Teeter Hang Ups Contour L5 Inversion Table Review

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The Teeter Hang Ups Contour L5 Inversion Table is their top-of-the-line design that aids with decompression of the spine to relieve pressure on vertebrae discs and nerves.

Even if you’re new to inversion therapy, the Contour L5 is fitted with a range of features to keep you safe and help you build up to the full 180-degree inversion range.

But what is it that sets this inversion table apart, and is it the best design for your budget?

These are some of the questions we’ll be answering in our review. We’ve also added comparisons between the L5 and a number of lower priced inversion tables from Teeter.

Design and safety features

The Contour L5 is the only inversion table from Teeter to be built around a curved frame, making it easier to mount and dismount the foot support.

Another useful feature is the patented ‘One Click Balance’ pivot system, which helps to find the perfect balance point for different weight distributions and user heights.

This is used in combination with the height settings to help keep the axis of rotation close to your body’s center of gravity, reducing the effort required to invert and return to upright.

Having the one click system means you don’t have to take apart any of the frame, which is a necessary step for other inversion tables that offer multiple starting positions.

The Contour L5 can be adjusted to suit user heights from 4’8″ to 6’6″, although the scale on the adjustable boom is meant as more of a rough guide than a set rule.

Because weight distribution won’t be the same for all user heights, you’ll always have a certain amount of trial and error when you’re first getting the table setup. You should be able to find a point where raising your arms slowly above your head starts the table bed rotation.

The frame itself is coated with a scratch-resistant, powder-coated finish to help improve durability and aesthetic appeal. As for the weight capacity, there’s no difference between this and the other Teeter inversion tables, with a limit of 300 lbs.

One final feature worth mentioning that could also be considered the most important is the ankle lock system.

Having an extended ankle lock system to help reduce lower back strain is nothing new for Teeter, and it’s something we’ve seen on their EP-950, EP-960, and EP-970 models.

But using a gravity lock instead of a ratchet locking system is something that’s unique to the top-of-the-line models in the ComforTrak (EP-970) and Flex Technology (Contour L5) collections.

This results in a handle that’s even longer than the one found on the EP-950 and EP-960 models, with a quick release system that speeds up mounting and dismounting.

Safety features

Although inversion therapy requires no heavy lifting, safety is still something to bear in mind due to the position your body is going to be in.

There’s a lot to think about, particularly if you’re a beginner. How do you control the speed of the table bed rotation? How easy is it to revert to an upright position after inverting at the full 180 degrees?

Fortunately the Teeter Contour L5 has these questions covered, with a wide range of height settings to help you find the perfect ‘tipping point’ for your body type.

These settings are clearly marked on the adjustable boom, but should be thought of more as a rough guide than an exact science. That’s because weight distribution can vary between different user heights.

Finding the perfect height setting requires a bit of trial and error, but you’re essentially looking for a setting where slowly raising your arms above your head starts the inversion process.

Full-length side handles have also been fitted to control the rate of inversion, and assist you with reverting to an upright position.

As for the maximum inversion angle, Teeter have included an EZ-Angle Tether Strap, which has coloured markings to help you quickly switch between pre-defined angles of 20, 40, and 60 degrees.

This is used in place of a disk brake locking system, meaning you have to dismount the table if you want to make minor adjustments to the angle mid-session.

You still have the freedom to set the angle to anything from 0 to 180 degrees, but having these preset options makes comparisons between users and inversion sessions much easier.

For added peace of mind, the Contour L5 has been independently quality-assurance tested, with compliance to UL’s inversion table safety standard.

Comfort and cushioning

One of the big differences between Teeter inversion tables and brands like Ironman is the cushioning of the table bed.

Instead of offering high-density memory foam coated in nylon or vinyl, Teeter have opted for an injection-molded plastic that isn’t as prone to tears or damage.

As well as improved durability, the smooth surface of the table bed reduces friction for more effective decompression of the spine at each inversion angle.

Using Teeter’s ergonomic Flex Technology means that you have greater freedom of movement if you’re stretching your back muscles as part of inversion therapy. Even without a stretch bar or hand holds in the table bed, you’re still able to use the safety handles to assist with deeper stretches.

There is a detachable pillow that provides some added comfort and support for your head, but you’re certainly not going to see the same soft padding as certain Ironman designs without fitting the Better Back Vibration Cushion.

The deluxe EZ-Reach ankle system is coupled with Ergo-Embrace supports to provide a close grip on your ankles for optimum safety and minimal discomfort.

The foot platform design even dials up or down for smaller or larger feet, allowing a comfortable and secure fit for the ankle clamps.

In terms of the table bed design, the Contour L5 is very similar to the Teeter EP-950, both of which feature in their Flex Technology Series.

Although you’re missing the same hand holds and slot positions that are found on tables in the ComforTrak series, you can still fit Acupressure Nodes to help massage specific back muscles and help relieve tension.

Ease of assembly and folding options

Going beyond the build quality and innovative features, Teeter do an excellent job of producing user guides and assembly instructions that are clear and easy to follow.

For the Contour L5, most of the assembly has already been done for you, including the A-Frame, EZ-Reach Ankle System, and FlexTechnology Table Bed.

For the small number of steps that are required, the textual explanation is coupled with a clear diagram showing the parts you’ll need and how to setup the table to suit your height and body type.

Maintenance is as simple as wiping the table down with a camp cloth after each use, and storage is possible by removing the tether strap, shortening the Main Shaft, and pulling up on the Spreader Arms to collapse the A-Frame.

As with most inversion tables, the folded dimensions aren’t compact enough to slide under a bed unless you have at least 20″ of clearance. This is still an improvement over the Ironman designs, as the Contour L5 is freestanding once folded (provided you leave the A-Frame legs at least 12″ apart).

As with the Ironman models, folding the table flat is possible but only through some minor disassembly. This isn’t an attractive option, as inversion therapy often calls for multiple sessions per day, with each session lasting just a few minutes.

The Teeter Contour L5 also includes the following five 10-15 minute Healthy Back exercise DVDs:

What’s covered by the warranty?

What’s included in the box?