I purchased the Pro Ultra set and although it's early days yet I'm very satisfied with them. The quality seems to be excellent and I envisage that they will be hard wearing and last a long time. So overall good value. It's also nice that should an individual band or other item need replacing for whatever reason I can do so. I can do as much or as little exercise as I feel I need to and in the comfort of my own home while watching TV or listening to music. No other equipment is needed and after using they take up little room in a cupboard or drawer. There's plenty of useful exercise routines on the internet and it's easy enough to develop some of your own. I certainly wouldn't consider them a soft exercise option. If used correctly they will undoubtedly be very effective either as a stand alone regime or a supplement to other exercise. I would definitely recommend giving them a try