use it without an extender (they do sell these too). And if you want to make it into a V design, it comes with a connector to hold both ends of the webbing together, so you can just throw the XT over a tree branch.
EXF
Its a training ring. Period. Its set up is easier enough (from what I read) compared to other training rings. And it's not meant for portability. Its meant to be fixed onto a beam or ceiling, and left there at a height that you can do pull ups, muscle ups, and all those acrobatic moves you wanna try.
Total Score
TRX = 5/5
I love the TRX. Its durable with an extremely nice design, packs up small and comfortable to use. Apart from the way the webbing may dig into your arms during upper body exercises, its perfect. If you're not picky on having a split design (which allows you to do more types of exercises), this is perfect for you. Its my go-to suspension trainer if I'm out and about. Its less fiddly to set up and it can readjust itself if you have the length adjusted unevenly.
Its the perfect trainer if you have to constantly have to setup and dismantle your trainer(especially on doors) or if you're constantly on the go.
XT = 5/5
The XT is my home set up trainer. I have an overhead beam which I just fix it onto and forget about it the rest of the day. The split design allows me to practice muscle ups and chin ups/pull ups, so thats a huge plus. Due to the foot peg design, it isn't as portable as the TRX (say, if you have to pack it into your luggage bag), but it is still portable enough and easy to set up. Its a bit more fiddly to set up though, compared to the TRX, as you will have to readjust a few times to the the length equal on both handles.
Another huge plus is the price. Its half the price of the TRX, so its perfect if you're on a budget.
EXF = 4/5
First off, this shouldn't be compared to the TRX or XT, since it's in a different league altogether. Olympic rings are meant for upper body / acrobatic workouts only, and set up on a fixed length without readjusting. The webbing is soft, and with the tri-texture handles, it will allow newbies to progress accordingly to their grip capability.
The price is the cheapest amongst the three.
So again, while all three are good products, they all are perfect, depending on your needs:-
TRX: If you're always on the go or don't have a lot of space, or want a more hassle free setting up. US Marines uses this, so you can be assured of its quality and portability.
XT: If you can just fix and leave it there at home, or if you want a larger range of workouts.
EXF: If you have your own gym with tonnes of equipment, or a very high head space.
Since I have all three I use:-
The TRX when I'm working out with my brothers outside (not at home) or to carry with me while travelling.
The XT when I'm at home.
The EXF when I'm at home (I periodically switch between the XT and EXF).
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