In this post, I will compare the Innova ITX9600 inversion table vs. Ironman Gravity 4000 and help you decide which is the best option. These two top-rated inversion tables have some similarities, but also some significant differences. If you are in the market for an affordable inversion table, I encourage you to keep reading.
Contents
There are a lot of inversion tables on the market, and choosing one can be very difficult. In this review, I hope to take some of the guesswork out of the decision-making process so you can get started using an inversion table.
As a guy who has been dealing with back problems most of my adult life, I have used a variety of inversion tables over the years. I am glad to share my insight in this post. Today I want to break down these popular inversion tables and share some things I look for in an inversion table.
The Innova ITX9600 and Ironman Gravity 4000 inversion tables are both highly rated and are pretty darn affordable compared to other tables on the market.
With that said, let’s get right to it.
Innova ITX9600 inversion table vs. Ironman Gravity 4000
Backrest
Innova ITX9600
This model has a padded backrest that is comfortable to lie down on. The backrest is easy to clean and has an adjustable height headrest. This is a no-frills backrest but gets the job done.
Ironman Gravity 4000
The Ironman inversion table has a 2 ½ inch thick memory foam backrest, with a vinyl cover. Again, the backrest is easy to clean and is very comfortable to lie on. The backrest is long enough to accommodate users up to 6’6” tall and also comes with a lumbar support cushion.
Advantage: Ironman
Ankle locking system
You want to feel secure when you are hanging upside down, and that is why the ankle locking system is one of the most critical mechanisms on an inversion table. The ankle holding system is made up of three parts, the ankle cushions, the locking/release handle, and the footrest. I will discuss each of these in more detail below.
Innova ITX9600
The locking/release handle for me is one of the essential parts of an inversion table. The ITX9600 uses a short handle, and that is one strike against this model. A short handle means more bending over, and if you are dealing with a back injury, bending over can be very difficult. I am speaking from experience here.
The cushions themselves are adequate, but not the greatest, with a u-shaped cushion for the front of your lower leg and a foam roll for the back of your legs. These cushions are reversible, meaning you can swap the foam roll and the u-shaped cushions to the front or back, which is a nice feature.
The footrest, the part you stand on when you step onto the inversion table, is at a fixed height. Some tables have an adjustable height footrest.
Ironman Gravity 4000
The Ironman 4000 has a longer extended locking/release handle, and that is one of the great features on this inversion table. You don’t have to bend over as far when using your table, and in my eyes, that is a good thing. I have had sciatic nerve pain radiating down my right leg so bad I could not bend over to tie my shoes. A long handle is a significant feature of an inversion table.
The Gravity 4000 has u-shaped cushions for both the front and back of your lower leg and makes for a comfortable and secure fit. I have used a table with the foam roll like the Innova, and it just was not nearly as comfortable in my eyes.
Like the ITX9600, the footrest is fixed at one height.
Advantage: Ironman Gravity 4000
Inversion angle adjustment
There are two methods used to adjust the inversion angle on most tables, the preset pushpin mechanism, or a tether strap. I will dissect both of these options and tell you why I prefer one over the other.
The pushpin method is foolproof; you choose an inversion angle setting and lean back. This type of adjustment system does have it’s limitations, though, and I will explain that next.
The preset angles typically come in increments of 15 or 20 degrees, like 15, 30, 45, 60, or 20, 40, 60 degrees. These angles might be fine for most people, but not for folks like me. In 2015 I suffered a pretty severe back injury, and I was not able to lay down flat on my back or stand up straight.
After months of recovery, I was finally able to lay down flat on my back, so at that point, I could begin to use my inversion table. I had to start slow, with a shallow angle of like 15 degrees. As I progressed, I was able to increase my inversion angle slowly.
I would increase my angle from 15 to 20 degrees, then to 25 degrees and so on. I was not able to make a 15 or 20-degree jump at one time, so a pushpin inversion angle adjustment I would not have worked for me.
With a tether strap angle adjustment, you are not limited by preset angles. You can choose any angle you want by lengthening or shortening the strap. I prefer the tether strap to the pushpin style for the reasons I just mentioned.
Innova ITX9600
Uses a preset pushpin setup
Gravity 4000
Uses a tether strap
Advantage: Ironman Gravity 4000
Assembly
Both of these inversion tables come partially assembled, and if you are somewhat handy, you can handle putting it together yourself. I recommend having someone to help you with assembly, only because inversion tables are heavy and awkward to move by yourself.
Building the inversion table in the space, or room, you will use it is also a wise thing to do. You don’t want to have to move the inversion table after you build it. Inversion tables are cumbersome to move. I would plan on about an hour to assemble either one of these inversion tables.
Advantage: Tie, both have to be assembled
Weight capacity
The Innova ITX9600
Has a maximum user weight of 300 pounds, which is pretty standard for most inversion tables.
Ironman Gravity 4000
One of the defining features of this “heavy-duty” inversion table is that it will support users up to 350 pounds, making this table the clear winner.
Advantage: Ironman
Price
Innova ITX9600
This table is the less expensive model, and that is appealing to a lot of people. Although it does lack a few features of the Ironman, like a lumbar support pillow, the price point on this model is excellent.
Ironman Gravity 4000
The more expensive model of the two (see prices below), the Ironman inversion table does have a higher user weight limit and a lumbar pillow. This model also comes with a tether strap inversion adjustment. There are a few extra features you don’t get with the Innova.
Advantage: Innova ITX9600 strictly based on price
Verdict: Innova ITX9600 vs. Ironman Gravity 4000
I recommend the Ironman Gravity 4000 and here is why:
- The Ironman uses a tether strap to adjust the inversion angle instead of limiting the user with preset angles.
- An extended length locking/release handle is a critical feature on an inversion table
- The backrest comes with a lumbar support pillow
- The ankle locking system has better ankle cushions for holding you securely in place
I believe the Ironman Gravity 4000 is a well-priced inversion table that will get the job done. The Innova ITX9600 has a large following and a lot of great reviews, but I think the price point has a lot to do with that. If you are looking for a well-constructed, solid inversion table that will last for many years, I think the Ironman is a great option.
For more information, you can check out my complete review of Innova ITX9600 here .
You can also read my complete Ironman Gravity 4000 review here.
Thank you for stopping by today. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below, and I will get back to you soon.
Steve