Which Reformer Should I Buy?
Wondering which reformer is best for you? Let’s compare a few….
Balanced Body Reformers
I am team Balanced Body all the way. Their reformers are made in the USA, the quality is top notch, and the smoothness in the way the carriage glides is unmatched. The quality is guaranteed. A special discount is applied at checkout when you click on my links.
Balanced Body Springs: All of these reformers typically come with 3 different spring tensions: 3 heavy springs (red), 1 medium (blue) and 1 super light (yellow). You can also ask for an extra heavy spring (green). Having the option of different spring tensions is ideal, which is another reason why I love these reformers so much.
Allegro 2 Reformer:
Price: $3,995 Standard, $4,325 with legs.
Material: Powder-coated aluminum frame, maple platform, heavy duty vinyl upholstery.
This is the reformer I have, and love. It’s quite frankly the easiest to use on the market. I highly suggest getting it with the legs as that allows for a few more exercise options.
You have the choice between the original steel footbar and the new carbon fiber one. I have tried both and much prefer the steel footbar. I like the heavier feel of it. Both footbars are infinity footbars, meaning they slide horizontally the entire length of the frame, which offers additional exercise options.
Another cool feature on these machines is the option to take off the shoulder blocks or rotate them to allow more room for your legs during exercises facing the back of the reformer. This is not an option on most of the other machines.
Allegro Reformer:
Price: $2,995 standard, $3,345 with legs.
Material: Anodized aluminum frame, vinyl upholstery.
This is the original design before the Allegro 2 came out around 2013. It is a significant $1,000 cheaper than the new version, which makes it enticing. However, the standing platform is a bit smaller than the Allegro 2, and the carriage is less long than the Allegro 2 carriage. So, if you’re taller than 5’6”, I wouldn’t suggest getting this one.
Allegro Stretch Reformer:
Price: $3,395 standard, $3,745 with legs
This is pretty much the same as the Allegro, with a 2 inch wider and 6 inch longer carriage. Its frame is 18 inches longer than the Allegro, making it the longest frame in Balanced Body reformers. If you are significantly tall, give this one a try.
Click here to shop Allegro Stretch
Studio Reformer:
Pice: $4,400 - $4,800 depending on the footbar you choose.
Material: Strata maple frame, heavy duty vinyl upholstery
This is a beautiful reformer, and has more of a classic feel. There are four footbar options. I personally find the classic footbar annoying to change, and much prefer the Strata Rock Maple - XSR footbar for ease of use. You can also call Balanced Body and order a Studio reformer with the infinity footbar (the one that moves horizontally down the frame).
Merrithew Reformers
Price: $2,749 - $5,099. The higher price one is a little higher off the floor and includes the Reformer box.
I’ve tried these reformers, and I will say they are not as smooth as Balanced Body Reformers. I can’t be certain why, but I think it has to do with their pulley and rope system. They offer two spring packages: one that includes heavy, medium and super light springs, and another one that doesn’t have the super light spring - so just make sure you know what you’re ordering if you go this route.
I found an Amazon link to this one: it’s $2,999 and includes the box, 4 heavy springs and 1 medium spring, no legs included so you’ll be closer to the floor.
AeroPilates
Price: $569
Material: Alloy steel frame
Although the price is very appealing, there are a few things to note. The dimensions are similar to the Allegro with the legs. However, the footbar does not move, which is problematic, in my opinion. There is only one spring tension available, which is the equivalent to a Balanced Body heavy spring, I believe. The frame rails are very narrow, which can be an issue for moves with hands on the rails.
Click here to shop AeroPilates
In conclusion, it all boils down to your budget, of course. If you can splurge on a Balanced Body Allegro 2 (with legs) or their Studio Reformer, you definitely won’t regret it. Yes, you can still do quite a bit of moves on the AeroPilates but if you’re looking for a way to do as many different exercises as possible, with a machine that will withstand the test of time, maybe try something else.
The good news is, you get a discount to any of the Balanced Body reformers (and equipment) through my links. You can also call them at 1-916-388-2838 and mention my name (Gabrielle Saran) to receive the special discount. Here’s the page to all of my links.
Having a reformer in your home makes working out even easier - I know this from experience! If you’re looking for reformer workouts, check out my app Saran Pilates or click here to browse all of my on-demand workouts.
Check out this blog post about Reformer Boxes.
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