PULSER

PULSER Review

The PULSER by Vmax Fitness was is currently the newest revision of any dual motion vibration machine on the market. It has been re-designed from the Trio and incorporates a few new elements not found in current generation vibration machines. Most notably, the PULSER has a new horizontal handle bar in front of the column which allows users to more easily hold onto the handles for balance, support, and stability. At first look the PULSER looks a lot bigger then the Trio but in actuality, they are about the same size. However, the PULSER is lot more squared off and weighs about 35 lbs more then the Trio. It feels sturdier to the touch and feels rock solid because of the additional weight. Similar with the Trio, the PULSER comes with wheels that allows the machine to be moved freely around a flat surface.

Platform Size and Design

The vibration platform size is 27 inches wide by 20 inches deep and is large. It offers a true edge-to-edge design, which simply means you are able to completely utilize the platform even upto the edges. Other machines have a bezel width that is included in the platform measurement but the bezel can’t actually be used when you are standing on the platform. When we stood on the platform, it feels very sturdy. The platform itself is rated for users upto 440 lbs as it contains a metal cross beam bar that further reinforce the full metal base and minimizes shaking of the column at higher speeds. The case cover on the base is made of ABS plastic. The surface that you stand on is a gel-like rubber compound that is a little harder than the materials found in the Trio. Standing with bare foot is not overly uncomfortable and if you can avoid shoes, that will be best. You may want to try wearing socks to get maximum vibration stimulation.

Body, Frame, Internal Components

The PULSER is beautiful. There are carbon fiber accents and chrome trims on the platform base as well as the column. The machine itself is very glossy and is extremely prone to finger prints and oil. Make sure you have a cloth handy to wipe these away when you are done with your vibration session. The handlebars resemble a foot ball player’s helmet and cradles over the top half of the column. As mentioned previously, the new horizontal handle bar makes it easier for users to stabilize themselves and gives an extra option if you are someone that doesn’t like holding it on the side.

The PULSER uses Vmax’s 4th generation high efficiency dual drive that consists of a 1100 watt oscillation motor and a 500 watt spiral motor, which are true to specifications. The motors in this system are supposed to produce a greater lifting torque, and less heat and friction. The true to specifications means the motors are not mislabeled to show they are more powerful then they really are.

Display and Control Panel

The main display shows the H and the L, H is the oscillation vibration whereas the L is the spiral vibration. The speed setting can get confusing and could definitely be improved. A way to remember this is by the amplitude. Since oscillation has a higher amplitude, it would be H. Spiral has a lower amplitude, so it is L. It takes getting some time to get used to it but once you figure it out, it actually makes more sense. The time countdown is right in the middle. Below are 6 whitish circles that indicate the program you are in. It flickers when you are selecting it using the PROG button. The control panel consists of the Start/Stop button, radial dials for the oscillation and spiral vibration, PROG, MODE, and TIME up and TIME down. Perhaps the most noticeable change, and important change, is the use of radial dials for speed control. You no longer need to press Up and Down hundreds of times just to change to the desired speed or frequency you want to vibrate at. The radial dials make changing the speeds a breeze, turn it left to slow down or stop, turn it right to crank it up. Two to three full turns will bring the machine all the way to the maximum speed (60) or all the way to zero. We definitely loved this new style of speed control as it makes changing between speeds and exercise postures a snap.

Pressing the PROG button will cycle through the 3 preset exercise programs (P1, P2, P3) built into the machine and the 3 user definable programs (U1, U2, U3). You can alter U programs using the MODE button. Programming the definable programs is a little bit difficult at first, but once you get used to it, programming your own routine takes between 15-25 minutes. It is a matter of setting each stepping (there are 12 of them in total) with a speed for the oscillation vibration, spiral vibration, and the time it will run at the speeds for. The TIME up and TIME down button changes the time and the PULSER can be adjusted between 1 and 20 minutes.

Testing the Machine

Standing with our feet shoulder width apart, I adjusted the radial dials left and right on both the oscillation and spiral motors, and the on-the-fly response of the speed is amazing. It is significantly easier to adjust the speeds compared to pressing buttons and you can rapidly change from say a speed of 5 to a speed of 45 in less then 2 seconds. Just rotate the dial and voila. To be honest, it was hard going back to a machine with the buttons and I’ll definitely be missing the radial dials on my own machine. The lift in the machine is great, I’m not feeling any slowdown whatsoever even when I’m slightly leaning on one side, this test is to show if the motor will seize on me, a 235 lb man. If it seizes, then the motor is underpowered. The platform size shines when you take advantage of the super wide 27″ platform and increasing the distance of your feet from the center of the platform. It got so powerful at 51 on the oscillation vibration when my feet was at the edge that I had to slow it back down as I felt my muscles cramping up. Similarly, the spiral vibration feels just as strong and can readily fatigue your muscles quite quickly. The high vibrational frequency numbs my leg and it doesn’t matter where I place my feet, as the vibration is the same all across the platform. The platform also comes with 2 notches to attach handstraps onto the machine for upper body and arm exercises.

The PULSER has an optional accessory that you can buy ($80 MSRP), a custom-fitted anti-vibration foam pad that you can use with the machine. You can now sit more comfortably on the platform to work on your leg and core muscles. If you are flatfooted or if you require more cushioning for your feet, you can leave the pad on and stand on it while the machine is running and vibrating. For users with sensitivity to vertical impact, the pad helps to dampen the vibration to the joints for a more comfortable experience.

Final Thoughts

Generally, the higher the amplitude, the more powerful the vibration is. The new 11 mm distance on the PULSER and the wider platform is a great match and makes the PULSER that much more powerful then current generation vibration machines. The new radial speed dials are probably the best innovation to come into the vibration industry and should take the industry by storm. If you want no compromise in power, the newest and most technologically advanced dual motion vibration machine on the market, the PULSER delivers.