Safety regulator, Nautilus Direct Announce Recall of Bowflex Power Pro Fitness Machines
Recall 04073 · Jan 29, 2004 · Nautilus Direct (doing business as Bowflex)
420,000
units affected
420,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 04073
- Date
- Jan 29, 2004
- Company
- Nautilus Direct (doing business as Bowflex)
- Units affected
- 420,000
- Product
- Bowflex Power Pro XL, XTL and XTLU systems with the "Lat Tower" attachment
- Product type
- Exercise Machines/Equipment
- Hazard
- Falls
The product
The recalled fitness machines are the Bowflex Power Pro XL, XTL and XTLU systems with the "Lat Tower" attachment. The "Lat Tower" attaches to the back of the bench, and has pull-down pulleys attached. The name "Bowflex" and the model name are printed on the front of the machine. The machine has 10 to 14 resistance rods that extend about 48 inches high and a backboard bench that is about 36 inches long.
What can happen
First, while being used in the incline position, the machine's backboard bench can unexpectedly collapse and break, posing a risk of injury to the user. Second, the "Lat Tower," can rotate forward and fall during use, posing a risk of injury to the user.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the backboard bench in the incline position and "Lat Tower" on the fitness machines immediately. The firm is no longer in business and the recall remedy is no longer available. Discard this product. Do not donate or resell.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Nautilus Direct has received at least 18 reports of the "Lat Tower" rotating forward and falling, resulting in at least 14 back, neck, shoulder, teeth, nose and head injuries, some of which required stitches.
- Sold at
- Infomercials and specialized retail stores nationwide sold the fitness machines, from January 1995 through December 2003, for between $1,200 and $1,600.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled bowflex power pro xl, xtl and xtlu systems with the "lat tower" attachment?
Consumers should stop using the backboard bench in the incline position and "Lat Tower" on the fitness machines immediately. The firm is no longer in business and the recall remedy is no longer available. Discard this product. Do not donate or resell.
What is the hazard?
First, while being used in the incline position, the machine's backboard bench can unexpectedly collapse and break, posing a risk of injury to the user. Second, the "Lat Tower," can rotate forward and fall during use, posing a risk of injury to the user.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.