exactly what i was looking for
December 22, 2008
First, I don't know why everyone finds this so complicated to assemble. I had it working in less than an hour. The trick is to make photocopies of the first four pages with that part list and diagrams. that way, you're not constantly flipping back to the beginning to see what bolt #26 is.
Second, you don't have to increase the stretch to release it, just pull the lever towards you and it releases on it's own. the only part of this i dont like is, when it releases, it's a little jarring. no big deal though.
My wife and I both love this thing. i saved [...] and it was here before the website even indicated that it had shipped. I was surprised. The degree indicator does appear to be off about 20degrees like stated in a previous review but I can figure it out no problem. I get a great stretch and it's very comfortable. great machine for the money. I can't wait to reach 180degrees
The major lever is extremely susceptible
(1 of 1 Found this Helpful)
December 9, 2008
The major problem of this machine is that the central star and the lever you use to stretch your legs are made of an alloy that can't withstand even medium loads. In addition to that it is not properly welded together. After a month the most important element of machine - the central gear wheel stopped holding legs in the stretched position. It can simply let it go in the middle of the workout - it became really dangerous to use this machine. This machine seems the cheapest amidst the similar ones but it's not worth it because after a couple of month it will be out of order. Besides to assemble this machine from the very beginning I had to buy in the local store some screw-bolts and this is something I hate the most - to realize that the gear you bought is lacking some elements essential for its proper work.
wears out fast
October 16, 2008
Beware! Over time, mine wore out and the ratchet hook no longer holds on the gear teeth. It just suddenly pops free, and it can crush your fingers if they are in the way when it lets go. I have looked it over carefully and can't see anything that has come loose. It's just wear and tear, and it didn't have heavy use.
Cable broke before I even used it
October 9, 2008
I wanted to like this thing. Yes, the assembly took a couple of hours, and I had to flip back and forth in the manual, but I got through it. I had the same issue only being able to get two of the three bolts on the seat to thread. So I loosened the bolts holding the mounting plate to the frame and also the ones holding the legs on. This allowed enough "play" to get all three seat bolts threaded. Then I tightened them all. No problem.
So it's all put together, I sit down on it and one of the cable ends - the little knob at the end that you feed into the "keyhole" on the leg - popped off. And there seems to be no way short of welding it myself to get it back on. I called Century to see if I could get a replacement cable. No. I bought it through eBay and so I have to go back to the guy I bought it from. I mean, c'mon! It's a tiny cable - probably no more than 3-4 bucks. Just send me a new one. I'll PAY for it. Nope. So now I just have to hope that the seller can get it for me under warranty.
Bottom line: seems like a great machine with a MAJOR Achilles' Heel in the form of a cheap cable.
Perect Streching machine
September 30, 2008
Despite what the other reviews stated, I had no issues assembling this machine. It works great and we've already seen improvements. It easily stores in the corner so we can readily use it while watching TV or hanging out in the living room...
