HomeProGym Stops Sale of 60- and 70-Pound Resistance Bands After CR’s Tests Reveal Safety Issue
The company has been proactive after CR’s independent lab testing found that the handle of certain bands can separate, posing an injury risk
HomeProGym, maker of the PowerTube Stackable Resistance Bands, has stopped selling its 60- and 70-pound bands after Consumer Reports testing found the bands could come apart at the handle during use, posing a risk to users. Our experts discovered the issue while testing 33 resistance band sets. We purchased and tested a second set of bands from HomeProGym and found the same problem.
After alerting the company to the issue, HomeProGym moved swiftly to protect consumers by removing the problematic models from the market and updating the design of future products. They will also contact consumers who already own the products and offer replacement bands from a future batch or a merchant credit. If you own the 60- and 70-pound bands, you should stop using them immediately.
Customers can reach out to the company at support@homeprogym.com or via live chat on homeprogym.com.
CR tested the HomeProGym resistance bands in its Yonkers, N.Y. labs.
When we contacted HomeProGym, they conducted an immediate investigation and found the root cause: The stoppers in the 60- and 70-pound weighted bands are marginally undersized, allowing the tube to slip through a grommet in the handle under high-force loads.
The company provided the following statement:
"HomeProGym bands were designed for portable, gym-grade strength training, and our customers’ safety is our top priority. When a batch-specific issue with our PowerTube 60lb and 70lb bands was brought to our attention, we moved quickly: halting sales, voluntarily filing a Section 15(b) Initial Report with the U.S. CPSC under the Fast Track Recall program, working with our manufacturer on design corrections to prevent recurrence, and contacting all affected customers with a safety notice and remedy options."
HomeProGym has stated it is contacting customers who own the 60- and 70-pound weighted resistance bands and offering either a replacement from a future batch or a store credit. They are also advising customers to stop using the bands immediately.
The set was previously available for sale on HomeProGym’s website and through Amazon. The company is currently updating the design for these bands and replacing what was previously a wooden bead inside the tube with a hard-plastic, cone-shaped stopper. CR will purchase and test these updated bands when they are available, and will publish our full ratings of resistance bands in the near future.
