CarromBalance Board – Balancing Board for Skateboard, Hockey, Snowboard & Surf Training – Balance Exercise Equipment (300-pound weight limit)

I have wanted a balance board for a long time. But they typically are out of my price range since most start at about a hundred dollars. We took a chance on this one. We have friends with a Bongo Board - I tried comparing them against each other -The Carrom board:1. Much more difficult to master, the spindle and board are both wood so there is going to be slipping - making balancing all that more tricky. So, this could be a negative at first, but long term better.2. Not recommended for younger children, firstly to be safe you need to keep your feet on the grip tape and you need to be adult size to easily handle this. Secondly, the spindle tends to shoot out to the side if you loose your balance, which can cause you to fall rather hard. Our kids use this with close adult supervision.3. For the price, I am glad we bought this board.4. This board is a great core workout. We have been using it daily for about a month - and we all enjoy it and you can feel your core getting stronger -as you can control the board longer each week.5. It takes practice to get this down. We started on thick rug and have worked to the point we can use it on wood or tile floors, but it's still a challenge to stay up for longer then a few minutes at a time. Our legs and core are tired after every use.The Bongo Board:1. Much better safety features - the whole board is grip-taped, the spindle is rubber coated so it "sticks" to the board, there is a bungee-cord that attaches the spindle to the board (so not shooting the spindle episodes like the Carrom).2. Both back and forth and side to side motions - the Carrom only rolls back and forth along the length of the board. The Bongo's spindle is also beveled side to side, so more balancing options. But we have noted that the wooden spindle of the Carrom board is actually much more challenging to balance - because there is no forgiveness and the wood will slide easily if you are too fast or off balance even the smallest amount.3. Great looking board.4. Big price tag.5. Instant usability - you can just jump on this and go. We didn't need any coaching or practice - instant gratification and fun. I am sure you can do more tricks on the Bongo Board - and have tons of fun.Conclusion: If I had unlimited money to spend, I probably would purchase a different board. But our goals were to get a starter board to work on core strength, have fun, and see if these balance boards are really going to keep our interest. The Carrom fits our criteria. If I was getting this for children to use, I would have to recommend the Bongo Board to start, but for adults who will take the time to learn and practice, the Carrom is fine. For the price, we are very happy. I will eventually upgrade to a Indo Board or a Bongo Board or Vew-Do - but right now we are satisfied.

This is a good product for developing balance and confidence. I would suggest basic stretching before engagement but the Balance Board is Fun and ez to put together.

I always wanted to increase my balance. After spending a few hours searching the balance board competition, I decided to pick the Carrom 510.40.Assembly:Tools needed 2 9/16 wrenches or 2 adjustable wrenches. After putting all of the wooden blocks together one side would have to be held with a wrench while the other side is tightened by the wrench. It would take 10 minutes to assemble.Construction:For a beginner board, I am really not going to complain. Yes, some of the circular blocks had some holes in them, and some of the wood started to chip. However, it does not effect the performance. I do somewhat worry about the longevity, but it is supposed to be used on carpet or smooth floors so it does not matter. My only real gripe is that there are only 4 anti skid grip strips. Other boards have anti skid grip covering the entire board.First Use:I felt like a baby taking my first steps. I was holding on to the couch for dear life. After about 20 minutes, I was gradually becoming more self reliant on the board. An hour later I started to use the board without any assistance. I have an athletic background with a good history of core strength, so your learning curve may vary. If you go on youtube or read articles on the Vewdo Board or Bongo Boards, they have tutorials on how to use it.Compared to the Competitors:It's funny that I did more research after I purchased the product. The originator, Bongo board looked good, but for the price about $130 as of 10/19/2013 you can get something else with more versatility. Why pay that much just to move only front and back?The Rolo Board in my opinion is the best buy. It can move front to back as well as side to side, so it doubles as balance for skate boards and surfing. My next purchase my be the Vewdo board. The balancing ball design seems to be sturdier and smother. Although the brand targets more to the skateboarder audience, the benefits of balance strengthening. My only fear of buying the other brands was buying a board for over 100 dollars and then not being able to use it due to the balance difficulty.Overall Quick Summary: Buy the Carrom Board since it is very affordable, and it is a gateway to see if you really need any of the over 100 dollar boards. The quality is weaker compared to the competition, but that is to be expected with the price point.The main reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is due to the roller design and the minimal (only 4) anti skid strips. I enjoy using it. Sometimes I buy products and only us it a few times, before it stays in a closet. I can really see myself using this every day.Update: 11/2013One of my family members got a splinter from the carpet. If you notice chipping on the rock then you can sand it down. If I would have seen the Shaun White Supply Co. Snowboard/Skateboard Balance Training Board then I would have bought that instead since it is cheaper, and looks like better quality. I also prefer the rock design of the SW board. However do not purchase it if it is more than $60.I found that the board is good, but the tracks will get boring after you master the movements. I think my next board maybe the Revolution Core 32 Advanced Balance Board. The trackless design seems to offer more of a challenge. However, the price of 120 is not that appealing,but all of the premium board have the similar price anyway.Other important side notes.The board makes noise while rocking back and forth , which I do not care about.Turning is doable, but the Triple rail design does not make it a smooth experience.

Love this board. I’ve been searching for creative ways to stay active and keep our bodies moving during the corona quarantine and this couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve been constantly using in our living room to keep moving (and smiling) while working from home and it has been so great for that. It’s super sturdy and very well built. Neither my husband or I weigh more than 165 lbs so I can’t speak to whether it would hold up under more weight but I cant imagine this board even slightly splintering with our use. Simple to put together, easy to store and doesn’t take up a lot of room while you use it. BONUS POINTS if you can master balancing while doing squats on the board =) Super hard but a GREAT leg workout and balance practice!! Highly recommend.

When we moved four years ago we couldn't take our board since we moved from Hawaii to the mainland. We've missed it ever since and finally were able to use our gift card from presents to get another. Same great quality, way to work on your balance, my kids are always on it. I don't think I can say enough good things about this.

We are ages 10-50 and all love this. We actually standing in a line to use it. Great purchase!!

I had a balance board as a kid and really wanted my kids to have one, as I loved it. It's sad to me how most things are now made on the cheap with pressed wood (with a relatively hefty price tag), and a roller you have to assemble that is anything but smooth. So disappointing....although kids like it....but I know what it could have been.