Innova ITX9800 review (safety straps)

Our take

The ITX9800 is the Innova table with an added strap system. Innova describes its patented straps as spreading pressure across the legs, ankles and feet, and as a safety feature. Otherwise it is close to the ITX9600: a six-position pin system with a protective cover, an adjustable headrest and a large backrest pad.

We research, we don't test, so this review is built from Innova's published information. We cannot tell you how the straps feel in use. Picks are based on product specs, owner reviews and expert sources, linked below.

What stands out

The straps are the point. If ankle pressure puts you off using a table at all, a design that spreads the load is worth a look. Innova also lists the 300 lb capacity and the 4 ft 10 in to 6 ft 6 in height range as the other basics. Innova's storage page says the frame folds by pulling the handlebars.

The downsides

It has only a 1-year limited warranty. The limits are 300 lb and 6 ft 6 in. There is no tether: you change the angle by getting off and moving the pin. We also cannot judge from published specs whether the strap design suits your body better than a plain ankle holder; that is a personal fit question.

The maker's numbers

Innova's page lists a 300 lb capacity and a user height of 4 ft 10 in to 6 ft 6 in, with a one-year limited warranty. Like the other Innovas, no list price is published on the model page, so the budget placement is relative.

What the strap system is

The feature that sets the ITX9800 apart is a patented adjustable strap system (Innova cites US 10,105,276 B2). Innova says the straps provide extra comfort for the legs, ankles and feet and also work as a safety feature, and it calls the ankle area a safety harness with FlexStraps. We have not tried it, and we cannot tell you how it feels; we only report what Innova says. It also has the six-position pin with a protective cover, an adjustable three-position headrest, soft foam handlebars, and the True Balance system with two adjustments (headrest and height).

How it compares

The ITX9600 has the same limits and pin, with reversible ankle holders instead of the straps. The ITX1200 holds 350 lb but has three pin positions. Against the Teeters, you give up a 5-year full warranty for Innova's one-year limited warranty. Read Teeter vs Innova before deciding, and how to assemble and adjust an inversion table for the height setting and ankle checks.

Common questions

What is different from the ITX9600?

Innova lists the same 300 lb limit and six-position pin on both. The ITX9800 adds the patented strap system around the ankle area.

Does it fold?

Innova's general storage page describes folding its tables by pulling the safety pin and lifting the handlebars. Check your manual for the exact steps.

Is it right for me?

Inversion tables are not for everyone, and the research on them is limited and mixed. Some people find a table eases back stiffness for a while, but it is not a treatment. Talk to your doctor first, and read who should not use an inversion table.

Setup notes

Innova's storage and maintenance page covers the height setting and the return upright. Its FAQ says to start at a low angle setting (15 or 30 on its scale), to wear athletic shoes, and to return to horizontal and pause before coming upright to avoid dizziness. It also warns against tightening the ankle system so much that it restricts blood flow. These are the maker's instructions for its tables in general, so check your own manual for this model.

Who it suits

Choose the ITX9800 if comfort at the ankles is your main worry and you are happy with a pin table. If price matters most, the ITX9600 covers the same limits with a simpler design. If you want a longer warranty and an easier ankle lock, compare the Teeter FitSpine X1.

Inversion tables are not for everyone. Read who should not use one and talk to your doctor first if you have any health condition.