A very solid and well built substitute for the more expensive reformers. Although there are a few differences in the convenience of certain features - or rather, the lack of them :) - for me they're quite compensated for by the large difference in price between these and the ones by Peak Pilates, Balanced Body and other companies producing traditionally designed and built reformers (a difference of hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the other model). My few minor issues:

1. The metal T-bar does lower out of the way, althought there are only the 2 adjustments - up and down. It also doesn't lower or rise easily - I had to thump mine into place.

2. The headrest also adjusts, although again to only 2 positions - up (a couple of inches) and down.

3. Winding the ropes around the hooks on the sides to adjust their length for various exercises is a bit time-consuming. The more expensive reformers have much more easily and quickly adjusted nautical-type cleats.

4. The padding is adequate, but not as comfortable as, yet again, the more expensive models (especially, for me, the shoulder rests).

5. The footbar does adjust angle (either straight up or angled back/forward) but doesn't lower completely out of the way. Instead, you remove it when needed. (Like when you want to use the included jumping "board" - actually a nice little trampoline accessory.)

Also, this isn't an issue for me, but it might be for someone else - this reformer uses 4 heavy duty bungee cords for resistance, rather than springs.

The bottom line is that with this reformer (and the box accessory I bought separately), I can do almost* every exercise in Ellie Herman's Pilates Reformer book without feeling like my reformer is wobbly, unstable or a distraction in and of itself. And I saved a lot of money ;)

*(For those of you wondering, there are only 3 exercises in that book I can't do with this reformer. The "Rocking Swan" and the "Grasshopper", because the footbar angle doesn't lower down far enough, and the "Round Back" reverse knee stretch, and its variations, because in that exercise your hands hold the frame of the reformer - and of course the Aeropilates doesn't have side frame boards to hold.)

Hope this helps! 5 stars

I just purchased this unit after several years of professional Pilates sessions, so I was concerned that it wouldn't be up to par with with professional reformers. However, it came very quickly (7 days), and tho I had to put it together (1.5 hrs, but I'm no whiz with these things), I love it already. I also purchased the Stamina Level 2 and 3 videos, and several others which I've used on this machine with great satisfaction. It's not a cadillac of course, but it's pretty darn good for the money, for a home system. It's very sturdy, stable, strong. I'll add a Tower eventually, and it will be great for home use. I'm very happy with this unit. 5 stars

I have been doing mat pilates at home for 2.5 years and really wanted a reformer to make my workouts more fun (or at least interesting). I first purchased a reformer from Costco for about $[...]. Horrible quality and no one would answer the phone for the 10 days that I called them. Took it back.
I purchased this from Amazon after some research into both quality and price. The free shipping made it an easy decision (although it did take over two weeks).
This is a very sturdy piece of equipment. It does not fold or collapse so you do need a lot of space for it.
I am happy with the quality of the unit. One of the DVDs that came with it was poor quality. I called the 800 number and they replaced it quickly with no questions.
I would definitely recommend this for someone who is starting out in pilates. I don't know about experienced reformer users, since I am not one.
I can tell you that after 2.5 years of mat pilates 3x per week, I am finding the level 1 workout challenging (which is a good thing, I think). 5 stars

Excellent machine. Great Quality. Good looking, which is nice since it does not fold up for storage. Although it weighs over 100 lbs. I was still able to assemble it myself in less than two hours. I am a 50+ little old lady so that's saying something. Have lost inches and firmed abs with just the basic exercises on the DVD's included. Highly recommend this machine over the "cheaper" models. This one is truly a "Professional Grade" Machine for the home. 5 stars

It's sturdy, well-built, works well (smooth) and the elevation (off the floor) is great. Plenty of available resistance. In comparing reformers, this had good reviews and the price was right. It seems that we made a good purchase. 5 stars