Vintage Bullworker - ISO 7X Comparison

October 14, 2010

I had the distinct pleasure of handling an ISO X7 at Big 5 Sporting Goods store

today . The most obvious thing is that the handles, the same shape and design as

the Bullworker's, are much larger than the Bullworker's - about 25% larger. To

me, this really didn't matter, as I find the handles on my vintage brown-handled

Bullworker to be comfortable and just fine. The material of the handles is

different, as well. The handles on the ISO 7X are of a hard plastic, whereas the

handles on the Bullworker, also of plastic, have more of a hard rubber feel to

them. This difference is neither here nor there and really isn't worth any great

consideration, except to simply note it as being a difference. The numbers

running the length of one of the cylinders appears to be etched on, as they are

on the newer Bullworkers - a really top-notch feature!

The ISO X7 is extremely well made and and the action is smooth. The resistance

feels to be about the same as my vintage Bullworker. The only thing I didn't

like about the ISO X7 is the webbing straps. I much prefer the round steel

cables on the Bullworker.

So, all in all, the ISO X7 is every bit as sturdy and well made as a Bullworker,

well worth the investment, and you sure can't go wrong with the price!

For my part, I have no plans to get one, as I would essentially be replacing one

bully that I'm perfectly happy with, for another that does exactly the same

thing. The only thing that would make me even consider replacing my Bullworker

with an ISO 7X would be the larger handles, as they are, aside from the web

straps, the only appreciable difference between the two. But, because the larger

handles, to me, are of no consequence, I'll just stick with my trusty old

Bullworker that has served me well all these years and continues to do so.

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