Power Plate vs. VibroGym

Power Plate and VibroGym both manufacture vibration based training machines that are far superior to most other variations found on the market. But which of these two machines is best?

Each company manufactures several variations of their machines, but for a fair comparison I will be outlining the pros and cons of each company's top-of-the-line model, the Power Plate Pro5 Airdaptive and the VibroGym Evolution. The first machine mentioned is pictured on the right, and the second machine is on the left.

For the record I have trained on both models. So I will be critiquing the machines based on my professional and personal experience, as opposed to just reciting colorful commentary from a glossy brochure.

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  Design - Both the Pro5 Airdaptive and Evolution are attractive looking I would think by most people's standards, especially when compared to similar models produced by other competitors. The Pro5 Airdaptive uses touch pad controls, while the Evolution uses touch screen controls. Gadget junkies may prefer the touch screen, but this high-tech feature does not increase the performance of the Evolution. Both models have steel platforms and towers. However, the Pro5 Airdaptive has a plastic dressing around the base of the platform, while the Evolution's base is made of continuous steel coming from the platform surface. I personally don't like to see an abundance of plastic parts on commercial grade equipment. Secondly, plastic's characteristics deadens vibrations. So vibrations emanating from the lateral portions of the Pro5 Airdaptive are minimal. Although both machines look impressive, I give the Evolution the edge in design because of the continuous steel platform and base.


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  Features - The Pro5 Airdaptive can be set to operate for 30, 45 or 60 seconds. The machine's vibration pattern is tri-planar, with 75% of the vibrations traveling vertically. The other 25% move in other directions. Pre-settings for the number of vibrations per second are 30, 35, 40 and 50 Hz. Next, the amplitude can be adjusted for high (platform travels 4 mm) or low (platform travels 2 mm). Also, the platform has a maximum load capacity of 500 lbs/227 kgs. One of the key features of the Pro5 Airdaptive are the 3 air suspension settings that adjust to a user's weight (1 - less than 130 lbs/60 kgs, 2 - less than 200 lbs/90 kgs, 3 - greater than 200 lbs/90 kgs). Included with this model are upper body straps and a contoured mat. The Evolution has most of the same features, but not included is the Airdaptive suspension system. Secondly the upper body straps can only be placed at the sides of the machine, while these same straps can be placed at both the sides and front of the Pro5 Airdaptive. The Evolution comes with the same accessories with the addition of a folding bench. Last, the Evolution produces 100% vertical vibrations, and it's platform maximum load capacity is 400 lbs/181 kgs. Mainly because of the Pro5 Airdaptive's adjustable suspension system, Power Plate beats VibroGym's Evolution in features.


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  Performance - Both machines are noisy, you will know when they are turned on. But the Evolution definitely rumbles a bit louder. The Pro5 Airdaptive is very smooth when transitioning from one frequency or amplitude to another while the machine is in operation. The Evolution is clumsy when performing the same action. This next point is important. Remember I said the Evolution's vibrations are 100% vertical, and the Pro5 Airdaptive's vibrations are 75% vertical? This makes a noticeable difference in exercise intensity. Most of the exercises performed on either machine are vertical presses and some pulls. Although it's true that on any given exercise moving joints operate in all three planes of motion, they are primarily operating mainly in one plane when doing vertical presses and pulls. Thus 100% vertical vibrations would be most ideal. I am more challenged exercising on the Evolution, than I am using the Pro5 Airdaptive. Based on this point the higher achievable exercise intensity on the Evolution edges out the Pro5 Airdaptive. But VibroGym needs to workout the kinks in its hesitating transitions. The higher noise level is bearable, because it is probably due to the Evolution's all-steel construction which is a plus in design.


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  Cost - Power Plate is the clear winner. Power Plate offers a wider variety of machines at varied prices that come in cheaper than VibroGym's limited selection. But VibroGym's Evolution and Professional models are both excellent machines despite their cost. This comment does not extend toward VibroGym's home version which leaves little to be desired in cost, look or function.


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  Additional Comments - Both models are medically certified. Each performs well with a slight edge going to the Evolution for producing 100% vertical vibrations. It's also worth mentioning that the Pro5 Airdaptive also comes in a tower-less version that places the controls at the base of the machine. But the platform can also be operated by remote. That's a very nice variation to have for people who don't need the support of bars and want free motion around the machine.

So which machine is best? The answer to that question depends on who the user is. If you are mostly concerned about increasing performance, the vibrations are more intensely felt using the Evolution. But if general health and wellness is why you exercise, than the Pro5 Airdaptive offers a very nice comfort feature with its Airdaptive suspension system which makes the machine a pleasure to use. My pesonal choice is performance over comfort.