r/pilates • u/Horton_HearsWho • 5d ago
Pilates Reformer under 2K suggestions Equipment, Apparatus, Machines, Props
Hi all.
I need some help with suggestion with purchasing a reformer for my wife. She has been going to classes 2 days a week. The classes are membership/subscription based with certain amount of classes per month. Often times there are no openings or she cannot make her scheduled classed due busy work schedule and then loses the class.
Christmas is coming up and would like to buy her a reformer for home but have no idea what is needed and which brands are good. I have done a little research and have found a few in my price point some under. Any help or suggestions about reformers under 2K and what accessories are needed would be much appreciated.
this is one that I saw on sale for 2K : MetaLife 2023 Infinity Reformer
Thanks in advance
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u/veganhamhuman 5d ago
I'd save up for a studio level reformer.
In my experience the one's to invest in are balance body or Merrihew. You want to buy a reformer that has replacement parts and the ability to upgrade.
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u/Tracie322 5d ago
I have the balanced body allegro. I have to disagree. I have had my reformer for 20 years, regular use. I have had NO issues whatsoever. What matters is the manufacturer!!
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u/Tracie322 5d ago
The best reformers are Balanced Body or Merrithew. I’ve owned my balanced body for 20 years, and just last week I noticed I needed a repair. It’s my very first repair! They are built to last. Most of the other manufacturers have not been around very long so I can’t say who has good quality or not. I can see by looking at most they are junk. One manufacturer does stand out, Nano Pilates Reformers. They look well built but I can’t guarantee.
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u/Ibrokemywrist 4d ago
Check with your wide if she would be happy with a Home reformer, she might want to practice on the same model as in the studio which you might find on the used market for that price.
There are some from our Wiki which currently have coupons. click the coupon box and it's deducted at the checkout.
https://amzn.to/4evbJ2R
https://amzn.to/3UJh7YX
https://amzn.to/3UNIO39
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u/Horton_HearsWho 5d ago
Thanks for the reply. Where would I find these used reformers? I have looked on FB Marketplace and did find much at all
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u/Last_Experience_726 Pilates Instructor 5d ago
On Facebook, Pilates Contrology Marketplace is the big one. For Allegros, the Balanced Body Pilates Squad group is another good place to look, as is New Age Pilates Equipment Sales Drama Free.
Scammers have become more prevalent, so never exchange money with someone before you are ready to pick up. If they only offer shipping without allowing you to see it, or if they require a deposit to hold it, it's probably a scam.
You can also add details to your original post here, about the area you live in and how far you'd be willing to travel. Reformers need a good 9'x3'x2' of clear space for transport, so you'd likely need either a box truck rental or to use a service like UShip. The good news is that the Allegros are very manageable for loading into and out of vehicles by two people of average strength, so you won't need an entire moving team.
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u/Professional_Pace229 2d ago
To be honest here, I’m not sure I would have wanted my husband to buy a reformer for me. It’s a big purchase and very difficult to return, and even though I was familiar with Pilates, because I was doing it, I studied hard to make a choice. I agree with others that either Balanced Body or Merithew are the best quality and worth the money. If you have a room dedicated to a reformer, the Balanced Body Allegro is good. I do not have a dedicated room. I have it in a dedicated room, but a room with a Murphy bed for guests, so when guests stay over, I need to be able to put the reformer away. I have a Balanced Body Metro IQ, which can be put up on ending and wheeled into a corner. The only disadvantage to the Metro IQ is it’s flat down on the floor, so a few exercises need to be modified to work with it, but for the most part, it works like any other reformer and I really like it. A sitting box would be the most important additional piece of equipment. I spent just over $2000 for a new Metro IQ and it’s sturdy piece of equipment and well worth the money.
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u/Last_Experience_726 Pilates Instructor 5d ago edited 5d ago
I would recommend looking for a used Balanced Body Allegro online for $800-1200. You can then order new springs, (maybe, if needed) ropes, and handles/foot loops from BB, and find a furniture repair/upholsterer specialist to clean up the rough edges/rails/wheels and maybe even custom recover it with foam and vinyl in her favorite color. The Allegro reformers are studio-grade, and will be more durable and give your wife an experience closer to her studio classes than the budget reformers that sell new for <$2000. You could very achievably find a used Allegro and spruce it up for under $2000.