Reformer Buying Guide

Everything to check before buying a reformer in 2026, sizing, spring systems, studio vs home, and what "complete" should actually mean.

Which reformer is right for you? Sizes, spring systems, wood vs foldable metal, home vs studio use — everything you need to choose with confidence.

1. Which reformer fits which user?

SituationBest fitWhy
Commercial studio, daily classesWood Reformer / Elite Wood ReformerRigid frame, silent glide, rated for back-to-back use
Home, dedicated roomWood Reformer with TowerDoubles the repertoire in one footprint
Home, limited spaceFoldable Metal ReformerFull spring resistance, folds away between sessions
Rehab / varied clienteleCadillac ComboTrapeze table + reformer covers the widest exercise range

2. Sizing: will it fit your room, and your clients?

Plan roughly 3 m × 1 m of working space per reformer, plus walking room between beds in a studio. Check maximum user height and weight ratings before buying anywhere; taller clients need full-length carriages, which all of our beds use. Exact dimensions and weight limits are listed on each product page under Product Specifications.

3. Spring systems, explained honestly

Contemporary equipment (ours included) uses STOTT/BASI-style spring setups: a graded set of springs with color-coded resistance. If your instructors trained on classical equipment, the spring feel differs, message us and we'll walk you through the differences on a video call before you commit.

4. Tower, cadillac, or neither?

A wall tower adds spring stations along a wall; a reformer-mounted tower adds them to the bed; a full cadillac adds the complete trapeze frame. Home users are rarely limited by a tower. Studios serving varied clientele get lasting value from at least one cadillac.

5. Completing the studio

The classic supporting trio: combo chair, ladder barrel, and wall towers. See how our pricing compares to premium brands, or jump straight to Studio Packages for multi-bed pricing.

6. The checklist (works for any brand)

  • Is the price for a complete bundle or a bare bed?
  • Is there a clear main-frame warranty? (Ours: 10 years.)
  • Are spare parts available long-term?
  • Does it ship insured, on a pallet, with tracking?
  • Can you see the actual machine moving before paying? We do free live video tours from the factory floor.