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.
is there any proof that any of the other brands are proven to work? i got mine just because i liked the look of it. i believe the whole phiten, irenew etc are all fake and have not been proven as well. so why just pick on this one company?
Comment #2 by: CommonCent$ on 27 Feb 2011, 04:39 UTC
I hope the people who sells this crap in malls gets arrested or sued for participating in the sales of a scam like this. They are lying to people in front of their faces and in the end make their customers feel gullible once they find out the truth. These guys are trust violators and they should be punish. I hate scammers for making us look like fools in the end just so that they can get some monetary gain.
Comment #2.1 by: MakinCent$ on 28 Mar 2011, 20:56 GMT
Are you serious?! Why would you get all bent out of shape at the people that are peddling this stuff in the malls. It's not their fault that people will waste their money on this type of crap. Ever hear the expression "If you believe that, I've got a bridge to sell you." Maybe the people buying this junk end up looking like fools because that's what they are. In the end it's your decision to buy or not to buy, don't get ticked at some 18 year old kid that sells this stuff to bozos in the mall, he's not forcing you to do anything you don't wanna do.
Comment #3 by: derrr buy my wristband on 09 Mar 2011, 01:01 UTC
I am 68 and have fallen quite frequently, sometimes with injury. My son gave me the Power Balance bracelet. I have, so far, remained on my feet, straight-up, no losing balance and falling. I'm convinced. Perhaps this is psychological. Doesn't matter. I haven's fallen.
Comment #4.1 by: jj on 18 Apr 2011, 06:37 GMT
I too am 65. I tried the test at the mall yesterday and bought one thiniking what the heck..if it does that ..what else can it do? The price is less than a few hamburgers so what's loose? Since getting it I have definately have more spring in my step and seem to have more energy. My son the skeptic tried the balance thing. I didn't even say anything ..just tested him without and then with it and he said ..'what's with that?? How can it do that?' I hadn't even told him what it was supposed to do. If all it does is somehow let us self hypnotize ourselves into better balance and feeling better ...I'd say it was a great investment whether it is a scam or not. Many women will spend $300.00 for a nice day at the spa ..so like 30 bucks is a big deal to feel refreshed for days? You can take me to the cleaners any time with a scam like that. :)
I don't use or even know this product, and I don't know whether it works or not. But the company was undoubtedly forced to make that statement on their website because the "scientists" said it didn't work. I would never let this stop me from looking into a product, and I use a number of products that "don't work" but do much for me. And no, I don't have a weak mind. And yes, I have tried lots of products making claims, but didn't work. If I am subject to the placebo effect, all these products should have worked. In fact, I am always skeptical until I know a product works. Don't let the "scientists" stop you from trying things for yourself.
Comment #7 by: Killashandra on 05 May 2011, 17:55 UTC
I saw my co-worker wearing one and it looks cute. I thought it was a watch. So I asked my co-worker, said boyfriend present and have no idea where he bought the band.
I was thinking of purchasing one for myself but after reading this false claim I do not want to waste my money. Thank you
Like anything elce in this world WE MAKE OUR OWN CHOICES. Do you really think this is the only product on this planet that claims something and works or doesn't work? Try it and if it works buy it, if not stay on the couch, turn on the TV and eat your potato chips.
I sell these things within the store I work and tell people flat out to think about the fact there is no proof and it's just a rubber band and a sticker and it sucks to say they still want to buy it. * people but if I warn them I don't feel bad lol. People just believe what they want to believe even if i tell them not to. So why would businesses that put outthe money to buy and stock it stop selling it.
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