From all that I have read, none of the machines are as useful as manual. Exercise balls are supposed to be the only device worth using with sit-ups. Crunches on exercise ball and captain's chairs are scientifically proven to be the best. Also, vaccuum stomach suchs are good for internal muscles to give you a flat stomach. Stay away from the machines for abs for sure. At best they do about 90% of what you can do without them.