Blackroll «Hook»: a door anchor with a side of veg
Blackroll’s combi product «Hook» is handy if you work out with resistance bands. You are, however, buying two products for the price of two. And for one of them, there’s an easy substitute.
There’s a catch to buying this product. Of course there is. Quite fitting, really, given that it’s called «Hook». Its main function is to secure resistance bands, which can be done by hooking them to a carabiner, then clipping the attached strap to either the top or side of your door. On the other side of the door, the Blackroll Mini Flow stops the contraption from slipping and keeps your workout accident-free.
This is clever – and distinct from similar products, which involve a useless block of plastic dangling at the other side of the door. Door anchors are, after all, neither new nor complicated: block, band, hook. You can already get products like these for a few francs. But while most manufacturers don’t give the typical set-up a second thought, Blackroll is a little different.
By bringing the little black roller into the mix, the company has managed to incorporate its flagship product – a double hook, so to speak. That means you’re buying two products for the price of one: a carabiner with a loop, and a Blackroll Mini Flow for self-massage. Which is only worthwhile if you use both of them. The Mini is too good for the lowly job of anchor.
I’ve got to admit, I gave the little ribbed roller the cold shoulder at first. Now, I’m using it more frequently than the bigger one. I keep it on my desk to give my forearms a good kneading every now and again. Mostly though, it comes in handy when it’s under my desk, giving my feet something to play with and waking them up occasionally. You can do quite a lot with it. There’s just one thing you shouldn’t do: lose it before working out with the «Hook» at your door. Otherwise, you’ll need to look for an impromptu substitute. The good news is, you’ll definitely find one – in your fridge.
The zucchini test
As long as your door closes well enough, the thing dangling on the end of the loop is practically just decoration. The strap holds so securely that even a ripe, organic zucchini survives the workout without getting squashed. And, what’s almost even more important in my book: the doorframe remains intact because even under pressure, the band doesn’t slip through the gap.
The carabiner of the «Hook» is reassuringly solid. In combination with the loop bands, which I like to use, it’s a safe bet. That is, as long as you shut the door properly before your workout. And when you’re not home alone, you’d better be sure it opens from your direction. Otherwise, you’re at risk of a painful surprise. But that’s a different story.
The story of this product has a happy ending: you could say, it’s got its hooks into me. It’s well-made – and practical, too. If you use both the door anchor and the roller, it’s even reasonable priced. It’s just a pity that you can’t buy the door anchor separately. I mean, you might already have a Blackroll Mini at home. Or a zucchini.
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Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer, dad of two. Likes to be on the move, shimmies through everyday family life, juggles with several balls and occasionally drops something. A ball. Or a remark. Or both.
