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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans
dino001 Tampa, FLPosts: 4,654I wonder if you actually have oil monitor, or it's just a software. I'm not aware of any manufacturer having a real oild quality sensors there, from what I heard and read, it's all calculated based on driving, but I may be wrong.
BTW, I my "over the year comment" was directed to BMW, not Acura. When I wrote "you" I meant "one who owns BMW", not you, m6user, owner of Acura. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
No problem, I understood. Just stating the obvious I guess. I really have no idea how the "oil monitor" works in the Acura and it really doesn't matter all that much to me. I would get the oil changed at one year or about 7500 regardless of what the "oil monitor" or the owner's manual said. Unless, of course, the owners manual was even more stringent.
You guys peaked my interest. Since one of the local Benz dealers is close to my home, I wandered over there last night to look at the CLA. They had 2 of them (they said they initially had 4 but already sold two). One was $38K MSRP. It didn't have leather, nor the "fancy" diamond grill you see in the TV ads (it's an option).
They wanted me to do a test drive. I declined. For nearly $40K, I think I'll pass. You can get a nice A4 for that money....or, an ATS....or a 320i...all of which I think are nicer vehicles. Heck...you can get a loaded up Acura ILX for less than that. Or, in reality, a G37x is selling for less than that these days. Just a hunch, but I'd say any of the above would be better cars than the CLA.
No doubt they'll sell a lot of them...at least initially. I think those of us who fall on the "sports" side of luxury sport vehicles would be disappointed, though. Just one man's opinion.
Side note....Edmunds forums flaky for anyone else?2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec
m6...I pulled this out of my old file when I had my TL a few years ago. This is what Acura stated about the oil life monitor...
"The TL has a Maintenance Minder system that automatically monitors the vehicle's unique operating condition to indicate to the driver when maintenance is required. Maintenance alerts are presented when the ignition is first turned on, not while driving (to prevent driver distraction). The system monitors engine operating conditions such as fluid temperatures and engine speed to determine the proper service intervals. The Multi-Info Display (MID) located below the fuel and engine temperature gauges in the instrument cluster indicates the remaining percentage of engine oil life, and then shows service is due with a "wrench" icon. A percentage-based countdown to the next service is displayed when the car is within 15 percent of the end of the service interval. A letter and number code is displayed to indicate the specific type of service that is required. If the service is missed, the MID indicates past-due mileage to express the urgency of the required service to the driver.
The system is designed to eliminate unnecessary maintenance procedures, environmental impact and expenses, while ensuring that important service issues are addressed. In some cases, oil change intervals can extend to a maximum of 10,000 miles, which could spare the owner considerable money and inconvenience over the life of the car. The owner-resettable system monitors all normal service parts and systems, including oil, oil filter, tire rotation, air-cleaner, automatic transmission fluid, spark plugs, timing belt, coolant, brake pads and more."
Thinking back to when the manufacturers stated oil change intervals based on mileage alone, I think the monitors might give a more accurate guesstimate on when your oil is depleted.
I remember a mechanic friend who I would consult in my younger days of building a (money pit) track car, telling me he could tell if the oil was depleted just by smell and by rubbing the dip stick in between his fingers. I was amazed at that. Until I realized all he was doing was feeling for grit in the oil, and trying to determine if the oil smelled "burnt". Not very scientific. Of course, we didn't use synth oil, either.2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec
No doubt they'll sell a lot of them...at least initially. I think those of us who fall on the "sports" side of luxury sport vehicles would be disappointed, though. Just one man's opinion.
graphicguy - I went to the local MB dealer a couple of weeks ago to take a closer look at the CLA. You would have thought that a Kardashian kid had showed up, there were so many people surrounding the car.
Like you noticed, the two they had on the lot were stickered in the $36-38K range. Quite a bit of money for what is a pretty small car. I guess everyone wants to play in the 'compact luxury' arena these days.
I agree with you - those people wanting something sporty will probably shop elsewhere. 320i, A4, ATS would be good alternatives.
Where it gets tricky is that you can option up some more pedestrian brands to that mid 30's price range - Optima, Accord, Fusion - and get way more features for the money. And, save money on maintenance. And, perhaps get a better warranty.
Bottom line is that the lines are beginning to blur on the luxury side of the equation.
2016 VW Jetta 1.4T SE / 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
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Where it gets tricky is that you can option up some more pedestrian brands to that mid 30's price range - Optima, Accord, Fusion - and get way more features for the money. And, save money on maintenance. And, perhaps get a better warranty.....Bottom line is that the lines are beginning to blur on the luxury side of the equation.
Of course none of those more plebian models can put a bit three pointed star on the hood......
Thanks. Acura doesn't really say how it's done but I became curious by this discussion and found this:
Sounds like the systems work very well.
That is true, but none of those also put a 7 speed dual clutch with nearly 260 lb-ft at 1200rpm. Plus the MB has style those cannot touch.
More features don't always impress me. While initially these were impressive new features...I no longer feel the "wow" about power mirrors and windows (a little tongue n' cheek here...). For me, after a few months the "new" features are "ho-hum". Not to say I wouldn't want power windows on a new MB
I initially felt this about in-car nav's. They were amazing and seemed worth the thousands they commanded. Now it seems they are used as a tool to gouge the consumer; they'll integrate additional features (customizable settings, etc)...so if you want the 'features' you pony up for the nav.
My former IS had the nav and I explicitly searched for one, but I never used the nav. My large phone with Google maps was always far more accurate and easy to use (and I didn't have to buy an expensive DVD every year to upgrade).
The back seat may be a bit cramped, but the CLA is a bigger car than the current C class in every dimension.
I haven't compared a loaded mainstream vehicle to the CLA, but if I'm right at $35K I think i'd forego an 'option' for the CLA style.
Plus...I like the three pointed star...more than an H or an italicized H
"It seems strange that so many "electrical glitches" happen in German brands very early on."
Window regulators are/were big problems for MB and VW, when I had my 300SDL I would go through two regulators a year, both on the drivers side, and at $370/e it got pretty expensive after a while. VW had the same issue for a while but no longer have that issue.
Dino, I'm not too worried really, I'm figuring that the car has no real miles on it yet and the computer will start "analyzing" how it is being driven and recalculate when the next service should happen.
The currently CTS (2014) is narrower then the the last generation, yes it is longer but the shoulder room is where it counts to many people.
I'm guessing the "oil Monitor" works based on temps, driving style, whether it is stop and go traffic or highway, the speed in which one drives throttle position and over all how one "drives" the car. It would be interesting experiment to take two identical cars, drive one how normal people would drive and then take one and drive it hard, take it on the track and see if the oil monitor stays anything different and if the one who drives the car harder would have to come in for service sooner. OR does it matter with the new Synthetic oils how hard or easy you drive the car..
Ivan, the new do-dad's that cars have a nice and at times make for a easier trip, one thing I wish rental cars had was Nav, so far the only rental I have ever had that standard nav was the Infitii Q45 (The Whale) it was nice since I wasn't too sure where i was going, but I just use my phone the other times since the new goggle maps integrates well with the iPhone and when connected to Bluetooth and comes through the speakers.
One nice feature I just found on my 320i is the ability to open the trunk by placing my foot under the bumper. It is a nice feature when your hands are full. Same new Do-Dad's are handy others are just gimmicks.
That is true, but none of those also put a 7 speed dual clutch with nearly 260 lb-ft at 1200rpm.
I'll venture to say that the vast majority of the CLA buyers won't even ask or care about that. They are attracted to the shiny star and the $349 lease rate.
Plus the MB has style those cannot touch.
To each his own. IMHO, the styling of the CLA is overdone. MB seems to be overdoing the blades and cuts on the nose and tail.
Michaell...I agree with you....the auto industry has become so finely segmented, it really is starting to blur from one car model to the next.
Just saw a Kia Optima that one my best friend's wife bought. When did those things get to be so nice?
For $36K, is a CLA built better, does it perform better, have better materials, last longer, etc...than a loaded up (and less expensive) Accord? Hmmmm...I can't make that leap.
Then again, I thought it was absurd when I read an article a year or so ago stating that a Mustang GT is the equal of a BMW M3. Maybe I'm starting to see the point.
The times I walked into a Benz showroom, I always walk out believing there were better alternatives for a lot less money.
With the CLA, MB is cashing in the chits they earned from the years their cars were considered overbuilt and overengineered...available only to the rich. Today? I'm not seeing it.
I've probably hit the high end of my tolerance for how much I'm willing to pay for a car, regardless of its capabilities.
My soft spot for Acuras is beginning to show, me thinks.2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec
Keep in mind that the CLA is not the smallest offering .. they offer both the A and B class overseas (and the B class in Canada as well).
Every so often I'll pick up a copy of CAR magazine, to see what's happening across the pond.
Some years back, one of their editors wrote a column that talked about the shrinking middle class of car manufacturers. The improvement of Hyundai & Kia (and the other "low" cost brands available in Europe) and the continuing down market efforts of BMW, Audi and MB meant that popular brands like Ford, Vauxhall/Opel, Renault and Peugeot were getting squeezed.
Might that be happening here in the States? It's possible, quite possible.
2016 VW Jetta 1.4T SE / 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
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>>To each his own. IMHO, the styling of the CLA is overdone. MB seems to be overdoing the blades and cuts on the nose and tail.
You're correct...I was assuming everybody most love the styling because I think it's fantastic
kyfdx Posts: 70,618Hey... that's how I usually see it, too.. If I think it looks great, then everyone else feels the same way... or, they are wrong... ;-)
Prices Paid, Lease Questions, SUVs
rayainsw Posts: 2,955For those here who might be interested...
http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8990142016 BMW 340i
nyccarguy Stamford, CTPosts: 11,592Just what we need, another $50,000 BMW
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD, 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD
Thanks, Ray.
NYC....I was thinking the exact same thing....just what I need...another iteration of a car I am keenly interested in.
Must walk away....must walk away......
2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec
With a $3,000 price increase, BMW is taking the apples to oranges marketing plan.. and letting Audi and MB battle in the entry level sedans (CLA/A3).
Since most family oriented buyers will like the size of the 3 series/a4 and those (younger buyers) seeking a smaller ride won't mind the smaller 2 coupe and may prefer it over the a3/cla, this maybe a good plan.
Regrettably, the last coupe I had was a 73 mustang and will wait for my midlife for a Stingray... so for a few years, hopefully I and you will be happy with the S4.
With a $3,000 price increase, BMW is taking the apples to oranges marketing plan.. and letting Audi and MB battle in the entry level sedans (CLA/A3).
Don't forget the new 1 series is going to be FWD/AWD and compete in the same market as the CLA/A3.
I thought that wasn't due until 2017 model... when all the dust would have settled by then... (by then Kate Upton might be over the hill and Usher will be on tour with Lionel Richie)
Wait, did you say the Mustang would be FWD too ;p
markcincinnati Posts: 5,343Quick take: 2014 S4 S-Tronic (333 HP 325 lb ft).
There must be some reason that Audi would understate the power of one (or more for all I know) of their engines. Maybe it is a tax thing in Germany. Whatever the reason, it seems to me that there is no way this car has only 333 HP and 325 lb ft.
I had heard that the 2.0T's power as it stands in the current A6 is understated (and I have driven the car and it does seem impossible that it is 220 HP motivating a car that big) and I read a test report of the S8 that wagged its finger at Audi for understating that engine, too, so I guess it must be an Audi practice to under-rate their engines.
Of course, other than for tax reasons (if that really is true), why would they do this? I recall that Acura (and others) had to restate the power of the RL's 3.7L V6 (to less than 300 HP), suggesting to me that most car companies would probably like to find a way to overstate the power numbers (HP measured at sea level on a cold day, for instance).
In any case, even with less than 1,000 miles on it, the S4 seems to have great, surprising, reserves of power -- perhaps sports car power. An RS version must be dangerous, if this S version is any indication.
Once again, I find myself wondering why the recent spate of car magazine sport sedan comparos doesn't include this car!?
Mark when it comes to HP, the German's have always done it different. If you take the BMW 335i, the car makes 300hp and 300 lbs of torque, however, ifyou look at the times it run, there is no way that a 300hp car can run that fast, and dyno test have proven over and over again that it makes more power. Also the 7 spd DSG helps too. I also believe that engines today make power more efficiently then before. My 320i only makes 180hp and 200lbs of torque but the passing on the highway is effortless...
scwmcan Niagara, CanadaPosts: 399As for why the magazines aren't testing the S4 with the others, it may have lost a comparision test with one of the others in the past, I am not sure how old the current A/S4 is. Also the may be justifying it by testing RWD performance sedans, maybe they will do an AWD test later ( not saying it is right, but might be their thinking). I think generally the first answer is the reason ( same reason the c-class isn't in the tests). That said I am sure the A/S4 is right up there with the others, and depending on what you are looking for may be the best.
markcincinnati Posts: 5,343Drove from Cincinnati to Columbus and back yesterday -- on the way back, crossed over to 1,000+ miles on the OD.
Well, for reasons I cannot imagine -- other than the fact that here in Ohio we have raised the top speed limit from 65 to 70mph (and EVERYBODY does limit+10 and lots do limit+20) -- I got in with a "pack" of cars cruising along between 85 and 90, and for the hell of it, I got in the left lane and punched it for just a couple of seconds: an indicated 101mph "just like that!" Poof.
I'm destined to get a ticket. Thank god for cruise control.
End note1: it must be the all season tires, but this is one of the quietest cars (even at speed) I have ever been in.
End note2: this is a 2014, yes? Yes. Why in the wide wide world of sports does the "iPhone/iPod adapter only have the iPhone 3, 4 and 4S "big" connector? I have a now outdated iPhone 5 and it uses the new "little" connector. The solution (and no charge) was for the dealer to give me an Audi connector that has a USB female plug on it. I take the 110 volt AC plug off of the cable, plug the USB male into the female and I at least have the ability to keep the iPhone charged. I don't seem to have any of the control or selection features I would have if I had an iPhone 4. This means, I turn on Bluetooth, plug in the USB, fire up the system and punch up whatever I want to listen to ON THE PHONE itself, then put the phone in the glove box and let whatever playlist I have selected run its course.
My "old" Acura TL worked perfectly and seemed way way better integrated with both my iPhone and my Kindle Fire (which I used to use for audio books; now I use an iPhone app to do the same thing.)
Endnote3: I got used to having the garage door opener work with the car turned off on the Acura, can't do it on the Audi. This means you have to close the garage door with the engine running -- I know it is only a few seconds, but with all the software controlled things the MMI permits/enables, you'd think there could be a menu item that lets you choose what will operate with the engine off. I know this is a picking of the nits, but there needs to be a software update to take care of some of the little things that shouldn't be on a nearly $57K car.
Overall, however, this thing is a blast!
More later.
Drive it like you live.
wco81 Posts: 563I'm not a big car enthusiast. Back in 2006, I was reading these forums for Audi and BMW but in the end bought a Honda because I knew I wasn't going to be driving much -- the 7 year old Honda has just over 23k miles.
However, I'm thinking of getting something better and one thing that might drive my choice would be what kind of European Delivery program the manufacturer offers. Back 7 years ago, I think only BMW was doing ED and there were packages to drive through Switzerland and down into Italy, Lake Como to be specific.
The savings, with FOB originating in Munich, could result in a lease that saved you enough to pay for the trip to Germany (maybe not to tour around Europe though).
I see now that Mercedes and Audi are offering ED again.
So do these and the BMW ED programs still offer substantial savings on leases?
I still won't drive that much so I don't need a lot of miles per year but I'd at least start off with a good tour in Europe.
stickguy Posts: 26,371Volvo has a very good ED program. If you want to see Sweden, and want a Volvo.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport (mine), 2013 Acura RDX AWD (wife's) and 2015 Jetta Sport (daughter's)


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Tigers plan to honor '68 championship team
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Forty-five years after the Tigers won the World Series behind greats such as Al Kaline, Willie Horton, Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain, the Tigers will plan to honor the team with a tribute on Saturday, May 25, before their 4:05 p.m. ET game against the Minnesota Twins.
Members of the 1968 world championship team will be celebrated in an on-field, pregame ceremony. The first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative coin.
Other special nights announced include the 19th annual Negro Leagues tribute on April 27, the 43rd annual Polish-American night on May 24, the third annual classic car show on June 8, Christmas in July on July 31, the eighth annual Fiesta Tigres celebration on Aug. 3, and Star Wars night on Sept. 14.
Individual game tickets for the entire home schedule will go on sale Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. ET online at tigers.com, by phone at 866-66-TIGER, and in person at the Comerica Park box office and at Hockeytown Authentics in Troy.
Leyland weighs in on home-plate collisions
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Jim Leyland wasn't a Major League catcher like several current managers, but he was a Minor League catcher before he got into coaching. He also has managed long enough to see several nasty collisions at home plate.
He read what Mike Matheny said recently about pushing to forbid collisions at home plate, and he agrees with the reasoning. However, Leyland sounded cautious about setting rules in situations where throws home draw catchers into the path of the runner.
"I think you have to define what's a collision, first of all," Leyland said Thursday morning. "Is a collision something where the catcher has the ball waiting for [the baserunner] 10 feet away and he goes full speed and tries to run over him? Or is it a bang-bang play at the plate that couldn't be helped?
"If the catcher has to react to a throw from right field and it's down the third-base line, [the runner] might happen to be there. You can't ask the runner to jump out and maybe turn an ankle or something, either. I think some of them can't be helped, but I do agree with this -- if you've got a guy out at home plate by 10 feet, I don't think he should be able to try to run you over. I do agree with that."
At the same time, Leyland sounded hesitant to completely remove a catcher's right to block the plate when a throw comes in.
"I think it's OK to block the plate," Leyland said. "I don't think there's anything wrong with blocking the plate."
Leyland's view brings up the question of a judgment call for umpires in terms of intent or distance, whether a catcher has control of a ball and has established position in front of the plate, or whether a runner has enough time to avoid a collision. That's all a debate for another time.
Leyland could end up being an influential voice on this topic. He sits on Major League Baseball's special committee for on-field matters, which has recommended several rules changes that have been adopted over the past few years. He has not lost a catcher to a home plate collision in recent years, but he has seen what has happened to others, such as Yadier Molina and Buster Posey.
Sanchez excels in final start before Classic
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The next time Anibal Sanchez pitches, he'll be wearing a Venezuelan uniform, not the Old English 'D'. Manager Jim Leyland expects he'll still be getting ready for the Major League season in the process of pitching in the World Baseball Classic.
The Tigers have had position players and relief pitchers take part in the World Baseball Classic. A prominent starter such as Sanchez, fresh off signing a five-year, $80 million contract, is a new one for them.
"I'm not worried about it," Leyland said. "When that thing started, they had some rough spots. They weren't really sure. … It was something that had never been done before. Now, I think they're taking pride in it."
With the pitch limits written into the rules, overuse shouldn't be a problem. The test will be the intensity of the pitches. Instead of "getting his work in," he'll have national pride on the line.
"You can throw 35-40 pitches, and there are some pitches in games like now where you're throwing them to work on stuff," catcher Alex Avila said. "In those pitches you're throwing there [in the Classic], they're tough pitches. It's a little bit different as far as the adrenaline. There's a little bit more meaning behind the pitch. It's definitely different this time of the year for guys.
"Some guys have reacted both ways from it. I just hope that he just makes sure that he progresses and builds his arm strength, which I know he will."
Sanchez threw 30 of his 45 pitches for strikes over three scoreless innings Thursday, mixing in his entire repertoire. In that, he might be ahead of his fellow Tigers starters, which should help him going into Venezuelan camp.
So far, Avila said, Sanchez has been "a breeze to catch."
The stuff that made Sanchez stingy down the stretch last year once they developed a rapport has carried into this spring.
"Not only does he have an out pitch, he's got four above-average pitches," Avila said.
Quick hits
• Leyland said outfielder Andy Dirks could be ready to play Friday against the Mets in Port St. Lucie. Dirks has been sidelined this week with an intercostal strain.
• Don Kelly has now reached base in half of his 10 plate appearances this spring. He is now 3-for-8 on the spring with two walks.
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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Doha Climate talks: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
Developing and developed countries reached a stalemate over how to verify carbon emissions from forests in Saturday's talks on reducing carbon emissions from deforestation at the annual U.N. climate conference in Doha, Qatar.
Represented by Brazil and Norway, respectively, poor and wealthy nations were unable to agree on how high to set the standard to verify emissions reductions at the 37th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), the group that dispenses scientific advice to the delegates to the conference.
Developing countries argued for handling the verification process domestically, while the donor countries favored independent verification from an international group. The talks are among several in Doha to advance the creation of a Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) framework, a system that pays landowners to keep trees standing in countries that are prone to deforestation.
In essence, it reflects the proverbial chicken-and-egg dilemma: A wealthy donor country like Norway is reluctant to fund projects under the REDD+ mechanism if the verified carbon emissions are not completed to high standards. And poor, forested countries like many in the Group of 77 -- a U.N. coalition of less-developed countries -- are unwilling to take steps to verify to a high standard if they don't have any funding from donors or markets.
"We can't discuss money until we agree on verification; we can't discuss verification if there's no money on table," said Bruce Cabarle, leader of the forest and climate initiative for the World Wildlife Fund.
Clearing forests to make way for agriculture and other uses is responsible for about 20 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel-rich Norway has committed $1 billion to curb deforestation in the Amazon and $1 billion for Indonesia. Although improvements have been seen in the Amazon -- Brazil recently announced a 27 percent drop in the rate of deforestation in just one year -- advancement in Indonesia has been rocky.
Clear cutting in Ecuador photo via Shutterstock.
Read more at WWF.


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By Lawrence Hardy
The evidence is overwhelming: Providing quality preschool for disadvantaged children is a crucial step -- perhaps the crucial step -- in raising graduation rates, closing the achievement gap, and improving the nation's long-term economic health.
At age 3, a child of professional parents hears about 11 million words a year; a family on welfare hears just 3 million. By as early as nine months, evidence of an achievement gap is present, and by the start of kindergarten the vocabulary gap is up to 15,000 words -- 20,000 words for high-income children, 5,000 for those from low-income households.
But parental income isn't necessarily destiny: Early learning can do much to close this deficit. Recent research shows that "most, if not all, of the achievement gap found at age 5 (at school entry) and at age 8 could be eliminated by an intensive two-year early childhood program for infants and toddlers (age 1-3 years)," according to data compiled by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The societal return on this kind of investment -- in increased tax receipts and reduced use of such things as social services, special education, and correctional institutions -- could be anywhere from $3 to $16 for every dollar invested.
Given these findings, it's no wonder that government-supported early childhood education has received endorsements from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; 22 governors, who mentioned it in their 2012 "State of the State" addresses; and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who late last year awarded $500 million in Race to the Top Early Learning Grants to nine states.
So the U.S. is now providing quality preschool to a majority of its low-income children and the quality continues to improve, right? Wrong on both counts.
Yes, enrollments have increased at state-supported preschools, but that was barely enough to keep up with population increases -- and the thousands of children falling into poverty.
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Ask any fitness professional what exercise is the best for developing explosive lower body power and the answer is always the same: the Squat. The Squat is the ultimate exercise for building mass and strength in the thighs, glutes, calves, and lower back. This Leverage Squat / Calf Raise Machine is engineered to eliminate the risks of this essential exercise while enhancing the benefits and increasing the effectiveness.
Go heavy! Perform squats with 300, 500, 800 pounds and more! The Leverage Squat Machine is the strongest machine in its class and can handle the heaviest loads with ease. This machine is built for those who want it all...power, mass, and performance! Olympic style plates only. Weight plates optional.
|I love it! - Stan
|Rate: 5 out of 5
|I have been lifting weights for over 20yrs and I thought I would never be able to squat anymore. I have a bad shoulder and knee. This machine is great,it`s safe,very little strain on your knees and shoulders and lower back.Plus it holds alot of weight.DAMN it`s good to be able to squat again!!! Be aware, it takes time to put together. If I can do it anyone can. Make sure you have a socket and wrench set.I put it together by myself,if you have help that would be good.
|awesome - Brian
|Rate: 5 out of 5
|Years ago back in the late 80's early 90's competed in bodybuilding and now at age 38 working on getting back in that shape or better. One of my strongest parts was legs and did many squats to get my legs where they used to be. But over the years I kind of slacked off due to lower back pain due to straight bar squats not to mention it took 8 sets to feel much of anything. With being 6' tall it is hard to really isolate and get that perfect burn in the legs. I can honestly say that since I got this machine I absolutely love it. It only took 1 set to give me the burn I have been after all these years and absolutely no back pain. It helps put you in the exact perfect position.. Not only is this great for squat but also for calves and shrugs.. Extremely durable... It is commercial rated and I sure wish I would have had access to this when I was in my late teens and early 20's.. With Body Solid you get commercial quality at affordable prices..
|build some legs - M. Emerson
|Rate: 5 out of 5
I haven't had this long, enough for just a couple leg workouts and about 6 calf workouts, but I think I have enough experience with it to share my thoughts.
The first thing I noticed is that it takes a little getting used to. With plates on it there is a little work just to get under the pads and the feet into the proper spot on the angled foot plate. I'm not that tall (5'11") but I still have to squat way down to get into position but its not that terrible. I suppose if your very tall you might find that somewhat uncomfortable. Ive read reviews of the Powertec leverage squat and a taller reviewer said he had issues with it so maybe its just something you go through with these types of machines.
Now to the important part...the workout. First off the angled foot plate allows for multiple foot positions which is great because you can work your legs slightly differently depending on foot position. One thing that took some getting used to is leaning back into the pads that go behind your back. With your feet on the angled plate you almost have to lean back into those pads, which felt odd to me, but it makes for a comfortable lifting position. While lifting your back feels totally removed from the move which in a traditional squat the back is highly involved. There is an adjustable pin to determine how low you can go into the movement, I personally put it lower because I like to go deeper into the move. Its very comfortable though, Id almost compare it to more of a leg press or hack squat feeling than a squat because its that much easier on the back than a regular squat.
Calves are good to work with this. The calf block isnt quite high enough to get a really deep stretch at the bottom but its curved and doesnt dig into your foot like a square block would.
Okay there are a few quirks to this item that I should go into. The directions suck! Fortunately I bought this item from a local distributor and they did the assembly but go to the bodysolid site and look at the manual. Yep, no step by step instructions just an exploded view diagram. No usage instructions in the manual either although use isn't so complicated you cant figure it out. My main issue is with the locking pin. There's a lever that you move and I don't know if its just me but it seems that to get into the exercise I lift the weight then have to deal with that start-stop lever, rep out then deal with it yet again. Maybe I'm just not used to it but it seems sort of awkward to use with a few hundred pounds on your back.
Overall though its probably the best product for what it is for. Just be sure you have enough weights to use because I'm sure that you can build some big legs and calves with the help of this machine!
|Body Solid Squat - Dan, "danf415"
|Rate: 4 out of 5
I'll start with the assembly,after all,this is the most daunting thing about this machine once it shows up at your door!
Fortunately, I read a reviewer's suggestion that all hardware be sorted and rebagged prior to construction of this machine. This I did before anything else. Considering how murky the enclosed instructions are, any and all good advice is welcome. The machine is definitely (stout) quality built & the hardware is of a good quality. Considering how cold it was outside, I drug the smaller of the 2 boxes inside. The support members are well packed so the use of small wire cutters to cut the cable ties is necessary.I reviewed the install instructions & separated the hardware. I next opened the larger box and carried in some pieces of the main frame. I will mention here that you can actually download a clearer construction diagram from the internet than what is enclosed with the box. The diagram is actually no different except that it is more readable.
When I got enough of the main frame built,(didn't add the footplate yet;too heavy) I took it out to the garage to finish 'er up. It is a heavy and awkward load at this point (without the arm assembly);you;ll need help to move it. It did take me about 4 hours to put this thing together but ,truthfully, I wasn't in a hurry. The average person can build this thing!
This machine works the way I'd hoped. I can't complain about the workout.I realized just how creaky my knees were during the test process. I know I'll get better with each workout. Want a lower body workout? This is the ticket! Most important, this machine is relatively SAFE to use. You will not get stranded with weights you can't offload. Also,there is an ability to relocate a steel pin that allows for a deeper knee bend.
Except for the poor assembly instructions, I would have given this machine 5 stars.--also, don't expect any advice on lifting techniques or any other "how to"; none was included. You will need a crescent wrench and some metric sockets to complete this project. 2 hex keys are included.You will also need Olympic weights.NOTE: Olympic weights can be had on the used market for less than 1/2 the price of new weight
|Great for the legs & nice Price - FW
|Rate: 5 out of 5
|The placement of the feet and how you learn into the pads that curve around your upper back/shoulders is important. I have had this model over four years and it has served me very well. The degree of the squat is great as the steel foot panel is set about 20 degrees and that takes the stress off the knees so you can add a bit more weight. The only problem I have had is with the spring loaded lockout handle. I position my body under the machine and stand up to the position where my upper back is "locked in" with the back & shoulder pads. Once I square myself up to secure my back in, this allows me to release the safety to be free from its holder. That be a bit of a problem until you get used to the unit. I love the safety that's built in to keep me from not being able to stand back up. Keep the spring free of dirt/dust and it'll be great. I have compared this unit (quality/price) to a similar one elsewhere and found this product to less expensive and superior in quality/construction.
This item is usually delivered via Common Freight Carrier. Estimated time to ship is 3-5 days.
Please review the Freight shipping terms below.
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Screw Colonizing the New World. I Want to F*ck Something. [A Geeklist Containing Excellent Dexterity Games]
- United States
However, in certain situations, stuffy adult games and mature themes just won't cut it. In part, gaming is a form of escapism. I game to forget about that annoying coworker, the mortgage payment, tedious yardwork, looming deadlines, overdue credit card bills, and automobile maintenance. It is fun to discard the heavy mantle of adulthood and regress every now and then.
Think back to your childhood. Did you ever use the term suboptimal play, suffer from analysis paralysis, or debate the differences between strategy and tactics? No. Did you worry about seating order bias, prefer games with little downtime, or have a least-favorite mechanism? No.
Here on the geek, many of the most popular games are disguised as adult activities. Games are structured, processional, and analytical. As children, play was a lively, carefree activity that was largely experiential. As a kid, play was fun. Yes, play was rollicking, boisterous, jocular, carefree, uproarious fun. How often can you say that about your weekly session of Puerto Rico or Caylus?
This list is dedicated to dexterity games that have the ability to make even the most hardened, stoic adult gamers approach play with a child-like wonder and naivety. So,
Screw Colonizing the New World. I Want to Flick Something.
- Edited Mon Jun 24, 2013 12:41 pm
- Posted Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:32 am
- [+] Dice rolls


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Interview with Mr
Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human
24.01.12 Mr Hammarberg shares his experiences in promoting the rights of children, explaning the shortcomings that exist as children still remain unprotected from being sexually abused. He points out that "The problem is even wider because many of the abuses take place in the families themselves and there we have a tendency of taboo, people don't want to talk about it..(..) There is a need to ensure that personnel who see signs of sexual abuse, like teachers, health personnel, social workers and the police, that they report on what they have seen so that there is a possibility to protect individual children." He also emphasises that the Network of Contact Parliamentarians could have a major role in lobbying for the ratification of the Lanzarote Convention, and he explains the importance of educating children, so that they are aware of the risks and dangers they might encounter.
Watch the video interview here


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