Stroops
ActiveOverview
Stroops produces fitness equipment focused on resistance bands and functional training tools for athletes, rehabilitation users, and general fitness enthusiasts. The company emphasizes safety features in its products, particularly with sleeved resistance bands to prevent snap-back injuries. It serves a range of clients from professional athletes to home users through direct online sales with options like free shipping and financing.
History
Stroops was founded in 1993-1994 by Shon Harker, an NCAA Division I football player with a master's in engineering, starting with a lifting strap product named 'Stroops' combining 'strap' and 'loops'. In 1998, Harker patented the 'Safety Sleeve Elastic,' now known as Slastix bands, which added a fabric casing to elastic tubes for safety. The company has since expanded its line to include various resistance and training equipment while maintaining a focus on safety and innovation in functional training.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Slastix Resistance Bands | Safety-enhanced bands for versatile training | $20 - $100 |
| Agility and Speed Tools | Equipment for athletic performance drills | $10 - $50 |
| Battle Ropes and Anchors | Heavy-duty conditioning accessories | $50 - $200 |
| Plyo Boxes and Platforms | Durable metal boxes for explosive training | $150 - $400 |
| Weights and Attachments | Modular add-ons for resistance setups | $15 - $80 |
Manufacturing
Stroops invests in American manufacturing, with metal products like anchoring systems and plyo boxes fabricated in the United States. Soft goods such as resistance bands and accessories are produced with lead times of 3 business days, while metal items take 7-10 days as they are made to order.
Notable Products
- Slastix Bands - Sleeved resistance bands with fabric casing to prevent overstretching and snap-back injuries.
- Stroops Lifting Straps - Original grip-bypassing straps for free weights and cable machines.
- Plyo Boxes - Metal platforms for plyometric jumps with 5-year frame warranty.
- Battle Ropes - Heavy ropes for conditioning workouts paired with anchoring systems.
- Agility Markers - Tools for speed and footwork drills.
Reputation
Stroops is recognized among fitness professionals for pioneering safety in resistance band training through its patented Slastix technology, earning trust for durability in athletic and rehab settings. Enthusiasts appreciate the focus on functional, innovative tools without hype. Some note limited visibility compared to larger brands, but warranties like 1-year for home use on soft goods support reliability perceptions.