Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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161 of 162 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerball and Trumpet playing, 25 Sep 2007
I bought a Powerball after having a go with my brother's.
He'd bought it for fun, but I found it such a good therapy I bought my own.
By day I'm an electrician, by night I play the trumpet / cornet and I use a computer a lot, hence over the years I've developed some mild repetitive strain injuries in my arms, especially the right fore-arm.
For years I've been just `putting up with it' as it's not usually more than a dull ache but if I've had a heavy day at work I notice my arm stiffening up, not good if I'm playing brass that evening.
I've found that if I use my Powerball when I get a moment a few times a day I can work some heat into the muscles which really loosens them up and gets rid if any aches.
I try and do about 10 minutes sustained at a moderate speed with short bursts up to full tilt, swapping arms as each one gets tired. Believe me, as the speed goes up, these things become really heavy!
What surprised me was the first time I went to band practice after using the Powerball just how much more nimble my fingers were in the running sections. I've always struggled in faster sections trying to get my fingers to go fast enough, but using the Powerball to loosen up beforehand makes quite a significant difference.
What's nice about the Pro model (apart from the funky flashing lights (mine's blue)) is the little trip computer on top so you can keep a track of how you're doing, as it can indicate speed, top speed reached, work done, and strength test, so you can keep tabs on how you're doing.
All in all, the Powerball is quite fun to use, in a similar way to a YoYo, but more importantly it really helps to condition your arm muscles. If you do anything in your daily life that involves using your arms with strength, speed or precision then you'll most probably find one of these a real help.
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60 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's harder than you think, and better than you expect., 19 Jan 2008
I, like a good few others here, got my Powerball Pro "Neon" (mine's blue) and was instantly surprised by its tiny size, yet bold claims to health (arm strength) benefits... At first I was sceptical, but after a week or so of using the Powerball every day, in addition to my regular exercise routine, I have definitely seen positive results, and I echo the praise given by the Trumpeter fellow, I play keyboard/organ/piano, and I have noticed a definite improvement in playing-stamina since using the Powerball; my fingers and wrists, they ache no more, even after a good 2 hour ragtime and show-tunes session!
It's also ideal for you sporty types, as you may well have guessed. Apparently it also helps those poor souls with RSIs. Powerball is NOT recommended for those suffering heart conditions however.
Another warning; Powerball is addictive, and taking it to work could result in you getting chastised or fired... or on a plus it may make you seriously popular, and of course get you promoted, depending on whether you let your Boss get the best RPM score!
Starting the Powerball is almost as fun as using it, you get a string provided to pull-start the ball, a little like a petrol Mower, then the trick is to rotate your wrist in such a way as to start the gyroscope accelerating. When up to speed, the LEDs flash, and it looks awesome. The instructions enclosed with the PB Pro are clear and concise, and easy to follow. Apparently there is a method of getting the ball started by a flick of your thumb, but I have yet to master it!
The "Pro" version is worth the little extra cost, as it comes with an LCD display to show the Revolutions per Minute (with a neat "Best Score" function so you can show off) and various other settings for muscle strength (based on RPM over a certain time) etc.
Don't expect glittering results first time; it takes practice to really get the thing going, and your arm may ache after the first few times you use it, especially if you decide to go for 20,000 RPM on your first go. A search on Youtube will show a veritable Powerball League going on, to see who can get theirs spinning the fastest. Why not join in? Get one and be amazed at the simplicity, and enthralled at the benefits and addictiveness.
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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Neon Blue Pro, 15 May 2007
I have been using various powerballs for over two years now and I love it as much now as when I first got it. The manufacturer's description really doesn't do this product justice, although their website does. If you use this powerball at low speeds it is great for RSI and other wrist/arm injuries. At high speeds it gives an amazing workout and really builds up all the arm and shoulder muscles. The build quality is incredible (do not be tempted by inferior wannabes) and the lifetime guarantee is unbeatable. I've had to replace a small part already (due to my intensive usage!) and they sent out the part quickly, free of charge and with full fitting instructions, can't say fairer than that! It is truly addictive and put it on a table in a room full of friends and you will all soon be fighting to out do one another on high speeds and other stats that the computer on top measures. The Neon Pro is a fun take on the original theme and is perfect for us powerball addicts who want that little something extra. I could write so much more about this product, but really you've got to buy one and try for yourself, you will not regret it!
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