Power Balance Silicone Wrist Bands

lubie76

Anyone tried those magnetic power balance bands.

http://www.powerbalanceuk.com/products/silicon-wristbands.html

Is it just a gimmick? Some people in my Yoga class swear by them for strength and holding postures but methinks it might be just a placebo effect. £30 is an expensive mistake.

Canis Lupus

lubie76 wrote: »

but methinks it might be just a placebo effect.

Would probably be the best explanation.

Doug Cartel

What is Power Balance?

Power Balance® is a performance technology that uses holograms embedded with frequencies that react positively with your body's natural energy field.

Wow. This, along with Farmville, is why I fear for the future of humanity.

gavtron

And just like that you can be more flexible......

http://www.powerbalanceuk.com/powerbalance-test.html

this type of thing is so effing stupid it annoys me....it's a sticker on a piece of silicon and it has some magical powers?

Gaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Davestator

I don't have one but have tried one on and the difference in balance and strength is actually amazing.

SanoVitae

If silicone increases strength so much, wouldn't that make Jordan the world's strongest woman?

TimMac

good one

SanoVitae wrote: »

If silicone increases strength so much, wouldn't that make Jordan the world's strongest woman?

TommyKnocker

SanoVitae wrote: »

If silicone increases strength so much, wouldn't that make Jordan the world's strongest woman?

Only if she had her nipples replaced with Holograms :D as that's supposed to be what produces these amazing results;)

The Davestator

I was the most sceptical person in the world until I personally felt the difference. Its not placebo and maybe the effect is short lived but until you've tried it you cant really comment with any authority IMO.

By the way, I dont have one, work for them, dont understand how it works etc.

Mellor

The Davestator wrote: »

I was the most sceptical person in the world until I personally felt the difference. Its not placebo and maybe the effect is short lived but until you've tried it you cant really comment with any authority IMO.

By the way, I dont have one, work for them, dont understand how it works etc.

How did you feel the difference?

If your bench instantly increased 50%, i'll except it for strength
If you could suddenly ride a unicycle walk a tightrope, do a handstand, i'll except it for balence (must of failed without)

I you did any variation of this, then you're a marketing dream. Don't confuse it working with him not pushing as hard.*

(*this was how I seen them "work" in a supp store)

Canis Lupus

The Davestator wrote: »

I was the most sceptical person in the world until I personally felt the difference. Its not placebo and maybe the effect is short lived but until you've tried it you cant really comment with any authority IMO.

By the way, I dont have one, work for them, dont understand how it works etc.

Maybe you got lucky and your body's natural energy field was in harmony with the frequencies given off by the hologram?

Whenever I buy something new be it tighty wighty shorts for cycling or new runners then my perceived performance in both activities increases until the novelty wears off (around a day).

I'd be willing to bet if you blind tested all the people who love it with a dummy wristband you'd get the same glowing reports.

"A fool and their money" is all I'm going to say about people who buy these things.

COH

Just lift sh*t

DirkVoodoo

http://www.evidencesoup.com/canopener/2010/04/can-a-skeptic-explain-power-balance-bracelets.html

More on applied kinesiology:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Piu75P8sxTo

Total scam from modern snake oil merchants!

testerdesign

Ever since i got mine my GF said i have been better in the Bedroom but i find it hard to believe, i got mine of adverts for 20
<mod snip>

the drifter

testerdesign wrote: »

Ever since i got mine my GF said i have been better in the Bedroom but i find it hard to believe,
<mod snip>

And now you will have plenty of time to spend in your bedroom as youve been banned.

Canis Lupus

testerdesign wrote: »

Ever since i got mine my GF said i have been better in the Bedroom but i find it hard to believe, i got mine of adverts for 20
http://adverts.ie/305559

Yeah but going from absolutely dire to pretty poor still isn't much to crow about.

WHIP IT!

Canis Lupus wrote: »

"A fool and their money" is all I'm going to say about people who buy these things.

Think this is unfair. Placebo effect or not, if people feel it works for them then what's twenty quid?? The snobbish scoffing from some people about them makes me laugh, it reminds me of people I know who think they're better than everyone cos they have "resisted the Facebook craze".

A friend of mine (lady, 32) wears one, she has had an old knee injury from playing basketball and she swears this helps by about 60%. She gave me one - I get hip and back pain from years of GAA training, sitting on an office chair whatever and in the past three months it has gotten worse than ever. I slipped this band thing on about three weeks ago and my hip/back feel better than they have in about two years.

Is it all in my head? Possibly, I couldn't give a flying f**k - I'm delighted.

Canis Lupus

At least credit it for what it is then, a placebo. Don't say 'possibly' unless you really think crystals and holograms fixed your pain.

Personally I'm just bitter that I didn't come up with the idea of selling (what I imagine are cheap to manufacture) bands to people and make a mint off it.

WHIP IT!

Canis Lupus wrote: »

At least credit it for what it is then, a placebo. Don't say 'possibly' unless you really think crystals and holograms fixed your pain.

Personally I'm just bitter that I didn't come up with the idea of selling (what I imagine are cheap to manufacture) bands to people and make a mint off it.

I say 'possibly' because I don't understand and haven't tried to understand the "science" of them. It was recommended (and provided, as it happens) by a friend so I used it and, it seems, it works! I don't know if it works physically or psychologically - all I know it, about 4 weeks ago I was walking my dog in the park and I almost couldn't get into the car with the pain in my back when I got to the carpark. Today, it's about 90% better than that day and about 70% better than it usually would have been on a typical 'back pain' day.

A mate of mine let me try his.He works in a golf shop and sells them.

He told me to put it on and stand on one leg and he pushed down on my shoulder.I was able to hold for a couple of seconds.

We then did it without the band and I couldnt hold my pose at all.
I tried it again a few times and whether placebo or not it did somethng to me,Im sceptical as most and was trying my hardest to hold myself up and proove him wrong but I couldnt.

Canis Lupus

Josie Noisy Vigilante wrote: »

A mate of mine let me try his.He works in a golf shop and sells them.

He told me to put it on and stand on one leg and he pushed down on my shoulder.I was able to hold for a couple of seconds.

We then did it without the band and I couldnt hold my pose at all.
I tried it again a few times and whether placebo or not it did somethng to me,Im sceptical as most and was trying my hardest to hold myself up and proove him wrong but I couldnt.

Watch the video on the first page on how that lark works.

biggie_p

Why Was that guy just banned? ha

Doug Cartel

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I say 'possibly' because I don't understand and haven't tried to understand the "science" of them.

There is no science to them to understand. Still though if it's only cost you 20 quid to realise your injury isn't as bad as you thought then I guess that was a good deal.

WHIP IT!

Doug Cartel wrote: »

There is no science to them to understand. Still though if it's only cost you 20 quid to realise your injury isn't as bad as you thought then I guess that was a good deal.

Why is this so important to you?

Also, if you read my post you'll see it didn't cost me a penny - but I'd gladly have paid the score if necessary.

Doug Cartel

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Why is this so important to you?

People are putting shiny stickers on rubber bands and telling people they're magic scientific wonder bands. It's dishonest. They prey on the uninformed, they promote superstition, and they cloud public understanding of actual science by filling the air with psudo-scientific babble.

Also, if you read my post you'll see it didn't cost me a penny - but I'd gladly have paid the score if necessary.

Someone's money was taken.

WHIP IT!

Doug Cartel wrote: »

People are putting shiny stickers on rubber bands and telling people they're magic scientific wonder bands. It's dishonest. They prey on the uninformed, they promote superstition, and they cloud public understanding of actual science by filling the air with psudo-scientific babble.


Someone's money was taken.

For all you know the "science bit" is genuine and you're the "uninformed" - mysterious and fun, ain't it!

Doug Cartel

WHIP IT! wrote: »

For all you know the "science bit" is genuine and you're the "uninformed"

They're genuine holographic stickers on genuine silicone or neoprene bands. That's about it. If you, or anyone, could enlighten me as to what possible mode of action these inert objects could have then I could be persuaded to change my mind. Can you enlighten me?

mysterious and fun, ain't it!

I don't find wilful ignorance all that fun.

Wonkagirl

I havent gotten one (yet), but know a few people who swear by them- one in particular who was struggling to run more than 10 mins, who claims she put one on and within a week was running 10km.

the fella that won gaelforce this yr had one on- that's good enough for me:D

Keep meaning to buy one. I think they look cool as well. totally agree with whoever it was (whip it! i think) who said that slamming them is akin to saying 'facebook is for idiots'- it's a real ''YOU WONT PULL THE WOOL OVER MY EYES' mentality- relax i say! nobody has died like.

d'Oracle

I am blatently gonna design wrist wraps with these in them.

Make a fortune.
Puts your bench up 20kg off the bat.

Doug Cartel

Comparing this to facebook makes no sense. Facebook is supposed to be a website that allows you to keep in touch with people, and it does exactly that. I can send a message to somebody and they get it - ta-da, it works. People who disagree with going on facebook, do so because they don't like what it does and how it does it, not because they think it doesn't actually work.

Also check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd0Gb9EgkHA

WHIP IT!

Doug Cartel wrote: »

They're genuine holographic stickers on genuine silicone or neoprene bands. That's about it. If you, or anyone, could enlighten me as to what possible mode of action these inert objects could have then I could be persuaded to change my mind. Can you enlighten me?


I don't find wilful ignorance all that fun.

Didn't Alanis Morrisette write a song about you?? :pac:

WHIP IT!

Doug Cartel wrote: »

Comparing this to facebook makes no sense. Facebook is supposed to be a website that allows you to keep in touch with people, and it does exactly that. I can send a message to somebody and they get it - ta-da, it works. People who disagree with going on facebook, do so because they don't like what it does and how it does it, not because they think it doesn't actually work.

Also check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd0Gb9EgkHA

You are missing sooo many points today, it's almost funny. Myself and Wonkagirl were comparing the attitudes of the "cute hoors" who don't get "sucked in" by Facebook or Powerbalance bracelets or "any of that oul sh*te" - they're much too cute for that and they love letting you know.

Me, I love pissing about on Facebook and I love me fancy new powerbalance bracelet

Doug Cartel

d'Oracle wrote: »

I am blatently gonna design wrist wraps with these in them.

This is partially why these kinds of things get under my skin. I wish I had the stones to try and pull this kind of thing off. It looks pretty easy, provided you can keep a straight face, and you have the seed cash to get a minor celebrity to endorse it.

How about a pendent infused with Himalayan rock salt? Ancient Buddhist monks prised this salt for its ion-purifying properties. Now you can harness its powers to help improve every aspect of your life. Only €15. Shur you wouldn't miss a measly 15 yo-yos, would ya?

sexwolf

G'em, Hanley and Will Heff what do you think of the Power Balance bands?

Doug Cartel

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Didn't Alanis Morrisette write a song about you?? :pac:

As I said, if you or anyone else can tell me how power balance works, then I'm all ears.

Myself and Wonkagirl were comparing the attitudes of the "cute hoors" who don't get "sucked in" by Facebook or Powerbalance bracelets or "any of that oul sh*te" - they're much too cute for that and they love letting you know.

It's an irrelevant comparison, why are you making it? Do you know what a straw man is?

d'Oracle

Doug Cartel wrote: »

This is partially why these kinds of things get under my skin. I wish I had the stones to try and pull this kind of thing off. It looks pretty easy, provided you can keep a straight face, and you have the seed cash to get a minor celebrity to endorse it.

How about a pendent infused with Himalayan rock salt? Ancient Buddhist monks prised this salt for its ion-purifying properties. Now you can harness its powers to help improve every aspect of your life. Only €15. Shur you wouldn't miss a measly 15 yo-yos, would ya?

You are miles off.
It needs to sound sciency.
Ancient mysticism alone does not cut it.

What you really need is a phrase or two which are laughable to people with any level of scientific knowledge. "Harmonic energy oscillation" in this case. As the people who buy the bunkum you are selling don't understand, they will think its "a scientific fact" despite it not actually meaning anything.

Ion-purifying is to close to actually meaning something.

Doug Cartel

d'Oracle wrote: »

Ion-purifying is to close to actually meaning something.

You're right, it's dangerously close to being a testable claim. That could get me in a lot of trouble. Back to the drawing board then.

Canis Lupus

sexwolf wrote: »

G'em, Hanley and Will Heff what do you think of the Power Balance bands?

Ask the experts is it?

WHIP IT!

Doug Cartel wrote: »

Do you know what a straw man is?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure he had a powerbalance band too - helped him with his tennis elbow...

Mickk

Haha I stung someone who really believes in these last week. He did the silly balance test where they push down on your arm ect. but when he gave me the band I dropped it behind me without him seeing. All of a sudden my balance was perfect because he thought I had it in my hand...

Doug Cartel

Well it seems the jig is up for them in Australia, and they have to pay back all the people they've ripped off over there.

http://www.powerbalance.com/australia/ca

the powerbalance website wrote:

In our advertising we stated that Power Balance wristbands improved your strength, balance and flexibility.
We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct in breach of s52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
If you feel you have been misled by our promotions, we wish to unreservedly apologise and offer a full refund.
To obtain a refund please visit our website www.powerbalance.com.au or contact us toll-free on 1800 733 436
This offer will be available until 30th June 2011. To be eligible for a refund, together with return postage, you will need to return a genuine Power Balance product along with proof of purchase (including credit card records, store barcodes and receipts) from an authorised reseller in Australia.
This Corrective Notice has been paid for by Power Balance Australia Pty Ltd and placed pursuant to an undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission given under section 87B of the Trade Practices Act, 1974.

Kevin!

http://focalprice.com/HL625B/Power_Balance_Silicone_Energy_Bracelet_Wristband_Size_M_190cm_Black.html


2.10$ on focalprice, free shipping haha.

Granted their probably fake, they still have the same effect of the real ones which is nada.

Rycn

Two spaghetti legged fairys in the gym changing room telling me about how much easier lifting weights is when you wear 1 of these.

"Clearly."

WHIP IT!

Mine's stayin firmly on - back/hip feels great and me wristband looks ever so pretty!

Canis Lupus

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Mine's stayin firmly on - back/hip feels great and me wristband looks ever so pretty!

I'm curious. Why don't you take it off and see what happens.

WHIP IT!

Canis Lupus wrote: »

I'm curious. Why don't you take it off and see what happens.

Because I might die... you'd feel like a right c*nt then, wouldn't ya! :pac:

Barry.Oglesby

There's lots of good books out there on the Placebo effect, but no book I've read explains the harm of "harmless" stuff like this better than Ben Goldacre's Bad Science

I know this will come off as condescending but I feel genuinely sorry for anyone sucked in by stuff like this.

WHIP IT!

Barry.Oglesby wrote: »

I know this will come off as condescending but I feel genuinely sorry for anyone sucked in by stuff like this.

You're right, it does...

The Guvnor

These things are pretty popular aren't they.

IIRC some soccer players or athletes 'swear' by them.

Good price for some silicone!:D

Barry.Oglesby

The Guvnor wrote: »

IIRC some soccer players or athletes 'swear' by them.

You could write a book on the stupid stuff people believe... and in fact, people have

I'll tell you something else, if they were twice as expensive, I bet they'd be twice as effective.

Barry.Oglesby

WHIP IT! wrote: »

You're right, it does...

Right again then. People say it's tough at the top but they're wrong...