FitFighter is a type of steelhose training tool inspired by the workout routine of firefighters in training. It’s designed to include five different types of gym equipment in one. It’s a set of free weights manufactured from the recycled hose pipe and steel bars.
It’s designed to be used by beginners and professionals alike. You can lift, drop, drag, swing or toss this equipment for different types of exercises. The best-selling point of this product is that it’s a better alternative to buying a lot of expensive gym equipment and it’s flexible enough to be used anywhere.
FitFighter was designed by Sarah Apgar, who based it on her own training with a volunteer fire fighting department in New York after she left her job in the army. Apgar was attracted by firefighter actions and motions, but she found there were no structured conditioning workouts in the fire brigade.
That’s when she started her own training regimen utilizing an old firehose packed with special material to simulate the sense of a pressured hose. That old sand-filled firehose became the initial model of the Steelhose equipment, which is now FitFighter’s main product and was released in the general fitness market. Now, her product and routine is even used by the San Diego Fire Fighter training institute.
The price of this product varies depending on the weight/size ordered by customers. The product also comes with an app that offers personalized workout and live training options.
Are They Still an Active Company?
Yes, the company is active and still in business.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
Sarah Apgar came to Shark Tank seeking an investment of $250,000 for a 15% stake in her company. She started her pitch by sharing the concept behind her exercise equipment as well as demonstrating the ways in which the FireFighter can be used for various exercises. She showed the Sharks how each of the weights from 5-40 pounds can be used while working out. She told the Sharks about the app and the fact that it had both a paid and a trial version.
Although the Sharks liked her enthusiasm and the fact that she was so muscled herself backed up her pitch. They didn’t think that she’d really thought the business through and her focus was quite scattered. One by one, each Shark dropped out of making an investment in FitFighter. Only Daniel Lubetzsky, who was a guest Shark in that episode, was actively interested and made an offer of $250,000 for a 25% stake in the company. Sarah Apgar agreed.
Overall, the FitFighter Shark Tank Review was positive and they left with a good deal. The product made almost $900,000 through sales right after the episode aired.
Our Review of FitFighter
We decided to try out FitFighter for ourselves to see how it would fare in practice.
The good news is that it’s versatile enough to be used for different types of exercises. It’s easy to store and carry around with you, whether you’re going to the gym or working out at home. It offers the option of working out anywhere and the weight is spread out evenly. On top of which, it doubles as many types of workout equipment, saving you a lot of money. It’s also well-designed with a comfortable grip that won’t dig into your palms like a lot of gym equipment does.
The bad news is that it’s quite expensive, people prefer going to the gym more than working out from an app and it’s a little tricky to use for those who are used to gym equipment. On top of that, unlike with dumbbells or other gym equipment, the weights aren’t adjustable so whatever you buy at the time of purchase is the weight you’re stuck with.
Pros and Cons of FitFighter
Pros of FitFighter
- Good and comfortable design
- Portable
- Useful for a range of workouts
- Weight is spread out evenly
Cons of FitFighter
- Expensive
- Weight isn’t adjustable
- Uncomfortable for those who are used to gym equipment
- Gym is preferred over app workouts
Who Is FitFighter for?
FitFighter is mostly aimed at people who are interested in working out at home and want good workout equipment without having to invest in multiple expensive machines.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Although the design and versatility of this exercise equipment is unique, most dumbbells can be used in the same way for a variety of workout routines.
The Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight is one good alternative to FitFighter. The pair of dumbbell weights are adjustable while also being made of comfortable-to-hold neoprene material. The fact that the weight can be adjusted means that you can use these dumbbells for many types of exercises. Whether it’s arms or core, these dumbbells can help you target any area of your body.
The patented design prevents them from slipping, unlike regular dumbbells which are made of slippery steel material only. Adjusting the weight of these dumbbells is easy, all you have to do is remove the opening on either side of the dumbbell and insert/remove a weight bar. They’re also compact and easy-to-carry in your bag.
Our Final Thoughts
The market for gym equipment is competitive with more and more people interested in buying exercise equipment that they can use to work out at home.
The design and concept behind FireFighter is unique and offers an intense and diverse range of workouts based on the training received by firefighters. The fact that the polyester material makes it easy-to-grip, that it’s rotational inertia allows you to build strength and that it can easily be attached to resistant bands- means that it’s perfect for people who want to do intense workouts every day.
However, as strong and versatile as the FireFighter might be, regular dumbbells can also be used in the same way. In fact, there are many types of dumbbells that have adjustable weight, which the FireFighter doesn’t. And they cost less than this product too.
