Comments on: TRX Gym in a Bag vs. LifeLine Jungle Gym Review

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:30:11 +0000

I’m surprised not to read any references to the pulley system “war machine” or “Crosscore 180″ which throws some serious competition for both in terms of versatility and build quality.

By: Ron

Ron — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:08:11 +0000

Brad, thanks I appreciate the review. It’s a great help in making my decision. Now I need to find a wall anchor system.

What is the bar you are using in your video?

Thanks

By: Nate Turner

Nate Turner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:47:21 +0000

I have tried the TRX and the Jungle Gym XT. The JGXT has pulled ahead significantly with this iteration. The TRX led the way in this category, but the versatility of set-up I found with the JGXT leaves the TRX seeming a bit limited at this point.

The XT allows significantly more exercises to be done than the TRX, and allows virtually unlimited variation within a given exercise because one can adjust the width of the strap anchors.

It can even be used for some exercises with two clients at once. For a number of the regular exercises I program into client sessions (Open-Ups, 1-Arm Rows, Bulgarian Split Squats), it’s like I bought two suspension trainers for the price of one.

Can’t wait to see what TRX does to rejoin the battle. For now, I’m a Jungle Gym XT loyalist.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:11:58 +0000

Hey Brad

Have you thought of revisiting this? The new Jungle Gym XT does look like a whole new game.
I do know what a busy guy you are though.

Cheers

By: Jerry

Jerry — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:57:10 +0000

I got the LifelineUSA Jungle Gym XT it is the top of the line and only $100.00 does all and more than any other suspension trainer on the market.

By: wally s

wally s — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:46:43 +0000

I just received my jungle gym 2 split — which is a split version of jungle gym, and here is my response to your evaluation (GTW — my bodyweight is 225)

Durability…looking at Jungle gym — straps are 1 1/2″ — that is plenty durable. 1″ straps might feel light, but hold 3,000 pounds — don’t know why you need more — but this 1 1/2″ would hold 4,200 lb plus “feel” is less flimsy. I had made some of my own, and know the difference in feel. but feel =/= reality — this one has both.

Multiple Anchoring Capability (doors, bars, trees, anything you can “loop”)….with this split version I would disagree.

Ease of Adjustability…for one setting maybe TRX — but because you can split the Jungle gym 2 split — you don’t have the problem of rubbing against your arms (which I had in the knock off that followed the basic design of TRX I made — and I see in the vids of people using)

Strength of Straps…see above — may have been true in the economy version of jungle gym, but not the jungles gym 2 split

Handle Comfort…TRX Gym in a Bag…this one I would have to agree. the jungle gym is simply a pvc pipe. not sure why they didn’t use some of the comfort foam they have on other products. But, you can always tape or add foam (bicycle handlebar stuff would work). IF you really want to.

Overall “Feeling” of Safety…again, see durability

Overall Ruggedness / Ability to Handle the “Beatdown”…again, see durability

And in the split version, the foot straps have been added in.
Price…Jungle Gym — without a doubt with 4 models ranging from $50 – $80 beats $190 – $220 for the same.

By: Mike Clastor

Mike Clastor — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:16:09 +0000

People compare USA to TRX, but it’s like gymnastic rings and a rope. They are too different. USA can be climbed and the resistance can be changed on the spot, and it’s cheaper. TRX on the other hand looks cooler and seem to be better designed. If you don’t want to climb and don’t need to change resistance and don’t mind paying double go with TRX. If you want to change resistance often and want to save go with USA.

By: Lynn Iwamoto

Lynn Iwamoto — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:30:15 +0000

Hello,
Thank you for helping me see that TRX is the better choice. Your review was complete and it was awesome that you did it on video so that we can visualize the comparisons. I have been thinking about this a long time. Now to decide between the TRX and the Universal Strength Apparatus. I call it a good day if I can narrow down my choices from three to two. Thanks again.
Lynn

By: Monica

Monica — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:33:42 +0000

Brad

Thanks for the great comparison. I would have to agree with you. Jungle Gym makes a decent product and if you’re strapped for cash well it’s a good option but TRX is far superior on all the points you listed especially safety. Great review and you really made us laugh (my boyfriend is a mechanic so we loved the car comparison).

By: Peter

Peter — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:21:14 +0000

I have most every suspension device on the market. The TRX is more complicated to adjust than the jungle gym (mine is a jungle gym split). It weighs more. It has a single point of attachment (which makes things like dips very difficult). It does have padded handles but I wrapped my jungle gym split’s handles with racket tape.

I’m not too impressed with the TRX. It’s well made but not as well thought out as you’d hope and it’s expensive.

The USA: This is an interesting alternative. It’s not well made (just looking at the stitching you can see that), but it is a fun, slightly different variation.

Vegas Pro Straps: Kind of overpriced for what they are. Well made. Handles are a touch too thick.

EXF rings: Smart design, great feeling rings (love the new rubber grip), easy to adjust. Definitely the best of the crop.
Cons: Rings aren’t good for exercises where you place you feet in a loop (not as comfortable).

Rogue Rings: VERY well made. 2nd best after the EXF rings. Kind of heavy so not the kind of thing you travel with.