Jan 27, 2011 19:51 GMT  ·  By
Power Balance admits there was no scientific backing for claims made about the wristband, offers refunds
   Power Balance admits there was no scientific backing for claims made about the wristband, offers refunds

Power Balance, the company making the ever-present Power Balance silicone wristband that boasts the ability to improve flexibility, strength and balance, has just admitted that the product is nothing short of a scam.

The Australian Power Balance has updated the official website to include a statement in which buyers are informed that there is really no scientific foundation for any claims they have been making.

Refunds will be offered to all those who bought the wristband and who can offer proof of purchase – if they feel they’ve been misled by previous advertising of the product into buying it.

“In our advertising we stated that Power Balance wristbands improved your strength, balance and flexibility,” the makers say in the statement.

“We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct in breach of s52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974,” the statement further reads.

The announcement and admission come on the heels of a massive class action lawsuit filed against Power Balance precisely because they were selling the wristband and making a series of claims that had zero scientific backing.

“If you feel you have been misled by our promotions, we wish to unreservedly apologize and offer a full refund,” the statement adds.

Refunds will be made until June 30, 2011 and only if proof of purchase is included in the package containing the Power Balance rubber band, which must have been purchased through an authorized reseller in Australia.

For the time being, it would seem that the US version of the website includes no mention of this, which means the makers will continue marketing the wristband here using the same false claims.

Speaking of false claims, those not familiar with the name of Power Balance should know that the makers attribute a wide array of benefits from the use of the wristband, from increased endurance, improved strength and balance, to more clarity of mind and a feeling of being energized.

In our review of the product, we also noted that we personally found said claims to be false and that whatever improvement was noticeable from wearing the band was simply the placebo effect.