First off, Bells of Steel is a super company with a very solid product line. Their customer service is stellar, with quick communications and attentive responses. Product shipping is quick and tracking numbers are provided. After several purchases I can say this has always been my experience.
My latest purchase was the functional trainer. Firstly, the shipping was quick. The FT comes in ten boxes and each box was carefully packed, well padded, strapped and taped. There wasn't a scratch or nick on any of the pieces. PERFECT! The weights for the selectorized weight stack were actually bagged individually, and were in a box within a box. They are perfectly cast, smooth as glass and come with quality 3M stickers to denote poundage. With the help of included assembly instructions and the video on the B of S site, assembly was quite easy. Takes approx. two hours. When assembled with bolts all tightened, the Functional Trainer is solid as a rock. The aluminum pulleys are silky smooth and the stack moves quietly on the guide rods. The pull up bar has options for several hand placements and is solid with a nice heavy non slip powder coat. The unit is compact, but is approx 5 feet wide and that allows for superior Cable Flyes compared to other narrower FT's. After decades of powerlifting and fitness training I can attest to the superior build quality of this unit.
I really appreciate Bells Of Steel customer service ,their reasonably priced, well designed, quality equipment AND their CANADIAN presence!!!! The USA based fitness suppliers either don't ship to Canada or it's prohibitively expensive to do so. I have a gym in our winter home in the U.S., with equipment from all of the usual U.S. manufacturers/suppliers, and none of it is better than B of S. Overbuilt isn't automatically better! Thanks, and keep up the great work "BELLS OF STEEL"!
Hi Brian,
Thank you so much for your in depth review of our functional trainer. We are delighted you have had a positive buying experience with us and that the FT has been up to snuff! We hope to continue to support you and other Canadians in their pursuit for well built, quality but affordable gym equipment !
All the best,
Marcus & the BoS Team