There are three distinct categories of SuperSlow® Products. In the first category are the Retrofits. These are products made to adapt to existing Nautilus, MedX, or other stock equipment.

In the second category are Reengineered Machines. These are rebuilt and redesigned entire machines. These products not only incorporate the special retrofits, but also include other custom alterations to effect the most ideal state that is practically possible. These alterations are often impossible for the typical handyman to accomplish who might otherwise fare well with the products in the first category. In many cases, it is more efficient to begin construction of SuperSlow® device with a preexisting Nautilus frame than to set up an entire manufacturing line for the same product. These products are better than new Nautilus in many ways. Even the finish is better since these are sandblasted down to bare metal and then powder coated

In the third category are SuperSlow® Machines. These completely SuperSlow® machines are required because redesigning the preexisting models just will not provide the exacting standards required for SuperSlow® Ideals. Also in this category are devices such as the Linear SpineŽ machines that are available no where else in the world.

Retrofits

SuperSlow® Retrofit Products are often the best solution to upgrade vintage Nautilus equipment for the ideal application of SuperSlow® Protocol. However, these products must be evaluated for their practicality in specific gym environments.

Durability

To achieve or approach the exponential resistance falloff that is required in many exercises, SuperSlow® Cams may require the use of open-style bearings. These bearings, if properly installed and strictly used with adherence to the SuperSlow® Protocol, will last virtually forever. However, such bearings may be short lived in a hostile environment where faster, nonSuperSlow® Protocol is regularly used.

Open bearings use the stock shoulder bolt for an inner race. Shoulder bolts are made of Case 36-42 hardened steel, but the open bearings are intended for Case 60 hardened inner races. Abusive speed of motion witnessed in most gym environments will cause the open bearing to chew into its shoulder bolt with eventual articulation failure. Of course, the repair for such failure is not expensive for someone skilled in the repair, but it is certainly inconvenient for most equipment owners.

In some cases, there is adequate room for the application of sealed roller bearings possessing an integral inner race. The products containing such bearings can withstand any environment likely to be encountered. They are more expensive bearings, plus their installations require the services of a machinist who can bore to the proper seating size.

Warn Clients

The exponential falloff in some SuperSlow® Products may surprise fitness clients not attuned to SuperSlow® movement speed. Clients should be warned by instructors of the extreme falloff and/or SuperSlow® Cams should be reserved for equipment in environments so dedicated to SuperSlow® Protocol.

Reducing Friction

Most retrofit companies offer low-friction packages. These packages usually include replacement sprockets with integral sealed ball bearings. These sprocket replacements go a long way toward friction reduction, but not far enough for SuperSlow® idealism. To accomplish this, the movement arm bushings must also be replaced with bearings. This usually, but not in all cases, requires the use of open-style bearings using the shoulder bolt as an inner race. This replacement is usually inexpensive. (See Appendix E & F in Super Slow—The Ultimate Exercise Protocol. Also read Chapter 6—A Friction Primer.)

Low-friction packages may also include replacement weight stacks with integral plastic bushings to reduce friction. This is an unnecessary and ineffective expense.