The Gorilla Bow Travel is an innovative system that covers full-body fitness and I found it ideal for both endurance and muscle-building.
Men’s Fitness verdict
This powerhouse band system provides a gruelling full-body workout. You can use multiple bands to layer resistance, however loading heavier bands can be tricky.- Powerful full-body system
- Supports multiple bands simultaneously
- Priciest band system on test
- Will be too large and cumbersome for some
If you’re someone who likes the idea of investing in a system that covers full-body fitness, then the Gorilla Bow Travel should float your boat; it’s one of the best resistance bands around. Here’s how it performed when I put it to the test.
Why you can trust Men’s Fitness
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Our team of reviewers includes experienced product testers, PTs, nutritionists and fitness writers – as well as the core MF team – who know exactly what sets the best products apart from the rest. The Gorilla Bow Travel was tested by experienced PT and product tester Basil Kronfli. Find out more about how we test.
Getting started with the Gorilla Bow Travel
If you’re new to resistance band training, Gorilla Bow has created a load of videos to help you get started, with follow-up emails helpful with tips and tricks. And you can get a gruelling full-body reistance band workout with it – great for both endurance and muscle-building.
However, it might not be as enticing for traditional exercisers who are already adept at getting loads of value out of simpler equipment. It’s also quite large, so will require relatively high ceilings and light fixtures to avoid accidents. Fortunately my apartment ceiling was just about high enough.
Roughly 140cm tall when assembled, the Gorilla Bow is the most commanding of all our fitness band systems and the bulkiest. In its travel version, though, it detaches into three elements that fit easily in a large bag or small suitcase. Made from aircraft-grade aluminium, you can secure all the elements together by way of stainless steel push-button spring locks.
Gorilla Bow Travel resistance range
The bow ships with a range of bands in either a ‘Base’, ‘Heavy’ or ‘Total’ package, with a maximum total tension of 110lb (50kg), 330lb (149.7kg) or 350lb (158.8kg) respectively. The costs are $240 / £199, £229.99 / $280 and £314.99 / $370 respectively. Depending on the package you go for, you’ll get either four, nine or 11 bands. The bow and bands also fit into a neat carry case too, so you could probably take it as an additional piece of hand luggage on flights.
Working out with the Gorilla Bow is great, once you figure out how to use your resistance bands effectively. The claws at each end of the bow grapple onto each end of the band, putting them under tension.
Initially, I thought I’d have to switch out resistance bands between every exercise, but that isn’t the case. You can load the bow with up to four bands, so that means four resistance strengths when you use one band at a time. You can also use multiple bands simultaneously to layer resistance. This means it’s easy to quickly drop the weight when you fatigue – I found it perfect for drop sets.
Gorilla Bow system limitations
There are limitations to the Gorilla Bow system, however. It really pushes you to train with a pronated or supinated grip – a neutral grip or twist won’t be possible. It can also be a clunky process loading up heavier bands. Other than those niggles, and its premium pricing, the Gorilla Bow system is an innovative choice that could be great for home workout warriors.
Gorilla Bow Travel specs
| Resistance | Up to 350lb (158.8kg) |
| Color | Black or green with coloured bands |
| Number of bands | 4, 9 or 11 |
| Features | 3-piece bow; simultaneous band use; carry case |
How we test the best resistance bands
Our expert tester Basil Kronfli is an experienced PT and understands what makes a good set of resistance bands. He tested each product through its entire resistance range (including any optional extra bands) and across a wide range of banded exercises.
Basil tested and marked each resistance band for its versatility, for the quality of the bands and the handles and for its overall weight range.
