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The Century Versaflex Leg Stretching Machine can help increase flexibility and range of motion in your hips and leg muscles with just a few minutes of use each day.
But is this the best stretch machine if you’re training for competitive sports or martial arts? How does it compare to full-body stretch machines, like the Precor 240i?
In this review we’ll discover the features making the Century Versaflex one of the best leg stretchers on the market. We’ve also added possible stretch workouts and exercises, in addition to the pros and cons from Amazon’s customer reviews.
Design Features
If you want to improve your stretching ability, the Century Versaflex Leg Stretcher could be your best option.
Unlike most leg stretch machines, the Versaflex has a built-in degree indicator, which can be used to measure the range of motion. This can be recorded and compared over time, to see how much you flexibility has improved.
The Versaflex also breaks from convention by using a lever crank instead of a steering wheel gear system. If you want to adjust the degree of stretch, you can simply crank the lever until it becomes challenging. There’s even a convenient handle within easy reach, which allows you to challenge yourself with deeper muscle stretches.
As with the TMAS Pro and Valor Fitness CA-27 machines, you can increase the stretch angle beyond 180 degrees. This effectively turns the Versaflex into a splits machine, which is more intense method of stretching your hamstrings, thighs, and hips.
Multi-position thigh pads have been fitted to cater for different user heights. They’re quick and easy to adjust, and cushioned to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your stretch workout. This is also helped by the padded seat cushion and lower back support.
Century Versaflex – Product Summary
- Up to 190 degrees of movement
- 4-position stretching arm
- Solid steel frame construction
- Degree indicator to monitor progress
- Compact design is perfect for small spaces
- Cushioned seat and leg supports for added comfort
- Dimensions: 35″L x 20″ x 8″
- Product weight: 56 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
Ease of Assembly
The Century Versaflex Stretching Machine requires a small amount of assembly. Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple as the TMAS Pro Leg Stretcher, where you only need to attach the steering wheel.
Although there’s a detailed parts list and a few exploded drawings, instructions in the user manual are quite poor quality. Because they’re written in so many different languages, the written instructions are also on a different page to the diagrams, which can be frustrating.
View the Century Versaflex user manual.
There’s a short guide at the end that includes general stretching guidelines, the health benefits of stretching, and how to stretch, but no diagrams showing how to use the Century Versaflex. Although it’s fairly self-explanatory, it would have been useful to know how to get the most out of this leg stretch machine.
For anyone that prefers a visual guide to written instructions, here’s an instructional video showing how to assemble the Century Versaflex:
There’s no real maintenance section to the user guide, but it’s always useful to lubricate the hand crank gear system on a regular basis. As with all fitness equipment, we also recommend wiping down the pads after use, to prolong the life of the cushioning and protective cover.
Exercise Options
As a seated leg stretcher/splits machine, the Century Versaflex has fewer exercise options for unaided stretch work, compared to full body stretch trainers. But you can still increase your flexibility through incremental, controlled lengthening of the muscle fibers.
Even with a shallow range of motion, you can enjoy an effective leg stretch workout for your hamstrings, hips, and adductors (inner thigh muscles). When you become more flexible, you can increase the stretch angle closer to the full 180 degree splits position. Measuring progress is made much simpler thanks to the degree indicator.
Greater flexibility in these muscle groups can lead to an improvement in athletic performance. This includes faster running times, a deeper range of motion in the barbell squat, and better split flexibility for martial arts, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
If you would like to stretch your quadriceps, gastrocnemius (upper calf muscle), soleus (lower calf muscle), and even tibialis anterior (shin muscle), we recommend buying a full body stretch machine with a standing calf stretch platform. The NitroFit Limber Pro is an excellent example.
Warranty
- One year, limited
- 90 days on the upholstery
What Do the Century Versaflex Reviews Say?
The Century Versaflex Leg Stretching Machine is one of the most popular stretch devices on the market, with dozens of 5-star Amazon reviews. It’s also cheaper than the bestselling TMAS Pro Leg Stretcher.
So, is this the best machine for your leg stretch workouts at home? To find out, it’s worth looking at what other customers have said about their experience.
To save you time, we’ve aggregated the pros and cons from Century Versaflex reviews on Amazon, then created the lists below.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Helps to widen leg splits and hold the splits position for longer
- Protective coating on the steel frame improves durability
- Stretch handle at the front allows you to experience deeper leg stretches
- Sturdy frame construction keeps you supported well
- Effective stretches for anyone that wants to improve leg and hip flexibility
- One of the few stretch machines to include a degree indicator
Cons:
- Short warranty period (1 year)
- Leg supports are slightly too short for taller users (5′ 10″+)
- 5 degree increments on the ratchet are too large for some
- Legs don’t close as much as other leg stretch machines, giving the Versaflex a larger footprint
- Instructions can be difficult to follow (recommend following YouTube tutorial videos in addition to the manual)
Review Overview
Overall Review Rating
4.5 / 5
The Century Versaflex Stretching Machine is an excellent choice for enhancing flexibility in your hips and hamstrings. Adjustable leg supports and a stretch degree indicator also mean it's a little more user-friendly than most home stretching equipment.
Although the ratchet gear system has larger increments than the steering wheel designs, having the cushioned handle on the front is a great way to increase the intensity of the leg stretches.
In summary, even if you're not looking to perform full leg splits, the Century Versaflex is still one of the best leg stretch machines on the market. The warranty isn't as good as with the Precor 240i, but it can be hugely beneficial for improving flexibility and athletic performance.
If the footprint is too large for your own home gym and you need a more compact leg stretch machine, the TMAS Pro Leg Stretcher is a popular choice.
Weight capacity: 250 lbs Product dimensions: 35"(L) x 20"(W) x 8"(H) Product weight: 55 lbs (25 kgs)
Related articles:
Top Stretching Machine Reviews and Buying Guide
Valor Fitness CA-27 Leg Stretch Machine Review
Precor 240i StretchTrainer Review
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