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The Teeter Hang Ups 700IA Inversion Table includes many of the benefits of the EP-560 Ltd and EP-860 Ltd models, but at a more affordable price.
Representing Teeter’s most affordable inversion table, at close to $250 this is their entry into a category that already includes some established bestsellers.
For instance, Ironman’s IFT 4000 table that uses Infrared Therapy, or their LXT850 which features a highly efficient locking system.
So can the 700ia really compete, or can you find better value for money with another design?
That’s what we’re going to find out in this review, with an in-depth look at the design features, cushioning, ergonomics, and folded dimensions, as well as making some important comparisons with its closest competitors.
Design features
One of the most noticeable upgrades to the design of the 700ia is the addition of full length traction handles at the top of the A-frame.
Although this is a feature that’s also available on their EP-960, EP-970, and Contour L5 models, these are all priced at over $400. This meant that if you were on a strict budget, more affordable options from the Ironman IFT, iControl, and even Gravity collections would be your first choice.
One feature that we haven’t seen before from Teeter is the traction bars that are built into these traction handles, offering enhanced decompression and support for deeper stretching. This isn’t a feature we found on any other inversion table.
One of the features we were a little disappointed about was the design of the ankle locking system, which offers no ratchet release and only a short adjustment handle.
We’ve seen full-length handles on inversion tables like the Ironman Gravity 4000, which is often available for under $200, and feel that adding this would have made the 700IA a much more competitive.
If you really want to restrict the amount you’re bending down and want to invert on a regular basis, there are certainly lower priced tables that do a better job of this. Teeter do have their own tables with extended handle ankle lock systems, but you’re looking at spending $400+ for either the EP-970 Ltd, EP-960 Ltd, or Contour L5.
However, the adjustment mechanism for the shorter locking pin is easy to use, and doesn’t detract from the overall build quality and industry-leading warranty that accompanies the Teeter Hang Ups 700 IA.
Teeter Hang Ups 700ia – Features Summary
- FitFlex Bed with pressure-reducing design maximizes spinal comfort and flexes with the user
- Decompression Arch is designed to provide traction and a point of support when positioned in the small of the back or curve of the neck.
- Larger, padded Traction Support Handles assist during inversion and ascent, while Traction Bars offer enhanced decompression and stretching options
- Quality tested to UL safety standard, Teeter is the only inversion brand w/ certified quality
- 90% pre-assembled
- DVD w/ bonus Healthy Back Routines
Safety features and height support
Something we’re yet to see from Teeter is a multi-position locking table, similar to those in the Ironman iControl collection.
As with their other inversion tables, the 700ia uses a safety tether strap to control the maximum rotation angle, which certainly has its drawbacks.
Firstly, if you’re looking to make any adjustments to the inversion range mid-session, you’ll need to return to an upright position, unlock the ankle holders, make the change, and get back on the table.
This is the same process you’ll need to follow if more than one person uses the table with different experience levels. One person might be used to the 180-degree inversion, but the other might only be comfortable with shallower angles.
There’s not much of a difference in safety, and providing you’re within the 300 lb weight capacity you shouldn’t have any problems with the strap slipping.
At the full 180-degree inversion angle there is the option to lock the table for abdominal workouts and improved stretching.
As we just mentioned the Teeter 700ia has a 300 lb weight capacity, which is the same across their collection. The recommended user height range is also the same at 4’8″ to 6’6″, which is one of the best in the industry.
Weight capacity is impressive, but still some way from the 350 lbs of the Ironman IFT 4000. For us it’s not a deal breaker, but it’s probably going to be a better option if you need something with a higher capacity.
Comfort and cushioning
It’s always a little different making comparisons between cushioning on Teeter inversion tables.
Unlike most of the designs from Ironman, Body Max, Innova Fitness, and Emer, you ‘re not basing comparisons on the thickness of back support padding or if the table has a detachable lumbar pillow.
The main benefit of this is you don’t have to worry about damage to the lining that covers the padding, with a surface that’s easy to clean and virtually maintenance free.
A small amount of cushioning is provided with the adjustable head pillow, which is held in place with velcro straps and easily moved to cater for different user heights.
So how does the Teeter Hang Ups 700ia support your back without memory foam or high-density padding?
The secret is their FitFlex™ bed, specially adapted to offer many of the benefits of their ComforTrak beds but at a lower price point.
This unique design supports you by flexing with your body’s movement, allowing greater mobilization of your joints during stretches and at steeper inversion angles.
Being ventilated also assists with keeping you cool throughout each session, as air is free to flow under you without being inhibited by thick padding.
One final feature worth mentioning is the ankle holder, with an Ankle Comfort Dial that adjusts to fit smaller or larger feet, ensuring a more comfortable and secure grip from the clamps.
Ease of assembly and folding options
Despite the premium price tag that’s usually associated with Teeter’s inversion tables, they do offer some of the best post-sale support.
Not only do you have the 5-year warranty, but you also have instructional DVDs to walk you through some effective healthy back routines, as well as the assembly process.
It certainly helps that they provide all the tools you need to get setup, but in addition to this you also get a well written set of assembly instructions.
Once you have all the parts unpacked you’ll notice the bulk of the base assembly has already completed, as well as the majority of the FitFlex bed and ankle lock system.
With a total product weight of just 60 lbs, it’s nearly half that of the Ironman ATIS tables, meaning there’s no heavy lifting required.
The A-frame folds out and locks in place with Spreader Arms, allowing you to lift the table bed and drop the roller hinges into the frame’s hinge plates.
This table doesn’t offer multiple starting positions, which does help make this step a little easier.
After sliding the adjustable boom into the shaft of the table bed, the assembly should be complete, with a recommended setup time of 25-30 minutes (doesn’t include setting the length of the safety strap).
View the Teeter hang Ups 700ia user manual
With no protective side shrouds over the hinges, all that’s required to fold the table is to collapse the Spreader Arms. You can then pull the A-frame together and leave it freestanding thanks to the thick rubber feet on each corner.
Folded dimensions are 20″ (L) x 28.75″ (W) x 66.5″ (H), making it much more compact than the Ironman ATIs 4000, and only slightly larger than one of their flagship models – the Teeter EP-950, which measures 16″ (L) x 28″ (W) x 66″ (H).
What’s covered by the warranty?
- Full 5-year warranty
Review Overview
Overall Review Rating
4.5 / 5
Overall, the Teeter 700ia represents a competitive new design for the $200-$300 price range, bringing with it the same high level of support and customer service you find on their premium 'EP' collection of tables.
The 300 lb weight capacity is fairly standard, and there are only a few exceptions that go to 350 lbs, the majority of which are produced by Ironman. We don't think this is a big difference, and the stability of the frame doesn't seem to suffer as a result.
In terms of the sacrifices you're making over the higher priced designs, you don't have the extended ankle lock handle, or a rotation locking system that can hold you in position at a range of different angles.
The fact that you can still lock the table bed at a 180 degree angle for ab workouts is a major benefit, as is having the full-length handles with multiple grip positions for deeper stretching.
We certainly wouldn't discount the 700ia due to its lack of back support padding, as the innovative flex system still provides ample support. Personally we have a slight preference for Ironman's iControl models at this price point, due to the flexibility of angle adjustment. If this isn't something you're interested in, then we would recommend the 700ia.
Product dimensions: 84" (L) x 28.75" (W) x 86" (H) Folded dimensions: 20" (L) x 28.75" (W) x 66.5" (H) Product weight: 60 lbs Weight capacity: 300 lbs
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