ICYMI: HomeProGym Stops Selling Unsafe Resistance Bands, How to Buy a Car, a Minimalist Smartphone
Last week at CR, we also shared kitchen essentials, the best waterproof wireless speakers, and what you can do about artificial dyes in your food
Our In Case You Missed It series highlights recent ratings, news, and investigations.
- Home: Cookware
- Cars: Buying a Car
- Tech: Cell Phones Wireless Blueteooth Speakers
- Health: Food Additives
- Product Safety: Resistance Bands
- Latest Ratings
Over the past week, HomeProGym stopped selling its 60- and 70-pound PowerTube Stackable Resistance Bands after Consumer Reports’ testing identified safety issues. CR offered tips for buying a new car in today’s challenging market. We reviewed the Light Phone III, a minimalist alternative to the iPhone. We shared a list of cookware essentials you should buy separately, in place of a set. We recommended waterproof, wireless outdoor speakers and shared an update on whether synthetic dyes are still in food and what you can do about it.
CR tested the HomeProGym resistance bands in its labs in Yonkers, N.Y.
HomeProGym Stops Sale of Resistance Bands After CR Finds Safety Issue
HomeProGym, maker of the PowerTube Stackable Resistance Bands, stopped selling its 60- and 70-pound bands after CR testing found that the bands could come apart at the handle during use, posing a risk to users.
CR commends HomeProGym for its swift response to the issue. The company immediately removed the problematic models from the market and updated the design of future bands.
If you own these bands from HomeProGym, stop using them and send email to support@homeprogym.com or chat with the company at homeprogym.com.
Keep an eye out for our guide to the best resistance bands.
Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
Cars Are Costlier Than Ever. Save Now With These Tips.
Buying a new car right now is tough. New-car prices are higher than ever, and interest rates, tariffs, and tax credit policies are changing.
“The buying experience keeps getting worse,” says Mike Quincy, Consumer Reports’ auto content specialist.
Fortunately, CR’s auto experts have some tips:
- Look for incentives. Check dealership websites for cash-back incentives. (CR updates its best new-car deals list monthly.)
- Do your research. Consult CR’s road tests, reliability, and owner satisfaction ratings, and safety score.
- Consider a U.S.-built car. There’s a new $10,000 tax credit for auto loan interest on vehicles assembled in the U.S.
Make sure you check CR for car recalls, too, including the latest from Honda and Ford.
Photo: Courtney Lindwall/Consumer Reports Photo: Courtney Lindwall/Consumer Reports
A Smart Phone With All the Essentials and None of the Distractions
The Light Phone III, while technically still a smartphone, is designed for people who want to step away from an addictive, do-everything device but can’t give up certain essentials.
What the Light Phone III Has
In addition to calls, texts, music, podcasts, a notes tool, and a few other basics, the unlocked Light Phone III provides:
- A GPS navigation tool
- A 50-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel selfie camera
- A directory (think of a simpler Yellow Pages)
As for an internet browser, email, or apps—they aren’t here.
Skip the Cookware Set and Buy These Essentials Instead
Cookware sets typically include a stockpot, saucepans, and frying pans. But some pieces may not get as much use as others. For those who are low on space or looking to save money (or both), CR answers the question: Which pieces should we prioritize?
We recommend investing in a saucepan, nonstick skillet, cast-iron frying pan, Dutch oven, and rimmed baking sheets.
Most everything else is a nice-to-have.
The Best Waterproof Wireless Speakers in Our Tests From Bose, JBL, Sony, and Others
If you’re going to head outside with your wireless Bluetooth speaker to blast Taylor Swift or the Temptations, our experts recommend models with water-resistance ratings of IPX7 or IP67.
We evaluate sound quality, ease of use, and versatility in our labs. All should be able to handle some “Midnight Rain” or “Shakey Ground” while sounding great.
Our article covers outdoor models from Bose, Sonos, and Sony. If you’re looking for a terrific indoor speaker, see our review of the best wireless multiroom speakers.
Synthetic Dyes Are in Our Foods. Here's How to Cut Your Exposure.
A year after the federal government made a big announcement about phasing out artificial food dyes, CR looks at what’s happened since.
The answer? Not much, unfortunately.
Okay, So How Can We Avoid Synthetic Dyes?
Because much of the burden is on consumers for now, take these steps to avoid potentially harmful ingredients.
- Review the ingredients list. On packaged products, synthetic dyes are typically represented as colors and numbers. With medications, you can often choose a dye-free option.
- Eat as many fresh, minimally processed foods as possible. Simple, but effective.
- Vote with your food purchase. Until better regulations are implemented, this may be the best way we can send a message.
Fresh From the Labs: Gas Grills, Washing Machines, Pillows
We’re constantly testing the latest products and retesting existing stock.
- We tested a few new gas grills. Find our latest ratings.
- We added new washing machines to our ratings. Read more about the best washing machines of 2026.
- We assessed new pillows. For more, check out our ratings.
