In this review, I am going to compare the Teeter FitSpine X1 vs. X3 inversion tables. These two models offer some similar features as well as a few pretty significant differences. We will cover all of that in this review. If you are in the market for an excellent inversion table, I encourage you to keep reading and find out which model is best for you.
Contents
I own a Teeter inversion table and use it regularly since I have a long history of back problems. Unfortunately, I am well versed in using an inversion table, and I can point out why I think Teeter offers such great value with their products.
With that said, let’s get into this review.
Teeter FitSpine X1 vs. X3 Comparison
Backrest
The X1 and X3 inversion tables share the FlexTech backrest which is not only comfortable to lie on but also has a couple of other features I really want to discuss. The FlexTech backrest has built-in handgrips, and this gives you something to grab onto if you’re going to stretch out your upper back side to side. You don’t see this feature with a lot of other inversion tables on the market.
Both models also come with acupressure nodes, which are great for pressure point relief. The acupressure nodes are easy to pop in and out of the backrest so you can put them wherever you need them, or remove them entirely if you don’t want to use them.
If you have tight knots under your shoulder blades or other points on your back, the acupressure nodes are great for those. The different color acupressure nodes vary in height and intensity.
Another included feature on both the FitSpine X1 and X3 is the lumbar bridge, which is for your lower back. You can attach the lumbar bridge to the backrest, and it fits comfortably under your lower back to stretch more if you need it.
Overall, the backrest is well designed, easy to clean, and is very customizable.
Advantage: Tie
Inversion Angle Adjustment
Adjusting how far you will rotate backward is simple with the tether strap on these Teeter inversion tables. There are some differences in these models, so let’s talk about that.
I want to start with the FitSpine X3 because that will make it easier to illustrate the difference between the two tether straps. The X3 uses the EZ-Angle Tether which has preset marks sewn to the strap itself. These marks indicate inversion angles of 20, 40, and 60 degrees. The marks are color-coded according to the angle you want.
With the preset marks on the X3, you also have a good idea where to set the strap if you want to invert at an angle of say 30 degrees, which would be between the 20 and 40-degree marks.
The X1 does not come with the EZ-Angle strap, but rather a standard strap, so there are no preset inversion angle marks. The standard strap with no markings can make finding a precise angle more challenging. My Teeter inversion table is set up this way.
The beauty of the tether strap, regardless of the FitSpine model, is that you are not limited to preset angles like you are with other inversion tables that use a pushpin type of mechanism. With a pushpin type, you are limited to inversion angles of 15, 30, 45, etc. With the Teeter inversion tables, you can set the angle anywhere you want with the strap.
Having unlimited inversion angles is a great feature, and I will tell you why. When I was recovering from a pretty severe back injury in 2016, I had to start with a very shallow angle, like 15 degrees. As I progressed in my recovery, I was able to increase the angle slowly. There was no way I could have made a 15 or 20-degree jump when I was first recovering, so the pushpin system would not have worked for me.
Okay, enough on inversion angles, let’s declare a winner in this category.
Advantage: FitSpine X3 with the color-coded angle markers.
User Height Adjustment
Adjusting the user height on both of these tables is simple with the height markers on the main shaft. You choose the height that corresponds to your height and start there.
You should be able to move in and out of rotation using your arm movements. Depending on your body type, you may have to set the height on the main shaft higher or lower than your actual height.
Advantage: Tie, both use the same mechanism
Ankle Locking System
You want to feel secure when you are hanging upside down. The ankle locking mechanism on the FitSpine inversion tables consists of the locking/release handle, the footbed (what you step into) and the ankle cushions.
Both the X1 and X3 have adjustable height footbed, which is an excellent customizable feature. The ankle cushions are contoured and fit snugly around your lower leg on both models.
The significant difference between these two FitSpine models is the locking/release handle. The FitSpine X1 has a short handle, and the FitSpine X3 has a long handle. The longer handle requires less bending over, and that is critical if you are dealing with a back injury and can’t bend over. I will explain.
When I was recovering from a back injury several years ago, I had a lot of trouble bending over to put on my shoes and socks. I literally had to have my wife dress me in the morning. Using an inversion table with a short handle was not an option for me since I could hardly bend over to get in and out of the inversion table. I needed to use my inversion table as part of treating my sciatica. Anyway, you can see the value of the longer handle.
Advantage: FitSpine X3
As for other features, both models have these in common:
- Five-year warranty
- FDA-Registered
- UL-Listed
- 3D interactive assembly instructions via BILT app
Some assembly is required with both of these models, but Teeter has made this process very efficient.
Conclusion: Teeter FitSpine X1 vs X3
Both of these inversion tables offer great value, and you will need to figure out which features are most important to you. These models have some similarities, but also some stark differences.
I recommend the FitSpine X3, based on the fact that it comes with the EZ-Angle tether strap for easy inversion angle adjustments, and this table has the long locking/release handle.
If you can do without these features, then maybe the X1 is the choice for you. No matter which table you chose, hopefully, your inversion table search ends here.
Feel free to check out my complete review of the FitSpine X1 here and FitSpine X3 here for more information about each model.
Thank you for stopping by today. If you have any questions or comment, please leave them below. Feel free to contact me directly anytime.
Steve
Teeter FitSpine
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Comfort - 95%
95%
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Functionality - 95%
95%
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Design - 95%
95%
I imagine one would get quite the headrush with this. As a personal trainer, I think this piece of equipment is excellent, but one would have to have good discipline.
Hi Eric. Yes, you definitely get blood flow to your head when you use an inversion table. I use mine regularly for a few minutes at a time and it works really well. Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it. Let me know if you have any questions.
This seems like a great product for effective back exercises. Very interesting to read. Definitely a product to consider. Thank you.
Hi Larry, thank you for your comment, I appreciate it. Please let me know if you have any questions about either of these inversion tables.
I’ve always wanted to get one of these. Didn’t really know the difference but I do now!! Now i have to go purchase one.. Thank you!!
Thank you for your comment Sonja. Please let me know if you have any questions about either inversion table.
Having this equipment makes stretching exercises look so much easier and achievable especially for those who have muscle and discs problems. I like that you can acupressure nodes can be adjusted and you can opt to use it or not. I watch the video and its pretty convincing that this multi functional and flexible equipment can really aid your body to recover. Not so much difference with X1 and X3 if you’re not really in a bad shape but of I werento choose, X3 can give you more comfort in terms of reach and adjustment. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment. The included acupressure nodes are definitely a great feature. I think both tables are excellent, but the X3 wins out in my opinion due to the EZ Angle tether strap and the longer handle. Please let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help.
I enjoyed the review of these products. I have an inversion table, but I can understand the features of these tables and why they are even more helpful than my simple inversion table. The X3 model would seem to be the clear leader even when comparing between it and the X1, but either model has great benefits. Thanks for sharing and educating me about these machines.
Hell Jack, thanks for stopping by. I am glad you enjoyed the article and I agree, the X3 has superior features. If price is the main factor, then the X1 may be the right inversion table for someone, but the X3 has a couple of extra feature that put it over the top in my opinion.
As an 80-year-old, it is pretty clear what excellent pieces of equipment the X1 and X3 are. I must congratulate you on the logical and articulate way you explained how they worked and how they differed. About 30 years ago I fell awkwardly in a sky-diving accident and fractured my L3, I think it was. Ever since I have had to take great care when lifting, plus to try and strengthen my core. During my rehabilitation, this piece of equipment would have been a boon – then and now.
I am very sorry to hear about your sky-diving accident, that must have been awful. I am a big believer in core strength and that is something I have been focusing on since I had a pretty severe back injury a few years ago. I changed my entire workout routine and now focus less on heavier weight, and concentrate on more reps and proper form. I spend a good deal of time working on core strength.
I am glad you are getting the benefits of an inversion table, I use mine regularly and it is a tremendous help for me. Please let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help.
This article is an interesting read for me, and educative too, although I don’t have a record for a back pain issue, my aunt does. I believe it’s great to know about this Teeter Fitspine X1 and X3 inversion tables. Do you have any advice for someone who has never used an inversion table? Thank you.
Hi there, thanks for stopping by. I have a couple of things for someone who has never used an inversion table before. First off, make sure you have someone there to assist you when you are getting the table set up for you to invert. The first few times it may take a little bit of tweaking to get it just right so that you are able to rotate your body easily by using just your arms. You have to get the table set up for your specific body and center of gravity.
Second, my advice is to start slow, meaning use a shallow angle, to begin with. You want to gradually increase your angle over time. Give your body some time to adjust and get used to hanging upside down. So start with like a 15-degree angle and see how that feels, then slow increase over time.
Let me know if you have any more questions, I am happy to help.
Back exercise has been a serious issue for a lot of people. Especially at old age people suffer from back pain a lot and would certainly need this device to help with it. X3 coming with a strap is just too cool and I must admit this is one very good equipment everyone should at least have for themselves at home.
Hi Dane, thank you for your comment, I appreciate it. I use my inversion table regularly and I love it. The X3 is my recommendation, due to the EZ Angle tether strap and the longer locking/release handle. Thanks for stopping by, and let me know if you have any questions.
Hi, Thanks for this helpful review about Teeter FitSpine X1 vs. X3 inversion tables. Since I have been suffering from lower back pain for more than 10 years now, I have been looking for solutions to finally being able to tackle this painful problem.
I am really fortunate came across your useful article today and am really happy to read this review. This Teeter FitSpine seems to be a great Medical Equipment and wish I knew about it earlier. My preference would be the FitSpine X3. Because like you have mentioned correctly, it has a long handle which requires less bending over preventing getting worse back pain at the end. I truly appreciate your effort for this great review post.
Hi Shirian, thank you for stopping by. Sorry to hear about your back problems. Hopefully, you can get some relief from an inversion table. The two main reasons I prefer the X3 over the X1 are the preset marks on the EZ Angle tether strap and the longer handle. These are two excellent features that set the X3 apart. Please let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Really beautiful and simple work out the device for the back this is. I have only used the X1 for exercising for my back alongside side my husband. He isn’t very cool with the fact that it doesn’t have a strap with markings on it and hasn’t been using it as much as he would want him to. Seeing X3 has that as a feature is really amazing. I’ll love him to know about it and without doubt, he will be very glad to get it.
If you already own a Teeter FitSpine X1, you can buy the EZ Angle tether strap for that model, here is the link. The EZ Angle strap makes setting the angle so much easier and I highly recommend this. Maybe your husband will use the table more if he has the better strap. Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.
Great review about both versions of teeter fitspine inversion table. There’s is no point in not being able to do a very simple task of wearing shoes and shocks or picking things from the ground as a result of back pain. Back pain is not good and the beauty of it is to get it to cure perfectly with the normal medicine and tools for exercise. This is why I will welcome the idea of teeter fitspine X1. I also respect your reason for the recommendation of X3. Is it heavy to lift the table to move it?
Hi Stella, thanks for your comment. Inversion tables are kind of heavy, this one weighs about 70 pounds and it’s awkwardly shaped. So yes, it can be a bit difficult to move. I recommend that when you assemble the table, do so in the room you will be using it in that way you don’t have to move it later. The A-frame shape and the weight make the inversion table awkward to move. If you have someone who can help you move it, that is great.
If you have any more questions, please let me know and I will answer the best I can. Have a great day.
Question: Do you know if they have the option of adding the X-3 strap and long lock handle? As an add on so to speak. Or do you know if this is something that can be modified to fit those two items you discussed? My wife purchased the X-1 and it’s in route.
Hey Ken – Thats a good question. Unfortunately, we aren’t sure. With your X1 already on it’s way, we’d reach out to customer service at Teeter. Customer service is responsive (although they may be inundated currently) and could give you the right answer. In the worst case scenario they have a very good return/exchange policies and I’m sure you could work something out if you wanted to switch models.