TRX Versus TACFIT R.O.P.E

So i just got my hands on a TRX Basic Training DVD. And this post is a comparison review of TRX and TACFIT R.O.P.E. (TFR)

Before i go on, i must tell you that the goal of my comparing TRX and TFR is not to bring down TRX, rather to give it a fair trial from a customer's point of view. And such, share an unbiased view of the value of the products in question.

I mentioned that i was not sold on the TRX some time ago. However i did not have access to their DVD so i can't really comment fully on its value. Hopefully this time they can convince me.

That said, i admit that it is still a bit unfair for TRX as i am not comparing their Force Training DVD with TFR. So until i get my hands on it, i just have to make do with this one.

It would be organized according to the 4Ps of marketing, ie price, packaging, place, product. I'll not review the equipment for product, but only the training program.

Pros are highlighted in blue. Cons are highlighted in red. Arguable points are not highlighted and would be elaborated below.

Summary

Components	TRX	TACFIT R.O.P.E
Price	SGD380.00 Not sure if the DVD is available separately Force DVD USD54.95 + shipping	USD49.95 E-product, no shipping cost
Packaging	Nice presentation in a nice studio Very hip kind of style Charismatic instructor conducts the follow-along Nice looking models demo the exercises Instructions are not detailed Models are wearing athletic trainers	No fluff No charisma No hip No studio Shot outdoors in the woods/park, super low budget production Detailed instructions No pretty models, only Coach Sonnon
Place	Needs a DVD player	Can be more portable since it can be uploaded to an ipod.
Product	40 minutes No warm up program It is not clear if the flexibility program included is the cool down program Flexibility program is not specific to the training movements Flexibility program requires the use of the TRX No recovery protocol/techniques for the recovery periods Not detailed biomechanics taught for all exercises, eg. push ups are taught with the elbows flared and it is not explained why Manual is very brief	30 minutes Warm up program included specific for the training movements Cool down program included specific for the training movements Cool down program does not require any equipment Detailed biomechanics for all exercises A detailed manual outlining all you need to know to complete this program from the easiest to the hardest progressions

Discussion

Price wise, TFR wins.

Packaging wise, depends on how you see it. If you like to see a nicer package and don't mind spending the cash, then go for TRX. On the other hand if you don't mind the austereness and therefore budget savings, then TFR got it.

Place wise, TFR is more portable as if you have an ipod, you can view the video anywhere. TRX needs a DVD player. But this problem is a minor one as you could always write down the program on a piece of paper to make it even more portable. Tie.

Product wise, for me it is a hands down win by TFR for all the reasons stated above. The only contention is the use of the TRX for the flexibility program. You can say that it is a good marketing tool for them to show you that you "need" the TRX for it. There is even a Flexibility DVD sold on their website. On the other hand, if you are like me, i am a minimalist. If i can use nothing except my bodyweight and the floor, i would prefer that, like what is presented in TFR.

Special Mention: Push ups

One glaring thing that caught my attention from TRX is that they teach the push ups with the elbows flared. Why it is taught this way not explained. We know that according to the 7 Components of Structure, the elbows should be tucked in to the ribs to engage the lats to protect the shoulders.

At least if a certain technique they teach deviates from the norm, they should explain why it is done that way.

Somebody please give me a convincing explanation why it is a good idea to flare the elbows for push ups.

More on tools

As an aside, it seems that most popular fitness systems are very attached to their tools. New tools are being produced and marketed and new hypes are being promoted every now and then of a whole array of programs using these tools.

Tools are not wrong by the way, but hey, if you have to spend so much money to get these tools, why? Why oh why? If you are just looking for functional fitness, it can be achieved using commonly available tools, like your bodyweight alone. Your bodyweight is the most readily accessible tool everybody has.

If your sport depends on a specific tool exclusively, like weightlifting/powerlifting or kettlebell sport, then sure, that tool should be the mainstay for your program. But for the rest of the population, isn't it a better idea to use tools that are more readily available? Or if you have a variety of tools, to have decent proficiency in using them instead of just a limited range?

As Coach Sonnon says: the protocol is more important the technique, the technique is more important than the tool.

Verdict

I recommend TFR anytime over TRX. On the other hand, i cannot recommend TRX. Even if i get it for free, i wouldn't want it. Thanks but no thanks.

Get your copy of TACFIT R.O.P.E. here by clicking on the picture: