Pilates Equipment Manufacturers
There are so many Pilates equipment manufacturers out there, and especially in the beginning, it can be incredibly difficult to get a clear picture of which ones are truly worth considering. With the links below, you can jump directly to any of the Pilates equipment manufacturers we know. Of course, you can also simply scroll through the full list from top to bottom. Whenever we’ve had personal experience with a particular brand, you’ll find those insights included in their description.
Align-Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
ARREGON (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Balanced Body (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment under the sub-brands CenterLine and Contrology also traditional manufacturer)
BASI Systems (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Body & Exercise Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Bon Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Byron Bay Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Care Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Coremotion pilates furniture (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Deborah Lessen und DLP Equipment (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
ELEMENTS by Momentum World (Manufacturer of Pilates- and Gyrotonic loops, handles und straps)
Elina (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Empower (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Equipilates (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Fuse Ladder (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
gooweel (Ehemals Hersteller moderner Pilates-Geräte)
Gratz (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Infinity Pilates Equipment (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Into Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Kauffer Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Latona Online (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Legacy Pilates (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
LOPE Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Li Xin Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Merrithew (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Metalife Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
ME6 (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Nano Pilates (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Novacare/Sissel (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment Accessories)
Peak Pilates (in the past raditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer, today mainly modern)
Pilatech (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Pilates Designs (formerly know as Pilates Designs by Basil)(Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
pilates-enthusiastic-people / Senseo Studio (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
PilatesEquip (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Pilates Scandinavia by Prag Movement (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Pilates Factory (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Pilates Health Equipment (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Pilates Heritage Equipment (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Pilates Lineage (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Pilates PYP (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
PILATESSTAR line by YOGISTAR (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Port Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Private Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
PURIST Pilates (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Scoop Pilates Equipment (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Stamina - AeroPilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
TecnoPilates (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
Tirado Pilates Apparatus (Traditional Pilates Apparatus Manufacturer)
World Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
WUNDABAR (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Xtend Pilates (Manufacturer of Modern Pilates Equipment)
Short Profiles of Pilates Equipment Manufacturers
Align-Pilates
Short profile of Align-Pilates
An English company, although it is unclear where the devices are manufactured. Some of the devices bear a strong resemblance to Stott devices.
Hands-On Experience with Align-Pilates
We have both a Spine Corrector and a Combo Chair from Align. The Combo Chair is excellently crafted and offers the option of easily installing a backrest via an optional Jumboard, turning the device into a hybrid—as the name Combo suggests—between a real Wunda Chair and an Electric Chair. The use of four springs and countless adjustment options for the spring height on the back make the feedback very easy to adjust. However, this can be overwhelming, especially at the beginning. The adjustment options are reminiscent of Balanced Body's “Cactus Resistance System,” but have the advantage over the ‘Cactus’ in that the suspension is rounded. With Balanced Body, the edges of the “Cactus” are sharp, and there are frequent reports of springs breaking as a result.
The padding on the pedals of the Align Pilates Chair is among the most comfortable on the market.
The padding on the seat surface is firm, but unfortunately the edges of the seat surface are very hard, which is uncomfortable for exercises such as pumping and the swan.
The seat surface is also very wide, which makes some traditional Wunda Chair exercises such as Horseback or Spine Stretch difficult to perform. In addition, the wide width of the chair makes it more difficult to adjust the springs, as it is difficult to hold the pedal while standing on the side and hooking the spring into the desired position at the same time.
Typical for a combo chair, it is slightly higher at 64 centimeters, compared to 57 centimeters for a Gratz Wunda Chair. This is particularly noticeable during exercises such as Going Up Front. This also increases the distance between the pedal and the seat surface (22 centimeters versus 18 centimeters for Gratz). It doesn't sound like much, but in the teaser it makes a world of difference.
One final criticism is that traditional settings such as a spring at the top and a spring at the bottom do not work with the Align Chair, as one spring becomes disengaged. You therefore have to experiment with the four springs to achieve at least similar resistance levels. This is difficult if you do not know the “right” resistance levels from your own experience.
While our opinion of the Combo Chair is rather positive, our verdict on the earlier Align Spine Corrector, which is no longer in production, is unfortunately not so favorable. The Spine Corrector is very hard and therefore not suitable for everyone. The pole guide is made of very simple plastic, is not well attached, and came loose after only a short time.
ARREGON
Short profile of ARREGON®
ARREGON® is a Spanish manufacturer of classic Pilates equipment. Founded in 2012 by classical dancer and Pilates instructor Rosa Inés Arreghini González.
Hands-On Experience with ARREGON®
So far, I have purchased springs for the roll-down bar, leg springs, Wunda Chair springs, and padding for the shoulder pads for sensitive shoulders.
I ordered the roll-down springs for use with the Ped-o-Pull. Unfortunately, the springs are not well selected and feel quite different. With the trick of overstretching the harder spring a little, I was able to match the two, but unfortunately not 100%.
The leg springs are comfortable and slightly stronger than the Gratz springs.
The Wunda Chair springs are very soft at first and become firmer as they are pulled apart. This makes them the opposite of the Peak Wunda Chair springs, which are hard at first and then suddenly become soft towards the end. The Gratz and Pilates Design springs remain the benchmark, offering very even pressure throughout the entire range of motion. In my opinion, they are clearly preferable.
Arregon has taken it upon itself to recreate Joseph Pilates' Magic Square, which had been unavailable since Joseph Pilates' death.
Bild von Arregon
The device is excellently manufactured and truly unique.
However, while a Magic Circle can be purchased quite inexpensively (under $30), this one costs $350. In addition, it is somewhat unusual to use, as the resistance is high at the beginning and light at the end.
Anyone familiar with the springs designed by Deborah Lessen (a student of Carola Trier) will know that this is exactly the spring philosophy she pursues. It's exciting to find this in another device from a completely different company.
Balanced Body
Short profile of Balanced Body
One of the largest and most renowned manufacturers. It offers various equipment lines, from classic to medical. The company is run by Ken Endelman, who won the famous court case over the Pilates trademark rights (more info here). I own two Allegro Reformers, an Avalon Step Barrel, and the KSG/CT Contrology Ped-o-Pul from Balanced Body. For a long time, I also had a Ladder Barrel, which I traded with my trainer Gianfranco for his Gratz Ladder Barrel. I am very satisfied with all of the equipment. What makes Balanced Body special is that they are constantly evolving. It's great that they also try to cater to classic Pilates. Together with Amy Taylor Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segel from The Pilates Center in Boulder, they have developed their own line of equipment called CenterLine®. http://www.pilates.com
Since 2019, there is now also a classic aluminum Reformer, which was manufactured based on a Gratz Reformer by Jay Grimes.
In the video below, you can see how a Balanced Body Reformer is made.
Hands-On Experience with Balanced Body
In January 2019, we were the first Pilates studio in Germany to test the Contrology Reformer for a month. We also used the Contrology Reformer to record the Reformer Manual.
We also have two Allegro Reformers from Balanced Body in our studio, but we have modified them slightly. For example, the pulleys at the end of both Reformers have been moved downwards.
One Allegro has plain bearings, the other has normal ball bearings. This allows us to compare the two types of bearings directly. You can read a report on the differences between the two types of bearings here: In search of the perfect reformer rolling resistance ...
In addition to three BB springs (blue, red, green), we have equipped the Reformer with the custom-made plastic plain bearings with two Reformer springs from Pilates Scandinavia. Very suitable and harmonious.
We equipped the Reformer with the normal ball bearings with Deborah Lessen springs on the outer positions. They are a little too long, but these springs dampen the roller coaster effect of the ball bearings a little.
We also have an Avalon Step Barrel from BB, as Balanced Body is often abbreviated. This was an idea from Rael Isacowitz, the founder of BASI, who now sells his own equipment under the name BASI Systems and has ended his collaboration with BB
Of course, we have many springs from BB in our studio, and their quality is really great, for example, the short yellow arm springs, the long yellow leg springs, and the various push-through bar springs. I have also equipped our Peak Reformer with the green Center Line Reformer springs and am very happy with them.
We also have a Foot Corrector from BB, which thankfully comes with two different spring strengths. However, even in the stronger spring configuration, it is very weak in direct comparison to Pilates Design and Gratz. The question is what philosophy you follow. Here are a few photos showing the differences between Pilates Design and BB.
BASI Systems
Short profile of BASI Systems
After working with Balanced Body for many years and launching his own equipment series called Avalon, BASI founder Rael Isacowitz now has his own line of equipment with BASI Systems.
The equipment is certainly interesting and features a few good ideas, such as the adjustable handholds, called the F2 system.
The surfaces are covered with a new material called Orthopedic padded cushion, which is very durable yet comfortable on the skin. At pilates-powers, you can find the Arm Chair Ladder Barrel from Basi Systems. (Company headquarters in Turkey, no US distributor) http://www.basisystems.com/
Here is a video with pictures of the BASI Systems equipment.
Hands-On Experience with BASI Systems
I need to back up a bit here, as I initially purchased the Avalon Step Barrel with handles.
Today, it is only sold without the handles from Balanced Body under the name Contour Step Barrel™. Since I am familiar with the adjustable handles from when Rael Isacowitz was still working with Balanced Body, I can easily compare them with the current F2 system that is installed on my BASI System Arm Chair Ladder Barrel.
The Balanced Body handles were made of heavy metal, while the F2 handles from BASI Systems are more like lightweight cast aluminum. Unfortunately, the F2 handles are significantly less reliable and you spend a lot of time trying to adjust them correctly. Overall, the new BASI System handles also feel less reliable.
I have now also been able to compare the Ladder Barrels from Balanced Body and Gratz, and even though I have never placed the BASI Systems Ladder Barrel next to the other two, there are a few noticeable differences. Of these, I find it particularly annoying that the ladder feels less stable compared to Balanced Body and Gratz.
Body & Exercise Pilates
Short profile of Body & Exercise Pilates
An Italian manufacturer previously unknown to me. Many thanks to Torsten Daniel Keller for the tip.
While the reformers in this video still look relatively normal, this new video from the company is truly astonishing. It takes the concept to the extreme and bears very little resemblance to the original. According to the company, they are the only manufacturer to also produce a reformer for children.
Hands-On Experience with Body & Exercise Pilates
None
Bon Pilates
Short profile of Bon Pilates
A Spanish Pilates equipment manufacturer that equipped the Pilates Heritage Conference in Mönchengladbach from 2015 to 2024. http://www.bonpilates.com/
Here is a short film in which a BonPilates Reformer is presented in more detail, albeit in Spanish. However, you can still see the various innovations quite clearly.
Hands-On Experience with Bon Pilates
Firstly, we have been using the Universal Spine Corrector in our studio for several years now.
And also the Spine Corrector Plus
The Universal Spine Corrector is most comparable to a Gratz Spine Corrector, although it does not match its quality in terms of wood thickness and padding.
The Spine Corrector Plus is significantly heavier and can also be used as a small (mini) barrel with a single movement by removing it from the wooden frame.
We also have Pilates mats from Bon Pilates, which are of good quality and offer additional massage with their nubs, as well as a Bon Pilates Foot Corrector.
The Foot Corrector is of good quality and the spring tension is very well balanced. It's a bit of a shame that anti-slip rubber has only been used on one side. The other side is just wood.
We have also had handles from Bon Pilates since 2022, and unfortunately the screws keep coming loose here and there. This is a bit annoying considering the price. We also have a Bon Pilates Neck Stretcher with an adjustable headband. One customer trains twice a week with the Neck Stretcher and has been training with the Gratz Neck Stretcher in the studio for several years. Here is his experience with the Bon Pilates Neck Stretcher.
Because the headband of the Bon Pilates Neck Stretcher can be adjusted, it doesn't slip on your head and you have a better feel for the exercises.
The exercise where you squat down in front of the tower and then stand back up is easier to perform with the slightly lighter spring of the Bon Pilates, allowing for more precise execution. You can feel the difference with the other exercises, but it's not as noticeable.
Byron Bay Pilates
Short profile of Byron Bay Pilates
A manufacturer, presumably Australian, that sells, among other things, a relatively inexpensive, foldable reformer. For a while, the reformer was available on the dietary supplement website (!) Vitality4life and on Amazon. At the moment, there is no website where the device can be purchased.
Hands-On Experience with Byron Bay Pilates
None. However, two participants in my reformer training course purchased the folding reformer shown below. I have never tried it myself, though. The reviews on Amazon.de are rather negative, with a rating of 2 out of 5 stars.
Care Pilates
Short profile of Care Pilates
Manufacturer of modern Pilates equipment from South Korea. Innovations include a headrest with a downward angle, which allows customers with cervical spine problems to perform exercises such as Long Spine more easily, and heated sleds that warm the back during exercise. The Ja-gae inlay devices are particularly spectacular. (Company headquarters in Korea) http://www.carepilatesmall.com/
Hands-On Experience with Care Pilates
Only very briefly at the Fibo trade fair. Not enough time to comment on the equipment.
Coremotion pilates furniture
Short profile of Coremotion pilates furniture
A Greek manufacturer about whom I unfortunately know very little.
Telefon: +30 697 770 0309
Hands-On Experience with Coremotion pilates furniture
None
Deborah Lessen und DLP Equipment
Short profile of Deborah Lessen and DLP Equipment
Deborah Lessen is a student of Carola Trier and has replicated equipment and springs based on those used in Carola Trier's studio. Recently, she has also designed her own high chair, which is based on Joseph Pilates' designs. She markets it under a new name:
Hands-On Experience with Deborah Lessen und DLP Equipment
Unfortunately, I can't say anything about the devices, as I only know them from photos and videos. However, I have been using Deborah Lessen's springs for years. I particularly like her leg springs. They are hard at the beginning and smooth in the middle. Ideal for learning the airplane exercise. Her push-through bar springs, which can also be used for the reformer, follow the same logic. Hard at the beginning and very smooth once you overcome the initial resistance.
ELEMENTS by Momentum World
Short profile of ELEMENTS by Momentum World
ELEMENTS is a private label based in China. It was founded in 2016. ELEMENTS offers straps, handles, and covers for Pilates and GYROTONIC® studios and yoga.
Hands-On Experience with Elements by Momentum World
Here is a photo with Ana Mariana Sosic, founder of Elements, at the Pilates Heritage Congress 2019.
We have various Y-loops from Elements in our studio and we and our customers like them very much, especially because of their softness. Elements also produced custom loops for the Arm Chair for us. This was done at the suggestion of MeJo Wiggin, who said that the original Arm Chair by Romana Kryzanowska also had loops. Gratz initially refused to produce these loops for me, but then listed them on their website without further comment. I bought them there and am very disappointed. They are much too hard and stiff. The Elements loops, on the other hand, are perfect. Elements will certainly produce loops for you on request.
A super cool new product from Elements are the “Level Loops,” which allow you to adjust fuzzies and handles to any height.
Ana demonstrates the product in this video.
Disclaimer: Since June 2022, I have been an ambassador for Elements and therefore receive a small commission when you use the links above to make a purchase.
Elina
Short profile of Elina
A Spanish manufacturer that produces in China. Shipping is from Navarre, Spain.
The company was founded in 2006.
Here are a few pictures of the equipment, kindly provided by Elina Pilates.
Hands-On Experience with Elina
Only my own experience with the Toe Corrector. Unfortunately, it falls apart immediately and you have to glue all the nuts back on. The spring is a little strange but usable.
Here are the experiences of Beata and Jörg from the Pilates-Zentrum-AB
Your Pilates studio in the heart of the city
Bodelschwinghstrasse 10b / 63739 Aschaffenburg /Germany
Tel: 0049 170 32 05 229
Email: info@pilates-zentrum-ab.de / Web: www.pilates-zentrum-ab.de
„We ordered a few Pedi Poles, a Foot Corrector, and a Toe Exerciser for our studio. While searching for these devices, we naturally came across Elina Pilates from Spain. We were able to try out various Elina Pilates devices during a visit to Mallorca. In Palma de Mallorca, we trained with Silvia Guidi de Knappe in her studio “Pilates Plus.” Silvia owns devices from Elina Pilates, among others. We remember several Cadillacs, a Guillotine, and the Pedi Pole.
The first thing we noticed was that the equipment made a very robust, solid, and good impression overall, which was particularly due to the steel tubes, which have a significantly larger diameter than we are used to from Balanced Body equipment, for example. The workmanship was appealing overall, although we did not go into the deepest details during our short visit.
The springs are rather soft, smooth-running, and offer consistent, gentle resistance. So if you want a harder workout, you can use springs from other manufacturers. Elina Pilates products are impressively inexpensive. So inexpensive, in fact, that you seriously wonder where the price difference compared to other manufacturers comes from. We wondered whether you were buying cheap quality.
Thanks to Reiner’s publications, we found out that the products are manufactured in China. That somehow leaves a bad taste in our mouths. Nevertheless, we took the plunge and ordered several Pedi Poles—thanks to Silvia’s positive experience! We also ordered a Foot Corrector and a Toe Exerciser. After all, we are foot training experts and wanted to try out Elina’s affordable foot training devices.
The ordering process by email (not via their website), the sending of a quote with an additional discount, the communication by email in English, and all the necessary information about delivery went quickly and smoothly. The packages with the Pedi Pole and the small devices were delivered by a shipping company. The shipment could be tracked via a link that was sent to us. A delivery time was agreed with the driver so that we could be there on time.
We can say the following about the Pedi Pole: They arrived disassembled but were very quick to put together (thanks to our IKEA experience!). The necessary tools are included with each Pedi Pole. The wooden multiplex base plate is cut out in a kidney shape and resembles a heart. It is larger than those of devices from other manufacturers. A rough anti-slip film is firmly attached to the base, which is an advantage when training in socks. The bracket for the pole is screwed very securely into the base plate with four Allen screws in drive-in sleeves. The bar itself is in two parts and, similar to a garden parasol, is infinitely adjustable in height. The connection point is secured with two screws. The connection point of the two bars forms a small ridge, which can press uncomfortably against the back during some exercises on the Pedi Pole. The upper crossbar is also easy to assemble. The springs are mounted on sleeves that can be locked into three different positions. This is similar to the suspension of the trapeze bar on the Cadillac. We ordered the springs in light (yellow) and strong (green). The yellow springs can be safely left out. Even beginners get good resistance with the green springs, which are easy to handle. We can’t say anything about durability yet. We’ve only had it for 5 months... but nothing is rusting and the screw connections are still tight! Every now and then, we tighten the screws on the base plate with the tool provided.
Advantages: The height-adjustable bar makes the Pedi Pole suitable for all body sizes! Our customers who are 1.50 and 2.00 meters tall experience the same training effect!
Disadvantage: Spring too soft. Resistance can be adjusted using the height-adjustable bar. In addition, only loops were supplied instead of handles. Some packages also did not contain enough carabiners to attach the spring and loops. We submitted a complaint with photo documentation and received a bunch of carabiners free of charge. The handles must be ordered separately.
Conclusion: The Pedi Pole is suitable for our purposes! Inexpensive to purchase and, with a few modifications, quite practical!
About the Foot Corrector: It is an exact copy of the Foot Corrector from Balanced Body with the two tubes that hold the spring rods. However, the pressure springs are rubbish; they offer no resistance at all. Perhaps they could be used for absolute beginners who just want to learn the technique. The body is usable. But replacing the springs is difficult because the design only allows for a certain spring size. These would have to be sourced externally with the same dimensions but stronger wire.
Conclusion: We’ll get some other springs and then it’ll work. The body was cheap to buy 😊
About the toe exerciser: Similar to the foot corrector, it’s cheap stuff. The spring is too soft, the screws come loose quickly, and somehow it doesn’t feel good to use and doesn’t provide a good workout.
Conclusion: Not recommended.“
Empower
Short profile of Empower
A classic manufacturer from Brazil that was brought to my attention by Darien Gold.
https://empowerpilates.com.br/en
Hands-On Experience with Empower
None
Equipilates
Short profile of Equipilates
A Brazilian manufacturer of classic Pilates equipment that says of itself:
Equipilates is one of the largest companies in the field of Pilates equipment.
It was founded in Brazil in 2006 by physiotherapists Rafael Iazpeck and his wife Mariana Galvão, both trained in the Pilates method. Over the years, we have achieved an advanced level in both the design and technology of our products, which fully satisfies our most demanding customers. Our factory is located in Resende, a city in the interior of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, known for its great industrial potential, and is housed in a 1,500 m² hall equipped with the latest equipment. We are passionate about what we do, and we believe that a company looks on the outside as it actually is on the inside.
Hands-On Experience with Equipilates
None
Fuse Ladder
Short profile of Fuse Ladder
A wall bar that can be converted into a kind of springboard/tower without a push-through bar using sliding eyelets.
Hands-On Experience with Fuse Ladder
None
gooweel
Short profile of gooweel
A manufacturer from Portugal, but the website is no longer accessible.
A marketing video from goweel is still available online.
Hands-On Experience with gooweel
Keine
Gratz
Short profile of Gratz
The so-called original equipment. Classically trained Pilates trainers swear by this equipment.
Gratz Industries was founded in 1928 by Frank Gratz in New York City as a contract manufacturer, producing prototypes for industrial design, architectural metalwork, furniture, and sculptures for many of the world's greatest designers. This was continued by Frank's son Donald Gratz.
According to Roberta Gratz, when she married him in 1965, Donald was making some equipment for the Pilates studio at Bendel's department store. Many years after Joe Pilates' death, Romana Kryzanowska met Donald Gratz by chance. He was delivering furniture to a customer's home where Romana happened to be visiting. After a few conversations, Gratz agreed to design and manufacture Pilates equipment. His work was based on Romana's notes, drawings, and research on existing equipment. In the 1970s, Romana initiated the sale of the equipment manufactured by Gratz to her students. She acted as an intermediary, forwarding orders and payments to Gratz and often charging a surcharge for her services. Once the equipment was manufactured, Gratz arranged for delivery directly to the buyers.
In 2014, Gratz moved from New York City to Philadelphia.
Since 2024, Gratz Industries, Inc. has two new co-owners, John Riccitiello & Elizabeth Osterman. Both are classical Pilates students who were customers of Gratz themselves and, like many others, were surprised by the very long waiting times for the products. Click here for an interview with the two of them on Darien Gold's podcast “All things Pilates”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riccitiello-elizabeth-osterman-new-owners-gratz/id1472466139?i=1000670535944
Here Gratz Pilates Factory Tour:
Hands-On Experience with Gratz
We use several pieces of equipment from pilates-powers in the Graz studio:
Wunda Chair
Arm Chair
Cadillac
Spine Corrector
Small Barrel
Ladder Barrel
We also have Gratz arm, leg, roll-down bar, and push-through bar springs for all our towers.
All equipment is of very good quality, and the woodwork and wood finish in particular are unmatched by any competitor.
A direct comparison is of course particularly useful where we have the same equipment from several manufacturers. This is the case with the Wunda Chair, for example. We can directly compare a device from TecnoPilates, Pilates Legacy, and Gratz. Although we also use a Wunda Chair from Peak, unfortunately, it cannot be compared because we have the version that can be converted into a low and high chair and has split paddles. The only truly accurate comparison in this case would be the classic Peak Wunda Chair, which the current owner of Peak – Mad Dogg Athletics – unfortunately no longer has in its range. However, a statement can be made about Peak with regard to the springs, as these are the same on all Peak Chairs.
Infinity Pilates Equipment
Short profile of Infinity Pilates Equipment
Greek manufacturer of Pilates equipment.
Here's a video of how they make them.
Hands-On Experience with Infinity Pilates Equipment
None
Into Pilates
Short profile of Into Pilates
Korean manufacturer about which little information is available. Korea seems to be experiencing an incredible Pilates boom, so it is not surprising that other manufacturers are emerging alongside Care Pilates.
Hands-On Experience with Into Pilates
None
Kauffer Pilates
Short profile of Kauffer Pilates
Founded in 2011 in São José, Brazil. Describes itself as one of the market leaders in the national market for the manufacture and sale of Pilates equipment and accessories. According to its own statements, the company has already supplied thousands of studios in Brazil and exports to more than 10 countries.
https://kaufferpilates.com.br/en/
Hands-On Experience with Kauffer Pilates
None
Latona Online
Short profile of Latona Online
An English company that has a Pilates studio in Essex, but also offers a folding reformer that looks sturdy for around EUR 1,200.
Hands-On Experience with Latona Online
None
Legacy Pilates
Short profile of Legacy Pilates
Turkish manufacturer founded by Jay Grimes' student Murat Berkin.
https://www.legacyapparatus.com/
EHands-On Experience with Legacy Pilates:
At pilates-powers, we currently have one Spine Corrector from Legacy. Since I purchased a Spine Corrector from Gratz at the same time, I was able to compare the two directly. To use the example of car brands, Gratz is Mercedes and Legacy is VW. Very good quality, but it's still missing that little bit extra to make it top of the class.
A classically oriented colleague from Düsseldorf—Christiane Gilles, bePilates—has both a Reformer and a Wunda Chair from Legacy and is very enthusiastic.
American Pilates instructor Katherine Rice is equally enthusiastic, particularly praising the quality of the equipment. She has also had very positive experiences with its springs.
Both have promised to write more detailed reviews for this site. I'm looking forward to reading them.
LOPE Pilates
Short profile of LOPE Pilates
Hersteller in Australien über den mir bisher noch keine Informationen vorliegen.
https://www.lopepilates.com.au/
Hands-On Experience with LOPE Pilates:
None
Li Xin Pilates
Short profile of Li Xin Pilates
A Chinese training institute and manufacturer of modern Pilates equipment, which also organizes the Asia Pilates & Sports Science Convention.
Hands-On Experience with Li Xin Pilates
None
Merrithew
Short profile of Merrithew also often called Stott
Canadian manufacturer of modern Pilates equipment and one of the largest training institutes in the world. Founded in 1988 by husband and wife Lindsay G. Merrithew and Moira Merrithew. After her dance career, Moira completed her basic training with Romana Kryzanowska. However, due to her own health problems, she was convinced that Joseph Pilates' exercises were not safe and subsequently modified them. Her husband Lindsay developed the Pilates equipment and took care of the management of the company, while Moira focused more on the training side.
Hands-On Experience with Merrithew
We have a total of three flat SPX Reformers in our pilates-powers studio. We bought them second-hand in 2013. Apart from replacing the rollers every few years and the shoulder pads once, the machines are extremely reliable. I would definitely recommend buying them.
Metalife Pilates
Short profile of Metalife Pilates
A Brazilian manufacturer.
http://www.metalifepilates.com.br/
Hands-On Experience with Metalife Pilates
None
The images below were provided to me by ME6.
Hands-On Experience with ME6
None
Nano Pilates
Short profile of Nano Pilates
A Brazilian manufacturer that Benjamin Degenhardt brought to my attention.
http://www.nanopilates.com.br
Hands-On Experience with Nano Pilates
None
Novacare/Sissel
Short profile of Novacare/Sissel
Sissel mainly distributes products from other manufacturers, but it also sells its own products, particularly small equipment such as magic circles, Pilates rollers, mats, balls, etc. These are often extremely competitive, making a visit to the Sissel shop a must for most German Pilates trainers.
Sissel Pilates rollers are also almost standard in Pilates studios, so here is a short video featuring a Sissel roller.
Hands-On Experience with Novacare/Sissel
We have rollers, mats, and Magic Circles from Sissel. The Magic Circles are particularly recommended and are considered indestructible.
Peak Pilates
Short profile of Peak Pilates
The American company was founded in 1996 by Julie Lobdell, who ran it for 14 years before selling it to Mad Dogg Athletics.
The training program was launched in 2002.
Hands-On Experience with Peak Pilates
I learned on Peak equipment myself, so I probably feel particularly attached to it.
In the studio, we have a wooden Reformer, a High/Low Chair, two MVW Chairs, and a Pedi-Pole from Peak. All of the equipment is high quality and durable. We also have a set of springs from Peak for the Cadillac.
The only criticism I have of the Wunda Chairs is the very strange springs, which are very hard at first and offer virtually no resistance when you press down on the pedal.
Peak provided us with one of its Spine Correctors for our Spine Corrector Manual, and the build quality and details are simply superb.
Since Peak was taken over by Mad Dogg, Pilates is no longer managed in the same way, despite the enormous growth rates. Achievements such as the so-called High Resistance Wheels, which could be used to make a Peak Reformer more classic in retrospect, are no longer available, and despite a distributor in the Netherlands, orders take forever.
Pilatech
Short profile of Pilatech
An Italian manufacturer. http://www.pilatech.com/en/
Many thanks to Torsten Daniel Keller for the tip.
Hands-On Experience with Pilatech
„Pilatech has been producing high-quality, attractive equipment for 20 years. Founded with his ex-wife Anna Maria Cova (who also founded the Covatech Pilates School 20 years ago), the company built its first Pilates equipment for the Italian market. Until Balancedbody started selling in Italy, Pilatech was the market leader. I have worked with these machines for many years and must say that they are excellent, although they have become a little expensive.
“
Pilates Designs
Short profile of Pilates Designs
The former head of production at Gratz had started his own business. Unfortunately, he passed away in September 2016; the business is now being continued by his partner. The name was changed from “Pilates Designs by Basil” to “Pilates Designs.”
(Company headquarters in the USA)
https://www.pilatesdesigns.com/
Hands-On Experience with Pilates Designs
We have a Reformer / Tower from Pilates Designs by Basil and are very impressed.
We also have three Foot Correctors from Pilates Designs, which are also beautifully made.
On the left is the foot corrector from Balanced Body and on the right is the one from Pilates Designs.
Pilates Design has also released an Archival Ped-o-Pull, which features height adjustment in addition to the bike seat. The corners are cut off for foot and knee orientation, and there is a small wooden strip that tilts the entire Ped-o-Pull slightly backward. This actually makes a big difference, and we have retrofitted our seven Ped-o-Pulls with it. Unfortunately, the price of the Archival Ped-o-Pull is also quite high.
pilates-enthusiastic-people / Senseo Studio
Short profile of pilates-enthusiastic-people
A Berlin Pilates studio that also manufactures Pilates equipment for fun and enjoyment.
At the moment, only the High Mat is available to purchase directly from the website, but they also manufacture Wunda Chairs, Pedi-Poles, and Handles. If you are interested, you can contact Senseo Pilates Studio at this email address: info@senso-pilates.de
This is how they describe themselves:
„Pilates Equipment Berlin, or simply PEB, is not an industry!
We love building equipment for the sheer joy of it!
We are Mauro Osmieri, former car body builder at Ferrari, and Carolyne Ergin, former architect, who now devotes herself to bodybuilding via Pilates. We are happy to build genuine “Berlin plants” for you individually if you have the time and inclination, as we make everything with love and by hand, creating your individual Pilates dreams for your Pilates rooms.“
Hands-On Experience with pilates-enthusiastic-people
None
PilatesEquip
Short profile of PilatesEquip
A manufacturer from Sydney, Australia. The quality of the equipment is highly praised by Australian Pilates instructors. As you can see in the Wunda Chair video, they also have their own unique design solutions.
Hands-On Experience with PilatesEquip
None
Pilates Factory
Short profile of Pilates Factory
An Italian manufacturer of Pilates equipment.
Hands-On Experience with Pilates Factory
I had the great pleasure of meeting the owner of Pilates Factory 2023 at Fibo in Cologne, Germany. What makes him special is that his wife is a Pilates instructor and he has her test all of his products. I immediately fell in love with his Spine Corrector, which looks like a copy of the Balanced Body Clara Step Barrels. However, the padding is better. His Spine Wave has a few interesting extra features, such as an adjustable step. https://www.pilatesfactory.eu/spinewave-2/
Pilates Factory Spine Wave Spine Corrector mit verstellbarer Stufe
Pilates Health Equipment
Short profile of Pilates Health Equipment
A manufacturer of Pilates equipment based in Australia that offers, among other things, a hybrid of the Cadillac and Wunda Chair.
Hands-On Experience with Pilates Health Equipment
None
Pilates Heritage Equipment
Short profile of Pilates Heritage Equipment
It doesn't get any more classic than this. Michael Rooks and Roberto Riesco worked together with Romana Kryzanowska on the design of the equipment. They used Joseph Pilates' original drawings and created the equipment series based on these. Unfortunately, the manufacturer only sells to Pilates teachers who are directly trained by Romana Kryzanowska. It is difficult to obtain information about the company, and previous inquiries have been ignored. Rumor has it that the business no longer exists.
http://www.pilatesheritage.com/equipment/apparatuses.html
Hands-On Experience with Pilates Heritage Equipment
I tried unsuccessfully to purchase a used reformer from the company. Unfortunately, the cost of shipping from the US is prohibitive. In this context, I contacted the seller who would have sold me her Pilates Heritage Equipment Reformer.
Pilates PYP
Short profile of Pilates PYP
An Argentine manufacturer whose website is no longer functioning. The last entry on their Facebook page is from 2015.
https://www.facebook.com/Equipamiento.Pilates.PyP/
Hands-On Experience with Pilates PYP
None
PILATESSTAR line by YOGISTAR
Short profile of PILATESSTAR
A product line from the German company Yogistar Vertriebs GmbH. Unfortunately, I cannot say much about the origin of the equipment at this time. A query sent to Yogistar in November 2019 regarding their production was answered as follows:
Good day,
Thank you for your inquiry.
We are pleased that you have contacted us.
Pilatesstar is the own brand of the company Yogistar.
Distribution takes place in Germany and the focus is on wooden equipment, which we offer in black or white.
Our equipment is of high quality and we have very good experience and customer feedback.
The company YOGISTAR, based in D-87487 Wiggensbach, manufactures in nine different countries in Europe and Asia.
Hands-On Experience with PILATESSTAR
The reformer itself is reminiscent of Stott SPX models, but has been enhanced with additional features. For example, the gear spring bar can be moved much more easily on the Pilates Star device. You can also easily adjust the height of the pulley yourself. On Stott devices, it is fixed at a certain height.
Since I could no longer find the device on the Yogistar website (only the tower unit), I wrote to Yogistar. Here is their response:
We still have the metal Pilates reformer as a second choice in our range.
The reformer is fully functional and has only minor cosmetic defects.
However, this model is no longer in production. You can view the reformer here:
https://www.yogistar.com/Pilates/Pilates-Geraete/2-Wahl-Pilates-Reformer.html#
The original price is $2,539.00.
The second choice price is $2,049.00.
We have replacement springs in stock. Could you send us pictures of your springs to be on the safe side? Just to make sure they are identical.
Unfortunately, we cannot make any recommendations for replacement springs from other manufacturers.
And here we come to some of the problems you encounter when buying a device such as one from Yogistar. The device is discontinued, which makes the spare parts situation quite difficult.
In addition, because the springs used are similar to Stott springs on the outside but have completely different lengths and an atypical attachment to the gear spring bar, it is rather difficult to replace springs with those from other manufacturers. So you buy a product for quite a lot of money and at some point realize that you can no longer get springs for it. This would not happen with reputable manufacturers such as Gratz, Balanced Body, or Stott.
On the subject of springs, it must also be said that the springs on the Reformer are still relatively okay, even if springs of the same color vary greatly in strength. The red tower springs can also be used well for the push-through bar. However, the various leg springs and arm springs are completely useless and, although very large, have such low tension that you would have to be very far away from the spring's origin. This is something to consider if you buy the tower accessory later or if you buy the device used. The springs and the incredibly heavy metal roll-down bar (!?) and its springs need to be replaced immediately.
We (especially Frank) have also found a way to convert the gear spring bar so that normal Gratz or Balanced Body springs can be used. Please let us know if you are interested.
Small update 2025: The company Yogistar is unable to obtain rollers for the device. However, as there are a total of 16 (!) rollers installed under the sled, this is an extremely unsatisfactory situation. The rollers fall apart, which I have never experienced with Reformer rollers before. The rollers are different sizes and difficult to replace. In a car, this would be considered a total write-off.
Port Pilates
Short profile of Port Pilates
My colleague Mag. Irene Bazalka from Vienna drew my attention to this manufacturer from Turkey.
https://de.portpilates.com.tr/systems
Hands-On Experience with Port Pilates
None
Private Pilates
Short profile of Private Pilates
A US manufacturer founded in 2017.
They do not consider themselves to be either classic or modern, as their email response shows:
We follow the principles of the inventor Joseph Pilates and use modern production methods to meet the requirements of the Pilates community.
https://privatepilatesequipment.com
Hands-On Experience with Private Pilates
None
PURIST Pilates
Short profile of PURIST Pilates
Classic Pilates equipment manufacturer. One-man company with all the advantages and disadvantages that entails. (Company headquarters in the UK)
http://www.puristpilates.co.uk/
Hands-On Experience with PURIST Pilates
So far, I have only had experience with smaller orders such as fuzzies, handles, etc. Unfortunately, the durability of the handles was not very convincing, but the fuzzies for aluminum handles from Gratz were very good.
Scoop Pilates Equipment
Short profile of Scoop Pilates Equipment
A manufacturer of traditional Pilates equipment based in northern Portugal. The founder, Frenchman Fabien Menegon, is also a well-known classical Pilates instructor.
http://www.scooppilatesequipment.com/
Hands-On Experience with Scoop Pilates Equipment
None
Stamina - AeroPilates
Short profile of Stamina - AeroPilatesStamina sells various Pilates equipment under its AeroPilates brand.
Stamina is considered more of a home-use equipment brand—its products start at $300, but they come with bungee cords. (Company headquarters in the US)
Hands-On Experience with Stamina - AeroPilates
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have loaned many of our customers folding reformers free of charge for individual training or group sessions via Zoom. These devices are certainly no substitute for a real reformer, but they are very good for practicing on.
In this video (German), I give a brief introduction to the AeroPilates folding reformer.
TecnoPilates
Short profile of TecnoPilates
Ein italienischer Hersteller traditioneller Pilates Geräte. Bisher durchaus Positives von ihnen gehört. (Firmensitz in Italien, kein deutscher Vertrieb) http://www.tecnopilates.it/pilates-equipment/eng/
Eine Besonderheit von TecnoPilates ist, dass sie auch Pilates Equipment herstellen welches andere Pilates-Gerätehersteller nicht produzieren. Beispielhaft sei hier der Posture & Poise Apparatus genannt.
Hands-On Experience with TecnoPilates
We have a Wunda Chair, a Spine Corrector and a whole range of Spread Eagle Boards from Tecno Pilates. Even with these products alone, you can see that Tecno Pilates equipment is of very high quality. The springs on the Wunda Chair are quite hard, but not too heavy. Incidentally, this also seems to be the case with all Tecno Pilates equipment, as Susanna Frühwirth from Austria reports.
Here is a report from Michel Bertels from Hasselt in Belgium, who is currently undergoing studio training with us.
A look inside Michel Bertels' studio
„How I came to Tecnopilates
When I started my training with Reiner, I was looking for a reformer, preferably a classic one that could be folded up, as I didn’t have a studio yet and would be training in my living room, so to speak.
I found this combination very quickly on the internet, as there was only one result: the Bloom Reformer from Tecnopilates.
After a quick phone call with Paolo (the owner), I ordered it, and after about eight weeks, it was delivered to my door.
I unpacked it immediately and was ready for a test run.
Folding it up and down is effortless, so easy that you can do it in less than a minute.
It runs very smoothly without making too much noise.
The springs are quite hard, all Tecnopilates springs are like that, but as I am a man, they are perfect for me.
The padding is a kind of memory foam, in my opinion; it’s not too thick and provides very good feedback. I’m not a fan of the fluffy padding found on most classic reformers.
Of course, you can’t compare a folding reformer to a fixed reformer, but the difference isn’t that big, especially with this model.
When you train on a Gratz or Legacy, it feels a bit more cumbersome.
Tecnopilates’ customer service also deserves praise. I had a problem with the folding reformer that was slightly related to the design: the profiles on the hinge were not aligned and during certain exercises, such as the long stretch, the wheel sank down a little when it moved over the hinge.
I reported this and documented it with a few photos, and Tecnopilates sent me a new frame free of charge.
In general, I find the quality of the materials used to be very good, the shipping costs are not too high, the prices are normal, and the customer service is perfect.
For this reason, and after building my studio, I also ordered the rest of my equipment from Tecnopilates.
What I own:
Two Bloom Reformers, as my wife also uses the studio for yoga classes, so I can quickly fold them up and put them aside.
Spine Corrector and Small Barrel.
Ladder Barrel.
Wundachair extra with removable handles.
Baby Armchair, Reiner compared the springs with those from Gratz and found almost no difference.
Pedi Pole.
Caddilac.
And a few smaller items such as a neck stretcher and airplane board.
Apart from the necessary maintenance (lubricating the wheels and hinges), there have been no problems so far.“
Tirado Pilates Apparatus
Short profile of Tirado Pilates Apparatus
A traditional Pilates equipment manufacturer often mentioned alongside Gratz and Basil. Based in the USA, with no distributor in Germany.
Hands-On Experience with Tirado Pilates Apparatus
While we don’t have firsthand experience with this manufacturer, they are regularly mentioned positively in various Pilates-related Facebook groups.
World Pilates
Short profile of World Pilates
World Pilates has been present in the fitness world for 40 years and has specialized in the manufacture of Pilates equipment for 20 years.
(Headquarters in Italy)
Hands-On Experience with World Pilates
We have two Spince Correctors in our studio, the Step Barrel First Line and the STEP BARREL TPE. Both are great and very comfortable to use. The surprisingly long step is a real advantage.
Pilates Step Barrel First Line
Pilates Step Barrel TPE Line
WUNDABAR
Short profile of WUNDABAR
And here's exotic offering from Berlin, Germany, albeit with an English website. The combination of bar, reformer, and Wunda Chair is definitely a good idea. However, you can only try out the device at Wundabar in Berlin. The patented Wundaformer is not yet available for purchase, but according to Wundabar, they are working on a home model.
https://www.wundabar.com/wundaformer
In this video, inventor Amy Jordan introduces us to the Wundaformer.
Hands-On Experience with Wundabar
None
Hands-On Experience with Xtend Pilates
You can definitely do Pilates on them, because in my Master Mentor Program with Kathy Corey, we trained on Xtend Reformers with Towers. However, in my experience, the wood is a bit soft and the fastenings come loose more quickly.