Trion:Z Ionic/Magnetic Bracelet Review
Posted March 17th, 2006 by Guest Author
Magnets have long been associated with the ability to enhance the body's natural healing ability. After trying on the Trion:Z Ionic/Magnetic bracelet I'm still skeptical but keeping an open mind.
I thought I could use an "edge" when playing golf to maximize my performance on the course. I was running out of steam and a bit achy at the end of a round of golf. I figured that exercise alone just wasn't enhancing my performance in spite of the fact that all the tour pros insist that using weight training equipment and stretching would help me achieve that par score that is so evasive to me.
I started to look into magnetic bracelets. Hey, don't laugh! Magnetic jewelry has been used since ancient times to ease pain and improve circulation. I even saw celebrities like Johnny Bench and Ben Roethlisberger sporting them on their wrists endorsing their healing properties.
Whether their effects are real or placebo I figured if the "King of Golf" Arnold Palmer wears one and really believes it helps his golf game then why shouldn't I give one of these magnetic wonders a try?
My initial search began with an innocuous enough infomercial on television for a metallic bracelet. My interest peaked as stories of rejuvenation and energy abounded. Unfortunately I just wasn't satisfied with the look of the earlier bracelets. They looked like an old man's watch and were too big and bulky for my small wrist.
Frankly I am a cynic and laughed off all thoughts of purchasing one of these "miracle cures" thinking that this was all a crock of lies to sell bracelets. But my aches and pains have not subsided, I'm feeling physically drained and I guess that I too was looking for that phenomenon that would improve my health and give me back the game I lost to the off-season.
I then heard about the Trion:Z Magnet/Ionic Bracelet following a successful launch at the 2006 PGA Merchandise Show. Magnets and ions working together? And this bracelet has a more modern look to it. That's an improvement from the original design of bracelets that I just had to research further.
Magnetic/Ionic Technology
Trion:Z bracelets are not metallic but are made from a special material that is infused with negative ion-producing minerals called "STAYERS" actually woven directly into the fabric. They are double-looped to enhance their healing properties. As it clearly states on the package, the "unique, patented Alternating North South Polarity Orientation (ASPO) increases Magnetic Field Flow to maximize the power of the magnets". Two loops, alternating current, more power. Yeah…
The typical magnetic bracelet on the market today doesn't compare to the Trion:Z. The magnet is inferior and the North/South Pole orientation is just two-dimentional instead of alternating causing lower penetration of magnets. The position of the magnet also matters and as with other brands North and South Pole direction exist in the same direction because they are magnetized after packing.
These bracelets were designed for the active person. Urban living produces countless positive ions which are associated with symptoms including fatigue, loss of concentration, nausea, headaches and joint pain. Basically, if you're feeling uncomfortable from the stresses of daily living, this bracelet's negative ions are supposed to counteract these symptoms.
As a matter of fact, the Trion:Z bracelet is said to diminish positive ions at rates of twenty to fifty times of other ionic products. The medical grade magnets supposedly increase the flow of the field with their alternating North-South polarity orientation.
Negative ions counteract the effects of a stressed-out day and are abundant in nature through plants, waterfalls, rainstorms, and forests. Another way to get the negative ions of the Trion:Z? Wait until a rainy day on the golf course, take out your 7-iron and hold up the club. Get the point?
Between the negative ions and the twin 1,000 gauss magnets blended into the fabric it is considered to be the most advanced and powerful bracelet of its kind on the market.
But just for good measure, at the 2006 PGA Merchandise Show, skeptics had a chance to view the magical properties of the Trion:Z bracelet. An ion meter tested the effectiveness of the Trion:Z bracelet as participants removed their older bracelets and placed them beside the Trion:Z to measure the ion levels of each bracelet. When the level of ions measured about twenty to fifty times the negative ion levels of the older silicone bracelets, users bought the Trion:Z on the spot, leaving their old, ratty bracelets on the sales desk.
Warning!
Sonartec Golf has imported this therapeutic device from Japan targeting both sports markets and active lifestyles but this bracelet is marketed under the name Colantotte brand in Japan. Although this product is new in the United States, it has successfully sold in Japan for over six years and experienced a growth of 500% last year!
Not only are athletic types supposed to benefit from this technology but people who are regularly exposed to positive ions from computers, cell phones and electrical machinery. It's kind of funny to read the large "WARNING!" emblazoned on their package which cautions users who have a pacemaker or any type of metallic object within their body not to wear it.
Upon further reading of their "WARNING!" a person should not use this product with other medical products or near wristwatches, cards with metallic strips or any other magnetically sensitive products.
Seeing how I already have a metallic object in my mouth (a titanium screw - isn't titanium supposed to help your golf game?) and swipe credit cards by the minute I figured that I should be their guinea pig and put on two bracelets to see if I could get quadruple the benefit! After two weeks, I feel little effect either way.
Also, don't wear this bracelet into the shower. I did without realizing it and the Trion:Z was both soaked and twisted. I let it air-dry and it looked fine but I don't know how it will stand up over time although the company claims that it can be kept on the wrist while swimming or surfing and washed with mild soap and warm water.
Look and Feel
Aside from the name "Trion:Z" emblazoned all over the bracelet, it's nice, soft, stretchy and comfortable to wear. The two black magnets located on either side of the bracelet keep the individual "stayer" material from separating and gives it a modern look and feel.
The seventeen color combinations should please both men and women. For the men you can get black on black or go with a patriotic red/blue blend. For ladies there are pink/green, white/pink and yellow/green which should boost your mood just by looking at it.
Men should opt for the large size while medium will fit the average woman.
Trion:Z Testimonials
Okay, just because I don't believe that this bracelet has improved my energy levels or made me stress-free doesn't necessarily mean that other wearers aren't swearing by it.
For example, there are several claims that insist tendonitis has disappeared. I don't have that problem so I read on and noticed that others claim that their aches and pains have literally disappeared.
I'm still taking Advil regularly, in spite of my constant use of the Trion:Z, both on and off the golf course.
Another golfer asserts that his energy level has escalated. I actually feel as if I am more energized but I cannot attribute this to the bracelet. I think it's because the shortest day of the year has passed and I'm eagerly awaiting both spring and golf season, but I'll give this claim the benefit of the doubt.
Conclusion
There are lots of promises made by companies selling magnetic/ionic bracelets. Some people consider these claims valid, noticing improvements in wrist and joint pain, warming of the toes and feet, the restoration of ionic balance and improved concentration and focus but I have yet to feel any of these changes to my own body and unfortunately there is no scientific way to test these claims.
It is known that magnetic therapy has been used on patients since the days of the early Egyptians and Asian culture promotes the healing power of magnets as well. Could it be because these people are "grasping at straws" hoping for a miracle cure?
Or could it be true that magnets finely tune your body and it just takes time to see and feel the effects?
With the Earth being one large magnet and the field around it protecting us from the harm of radiation, there is some sense to be made of this technology. Trion:Z insists that these magnets increase our own magnetic aura but may be a bit too "sci-fi" for my tastes. Nevertheless I can't stop wondering if I will feel the difference over time so I'm keeping my Trion:Z on my wrist for now and throughout the golf season just to be sure.
You can pick one (or several) of these nifty Trion:Z ionic bracelets for a song compared to other magnetic lifestyle technology. Just don't blame me if they don't actually seem to do anything.
Feedback
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Expressed opinions are not necessarily the opinions shared by others on The Sand Trap or The Sand Trap itself.
Posted 17 Mar 2006 at 9:34am #
Here's some more info on Magnetic Healing:
http://skepdic.com/magnetic.html
Posted 20 Mar 2006 at 11:28am #
I just can't buy into this. I always think of these things like I do with preventative cold medicine (like AIRBORNE).
You take it because it's supposed to help prevent sickness when you're exposed to germs (like in an airport or something). If you get sick, you say, oh, there must have been too many germs, it couldn't be prevented. If you don't get sick, you think it was because of the medicine, when actually, it very well could have just been that you weren't exposed to the germs to make you sick.
There's no way to ever prove these things do work. However, I suppose what they DO do, is make you feel more conident, and in turn make you relax more and play better.
Posted 20 Mar 2006 at 12:38pm #
Confidence is a golfer's most important ally on the course. If the bracelet helps to inspire good feelings then the scores should drop.
Bottom line? You have to like the way it looks and feels. It's a piece of jewelry.
Posted 05 Jun 2006 at 9:28am #
Father's Day gift giving doesn't have to be a chore if your dad's a golfer. A little web surfing can produce some unique ideas.
Posted 31 Jan 2007 at 11:50am #
Recently I played 18 holes wearing the Trion Z for the first time. Okay, is it all in my head or is there something to this? All I know is that I played one of my best rounds ever. Trying to analyze what made it a good round led me to conclude that I played without the self-imposed pressure that I normally put on myself. Allowing myself to relax certainly caused my putting to improve, thus leading to more confidence overall, which in turn led to a better and more enjoyable round. As I told my golfing buddies, "if this thing doesn't really work, I'd just as soon NOT know it"....I really can't attribute the improvement to anything else. I haven't noticed any impact physically, but that's not to say it might not provide some help there too...
Posted 06 Jun 2007 at 1:59pm #
I don't think these bracelets have any physical effect on a golfer, but they very well may have a mental effect - as Larry said "if this thing doesn't really work, I'd just as soon NOT know it."
But I am a scientist, and would require a controlled clinical study - select 200 golfers, with 100 being randomly selected to get the real bracelet and the other 100 getting a bracelet that looks the same, but has no magnet. None of the golfers or testers would know who got the real bracelet versus who got the placebo.
Then have all golfers play a round or two, unmask who got the real versus placebo bracelet, and compare the study group to the placebo group for how well they played. Also you could have the golfers keep the bracelets for a month, and also assess their perceived health, aches, pain, etc.
But the above test won't happen because it is too expensive to conduct and more importantly bracelet companies do not want to risk a negative outcome.
Cliff
Posted 20 Jul 2007 at 10:06am #
Not a golfer but a full time nurse and mother of two busy children.
I purchased by bracelet only days ago to see if it would help with aches and pains as well as energy and concentration needed in my job and daily living. I have multiple disc bulges in my back as well as rotator cuff problems in my shoulder and was tired of waking in the mornings feeling like I was older than my years. My day starts at 7am and usually ends at 7pm at a sports field depending on which one of my children is playing.
I have never tried magnetic therapy before but am willing to give it a try. I have noticed that I do wake in the mornings less stiff and sore....could this be in my head.....maybe, maybe not. I'm not sure I'm willing to question that at this point.
I am going to continue to use my bracelet and see what my results are and am hopeful that it will improve my days at work, baseball field and soccer field.
Posted 18 Aug 2007 at 11:12am #
Anything, mental or otherwise that helps my game, helps my game, period. Simply put, for $20 bucks, why not? We'll see...I shot 4 strokes better with it 1st time out, but then again, I've been practicing...
Posted 14 Sep 2007 at 8:53pm #
Airborne......save your expense and try echinacea and golden seal at Walmart (it comes together in the same capsule if you want or you can buy it separate). Echinacea is an immune booster and golden seal is a natural anti-biotic of sorts that you can't get immune to. But like other herbs, they don't work for everyone. It does work for me. For years I would catch a cold every winter that would turn into a sinus infection and sometimes inner ear. It seemed that I would keep a cold all winter. I got desperate 5 years ago when I went through my second course of anti-biotics and was told to go back to the doctor for an even stronger one. That is now a thing of the past for me. The bottle says take 3 capsules a day but I just take one in the morning (people respond differently to herbs). I am a school teacher and I no longer even get a cold. That is my experience for what it is worth.
Posted 18 Sep 2007 at 12:12pm #
Well lets think of it this way...why on Earth would anybody spend all the time and money to research and develop this product if it did absolutely nothing.
They may have spent millions making a heck of a placebo and it makes me wonder if I cut an elastic string, sell it, and market it If I will reap the same rewards......doubt it.
Ha! I just bought one and it should be arriving today. If you have money to spare and the kids are fed, why not? I can turn around and sell it on Ebay and get most of my money back!
Posted 18 Sep 2007 at 2:00pm #
There is obviously something in this.
Cantabury (who may sports apparel) have made their jerseys for the teams competing in the Rugby World Cup with an negative ion producing material in it.
They have said they tested it and proven that it improves performance!
Posted 18 Sep 2007 at 4:50pm #
Matt said, "Well lets think of it this way...why on Earth would anybody spend all the time and money to research and develop this product if it did absolutely nothing."
The reason companies make these bracelets is not because they work, but because consumers think they work and so the company can make money selling these bracelets.
"A fool and his money are soon parted."
And Ian, I would like to see on what scientific basis Cantabury is basing its decision.
Cliff
Posted 11 Oct 2007 at 9:44pm #
I bought it and have noticed some improvement regarding pain(shoulder and back). Years ago I used a Sabona bracelet for wrist pain associated with golf and it worked. I thought what the heck, technology is improving everything these days.
Results: i have less pain. I have better scores. It could be the bracelet or in my head, but for 20.00---why not? I should note that I also quit drinking and am in better shape. I can't give credit for those to the bracelet!
Posted 26 Mar 2008 at 5:19am #
I own a Trionz bracelet for about 3 months. I think it takes the edge off my constant neck & shoulder pain. I wear it 24/7 except for the other night. That next morning, i was very stiff... coincidience????
Anyway, thought i'd try the necklace too to see if the pain will hopefully go away. Got it for a gift in Feb (a month ago.) Have to say, it does not help anymore than what the bracelet did (if any.)
Posted 29 Mar 2008 at 8:32am #
nothing but placebo effect ;O)
Posted 28 Apr 2008 at 5:58pm #
who cares if it doesnt work? i don't think it does, but i tell myself it does and even a fake placebo effect works on me
i feel better when i wake up, and it looks cool too...even if it is just a wristband, its a pretty cool wristband,
and also, the guy thats a scientist is an idiot, his "experiment" could have way too many flaws in it, for one, what if the 100 golfers that get the real trion-z are the top 100 out of the bunch, it could give false results...
Posted 28 Apr 2008 at 8:21pm #
I got free Sabona magnetic bracelet from a raffle at a golf tournament I had attended. I didn't notice any pain or joint relief, this could be because I really don't have much of a problem with that. I did notice my handicapp got better and I started taking 2-3 strokes off my game.
I'm not saying it isn't the placebo effect, but I'd spend $60 any day of the week to take 2-3 strokes off my game. It's cheaper than anything else I have in my bag. Plus it was free, so who am I to complain?
Posted 29 Apr 2008 at 12:29pm #
Leroy Jenkens said "his experiment" could have way too many flaws in it, for one, what if the 100 golfers that get the real trion-z are the top 100 out of the bunch, it could give false results."
A random assignment to either the study or control group is how this is done. This prevents one group from getting all the low-handicap players.
Cliff "the idiot"
Posted 08 Jul 2008 at 2:00pm #
My brother-in-law, who is a PhD and professor of biomechanics was a pitcher in college and was offered a contract with the Minnesota Twins. He had to have reconstructive elbow surgery several years ago and since the surgery, he has not had any feeling in his ring and pinky finger. He bought a Trion Z bracelet and within an hour of putting it on, started to regain the feeling in the two fingers. I know him and trust him. I just went out and bought one for my back problems.
Posted 05 Aug 2008 at 12:44am #
i bought one of thes trion-z bracelets and i was sceptical myself. i would wear it and then take it off. wear it and take it off, ect. the first couple of times i could tell something because i would get mild headaches (hence the wear/take-off). i dont normally get headaches so i knew something was different.
i cant really say it took strokes off my game due to me being a beginner and inconsistant with my scoring.
i have bad tendonitis in my elbow, and when i wear the trionz the pain isnt as bad. it doesn't make it completely go away, but it does make it less painfull. is it the trionz? i cant say for sure.
i've seen several people wearing these and i always ask them if they think it works. all of them said yes. one person was a trainer for nba players and he said that all nba players are issued a trion-z as soon as they report to camp, and then they get a new one every couple of months. i dont know if that means anything, i just thought it was kinda interesting that the nba is supporting this product. does that mean that i'm supposes to get a new one every couple of months?
i still wear mine everyday. i still wonder if it really works. maybe that is what it does: keeps you thinking about if its working and not on if the next shot is going in the woods.
Posted 07 Oct 2008 at 2:32pm #
I was given a Trion:z wrist band today by a supplier as a freebie. I'm a sports therapist and have a scientific background so was interested to see its claimed effects.
I think most magnet therapy is little more than placebo, but I don't knock the effects of placebo - if it helps to reduce pain who cares?
Ok, so I put it on and after about half an hour my hand started to ache. I work with my hands a lot, so my hands are generally strong. This feeling is like a general fatigue, with some slight tingling around the metacarpophalangeal joint.
I thought this must be all in my head, since putting the band on, so I ignored it. Anyway I've looked at the 'testimonials' on the web site for the band, and hand ache is a symptom listed
So I'd deduce something's happening.
I'm going to keep it on and see what else happens. Unlike so many of the testers, I don't have tennis elbow, wrist pain, back pain (I don't play golf or drive a BMW either). However I exercise - running, weight training, climbing - and I pick up the odd niggle. I've had a recurring knee problem, so let's see if the magnets have any effect on that - I'll give it 2 weeks.
I'm doubtful, but if it does help I'll eat my hat. I'll even buy one to eat. And I'll post a testimonial on the Trion:z website. I've nothing to lose as mine was free anyway
Posted 16 Jan 2009 at 11:40am #
I am a college athlete as well as a biology major, so the mystery of the trion-z bracelet immediately appealed to me. I purchased mine from fundraiser for the golf team. After reading through the discussions, I would have to agree with Cliff when he suggests a double-blind experiment to verify the effectiveness of the bracelet.
For what its worth, I searched "negative ion bracelet treatment" in Google Scholar. The results show an interesting project done in Florida using the same double blind placebo concept. Analysis of the data goes further to show that all subjects showed inprovement in pain, even the ones with the placebo treatment.
Take a look for yourself:
http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/pdf%2F7711%2F7711a2.pdf
Posted 25 Mar 2009 at 3:51pm #
These are not suppose to make you play better golf. Its suppose to help with joint pain. Most golfers have some sort of joint pain or inflamation.
Posted 24 Apr 2009 at 6:27pm #
Well, I dont know if this is legit or not, I just bought the necklace and I feel more balanced. I do weight lifting and was able to lift about 15-25 pounds more in every exercise. It could be mental but I dont know.
Also what was funny, when I bought the necklace I had a pretty bad headache. I put the necklace on while in the car and drove home. (about 10 min) Once I was home for about 20 min, (total 30 min) my headache was completely gone.
I kinda agree with Cliff** however, I kinda think the things works.
Have yet to play a round of golf with it on. My buddies swear by it tho. We will see : )
Posted 26 May 2009 at 6:24pm #
I wanted one of these so bad. My uncle got one for me and i love. I would recommend this to anyone. I felt results the first time i wore it. It is worth it!
Posted 02 Jun 2009 at 2:24pm #
I received a necklace as a gift from my daughter. She said that I like these sort of different things. Although skepticle I put the necklace on and went to bed. The next morning I woke to not only find that I was pain free but I had the ability to fly and read minds. I know what you're thinking, I'm crazy. And now you have a smile on your face. I'm right aren't I!!!! See what Mean! I'm never going to take off my necklace. Up, up, and away!!!!!
Posted 08 Jun 2009 at 10:13pm #
A co-worker gave me a trion z necklace today. I think that he might have got a new one and gave me the old one. Will it still be good or do you wear it for a certain period of time and then get a new one? Is there a certain location on the necklace where the magnets should be or does it not matter? I have talked to 2 people and they say that it helps. My opinion would not be credible because I have only wore it for about 12 hours. I am not a golfer myself so I am not looking for a better score card. I am looking more for the stress relief and better sleep aspect of the whole thing. So if there are any non golfers that could tell me your opinions that would be much appreciated. Placebo or not if it makes you think and live healthier and you dont have to take it with food and water and pay an incredible amount of money at the pharmacy every month..... Then while the hell not!
Posted 15 Jun 2009 at 12:12pm #
I am a 60 year old woman.
I bought one of these things yesterday.
Usually I wait and think about this sort of thing but it just seemed to strike a chord with me.
I don't know why.
All I can say is I wore it all day yesterday.
I played 9 holes of golf in the 90 degree heat.
I slept with it on.
And I must admit, it was the first time I woke up feeling good without a lot of aches and pains and creakiness.
I can't explain it.....but I can tell you this:
I AIN'T TAKIN' IT OFF!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 17 Jun 2009 at 9:03pm #
And yes... I CAN fly, read minds AND predict the future as well!
Posted 24 Jun 2009 at 1:03pm #
I'm not a golfer. I work on a PC all day. In early April I had an MRI and was diagnosed with a severe bulging disk in my neck. The doc recommended a steroid shot which I had. Results were a disappointing little-to-no relief of pain. Saw two colleagues wearing magnetic bracelets and asked if they had worked at relieving pain. Both said that they definitely had. One has had a nagging disc problem for over a year and been to all sorts of therapy. I went to Walmart and purchased a magnetic bracelet for $5, put it on, and within 5 minutes was painfree. Came home and told my wife about it and she tried it for her chronic back pain with no positive effect. That night I went to Dick's and purchased the TrionZ necklace to keep the magnets near the area of the bulging disc. Chose it over Phiten because it appeared that the clip would be more comfortable. Wore it for 3 weeks pain free! I told an MD friend about it and he laughed and said it's impossible. I asked him if the steroid shot could have taken 3 weeks to kick in and he said "no, it would work immediately." Was I experiencing a placebo effect? I took it off. That was several weeks ago and the pain has yet to return. So, did it work for me? Can't say. But I'm glad I tried it. I'm painfree for no medical reason.
Posted 13 Jul 2009 at 11:14am #
My husband has been wearing one of these gizmo bracelets for a year. I never asked him much about it, but he told me it was to help him with focus and pain. I recently started having allot of neck and arm pain. I am not an athlete but my occupation has me at a computer for a large portion of the day. My husband mentioned the bracelet and I thought, what have I got to loose? The pain was getting so bad that I would have to pop an advil at least once a day. I purchased a bracelet 2 days ago and I LOVE IT! My pain is not as intense and in some cases gone all together. I was also a skeptic at once, but not anymoe. Thanks Trion:Z and thanks Hubby:)
Posted 27 Jul 2009 at 11:50pm #
Well, I got mine today about 10 hours ago. I'm playing 18 holes of golf tomorrow, and everybody says that there golf game is better. So hopefully this will be the same for me. I have pain in my hand and I haven't noticed it at all with the Trion Z on. So I'm pretty sure that this thing works.
Posted 28 Jul 2009 at 9:13pm #
I bought this for my 9 year old 5 days ago. Really a fluke because it looked cool & had our school logo; was thinking about his arm that had been sore from a fall for over a week as well. He put it on, said "wow, this is cool".
Fast forward 5 days & he is in golf camp. Not at all complaining of his arm, but moreover (and prior to us reading about the bracelet) his golf game has really improved. He has made some records this week, that even astounded his instructors. So...I look up the bracelet only to find this. Oh yeah, magnetic therapy works and now it looks cool too! I could sell a bucket of these tomorrow, to other campers!
Going back for more!
Posted 29 Jul 2009 at 5:24pm #
Elsie said, "I could sell a bucket of these tomorrow, to other campers!"
I bet you could sell a ton of these, as PT Barnum said, "There is a sucker born every minute."
Posted 26 Aug 2009 at 1:27am #
Ok i've been readin about these things and thought I was a perfect canidate. I tore a ligament in my ring finger about a week ago trying to smash a ball out of the rough. Since I believe I am too tough for everything I played yesterday and agrivated my finger to the point where it doesn't bend. I figure $20 is better than another $300 xray so let's give it a shot. I also have a Ti rod in my leg that has bothered me from the second I woke up from anesthsia. It aches as I lay in bed so things can get tough by the days end. I magnets as a plecebo or an ancient medical phenomenon works. So I will update as I hopefully see benefits. The finger will heal as normal body parts do. But the aches of my leg is where I am hoping for a remedy.
Posted 12 Oct 2009 at 10:37pm #
It won't improve your golf game. If you are a bad golfer, then you are a bad golfer. I'm an ultrasound tech - a great one at that, but my wrist has been aching lately. A golfer gave this to me, and my wrist has stopped hurting! Why?... who knows. I forgot I was wearing it because it is so comfortable, but the pain has gone away.