Last week the Teeter Hang Ups Teeter Fit-100 Inversion Table was released to a handful of select retailers, including Better Health Innovations.  I had some hands-on time with the new table when it was unveiled at the Health+Fitness Business Expo last month in Las Vegas.  I also spent quite a bit of time with the folks from Teeter, including their founder, Roger Teeter. In this post, I will walk you through the new Fit-100 inversion table and describe how it compares with other tables in the Teeter Hang Ups line.  I also cover other (non-Teeter) tables at the Fit-100′s price point.

This table is being launched at $289, but we are currently discounting it to $229.  At this price it competes with the other budget Teeter Hang Ups table, the Fitform at $219. Going from a Teeter Fitform up to the Fit-100 for an extra $10 will depend on the features you want (mainly the bed design), but going from the Fit-100 to the $299 EP-550 is a more difficult choice.  I’ll cover this in more detail below.

Teeter Hang Ups Background

First, a quick bit about Teeter Hang Ups:  They have been in the inversion business for more than 30 years, longer than any other inversion table manufacturer. Teeter is the only company that demonstrates their commitment to quality by having their tables independently tested and certified to UL 1647, making them the only company with tables that carry the UL mark. Most notably, inversion products are the only products offered by Teeter Hang Ups, making inversion tables their sole focus.  All other inversion tables are from companies who produce all sorts of equipment.  In fact, most competing tables are produced by Asian contract manufacturers who make all sorts of products and sold in the US by marketing companies.

Fit-100 Features & Impressions

The Fit-100 carries the UL Mark, which is impressive for a table at the price.  In order to have the UL Mark, an inversion table must be tested by an independent lab to a 400% safety factor and for 30,000 cycles. 

UL also performs random and unannounced inspections of Teeter’s factories as part of their certification.  I need to write a blog post about UL testing at some point, but for now, let’s leave it at this: You would never buy a toaster without the UL Mark, so it is certainly an important consideration when purchasing a piece of equipment that is going to suspend you upside down!

The Teeter Fit100 incorporates their new FitFlex inversion table bed.  This is a two-piece injection molded bed that provides a rigid and secure feel while flexing enough for the user to move and stretch while on the table at partial inversion.  Other tables in the Teeter Hang Ups line have either a one piece molded bed (the Flex Technology bed on the EP series), or a stretched nylon bed, like on the Fitform.  I found the FitFlex bed to be comfortable enough, and it may provide a bit more support than the Flex Technology bed.  I prefer this type of inversion table bed over the stretched nylon.  In fact, many people find the stretched nylon on other tables to be extremely uncomfortable, especially those with back pain to the point where laying on a hard, flat surface causes lower back pain.

When you look at a table, it is easy to focus on the bed.  However, when you are on a table I feel that the ankle clamps to be more important for the inversion experience.  A poorly designed ankle clamp will feel insecure and even painful.  The ankle clamps on the new table are similar to other Teeter Hang Ups ankle clamps.  The foot rest portion rotates in order to adjust for larger or smaller feet, which goes a long way in providing a feeling of security and comfort.  For most people, the ankle clamps on the new model will be just fine in terms of comfort and security.

Like all other Teeter inversion tables, the Fit-100 has a very smooth rotation and “controlled lock out” at full inversion. This lock out means that the table bed rotates a little past full inversion so the user can do exercises and stretches while completely vertical.  The new table also has stretch handles, which is optional on more expensive models like the EP-550. These handles, located on the top of the A-frame allow the user to reach up while inverted and push with their hands to receive a bit of manual decompression of the back.

Obviously, to get the Fit-100 down to the pricing they wanted, Teeter had to leave out some features found on the next expensive model, the EP-550.  Unlike the more expensive models, the main shaft is not chrome plated.  The main shaft is the part that the ankle clamps attach to and it moves in and out of the bed frame to adjust for user height.  Chrome is an extremely hard finish and resistant to wear caused from moving in and out of the frame.  It is still a high quality (black) finish, and will not be a big deal for a users who do not have to move the height adjustment often.  We do know several husband-wife users who have to adjust the height when switching between themselves.  In this situation, we would recommend a machine with a chrome plated main shaft, such as the EP-550.

Another noticeable feature not on the Fit-100 are corner feet.  Again, not a huge thing.  I do like the corner feet on the more expensive models as they extend the area the table contacts the floor.  Without the corner feet, the Fit100 was plenty stable though.

The new table comes with support material that exceeds what comes with similar priced models.  However, it does not come with a DVD, which is kind of odd since the lower priced Fitform does come with a DVD.  I think that this may be a feature missed by users.  Our recommendation with the EP Series models is to play the DVD on a computer or TV close by while the table is being assembled.  We have decided to offer our Inversion Coaching Program free of charge with the Fit-100, which should help make up for the lack of a DVD.

Teeter beats competing models with warranty (2 years for this table), but the warranty period is less than half that of the Teeter EP series.

Competing Models

The main competitor in this price range to this table are a couple models with the Ironman brand name.  Honestly, I am not that familiar with the Ironman brand, but I have tried their tables on several occasions.  The last I had heard, they had gone out of business and sold the name to another company.  I’m not sure who is making Ironman now, but the tables are still available.  A couple years ago Ironman tables had weld failure issues resulting in a recall.  Most noticeably in comparison, the Fit-100 has a smoother rotation, more comfortable foot clamps, and is much less complicated.  Ironman tables do not carry the UL Mark, so I presume they are not tested to the safety factors of Teeter inversion tables.  Also unlike the Teeter models, they do not have the two year warranty or 30 day money back trial period (we extend this to 90 days for any Teeter models sold through our Better Health Innovations site).

As I touched on at the beginning of this post, moving from the Teeter FitForm up to a Fit-100 is a logical step.  If you think you would prefer a stretched nylon bed, then go with the FitForm.  If not, the Fit-100 is well worth the extra $10. Note that most users prefer the “Flex” type bed over the stretched nylon.

Deciding between the Fit-100 and the EP-550 is a bit more tricky. This is a bit like comparing a high-end Toyota to a Lexus.  Both are world-class quality, and while you won’t be disappointed with the lower cost option, you won’t get the features of the higher-end model.  So, here’s some basic guidance:

If you absolutely can not afford a $299 Teeter EP-550, then go with the Fit100.  You won’t be disappointed, and your back will thank you for years.

If you plan on using the table a couple times a day on a regular basis, or if there is more than one person in the household using the table, then try to stretch to a Teeter EP-550.I would feel more comfortable using an EP-series table for heavy regular use, especially with the longer five year warranty period of the EP-550 versus the two year warranty on the Fit-100.

Bottom line: The Fit-100 is a great table, especially for the price.

Remember that purchasing any Teeter Inversion Table through our Better Health Innovations site, you will receive several upgrades our competitors simply can not match, such as our 90 day personal coaching program, 90 day return period, price guarantee, and more.

If you have any questions about the any of the Teeter inversion tables, please give us a call/email.  If you would like a to share your questions or experiences, please leave a comment below!