Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Inversion Therapy Table Review

The Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 inversion therapy tables is one of Teeter’s most popular inversion tables on the market today. While it doesn’t have all the features that the EP-550 Sport model comes with, the table is around $100 cheaper – making it a great deal in terms of the quality of table you get for the price. Personally, I really like the Teeter EP 550 for someone who wants a good, higher end table now and who may want to upgrade in order to perform more core workout exercises later.

Update: April, 2012 – Teeter recently came out with a newer model, the EP-560 which is replacing this model. Read our full review here: Teeter EP-560 review, and find out why the 560 is a better model than the 550 is (Not that the 500 is a bad model, there are just a few key upgrades that you don’t want to miss out on, along with some nice accessories that come free with the 560).

Our Teeter EP-550 Inversion Table Review

Advantages

Made by Teeter. Teeter is the most trusted brand in the inversion table industry for good reason.

Safe: UL 1647 standard certified.

Easier to stretch with Ergonomic Flex technology and smooth back surface

Durable: has been tested to a 400% load for safety and at least 30,000 inversion repetitions

Easy to set up. Average time is between 15-20 minutes

Easy to fold and store

You can add accessories to customize the table

Disadvantages

No easy to reach ankle lock system
Does not comes with Gravity boots or traction handles (although they can be purchased separately)

Ease of Use

As with all Teeter made tables, the EP-550 is very easy to use. I have found that the Teeter tables are the best, most precisely balanced of all brands, which makes it very easy to invert to the exact angle you want. In addition, with the included tether strap you have the ability to pre-set your desired inversion angle. Then, because of the way the back padding was designed you can stretch further and in different angles than you can with other brands tables.

The only reason this table (the companies most popular table) does not get 5 stars is because it doesn’t come with the Gravity boots. Is this that big of a deal? That depends on what you want to use the table for – if you just want an inversion table that will be very easy to use and will be safe and last forever, this would be our number 1 recommendation.

However, if you are looking for a more intense inverted workout, then we would recommend spending the extra money and purchasing the Teeter EP-550 Sport Inversion Table. The other really nice advantage of the Teeter EP-550 vs other brands is how easy it is to set up (again, all tables made by Teeter are easy to set up). In fact, the company commissioned some engineers to test how long it took to set up their table vs other brands, and the engineers were able to set the 550 model up in just 13 minutes….compared to 71 minutes for the competition. We were also able to set up our table in about 15 minutes and found it extremely easy to do. Storage is also very easy with this model. We were even able to store it in a small closet, and have no issues taking it out, using it, and putting it back every day. No, the table is not light (we wouldn’t want it to be), but it is fairly easy to move.

Features

The EP-550 by Teeter Hang Ups comes with the following features:

Flex technology back rest. This patented technology allows you to bend a little bit while you are inverted. Obviously this won’t help while you are fully inverted, but is advantageous when you are inverting at angles less than 90 degrees. In addition, the construction materials are top notch and much higher quality than you get with foam or vinyl backrests. The backing will not tear or stain, and is also very easy to clean. Furthermore, the material is smooth, allowing you to slide instead of stick to the padding and get the best ergonomic stretch possible for your back.
Ankle Comfort Dial. This really helps reduce pressure on your feet and ankles, which is one of the most common complaints regarding inversion therapy.
Patented Features for security and safety. This is the main reason we recommend Teeter’s tables so much – they are the safest tables you can buy. The Teeter EP-550 comes with cam locks, hinges that auto-lock, and steel parts that are heat-treated for maximum strength and security. These tables will last longer than any other brand on the market today.
Perfect rotation control and precision balancing
Ability to customize the table by adding gravity boots, EZ Stretch traction handles, or the Vibration Cushion with Neck Pillow
Adjustable strap which lets you control your inversion angle
Comes with a DVD which includes 5 workout/stretch routines to help decrease/prevent back pain and instructions on how to use the table properly
Sturdy A-frame base with rubber stoppers to protect your floors and prevent slipping
Quick storage capabilities. The table folds quickly to 28″ x 16″ x 66″, and is very easy to unfold for use afterwards (I do this every day without problem or complaint)
Supports up to 300 lbs of weight

Quality / Durability

As with all Teeter Hang Ups tables, the EP-550 base model is extremely high quality – the best you can buy on the market today. Just because the model is less expensive does not mean the company cut any corners in terms of quality. In fact, you get the exact same quality with the EP-550 as you do with the EP-550 Sport or EP-950 inversion table. This model is certified and tested to pass UL 1647 engineering standards, which means:

It passed a test where the table lasted at least 30,000 repetitions while holding the maximum weight load (in fact, the testers stopped testing after 30,000 repetitions – the table never broke down)
The table was weight load tested to at least 400% of the maximum rated user weight. This means that with a maximum user weight of 300 lbs, the table was tested to 1200 lbs for safety.
The Ankle holds were also tested to 30,000 repetitions
The tables was speed-rotation tested to make sure the table was stable under even extreme conditions.

Bottom line: Teeter doesn’t skip or cut ANY corners when it comes to tested their machines. The fact is, there aren’t safety standards in the inversion table industry, but Teeter still goes out of it’s way to test and certify their tables. Furthermore, the tests are all meant to simulate ‘real world use’ (and beyond real world use to be honest), to ensure that you will have no problems with safety while inverting.[/tab] [tab]Customers love the Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 inversion therapy table. The 550 model earned high ratings of 4.7/5.0 stars from Amazon, and zero 1-star reviews out of over 140 total reviews.

Best Place to Buy The Teeter EP-550 Inversion Therapy Table

Currently, the best place to buy the Teeter EP 550 is at Amazon.com – they have the best price, and of course you can always count on the customer service and free shipping.