Top 3 Resistance Band Sets Reviewed

The Swiss Army Knife of Fitness

Thanks to the surge of intense, back-to-basics programs like P90X, FOCUS T25, and INSANITY, people are realizing they don’t need expensive equipment to get a serious workout.

Resistance bands are amazingly versatile, no matter your level of fitness. You’ll never get bored of doing the same exercises as there are thousands to learn, try out, and include in your routine.

Choosing the Right Resistance Bands

Although there are many brands out there, most aren’t worth considering. We’ll be looking at the top-selling, most reviewed sets on Amazon.com. Offerings from Black Mountain Products, Bodylastics, and Tribe are reviewed here.

Featured sets are similar according to specs, so differences in band and component quality are the focus of the analysis in full reviews below.

All sets include five bands and may be considered entry level. Bodylastics in particular offers more elaborate sets for bodybuilders, athletes and others with above average strength. Note that if you’re interested in picking up individual resistance bands rather than a set, the SPRI Xertube series can’t be beat.

As resistance bands can snap prematurely or after heavy use, warranty is a significant factor to consider when purchasing.

#1. Bodylastics Basic Series Resistance Band Set

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Bodylastics has long been one of the most respected names in resistance band training, and the Patented Basic Series Resistance Band Set remains one of the strongest entry-level options.

While the way Bodylastics has bundled its sets over the years has evolved, the company’s core strengths have remained constant: durable construction, a versatile accessory package, and one of the better customer support reputations in the category.

The Basic Series set includes five stackable resistance bands, two handles, two ankle straps, a door anchor, a carrying bag, and a user guide. This gives beginners everything needed for full-body workouts at home or while traveling.

The set offers more versatility than initially meets the eye because the bands can be combined. You can easily increase or decrease resistance depending on your current level of fitness. That gives you a lot more room to grow than your typical five-band set.

One feature that continues to set Bodylastics apart is its patented anti-snap design, which uses an internal safety cord to help prevent the band from recoiling if the outer tube fails. This added layer of protection is especially appealing for users performing presses, rows, squats, and other exercises where a snapped band could be disruptive or dangerous.

The handles also deserve mention. Compared with many budget resistance band sets, the grips feel more substantial and comfortable during longer workouts, particularly when using higher resistance combinations.

There are cheaper sets out there that are capable, but if top-notch safety and durability are important to you, the Bodylastics Basic Series is an easy recommendation. It may not be the most powerful set in the company’s lineup, but for most home fitness users it offers more than enough resistance for strength training, rehabilitation exercises, and general fitness without the price tag of premium packages.

Best for: Light-to-medium intensity workouts

Pros: Recognized brand, durable, wide resistance range

Cons: Plenty of more affordable options exist

#2. Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set

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This is one of the top-selling resistance band sets on Amazon.com. Black Mountain claims its tubes are of surgical grade. Judging from popularity and positive customer feedback there does seem to be merit to this claim of high quality. There are less frequent complaints of snapping bands than budget-priced competitors such as Tribe.

The set includes five resistance bands, door anchor, ankle strap, 2 cushioned foam handles, exercise chart and carrying bag. The lightest band is rated at 2-to-4 lbs. of resistance, while the heaviest is rated at 25-to-30 lbs. The bands can be stacked for additional resistance up to 75 lbs.

Black Mountain has upgraded its limited 90-day warrantee to the same “lifetime warranty” their competitor Bodylastics boasts. Snapped bands are quickly replaced without much hassle, as Black Mountain has a reputation for good customer service.

#3. Tribe Resistance Band Set

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This set from Tribe is gaining in popularity due to the seemingly incredible value. It includes all the important items the others brands do for around $6 less. The kit features five resistance bands, door anchor, 2 ankle straps, 2 cushioned foam handles, and waterproof carrying bag.

The specs on the bands are impressive too. The lightest band handles 5 lbs., while the heaviest facilitates 35 lbs. While this looks better than the other sets on paper, Tribe falls behind in terms of quality, and testing the limits of these bands isn’t recommended. Reports of snapping are prevalent among users but not bad enough to tarnish the set’s respectable 4 and ½ star rating.

In a pinch these will do and they’ll get you by if you’re a light user. However people that pick this up to save a few bucks while aiming to use it regularly may find the savings dissipate in the long-term. The Tribe bands will need to be replaced before top-quality brands.

There are no details of a warranty included in the package so if these snap you’re likely on your own. Bodylastics particularly is well worth the extra dough for the added security not to mention better quality tubes out of the box.