Tectonic M6.0

The M6.0 is Tectonic Vibration Technology’s flagship vibration machine. It contains two vibration functions, Oscillation (Pivotal) and Triplanar vibration and is constructed in a steel frame with ABS plastic covering for the base. It looks very similar to the Slimvibes VibraPro 5500, and Hypervibe Performance.

The design of the M6.0 vibration machine is sleek. The handlebars are mounted in such a way that it resembles an X on a sleek slender steel pole.  The pole itself it not clunky nor too thick and wide to detract from the beauty of this machine. The control panel uses a fairly large backlit LCD screen as its primary display and 6 buttons to control the machine.  The machine feels fairly solid and high quality when we assembled it and doesn’t feel cheaply made. The powder coating on the pole is exceptional–better then most vibration machines we’ve reviewed. The coating is quite smooth and even. The overall weight of the entire base and pole is approximately 110 lbs–not exactly a machine you would want to move day in day out. The base has two notches for inserting the arms attachment and is not mounted on the platform itself, hence saving space and allowing you to fully utilize the platform even if you choose to leave the arm attachments in the notches.

Hopping onto the machine to give it a test run, aside from the Manual program, the machine has 5 automatic pre-defined training routines–P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5.  Each exercise routine has their own set of frequency / speed settings so you can select whichever program mode that is most comfortable for your level of fitness.  Pressing the Program button cycles through the routine, and pressing the Mode switches between Oscillation, Triplanar, and Combined mode.  To select, you’ll have to press the Enter button.  The control panel design is fairly intuitive and is not too difficult to use.  The Up and Down adjusts the speed when in the Manual program and adjusts the time when the machine is not running and idling.  The buttons are illuminated with very nice blue LEDs and makes the display fairly attractive. There are 60 speed levels to choose from in each Vibration Mode. The motors cannot be independently controlled, so it is a limitation if you want a high oscillation frequency but low triplanar frequency. The LCD display shows you the number of Calories you used, your heart rate (if you place your hands on the monitor mounted on the handlebars). We welcome these extra features, but remember, as with any other fitness equipment out there, it may not be entirely accurate since every person in the world burns calories at different rates.

The lifting power of the platform when in the Oscillation mode is perfect.  There is no slow-down whatsoever even when I was holding two 25 lb free weights.  This machine is powerful. Stand a little closer to the edge, and you’ll feel a lot more tension in your muscles, stand a little closer, and it gets a little easier. The platform plate is at a good size and I didn’t feel like my feet was off the platform at any one time. The Triplanar vibration mode works well. Similar with other dual mode offerings from Vmax Fitness and VibraTrim, you cannot adjust the amplitude of the Triplanar vibration, but with the 60 speed combinations, it should be more then sufficient to tire your muscles.

The Combined mode is interesting. Adjusting the speed will adjust the frequency settings for both motors and so, you’ll feel both vibrations coming up. The only drawback is you can’t control the two motors independently, so there are less speed settings combinations.  However, I think it actually works better because there are less buttons to play with when I want a more powerful vibration and I can just press UP to increase the frequency on both motors. The handle bars looks great and is supportive and sturdy. When I pull on the handlebar, I don’t feel the machine wobbling or flexing. For best results, you’re probably going to stick with the Combined mode which turns on both vibration at the same time.

The Tectonic M6.0 is an excellent vibration machine. Compared with similar machines, it has more features and functionality compared to an oscillation only machine, and is solidly built with high quality components.