Torque Fitness Tank M1 Push Sled Review: Serious Sledding Power

For athletes looking for a new way to reinvigorate their cardio and strength training, workout sleds can be the perfect tool for the task. Tackling multiple muscle groups at once while also getting in a good conditioning session at the same time — what’s not to appreciate?

Still, though, having one of these impressive training toboggans at the ready for at-home workouts can be a struggle for some. The devices alone can eat up a good bit of garage space, and there’s also the noise factor to take into consideration. Drag a loaded sled across your driveway and see how many nearby windows open out of intrigue and annoyance.

To the delight of home fitness enthusiasts and HOA members everywhere, the Torque Fitness Tank M1 Push Sled sheds plenty of the pitfalls associated with sled training thanks to a unique “Mag-Force” resistance system and wheeled chassis. The rubber wheels move easily across grass, turf and pavement, eliminating that grinding noise often associated with sled pulls. Plus, there’s a slew of available add-ons that can make for a well-to-do workout regimen based solely around the profile itself.

Torque Fitness

But at near $850 for the sled alone, is that convenience worth the price tag? Can this workout tool really be a solid alternative to your more traditional free weight setups?

To find out, I trained with the Tank M1 as my sole exercise gear for a number of weeks across varying surfaces, noting how effective the resistance levels were in providing worthwhile workouts. I also utilized some of the brand’s accessories, including the handled V-Strap, Tow Rope and others to determine which add-ons were worth their weight in building the ultimate training rig. Finally, I trained both at my home and at nearby parks, so storage and transport capabilities were also examined.

Torque Fitness Tank M1 Push Sled: What We Think

If you have the space for it, I recommend the Tank M1 to anyone looking to beef up their garage gym setup. The wheeled chassis is prime for neighborhood use, and I really appreciate the Mag-Force resistance system which eliminates the need for extra weight plates. Plus, the brand’s Wall-Mounted Storage System keeps the device compact and conveniently stored when not in-use.

While the accessories can easily jack up the price, I think it’s best to view these add-ons as extra investments in your training regimen. Each accessory has its use and can unearth a fresh layer of training across this push-pull module. The Tank M1 won’t be my sole tool for fitness moving forward, but after spending time with the silhouette, its presence in my training regimen going forward is assured.

Amazon

Torque Fitness Tank M1 Push Sled

• $799.00 at Amazon
  $849.00 (6% off)

The Tank M1 makes sled training more versatile (and neighborhood-friendly).

One of the downfalls of traditional pull sleds and prowlers is the limited range of training environments. The metal skis and composite shoes can be great for exercising on turf or hardwood, but are far less effective when working out on grass. That’s not even considering training on concrete or pavement, where you’re likely to drown out any ambient noise once that harsh metal meets the stone underfoot. These factors limit how many athletes can truly take advantage of sled training at-home, whether via a lack of efficient environments or abundance of pesky neighbors.

In testing, I experienced none of the above surface issues with the Tank M1, thanks to its wheeled design. Resembling the tires you’d likely find on a worthwhile wheelbarrow, the device moved swimmingly across pavement, turf and grass alike. Even when working out in my backyard, which has no shortage of dips and hills, I found no resistance from the terrain, just from the sled’s internal magnetic system (more on that later).

Of course, the biggest perk of this wheeled design is the near-silent operation. There’s no grinding of metal on concrete, and the only sound is the resistance within the main hub. This slight hum allowed me to not only curb any hesitancies about disturbing my neighbors with my workouts, but also granted me the ability to stay alert for oncoming traffic and passersby. My street isn’t the busiest in my area, but having the ability to detect an oncoming sedan was a definite plus — one that may not be feasible with a noisier rig.

Ben Emminger

The magnetic resistance gives each set a unique intensity.

I’m no stranger to sled training and have utilized the devices heavily across my years in fitness. With that said, though, I’ve never experienced such challenging and motivating sessions like I had with the Tank M1. The bi-directional design allows for push-and-pull modalities, albeit with some intricate maneuvering due to the tri-wheeled setup. Additionally, the variable resistance felt across the Mag-Force system kept effort and intensity piqued regardless of my speed and power. The four levels provided excellent variety depending on my goals for the given day, and I appreciate how the device matches your input by increasing resistance relative to how hard you push or pull.

The Mag-Force resistance also eliminates the need for additional weight plates — another dilemma for other sled profiles. The Tank M1 does include a post for housing the rounded add-ons, but in training I found that adding a 45-pound disc was only necessary for counterweight to help keep all wheels grounded during movement. Sure, you’re able to add more mass depending on your strength goals and fitness levels — I typically trained with 80 pounds in-tote — but the internal resistance keeps the entire setup sleek and less weight-dependent. In short, you don’t need to stock up on cast-iron plates; you can get a worthwhile session in just using the Mag-Force system.

Ben Emminger

Add-on accessories can carry a hefty cost.

Testing the Tank M1 silhouette also granted me access to a number of the brand’s accessories. Working with the M1 Console, Dumbbell Cradles, Tow Rope and V-Strap was a worthwhile experience … I just wish the add-ons were a little more approachable from a price perspective. The Tank M1 base unit is already over $800, which is hundreds more than other worthwhile workout sleds. Each accessory has the potential to seriously upgrade the training experience, but I feel fewer athletes would be willing to try them out, given the sticker shock associated with each silhouette.

I will say, though, that the added costs are somewhat understood given the quality of the products at hand. For example, the M1 Console gave a newfound understanding of my training output thanks to measurements regarding calories, distance and total push energy. Working out with a few associates of mine was also a breeze thanks to the device’s ability to track real-time data for up to four users at once. Still, adding this console to the base unit takes the total over $900, and for some, that may be too much of an investment.

Ben Emminger

Ben Emminger

Torque Fitness Tank M1 Push Sled: Alternatives

If the Tank M1 isn’t intriguing to you, yet you still want to add sled training to your at-home regimen, there are a few options on the market. In terms of wheeled silhouettes, the XPO Trainer 2 from Armored Fitness can keep your sessions quiet, but there aren’t as many accessories to choose from and the profile is more intended for pushing modalities.

Of course, the traditional sled is another route worth considering if you’re less worried about pavement scuffs and in-training noise. The Titan Fitness Pro Sled System has all the bells and whistles available for pushing and pulling disciplines, but the resistance is dependent on how many weight plates you have at your disposal. For budget-minded athletes, the Tib Factory’s Tiny Tank Weighted Sled is also worthwhile given its smaller frame and convenient travel capabilities, but its pull-only aesthetic limits training possibilities overall.

Amazon

Torque Fitness Tank M1 Push Sled

• $799.00 at Amazon
  $849.00 (6% off)

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