EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack

2010-01-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack is the official accessory package for EA Sports Active, Electronic Arts' innovative and customizable fitness program for Wii.

One of the major strengths of EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack is that unlike other exercise products designed for use with Wii, every exercise included in it contains built in two-player split screen support. Having a friend to workout with not only makes staying in shape fun, the added presence of a workout partner has been proven to affect ongoing motivation towards reaching fitness goals. This is where the EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack comes in.

I purchased this EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack 4-1/2 months ago along with the Sports Active game. Today I noticed that the neoprene rubber backing on both of the leg bands is tearing along the seam at the end of the velcro strap. Each leg band has been used for approximately 24 workouts (equivalent to being worn for 12 hours). I contacted customer support and was told that EA's official policy was that the bands would only be replaced under warranty within 90 days of purchase, no matter how little they were used before the damage was discovered. The customer support representative commented that this has been a very common failure and that the warranty department has been absolutely inflexible on the expiration of the warranty period.

The flaw in the design is obvious. The line of stitches places holes (which concentrate stress) along the edge of where the inflexible velcro strap meets the flexible neoprene backing. That promotes formation of rips starting at those holes. EA should fix the design and replace all of the bands of the old design that fail.

The resistance band is very soft and does not provide nearly enough resistance for most adults. I purchased a 3-pack of light/medium/heavy resistance bands from sporting goods store, and even the light band was significantly stiffer than the EA Sports band.

Since this kit includes only the faulty leg band, a useless resistance band, and some uncomfortable handles, I rate it a 1. EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack is highly recommended.

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