Workouts
Bellicon vs Needak Rebounder Review
A quick comparison between the Needak and Bellicon rebounders.
For those of you trying to decide between bungee rebounders (Bellicon, JumpSport etc.) and the Needak, here's a quick comparison between the two rebounder types, the benefits, drawbacks, and what works best for your needs.
Key Benefits of Bungees: Quiet, Different Bounce
As bungee rebounders do not use steel springs, there is less steel on steel friction, and therefore, less need for lubrication to minimize sound. The legs and frame are still generally made out of some form of steel, and so, there is still sound while bouncing on them, but it is less than steel springs. As well, due to the unique nature of bungees, the bounce one will enjoy on these rebounders will be different than that of a Needak. It may be better for some and worse for others.
Key Benefits of Needak Springs: Longer Lasting, Consistent, Portable
Needak's patented soft-bounce springs last significantly longer than bungee rebounders, and longer than most other comparable spring based rebounders. In fact, as per our buying guide, tests and user reviews have shown that the Needak springs are the longest lasting mini-trampoline springs in the world. As well as lasting long, Needak springs do not stretch over time to lose elasticity; your mat will not sag, and you will enjoy a relatively consistent bounce throughout the lifetime of the springs. Finally, all Needak models have folding versions that allow for ease of storage and portability.
Key Detractors of Bungees: Inconsistency, Poor Longevity
Bungee cords, unfortunately, do not last as long as Needak springs. Most bungee cords, including the Bellicon, will remain optimal for perhaps 6-12 months, after which you are likely to experience sagging and inconsistent footing on your mat, resulting in discomfort and ankle proning. As well, due to the gradual stretching of the cords, your bounce will slowly degrade, causing an inverse parachute effect on your mat surface. Finally, in replacing the cords once every year or so, you will be paying quite a bit in maintenance, making a Bellicon a rich ongoing expense.
Key Detractors of Needak Springs: Lubrication, More Noisy
Because Needak springs are steel, the joints that connect them can make a bit more noise than bungee rebounders. As well, these joints work optimally and are quietened significantly by periodic lubrication (once every few months) which adds a small amount of overhead to the rebounding experience.
Other considerations:
Bellicon charges extra for folding legs and also charge for pre-assembly. All Needak rebounders come with folding legs and are fully assembled before leaving the factory. The Bellicon warranty is shorter and does not offer a lifetime warranty while the Needak provides a guaranteed lifetime warranty on a number of the components. Needak springs can be replaced individually while Bellicon bungees must all be replaced at once, making the costs exponentially higher in comparison. Finally, the Needak hard-bounce rebounder is the only rebounder in the world that supports individuals up to 600lbs in weight, while the Bellicon only goes up to approximately 400lbs.
Bottom Line
As the Bellicon is more expensive than a Needak, one would assume it is a superior product. However, research does not support this - bungee chord systems are significantly more expensive, but generally provide an inferior, inconsistent bounce. They are generally quieter and outside of this offer no superior benefits for most individuals. Needak springs generally last twice as long, provide a more consistent, stable surface, and have significantly more cost effective maintenance systems in place.
Verdict: The Needak Rebounder for portability, durability, and the bounce; the Bellicon for a quieter session.
Disclaimer: Please note that although this is a journalistic article we make no warrants or claims on the accuracy of the information provided, and it is in no way meant to provide you health advice that would replace that of a trained professional. The rebounder manufacturers reviewed and their respective trademarks are the property of their respective owners and Needak.com makes no claim of ownership or affiliation with any of the companies listed. Keywords: Needak vs ReboundAir, Needak vs Cellerciser, Cellerciser vs ReboundAir, Urban Rebounder vs Needak, JumpSport vs Needak, Rebounder brand comparisons
Key Benefits of Bungees: Quiet, Different Bounce
As bungee rebounders do not use steel springs, there is less steel on steel friction, and therefore, less need for lubrication to minimize sound. The legs and frame are still generally made out of some form of steel, and so, there is still sound while bouncing on them, but it is less than steel springs. As well, due to the unique nature of bungees, the bounce one will enjoy on these rebounders will be different than that of a Needak. It may be better for some and worse for others.
Key Benefits of Needak Springs: Longer Lasting, Consistent, Portable
Needak's patented soft-bounce springs last significantly longer than bungee rebounders, and longer than most other comparable spring based rebounders. In fact, as per our buying guide, tests and user reviews have shown that the Needak springs are the longest lasting mini-trampoline springs in the world. As well as lasting long, Needak springs do not stretch over time to lose elasticity; your mat will not sag, and you will enjoy a relatively consistent bounce throughout the lifetime of the springs. Finally, all Needak models have folding versions that allow for ease of storage and portability.
Key Detractors of Bungees: Inconsistency, Poor Longevity
Bungee cords, unfortunately, do not last as long as Needak springs. Most bungee cords, including the Bellicon, will remain optimal for perhaps 6-12 months, after which you are likely to experience sagging and inconsistent footing on your mat, resulting in discomfort and ankle proning. As well, due to the gradual stretching of the cords, your bounce will slowly degrade, causing an inverse parachute effect on your mat surface. Finally, in replacing the cords once every year or so, you will be paying quite a bit in maintenance, making a Bellicon a rich ongoing expense.
Key Detractors of Needak Springs: Lubrication, More Noisy
Because Needak springs are steel, the joints that connect them can make a bit more noise than bungee rebounders. As well, these joints work optimally and are quietened significantly by periodic lubrication (once every few months) which adds a small amount of overhead to the rebounding experience.
Other considerations:
Bellicon charges extra for folding legs and also charge for pre-assembly. All Needak rebounders come with folding legs and are fully assembled before leaving the factory. The Bellicon warranty is shorter and does not offer a lifetime warranty while the Needak provides a guaranteed lifetime warranty on a number of the components. Needak springs can be replaced individually while Bellicon bungees must all be replaced at once, making the costs exponentially higher in comparison. Finally, the Needak hard-bounce rebounder is the only rebounder in the world that supports individuals up to 600lbs in weight, while the Bellicon only goes up to approximately 400lbs.
Bottom Line
As the Bellicon is more expensive than a Needak, one would assume it is a superior product. However, research does not support this - bungee chord systems are significantly more expensive, but generally provide an inferior, inconsistent bounce. They are generally quieter and outside of this offer no superior benefits for most individuals. Needak springs generally last twice as long, provide a more consistent, stable surface, and have significantly more cost effective maintenance systems in place.
Verdict: The Needak Rebounder for portability, durability, and the bounce; the Bellicon for a quieter session.
Disclaimer: Please note that although this is a journalistic article we make no warrants or claims on the accuracy of the information provided, and it is in no way meant to provide you health advice that would replace that of a trained professional. The rebounder manufacturers reviewed and their respective trademarks are the property of their respective owners and Needak.com makes no claim of ownership or affiliation with any of the companies listed. Keywords: Needak vs ReboundAir, Needak vs Cellerciser, Cellerciser vs ReboundAir, Urban Rebounder vs Needak, JumpSport vs Needak, Rebounder brand comparisons
