Reformer Buyer's Guide - Balanced Body Studio vs Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio

Reformer Buyer's Guide

Balanced Body Studio Reformer

VERSUS

Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio Reformer

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Introduction

One question we hear frequently from customers shopping for a studio-quality Pilates reformer is: How does our Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio Reformer compare with the Balanced Body Studio Reformer?  Both machines are solid choices suitable for both studio and home use.  But, there are some important differences between the two machines that should be carefully considered when making a purchasing decision. 

Summary Analysis

Detailed Comparison

Included Accessories

As useful and versatile as a basic reformer is, having accessories can make all the difference in keeping your practice engaging, challenging, and diverse.  Key accessories you probably want to have are:

  • Jumpboard
  • Sitting box
  • Platform extenders
  • Foot strap

Here's where we can see the first major difference between the Fortus Pilates offering and the Balanced Body reformer.  While Fortus Pilates includes all of these accessories as part of our base package, each of these accessories is an optional add-on for the Balanced Body Studio Reformer, which drives the price up significantly.

AccessoryFortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio ReformerBalanced Body Studio Reformer
JumpboardIncludedExtra cost: $300
Sitting boxIncludedIncluded
Padded and Hard Platform ExtendersIncludedExtra cost: $265
Foot StrapIncludedIncluded

The inclusion of both the jumpboard and platform extenders gives a distinct edge to the Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio Reformer.  Adding those options to the Balanced Body Studio Reformer will add almost $600 to the base price for that machine. 

Advantage: Fortus Pilates

Quality & Durability

There's a huge difference that comes with using a studio-quality reformer over a reformer of lower quality.  A high-quality studio reformer should offer users an exceptionally quiet and smooth carriage glide, premium feel, and durability to withstand for years of use.

Both the Balanced Body and Fortus Pilates reformers definitely hit the mark when it comes to overall build quality and durability.  Either reformer will perform exceptionally well in a studio environment, and be stalwart through years of rigorous use. 

Advantage: Tie

Price

Price matters.  While the purchasing decision, especially when it comes to studios, should not be based solely on price, you still don't want to pay more for no benefit.

Price is perhaps one of the starkest areas of contrast between the Balanced Body and Fortus Pilates studio reformers.  While the Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio Reformer will run you $2,495, the Balanced Body Studio Reformer rings in at $4,400, almost double the price of the Fortus Pilates reformer.  

And, as discussed above, the Balanced Body Studio Reformer does not include the jumpboard or platform extender, accessories which will add a little under $600 to your purchase to bring the total cost of a Balanced Body machine to just shy of $5,000. 

Advantage: Fortus Pilates

Multi-tier Spring System

It goes without saying that the spring system is a key part of any reformer.   Poorly quality springs can lead to inconsistent resistance, noise, and ultimately breakage.

The Balanced Body Studio Reformer uses 5 springs (3 heavy, 1 medium, and 1 light) and a single-tier attachment system.

The Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio Reformer, in contrast, uses 6 springs (2 heavy, 2 medium, 2 light) and a 3-tier attachment system.  The net result is the ability to configure resistance across a much wider range of options with the Fortus Pilates reformer.  At the heaviest setting, the resistance of the Fortus Pilates reformer is almost double that of the Balanced Body reformer in the same configuration.  At the lightest setting, the resistance of the Fortus Pilates reformer is equal to the Balanced Body reformer in the same configuration.

Advantage: Fortus Pilates

Return Policy

The purchase of a reformer represents a sizeable investment.  As a buyer, you want to make sure you are protected in the event that you, after using your new reformer for a time, decide that it isn't the right machine for you.

Balanced Body excludes all their reformers from being eligible for discretionary returns, except in the case of damage during shipping.  You cannot return a Balanced Body reformer if you decide that, after using it, it doesn't meet your needs.

Fortus Pilates, on the other hand, stands 100% behind our reformers.  Fortus Pilates offers customers up to 30 days to request a product return for any reason.   This gives the customer lots of time to make sure they are happy with their purchase, and protection in case they are not. 

Advantage: Fortus Pilates

Upholstery

The upholstery is another key aspect of your reformer.  You want the upholstery to feel soft and supple, but you also want the material to last through years of demanding workouts.

Balanced Body uses vinyl as the material for all their reformers.  Vinyl is well suited to the task as it is fairly durable without being too rigid, although it can feel a little like plastic to the touch.

In contrast, Fortus Pilates uses premium microfibre leather for its reformers.  Microfibre leather has the advantage of feeling like top-grain soft leather while still maintaining impressive durability.  The only downside to microfibre leather is the cost, which is typically substantially higher than vinyl.   

Advantage: Fortus Pilates

Warranty

A manufacturer should confidently stand behind their product with a strong warranty.  This provides protection for the customer, and also speaks to the manufacturer's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. 

When it comes to reformers, warranties typically break out into the following categories, each with their own specific level of coverage.

  • Frame
  • Carriage and rail system
  • Springs
  • Upholstery
  • Wear items (straps, loops, ropes, etc.)

While both Balanced Body and Fortus Pilates offer warranties for all their reformers, there are some important details in the fine print.  Here's what the two warranties each cover.

AccessoryFortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio ReformerBalanced Body Studio Reformer
FrameLimited LifetimeLimited Lifetime
Carriage and Rail SystemLimited Lifetime2 Years
Springs1 Year1 Year
Upholstery1 Year90 Day
Wear Items (straps, loops, ropes, etc.)1 YearNone

The Fortus Pilates warranty is much more extensive in its coverage, specifically as it relates to the carriage and rail system and wear items, such as upholstery, straps, loops, and ropes.  Both companies offer similar warranties on the reformer frame. 

Advantage: Fortus Pilates

Conclusion

You can't go wrong with either the Balanced Body Studio Reformer or the Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio Reformer.  Both machines are high-quality items designed for the highest level of studio or home use.

However, as we have seen, there are some important differences between the two machines.  Expect to pay a lot more for the Balanced Body Studio Reformer, especially when you add in the accessories which come standard on the Fortus Pilates Maple Elite Studio Reformer. 

Also understand that while the two machines are structurally similar, the Fortus offering adds in additional features missing from the Balanced Body machine, such as a multi-tier spring system and various upgrades such as microfibre leather upholstery. 

In addition, Fortus Pilates offers more protection for the customer, both through a more comprehensive warranty as well as a 30-day, no-hassle return policy.

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Side profile of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower showing all accessories.
Closeup of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower ultra-soft double loop showing the soft texture of the loops.
Closeup of the rear posts of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower showing the pulley and brand plaque.
Rear angled view of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus is on the tower and tower accessories.
Closeup of the rear tower mount brackets on the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Side profile of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower focusing on the tower accessories.
Closeup of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower push-through bar.
Front view of Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower showing the platform extender, mat converter, and foot strap.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower with white leather after unpacking.  The leather is still in the protective wrap.
Side closeup showing the platform extender, springs, and footbar of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Angled view of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus on the tower and tower accessories.
Front angled closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus on the platform extender, footstrap, and springs.
Underside of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus on the rail and spring system.
Top angled view showing the sitting box, platform extenders, and footbar of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Angled view of the spring system and carriage stoppers for the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Top view of a Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower in white with focus on the spring system.
Side profile of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower showing all accessories.
Closeup of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower ultra-soft double loop showing the soft texture of the loops.
Closeup of the rear posts of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower showing the pulley and brand plaque.
Rear angled view of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus is on the tower and tower accessories.
Closeup of the rear tower mount brackets on the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Side profile of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower focusing on the tower accessories.
Closeup of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower push-through bar.
Front view of Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower showing the platform extender, mat converter, and foot strap.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower with white leather after unpacking.  The leather is still in the protective wrap.
Side closeup showing the platform extender, springs, and footbar of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Angled view of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus on the tower and tower accessories.
Front angled closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus on the platform extender, footstrap, and springs.
Underside of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.  Focus on the rail and spring system.
Top angled view showing the sitting box, platform extenders, and footbar of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Angled view of the spring system and carriage stoppers for the Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower.
Top view of a Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower in white with focus on the spring system.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower

Maple Elite Studio Reformer With Tower

$3,195.00
Maple Elite Studio Reformer accessories (jumpboard, sitting box, and platform extenders).
Maple Elite Studio Reformer side profile.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer
Front view of Maple Elite Studio Reformer showing the platform extender and foot strap.
Close up view of Maple Elite Studio Reformer springs and footbar (from side).
Maple Elite Studio Reformer rear posts and rear brand plaque, looking through the shoulder rests.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer front angled closeup showing the hard platform extender, foot strap, springs, and footbar.
Closeup of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer ultra-soft double loops and shoulder rest.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer rear posts and pulleys.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer ultra-soft double loop strap showing texture of straps.
The underside of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer, focusing of the carriage rail and spring systems.
Top angled view of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer showing the springs, platform extenders, sitting box, and footbar.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer rear posts from behind.  Focus on the pulley height adjustment knobs.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer springs and carriage stoppers.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer accessories (jumpboard, sitting box, and platform extenders).
Maple Elite Studio Reformer side profile.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer
Front view of Maple Elite Studio Reformer showing the platform extender and foot strap.
Close up view of Maple Elite Studio Reformer springs and footbar (from side).
Maple Elite Studio Reformer rear posts and rear brand plaque, looking through the shoulder rests.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer front angled closeup showing the hard platform extender, foot strap, springs, and footbar.
Closeup of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer ultra-soft double loops and shoulder rest.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer rear posts and pulleys.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer ultra-soft double loop strap showing texture of straps.
The underside of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer, focusing of the carriage rail and spring systems.
Top angled view of the Maple Elite Studio Reformer showing the springs, platform extenders, sitting box, and footbar.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer rear posts from behind.  Focus on the pulley height adjustment knobs.
Closeup of Maple Elite Studio Reformer springs and carriage stoppers.
Maple Elite Studio Reformer

Maple Elite Studio Reformer

$2,595.00
Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer folded and stored in a modern living room.
Side profile of Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer with accessories (sitting box, platform extender, and jumpboard).
Closeup of spring system on Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Side angled view of Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer in folded configuration.
Closeup of the ultra-soft double loop straps of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer folded and stored in a modern looking dining room.
Closeup of the back of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer rear posts.
Side angled closeup of the front of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer showing the platform extender, foot strap, and footbar.
Rear posts and branding plaque of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer, shown looking between the shoulder rests.
Closeup of Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer accessories (jumpboard, sitting box, and platform extender).
The back of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer in folded configuration.  Shows the rail and spring systems.
A folded Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer stored in a living room next to a fire place.
A Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer folded with gray leather.
Closeup of the rear posts and pulleys for a Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Front view of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer showing the foot strap, springs, and carriage stopper.
Top, angled view of the spring and rail system for the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Side profile of the unfolded Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Front view of a folded Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Angled view of the rear posts, pulleys, and the brand plaque of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer folded and stored in a modern living room.
Side profile of Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer with accessories (sitting box, platform extender, and jumpboard).
Closeup of spring system on Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Side angled view of Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer in folded configuration.
Closeup of the ultra-soft double loop straps of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer folded and stored in a modern looking dining room.
Closeup of the back of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer rear posts.
Side angled closeup of the front of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer showing the platform extender, foot strap, and footbar.
Rear posts and branding plaque of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer, shown looking between the shoulder rests.
Closeup of Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer accessories (jumpboard, sitting box, and platform extender).
The back of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer in folded configuration.  Shows the rail and spring systems.
A folded Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer stored in a living room next to a fire place.
A Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer folded with gray leather.
Closeup of the rear posts and pulleys for a Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Front view of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer showing the foot strap, springs, and carriage stopper.
Top, angled view of the spring and rail system for the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Side profile of the unfolded Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Front view of a folded Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Angled view of the rear posts, pulleys, and the brand plaque of the Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer.
Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer

Maple Elite Home Folding Reformer

$2,195.00
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Platform Extender 2.jpg__PID:851c8f11-7ec8-408e-8512-1765062e4b78
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Footbar Correct.jpg__PID:344dbbd0-bf87-424e-9396-e2961406780d
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Spring System.jpg__PID:df9f344d-bbd0-4f87-b24e-d396e2961406
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Foot strap.jpg__PID:7ec8e08e-c512-4765-862e-4b780d8605a7
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Platform Extender 2.jpg__PID:851c8f11-7ec8-408e-8512-1765062e4b78
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Footbar Correct.jpg__PID:344dbbd0-bf87-424e-9396-e2961406780d
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Spring System.jpg__PID:df9f344d-bbd0-4f87-b24e-d396e2961406
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer - Foot strap.jpg__PID:7ec8e08e-c512-4765-862e-4b780d8605a7
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower

Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer With Tower

$3,495.00
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer
Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer

Aluminum Elite Studio Reformer

$2,895.00