Kinetic Benefit #1:
VertiMax training resistance remains relatively constant throughout the entire exercise movement which optimizes strength adaptations specifically to enhance high speed movement!

Conventional Systems

Conventional systems attach short elastic bands directly to the platform. This causes the resistance to drop markedly when lowering into the jump initiation position, and increase exponentially during the upward leaping movement. (Giving the familiar slack cords at the bottom and that unnatural yank-back at the top). Such designs are ineffective because they fail to apply effective loading through the complete jumping motion and disrupt balance when attempting sports-specific movements.

VertiMax® Systems

With VertiMax, four 16-ft cords retract down through the platform, and coil around 16 pulleys under the platform. This patented design fully loads the athlete in the low squat position, and then maintains this same level of resistance all the way to the top of the jump. No slack cords at the bottom and no yank-back at the top! More importantly the non-varying force applied throughout the entire movement optimizes strength adaptations specifically to enhance high speed movement.

Kinetic Benefit #2:
VertiMax maintains a  true 'center-of-the-earth' gravity vector during lateral movement which preserves balance and natural jumping mechanics.  This feature allows athletes to jump more vigorously against resistive loads leading to a superior training response

Conventional Systems

The above animation shows a typical conventional system where the cords are tied to a fixed position on the platform. When an athlete jumps off center or moves laterally the cords don't move with them.  Thus, an unnatural horizontal force which doesn't act straight down on the athlete like gravity occurs. The lateral force will significantly disrupt balance prohibiting the athlete from leaping against any applied resistance with maximum effort.  If training with maximum effort is inhibited, obtaining a maximum strength gain from the exercise will also be inhibited. 

VertiMax® Systems

The above animation shows the contribution of the patented VertiMax Hip Trackers. The Hip Trackers mounted under the platform pivot with athletes when they jump off center or move laterally on the platform. This pivoting (tracking) allows the cords to move with the athlete to preserve their balance by better simulating the natural direction of gravity which is straight down! With better balance the athlete can jump with more effort against any resistance they choose and thus better develop strength for improved explosive performance.

Improved  Exercise Balance through Lateral Control Devices
A built-in tracking system reduces the destabilizing back-to-center (slingshot effect) of conventional trainers by allowing resistance bands to follow the athlete as he moves forward, backwards or diagonally across the training area. The additional stability and balance allows athletes to perform more complex sports-specific movements. The image below demonstrates the function and range of the VertiMax Hip Trackers.