This is an odd product to be writing about; the Riiflex weights are simply two pound weights fit inside molded plastic that hold your Wiimote and Nunchuk within. Because that is such an obvious product idea, I hesitate to call this article a review in the traditional sense; instead the focus will be on explaining the product’s construction, features, and pointing out valid purposes it might fill. A fair number of you are probably laughing and saying "They’re weights, genius! What is there to say about them?!" I admit that was my first reaction when they arrived, but after trying them out and doing a little research I found there may be a group of users who really could benefit from this product.

What immediately stands out upon handling the Riiflex weights, aside from them being a very light green, is the general quality; they feel good in your hand and the Wii controller components fit inside them well. Each weighs about two pounds and should fit most grips though I suspect those with slightly larger hands than mine (mine are a little smaller than the average adult male’s) will appreciate these more than I did. The controllers fit in securely and it takes a little effort to get them out, so they shouldn’t go flying out during a game session. The weights also feature several cut-out panels: One ensures the Wiimote’s infrared panel isn’t covered, the others let you push buttons on the Wiimote and Nunchuk more or less as normal.

However, there are two problems worth drawing attention to. First, the weight for the main Wiimote has a problem in its bottom cut-out panel; it’s too shallow a cut to let you easily press the B button. You definitely can press it, but this requires placing your fingers at unusual angles or using extra pressure. It does work but it’s not quite ideal, and I can’t help but think cutting the panel a little deeper would have solved the problem. On the other hand, this is my sole complaint with the construction, they’re otherwise certainly decently made weights.

Far more significant is the price: A set of Riiflex weights cost thirty dollars. They’re charging about $30 for a pair of plastic weights with a few panels cut out to fit a Wiimote and Nunchuk. I will concede that they are well made weights, and certainly durable; the manufacturer outright insisted I stand on the Riiflex weights, and they didn’t show even a bit of damage from that. Nor did the weights take any damage from my ’Mario-stomping’ on them and delivering a few follow-up kicks just for good measure, so I admit they’re well made. That said, I still have trouble believing they must charge $30 to turn up a good profit per unit and the price does not strike me as very fair; the Riiflex are just molded plastic with some weighted material inside, after all. Just to give this some perspective, weighted armbands tend to run around $10 to $15. For some people this would probably settle the matter, but there is at least one group of users that may wish to consider the Riiflex.

I was surprised when I showed the Riiflex weights to a few people who had recently undergone physical therapy or had worked with those individuals. Many of them were able to give a very interesting defense of this product’s existence, pointing out that weights in the hand lend themselves to somewhat different exercises than weighted wristbands would. In other words, there could be a group of people who might benefit from the Riiflex weights when undergoing rehabilitation for problems in the arms or hands. They had a split opinion on whether the price was fair, but most of them saw a meaningful and genuine use for the product within their needs.

Please note that I’m not giving medical advice, I’m not saying those undergoing hand or arm related therapy should definitely use Riiflex. I’m not even remotely qualified to make a statement like that and you should talk with a medical professional instead if that’s your situation. What I am saying is that there appears to be a very real set of users who might benefit from this product, and the weights are admittedly quite well made. Not everyone is going to be interested in the Riiflex, but I can’t deny that some people may see some benefit in them. My only serious complaints are an odd B-button panel and the $30 price, with everything else about the product holding up just fine. So if you’re in a situation where the Riiflex might offer some benefit, be it for general exercise or rehabilitation, then you should do some more research and see if they’re right for you.

In summary:

Pro: Very well constructed (they withstood an adult male jumping up and down on them at the manufacturer’s insistence), and cut-out panel layout makes using the weights with most Wii fitness software quite practical.

Con: They cost $30, and the B-button panel could stand to be a little deeper; it takes some conscious effort to press the button down there.