Powerballs under a tenner, Powerball Pros under £20

Former_MSE_Lawrence

What in Gordon Bennett's name is a Powerball?

It's a plastic ball about the size of a tennis ball, containing a powerful gyroscope which is designed to strengthen your grip and arm muscles. They are especially useful in rehabilitating wrist disorders such as RSI or CTS, as well as impressing friends...

Pro models include a screen which gives you a score (in RPM) after each attempt, and this makes it furiously addictive (just ask MSE Neil).

Better still Play has a promotion on them at the moment, meaning they're cheaper than ever.

Okay, what are the options?

• Original Powerball 250hz £7.99 inc. delivery. Play's offering the original Powerball, which is capable of serious muscle training, but lacks the digital scoring display for under eight quid (in orange only, blue is £9.99). It's a good option for people who want the grip training element but aren't fussed about competing with friends. Let's face it though, that's not many of us...

• Powerball Neon Pro 250hz £17.99 inc. delivery. This 'Pro' edition is also cheapest at Play (various colours available, link is to blue). The difference between this and the model above is its scoring screen, which tells you in RPM just how much tension your previously fine-feeling arm can withstand. Practice a little while and you'll soon have high scores to go with your sore arms.

• Powerball Pro Signature £17.99 inc. delivery. As part of its new sale, Play's also offering the signature edition model for £17.99 (usually £26.99). This one comes in a funky translucent white colour to appeal to your vanity, and has a screen and a slightly faster, more powerful gyro for even more pain! It also comes with an instructional mini-dvd which promises to teach you all there is to know about powerballing (ie. not enough to fill a proper-size DVD).

How do I use it?

To use it, you hold it tightly and move your wrist in tight circles, building up gyroscopic force. It really does work; you'll be surprised at just how much force builds up, and how solid it'll make your forearms in time. Not to mention how proud you'll become of your 'unbeatable' score...

If you've seen the products above cheaper, then please post below and I'll add them into this top post.

jvector

The "Science Museum Strengthball" is in the Argos catalog for £7.99.
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500000701&langId=-1&searchTerms=strengthball&x=0&y=0

This looks more like the 'pro' than 'standard' models in that it has an LCD display to show max RPM etc, although it does not have glowing LEDs like the most de luxe versions.

'Science Museum' is a name I have seen in various catalogues and I believe they have a franchise shop within the museum itself. Quality looks OK.

I got one as a pressy for my son (who's quite strong inthe arm) and he's quite impressed.

postingalwaysposting

remember cash back sites :j

sco0ter

Bought one of these a week ago to help build power in my wrist (old sports injury). Also found it can help my shoulder as well. Dont be fooled by the Argos ones if you are going to be a serious user. I had 4 from argos in 3 weeks and they dont last at high speeds (9000 and above). They also are not as comfy or have a decent grip on them. The powerballs come with a lifetime guarantee and are a lot more solid.

As for what they do... I must say it does take the boredom out of those tedious excercises the physio has you doing and can be used almost anywhere. Just be sure not to overdo it as they WILL leave you with an aching arm in the morning.

BTW.. As an added bonus play are giving away a free gift with the NEONS.

Iom-rf

The signature ball is the one to have, neons are always £17.99 on play.com, but the signature powerball is normally £25+

The free gift, either a powerball case or a powerball stressball is also a good deal!

sticher

signature one is now more expensive on Play, but Amazon have them for £18.99.

dolphinl

I have bought the Signature one from Amazon - had a £5 voucher. I did buy a normal one from Asda a few months ago and that was £9.99 and works great, so looking forward to seeing the stats on this new one!