Powerlifting Equipment Help

[Anthrax Invasion]

Alright, I went to www.elitefts.com

I need to get myself a belt, a reverse hyper machine, and a sled to drag around, all for the purpose of rehabbing my lower back after being diagnosed with herniations in L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1.

I see three models of the R. Hyper machine. The cheapest is shy of $1,000. The most expensive closes in on $2,000. Is there any real reason for the more expensive machine? I'd think not. Should I just stick with the cheaper one? Hell, is there a place I can get one cheaper?

Belts - the power belts they have will be fine, yes? Or does anyone have any other sources that are cheaper and just as stable? Or...any tips on belts to begin with?

Finally, the sled. I see they sell a $21 sled strap attachment. I think I'd need a harness and some other crap too. What do I need to set up a sled, and where can I get it all?

Thanks for the help, anyone who responds.

 

[Chambewy20]

The Reverse Hypers are the same as what is sold at Westside Barbell, look at www.westside-barbell.com and compare.

The belts are top of the line, you can buy some from Inzer but EFS has superior customer service and my g/f got one from those guys and it is top notch.

The sled and straps should be all you need, two are the best. You can buy other attachments but for starters, two staps are fine, i just hook one to my belt most of the time, also Westside sells the sleds as well so again, look there to compare.

 

[LiftingDukkha]

I am poor so even though I really really really want the good equipment, I have to make do at least for the time being with improvised equipment.

For Reverse Hyper, I got a chain about maybe 12"-18" long, 2 clips, and bought 2 ankle straps. Then I go to my gym's regular Back Hyper bench, lay down on it backwards, grab the "back" with my hands, loop the chain through an Olympic plate or three, and perform Reverse Hypers. Problem with this is that the weight plate bangs on the floor at bottom of every rep, but it gets the job done.

For a Sled, I just made mine last week: It's just an old tire, with a piece of plywood in the center, and then pile a bunch of rocks and/or weight plates in it. I got a long chain & some clips, loop the chain through the tire. I got some tie-down straps (for strapping down motorcycles in the back of a truck, for example) which have hooks on the ends; I put the strap hooks together, duct-tape that, then loop the other end of the chain around the strap-loop, then put the strap over my head & around my chest. Works pretty good so far.