If I'd had this dip station as a kid, I wouldn't have broken my arm from enthusiastically swinging between the backs of the dining room chairs and the back of the couch like a tiny hyperactive monkey after school. Needless to say I'm an adult now (kind of) and learned my lesson well about the questionable stability of dining chairs for the sake of acrobatics back then. I bought the "Lite" Dipping Station version. Despite the listed weight capacity of up to 400lbs, I wasn't sure if this would be sturdy enough to handle my heavy body weight so I really hestitated between this one and other ones, but I've had it for about 3 months now; it's still trucking same as it did on day one. This is a good one. It doesn't adjust up/down like some stations, but instead is basically two heavy duty bars connected to the bottom parts. I think that's what makes it so solid. It's very few pieces, and a lot of good heavy soldering where they connect. I'm glad I got this one instead of the kind that might "adjust down" on me unexpectedly while I'm using it. It's weird that an item named "lite" seems better to me than one named "pro"..? but... whatever. They're completely different styles and this one's a way better design for what I wanted and was looking for. Nice and solid, no up and down adjustables relying on little pins. Just solid. The dipping bars were pretty easy to put together and came with the only tool it needed (for putting in the screws.) It was easier than putting together a metal bedframe; it took maybe 5 minutes including reading the directions; you just have to pay attention to where the holes are on the lower part (like where the connecting bar goes. between the two) Otherwise it'll take an extra minute as you flip it. The connecting bar keeps the two dipping bars from skidding on smooth flooring, so I'd recommend putting it on, especially if you're a heavier weight, even though it's not necessarily needed. It keeps the bars together so you don't have to worry about it sliding. The cushion "handles" on the station are actually comfortable. No weird smell or any "stickiness" from them although it's gotten hot this summer. I didn't know at first if I'd like them, but they're good, and so far have been very durable. Getting it has made it SO much easier for me to do a little exercise more frequently without the exhaustion of setting up anything or planning to exercise, or the pressure of doing it for a set period of time. Once it's put togther, there's nothing to adjust, prep, or set up. It's just there: you can do it as you walk from your room to whereever or back, or not, and it takes literally no extra mental or physical effort or good intentions or planning. You either do or you don't, because it's right there and on the way. Stick it in front of a doorway and it's great. It's accessible. You don't have to take it out or put it away. And it barely takes any space. (Unlike my slant bench... that doesn't quite fit the room when set up... that I have to pull out to even use, and takes up a bunch of horizontal real estate I could use.) There are some things that when you buy them, they help you with your life, and this has been one of them, so thanks, company. You did a good job, and it's appreciated. I needed it.
