Imitated by several manufacturers, the Bosu ball is the original dome-shaped fitness ball. Bosu -- pronounced "Bow Sue" -- was originally an acronym for "Both Sides Up," and currently stands for "Both Sides Utilized." It was introduced to the fitness industry in 2000. BodyTrends, the company which retails the Dome Yoga Ball -- also known as Dome Ball and Dome Ball with Tubing -- advertises its product as comparable to the Bosu ball, but at half the price.
Features
The Bosu ball provides a larger surface to perform exercises on than the Dome Yoga Ball. Whereas the Bosu's surface measures 24.6 inches, the Dome Yoga Ball's surface measurement is 18 inches. Both balls are made to be used dome-side up or platform-side up for exercises. Shipping weight for both balls is 15.4 lbs. and 15 lbs., respectively. While the Bosu's surface is smooth, the Dome Yoga Ball has ridges on the sides. Dome Yoga Balls are sold with or without detachable straps, and come with a pump to inflate the ball. Bosu Balance Trainer Home Version is bundled with a pump, workout DVD and exercise manual.
Price
Expect to pay close to $100 as of October 2010 for the Bosu Ball Balance Trainer Home Version. BodyTrends' Dome Yoga Ball retails between $40 to $70 as of October 2010. If ordering online, be sure to factor in handling and shipping costs. Also, review the return policy as the cost to return the product could cost as much as, or more than, the product.
Types
While the Dome Yoga Ball comes in one style type for home use, the Bosu ball offers a commercial-grade ball, the Bosu Pro Balance Trainer. Manufactured for heavy-duty use as in a gym setting, the Bosu Pro Balance Trainer's bladder is heavier, and the base is made more durable than the home version. As of October 2010, this product retails at about $150.
Bosu Company Transparency
Based in Ashland, Ohio, Fitness Quest and Hedstrom Plastics, Inc. have built a facility that supports the local economy and, as an an environmentally-conscious manufacturing company, commits to minimizing the environmental impact of the manufacturing process of Bosu products. The company seeks ways to reduce, reuse and recycle throughout the manufacturing process, and has eliminated the use of phthalates, which some consider toxic, in its plastic.
Considerations
Some problems reported about the Bosu ball include slow leakage of the ball, difficulty removing the plug and separation of the bladder from the base. Over-inflating the ball can contribute to the product malfunctioning. If saving money is your top priority -- even if it means sacrificing quality -- then purchasing the less-expensive Dome Yoga Ball could fulfill your needs.
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