The Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Sport inversion therapy table is one of the best inversion systems built currently, and is the best table available for someone wanting to do both inversion therapy and inverted core workouts, making it one of the best inversion tables for 2012. Personally, the EP-550 Sport was my favorite model until January 2012 – i.e. until Teeter came out with the EP-560 (click here for the Teeter EP-560 Review). With either table you can’t go wrong, and there are a few specific reasons why I still like the 550 Sport model:
Advantages
- It comes with gravity boots. If you are someone who is looking for a good core workout that does not put stress on your ankles like other inversion tables, then the EP-550 Sport by Teeter is your machine.
- It’s made by Teeter. Teeter is the only company which has their products certified to UL 1647 – which means in simple terms that they are the safest models on the market today.
- The ‘EZ Stretch’ traction handles come with this model, assisting you in performing additional inversion therapy movements
- Comes with a 5-year warranty that covers everything (it’s a great warranty)
- Very easy to set up / assemble (20-30 minutes)
Disadvantages
- No easy to reach ankle locks for people with limited mobility issues
Our Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Sport Inversion Table Review
Ease of Use
There isn’t an easier machine to use when it comes to BOTH inversion therapy and core workouts. Not only do you get the super smooth mechanics that you get with all other Teeter inversion tables, but you also have the ability to use the gravity boots while inverting. The Gravity boots serve two purposes:
- They enable you to do a more intense core workout
- They make inverting more comfortable on your feet. Many people complain that inverting hurts their ankles and feet (due to the pressure), and their is no more comfortable way to hang then by using the Teeter gravity boots.
The EP-550 can also be counted on to allow to invert and come back to starting position easily by just moving your arms. There is no awkward areas where you feel like you are stuck and can’t hang at the precise angle you like – the balance of the machine is perfect. In addition, it’s extremely easy to store the inversion table while not in use, and can be set up in an average of ONLY 13 MINUTES!
Features
The Teeter EP-550 with Gravity boots comes loaded with the following features:
- Gravity Boots - we’ve already talked about them and why we like them so much. Really, if you are worried that your feet will hurt or have had issues with this on other inversion tables, then try the Teeter boots, you won’t regret it and you won’t find a more comfortable inversion experience.
- Traction Handles that enable you to stretch yourself a little more while inverting by adding a manual traction option. You can also use them to oscillate (go back and forth a little bit) as well.
- Flex Technology back rest. This back rest (same as the one you find on the EP-950) allows you to move and stretch even a little more while not fully inverted – which is great for those who want to invert at less than 90 degree angles. The material used in the backrest is also more durable than vinyl and nylon backings you find on other tables, and it even allows you to move and slide into the perfect inversion angle better.
- Head Pillow that comes standard that is both removable and adjustable for extra comfort
- Adjustable strap that lets you set different max angles
- Heat-treated steel that surpasses other brands standards and capabilities (see construction below).
- A-frame base that has rubber stoppers to increase stability
- Comes with a bonus instructional DVD that has both valuable stretches, exercises, and workout routines.
- 5 Year Warranty on all parts
Quality / Durability
No one builds inversion tables like Teeter, which is why they are the most highly recommended brand by us – we feel that durability and safety are two of the top priorities/concerns (or at least should be) when it comes to inversion therapy. No one wants to be hanging upside down and have their inversion table fail and/or break on them. With the EP-550 by Teeter you get the top of the line construction and quality. It’s actually amazing what testing these tables have gone through:
- Has been cycle tested up to 30,000 repetitions. That is enough reps for 2 people to invert 2 times a day (assuming they just go down and up one time each session) for 20 YEARS!
- Tested and was able to hold 4.8 times the maximum recommended user weight. That’s a lot of weight (but of course does not mean that you should use the table if your weight exceeds the maximum recommended weight!).
- Passed UL 1647 standards and requirements. This included a test that simulated 25 years of use (two people using the machine, not just one) WITHOUT having problems (breaking, failure, etc.). No other brands that were tested lasted longer than 2.5 years (I’m checking into which other brands were tested).
Needless to say, the construction is second to none and it really shows that Teeter specialized in inversion equipment - which quite rare these days with sports equipment companies (I pray that Teeter never gets bought by another big company).
Customer Reviews
People who buy the Teeter EP-500 love it, with customers giving it an average rating of 4.6 / 5 stars on Amazon (and there is only one review that is less than 4 stars – very rare – and that one review is pretty bogus). In addition, every customer that I know of has absolutely loved their Teeter inversion table.
Where to Buy the EP-550 by Teeter:
There are a couple different places you could purchase the table, but I typically recommend Amazon – you get a great price (best I see as of right now), and great service. You an also buy directly from the company or from inversiontables.com.
