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There are some really neat fitness and rehabilitation contraptions out there, some which are more effective than others. Well, one of the best items you can get for stretching, balance training, and various forms of rehabilitation is a slant board. A slant board is a piece of training and healing equipment recommended by sports professionals and rehabilitation practitioners around the world.
We, of course, want to help you find the best slant board that your money can buy. Before we get into reviewing various slant boards, let’s first talk about what exactly they are and what they can do for you.
Summary: The Best Slant Boards
What Is A Slant Board?
A slant board is an item that can be used for injury rehabilitation, treating foot and leg related conditions, for stretching, and balancing exercises too. It consists of a platform, usually one that can be adjusted for incline, which is supported by a base or support stand. One of the main aims of it is to get you to stand upright with your toes stretched and pointed upwards, thus stretching your calves. For this reason, the slant board is also sometimes referred to as a calf stretcher or calf stretching board.
The Benefits Of A Slant Board
There are a few different benefits that come along with using a slant board. One of those benefits is that it can help to increase your balance. It takes a lot of work for your body to balance itself, something that is made harder by balance issues or weak leg muscles. Well, a slant board can help you train your balance so you can stay upright and on your feet at all times.
A slant board is also useful for relieving leg and foot pain. When you sit too much and don’t get exercise, your calves become very tight. This can lead to muscle pain and issues in your legs and feet. A calf stretcher can help stretch out those calves and actually help to prevent quite a long list of problems.
This is a very simple device, one that can help you stretch out various muscles all the way from your feet up to your hips, they can train your balance, loosen up your muscles, and help treat a host of foot and leg issues, some of which may otherwise be debilitating.
One thing that we cannot forget about is that a slant board is a great injury rehabilitation and physical therapy tool. It can do a whole lot of good for various leg, foot, and hip injuries, tendon and ligament issues, and much more. Most of the injuries and conditions that can be treated with a slant board can be found below.
Conditions That Can Be Treated With A Slant Board
There are a few different well-known issues which a slant board can help with, so let’s just go over those quickly.
Calf Muscle Strains
One of the first things which a slant board can help you with is by treating calf muscle strains. Calf muscles get strained when they are way too tight, don’t get exercised much, and thus become immobile. This can ultimately result in strained and painful muscles, and it makes suffering from a pulled muscle much more likely. A slant board stretches out those calf muscles, makes them loose, reduces strain, and thus reduces the chances of suffering from a pulled muscle.
Shin Splints
Another thing which a slant board can help you with is the shin splint. Shin splints often occur in runners or other people who put their legs through a lot of impact punishment. It consists of inflamed muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia, your shin bone. A slant board can help with shin splints by loosening up your leg and calf muscles before you run, thus helping to prevent shin splints. Also, the stretching that occurs on a slant board is good for stretching out and taking pressure off of already damaged muscles and ligaments.
Plantar Fasciitis
Moreover, plantar fasciitis is another thing that can be treated with a simple slant board. This is a chronic inflammation in your heels, one that leads to a whole lot of pain when walking. A slant board will strengthen the muscles in your feet while at the same time loosening muscles, ligaments, and tendons which are causing the plantar fasciitis pain.
Achilles & Patellar Tendonitis
Some other conditions that can be treated, or at least have their severity lessened by a slant board, include both patellar tendonitis and Achilles tendonitis. Both of these conditions arise from having too much pressure and strain put on the respective tendons, plus it doesn’t help for them to be tight either. A slant board can help loosen up those tendons and take the strain off of them, thus reducing the pain caused by those conditions.
Some Great Slant Board Exercises
To help you get started, let’s talk about some of the most effective slant board exercises that you can do.
Plantar Fascia Stretch
This one is very simple. To help out your plantar fascia, you can simply stand on the slant board at any angle in order to stretch it out and relieve pain.
Calf Stretch
Simply use a support to hold yourself upright while standing on the slant board at any incline. Lean forward and point your toes upwards to stretch your calves. You can choose to do a single leg or double leg calf stretch.
Achilles Stretch
For this stretch, set the board to a light or medium incline. Stand on the board with one foot, with the other foot on the ground, and gradually lean forward and bend at the knee with the foot that is on the board. This will stretch out your Achilles tendon. Just remember to have the back of your foot against the base plate, not your toes facing the board.
Hamstring Stretch
Set the incline board to any angle you want, stand on it with both feet, and slowly lean forward and touch your toes. This will do a great job at stretching out your hamstrings.
Incline Or Decline Squat
Stand on the slant board, facing against it for incline squats and away from it for decline squats, and simply do squats like you normally would. This will help stretch out your hips and lower legs too.
Side Lunge Squat
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and place one foot on the slant board sideways. Bend at the knee with your leg that is on the slant board while straightening the other leg in a sideways manner. Hinge forward at the hips and then slowly go back to your starting position.
Soleus Stretch
The soleus is a muscle that goes from your knee to your heel. For this exercise, simply place both feet on the slant board with your toes facing upwards, bend your knees slightly, and lean forward until you feel the stretch in your calf.
For an even better idea of what exercises can be done with a slant board, you can try watching some of the below videos too.
Best Slant Board Angle For Calf Stretches
Slant Board For Calf Stretch
Healing Patellar Tendonitis
Ankle Training On Slant Board
Achilles Tendon Stretch Exercises
What To Look Out For When Buying A Slant Board
There are really not too many things to look out for when buying a slant board, but none the less, they are pretty important.
Incline
The most important aspect of any slant board is how far it inclines, as this will affect its functionality. A good adjustable slant board with between 3 and 5 different positions is definitely ideal. This will help the slant board in question to serve a wider function. If you only need a little bit of an incline, a more basic board with fewer positions will do fine. However, if you need one for many different exercises, and you really want to feel the stretch, one with more positions is definitely needed.
Material
Moreover, you want a slant board that is made out of wood or metal in order to ensure its strength or even something like a strong composite plastic will do. Just keep in mind that you want a slant board to last you for a long time to come, so it needs to be made of tough materials and have a high weight capacity too. A good weight capacity for a slant board is a minimum of 300 pounds.
Size & Weight
One that can fold down into a neat package and is not too heavy is always ideal for easy storage and transportation too. You want to be able to easily store your slant board in a small place when it is not in use, plus being able to easily carry it is also a bonus. Do keep in mind though, a lighter slant board may be less durable and have a lower weight limit.
Non-Slip Surface
Another thing to look out for is a non-slip surface, so you don’t slip and fall off of your slant board mid-use. On that same note, a good non-slip coating or material on the bottom of the base of the slant board is ideal. You don’t want the slant board to move and slide over the ground as you are trying to use it. Both the foot surface and base grip need to be high quality so they do not degrade and become slippery over time.
Pads
Simply put, the pads or the non-slip cover on the footrest (as well as the footrest itself) need to be big enough to comfortably fit your feet from front to back. One that is too small will limit how much you can do with it and it may even be dangerous too.
Bag
This is pretty simple and straightforward. Does your slant board come with a carrying bag? You may want to use it in places other than your home, so a good little carrying bag is definitely ideal if you plan on bringing it with you when you are on the go.
Slant Board Reviews
Our Rating
This is a very basic yet effective slant board option to go with. It’s strong, it’s versatile, and it will definitely help increase your flexibility, balance, and help heal old injuries too.
Design
We really like the design of the RiversEdge Products Slant Board because it is made with solid birch wood. When it comes to great products, sometimes there is just nothing better than old school wood, because it makes for a solid, strong, and durable product. There is also the fact that wood looks really nice too. Something else not to be ignored is the fact that this thing is made in the U.S.A, so you know right off the bat that it is a quality product.
Another thing that makes this an ideal stretching board are the safety treads on the top of the board. Even when slanted as far as you can go, the high traction safety treads will keep you from slipping and falling, thus making your life just that much easier.
Also, when it comes to slanting, this board can go to 5 different slant levels including 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 degrees. This means that you can get a really light stretch in, a medium one, or a really heavy one too, all depending on what kind of injury you want to heal or what level of balance and stretching training you want to engage in. Simply move the top up or down and lock it into the notches for easy adjustments. Did we forget to mention that this thing comes fully assembled right out of the box so there is no work for you?
Value for money
The RiversEdge Products Slant Board is going to cost you around 100 dollars. This may seem a little pricey for a piece of wood that slants in different ways but keep in mind, this is a very well built product. It is made of solid high-quality birch wood, it is easy to adjust to 5 different slant levels, it keeps you safe the whole time, and it makes you feel much better at the end of the day.
Build quality
We have got nothing bad to say about this particular slant board when it comes to the build quality. A solid birch construction makes it very durable, a simple to adjust slant range makes it easy to use, and the grip strips on the top side make it safe. All in all, this is definitely a high-quality product. To put your mind at ease, this thing’s strength is proven by its 300-pound weight limit.
Pros
- Comes fully assembled
- 300-pound weight limit
- Sturdy birch construction
- Adjusts to 5 different positions
- Great for balance and flexibility
- Good for healing a variety of injuries and conditions
Cons
- Big, bulky, and heavy
Our Rating
This is a very high-quality steel calf stretcher option to consider. This thing is strong, non-slip, easily adjustable, and does everything you need for a good rehab or stretching session.
Design
Something that we really like about the Power Systems Premium Slant Board is that it is made out of solid high-quality steel. When it comes to being durable, strong, and supporting a lot of weight, this steel slant board has it all. Even though this thing is made of steel, it still has a pretty small footprint due to its fairly light frame.
It is not all that heavy, something which is great because it makes the Power Systems Slant Board fairly easy to take with you when you are out and about. Moreover, this particular slant board can also fold down into a neat little package so you can easily store it in your closet or under your bed. Taking up too much space is something that this slant board does not do.
Yet another thing that makes this an ideal slant board for a variety of purposes is the non-slip surface which you stand on. You definitely do not want to slip or fall off of your slant board while using it, a problem which is solved perfectly by this model from Power Systems. Also, this thing can be adjusted to 4 different positions including 20, 30, 35, and 40 degrees for a wide range of uses. All adjustments are easily made with the semi-concealed locking mechanism for quick incline changes.
Value for money
This slant board is going to cost you somewhere around 110 dollars, which is a fairly high price. Even though it is a little bit pricey, it is well worth the investment thanks to its high level of functionality and its awesome build quality.
Build quality
When it comes to the build quality of the Power Systems Premium Slant Board, there is really nothing to complain about. The high-quality steel frame is about as strong as durable as you could ever hope for, adjustments are very easy to make, it folds down for storage, and has an awesome non-slip surface too.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Non-slip standing surface
- Easy to make adjustments
- 4 different inclines
- Folds for easy storage
- Not too heavy
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Non-slip surface may start to bubble or degrade after prolonged use
Our Rating
Yet another good slant board option, this model by Fitaboo is a convenient and lightweight option that still delivers a whole lot of calf stretching, balancing, and rehabilitation benefits.
Design
The Fitaboo Slant Board is a nice option to go with because it can adjust to 4 different positions, those being 12, 22, 32, and 42 degrees. This makes it perfect for a wide array of rehabilitation, balancing, and stretching exercises. Moreover, the slant of the board can easily be adjusted with the simple slots and notches. Just move the surface of this calf stretch board up or down to adjust it in a flash.
Something else that everybody can appreciate about this particular slant board is that it is made out of high-quality wood. The surface and all other important parts feature thick wood that is sturdy and won’t break, and the steel adjustment hinges it features just make it even more durable than ever before. Not only is this item durable, but thanks to the fact that it can fold down flat, it makes it easy to store and transport, even in small spaces.
Another thing that makes the Fitaboo Adjustable Wood Slant Board a valuable find is that it features rubber stops on the underside to stop it from slipping across the floor. At the same time, the standing surface also features a special non-slip surface so you don’t fall or injure yourself even more while using this slant board. Also, for your convenience, this item does come fully assembled right out of the box.
Value for money
This particular slant board is going to cost you just a little bit under 100 dollars. This is a very fair price to be paying for an item that is made with high-quality materials, is easy to store, is highly adjustable, and keeps you safe while doing exercises too. Value is definitely not a problem when it comes to the Fitaboo Slant Board.
Build quality
The build quality of the Fitaboo Slant Board is very high indeed. The solid wood construction makes it a strong and stable item, the adjustability makes it very versatile, coming assembled and being able to fold flat make it convenient, and the non-slip top and bottom make it very safe to use. If you need a high-quality slant board, this is definitely a good option to consider.
Pros
- Folds flat for storage
- 4 different inclines
- Easy adjustable
- High-quality materials
- Non-slip top and bottom
Cons
- Base is too high for some
Our Rating
This next slant board option is another great choice to keep in mind. It provides you with everything you need for a good calf stretch, balance training, or a rehab session too. Quality and value are things which the Boards4Health Slant Board Pro brings to the table no doubt.
Design
Something that everybody can appreciate about this slant board is that it folds down to be less than 2 inches in height, which makes it very easy to store in a small place or take with you when you are traveling. When it comes to safety, this slant board has you covered, because it has both a non-slip top and bottom. This means that the Boards4Health Slant Board Pro won’t slip across the ground during use, plus you won’t slip off of it either.
This particular slant board features an all wood design in order to make it as durable as possible. This thing is strong and has a fairly high weight limit so that virtually anybody can use it with comfort and peace of mind. Also, both of the folding pieces, the platform and the adjustable support, use high-quality steel hinges to ensure the ultimate in longevity.
To give you the calf stretching, balancing, and rehabilitation experience of a lifetime, this slant board can be adjusted to 4 different positions including 10, 20, 30, and 40 degrees. The adjustments are easily made by locking the wooden notches from the platform into the slots on the support piece. It really could not be any easier or any faster.
Value for money
This slant board is going to cost you upwards of 100 dollars. This is not necessarily a cheap price, but when you consider how many different things it can do for you as well as how durable and practical it is, it definitely makes for a more than worthwhile investment.
Build quality
The build quality of the Boards4Health Multi Slant Board Bro is absolutely outstanding. A solid wood design with a high weight limit, strong steel hinges, a non-slip top and bottom, and the convenience of being able to fold it together are all things which help make this a quality find for everybody.
Pros
- Folds down for easy storage
- Comes fully assembled
- Easily adjusts to 4 different positions
- Non-slip top and bottom surfaces
- Solid wood build for durability
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Inner surface of support holes are rough – may have splinters
Our Rating
This is one of the more affordable calf stretch slant boards on this list. However, even though it is a cheaper model that you are used to seeing, it is still durable, useful, and more than good enough for rehab, stretching, and other exercises too.
Design
Unlike some of the other options we have looked at, the Cando Incline Board is not made out of wood, but out of composite plastic. While the plastic build of this particular item may not be all that attractive to look at, it is a very strong and durable type of plastic with a 500-pound weight rating. In other words, it is more or less just as strong as your classic wooden slant board.
While some people may not like the plastic build, there is another advantage that comes along with being plastic instead of wood. That advantage comes in terms of the weight because plastic is much lighter than wood, thus this thing is lightweight and easy to take with you when you are on the go. Moreover, when it comes to convenience, not only is this slant board very lightweight, but it also folds down to less than 3 inches in height for storing in small places.
Also, this is a very useful slant board because it is easily adjustable. Simply connect the notches on the standing platform to the slots on the support platform to adjust the incline. The incline on the Cando Slant Board can be adjusted to 4 different positions including 5, 15, 25, and 35 degrees in elevation.
Value for money
The Cando Adjustable Ankle Incline Board will cost you just under 60 dollars, thus making it one of the more affordable options on our list. Even though it is fairly inexpensive, it still delivers a whole lot of functionality, it’s strong, highly adjustable, and very lightweight for convenience.
Build quality
The build quality of the Cando Slant Board is quite good. The plastic it is made of is very strong and can withstand up to 500 pounds, the whole thing is very lightweight and convenient to transport, and adjustments are made very easy. The quality of this slant board is definitely up there, especially when you consider the low price that it comes to you for.
Pros
- Durable composite plastic build
- Easily adjusts to 4 different inclines
- Very lightweight
- Folds for easy storage
- Great for stretching, rehab, and balance exercises
Cons
- Does not tilt high enough for some people
- Does not have a non-slip top or bottom
- Hinges made of plastic
Our Rating
The Fitter First Slant Board is also a good option to go with. It has a great mix of value, quality, and function. It is not the biggest or fanciest slant board out there, but it still provides you with more than enough usage for some good stretching and rehabilitation exercises.
Design
Something that everybody can like about the Fitter First Slant Board is that it is made out of high-quality wood. This thing is quite strong and durable, which is thanks to its simple yet effective design. It uses no more than 3 pieces of wood to get the job done, 3 pieces which are built for longevity.
Moreover, this particular slant board also has a great non-slip surface on the top. Slipping and falling off your slant board could cause injuries or even make existing injuries worse, problems that do not occur with this slant board thanks to the non-slip surface.
The Fitter First Slant Board is able to adjust to 3 different positions, those being 26, 38, and 42 degrees, in order to offer you a fairly wide variety of choice and challenge when it comes to your stretching or rehabilitation routine. Adjustments are made by simply changing the position of the wooden support board for quick changes.
What we also really like about this particular slant board is that it can fold down for easy storage under your bed or in a closet. Also, this thing is quite lightweight and has a fairly small footprint, which makes it convenient for taking on a business trip or even taking it to your work office too.
Value for money
The Fitter First Slant Board is going to run you somewhere around 100 dollars, which is a moderate price for this kind of thing. It is not the most expensive or the cheapest model around, which is reflected by the value which it brings to your table. 3 different positions, solid wood, easy adjustments, and a non-slip surface all make this slant board quite a valuable find.
Build quality
The build quality of this slant board is quite good. We can’t argue with a solid wood design with a high weight limit, we can’t argue with a non-slip surface, and we can’t argue with the convenience of having a small footprint and being able to fold down into a compact package either.
Pros
- Solid wood build
- Strong and durable
- Non-slip standing surface
- Easy to make adjustments
- Folds down for easy storage
Cons
- Only has 3 incline levels
- Becomes slippery after prolonged use
Our Rating
This is by far the most affordable slant board on this list today. While it does not have the most features or looks the fanciest, it doesn’t cost much, but still manages to deliver an array of stretching and rehab benefits.
Design
This is a simple and straightforward slant board option to go with. This RiversEdge Slant Board is not adjustable and has a 22-degree incline, making it great for light and medium rehab and stretching exercises. It is made out of sturdy birch, which makes it extremely durable and gives it a 300-pound weight limit for the ultimate in longevity.
It may not be adjustable or have any moving parts, but in a way that is a good thing because the fewer moving parts there are, the fewer things there are that can break. Also, this slant board does have non-slip strips on the surface to keep you from sliding down and slipping off of it. If you need a simple and straightforward slant board option, this does make for a great choice, one that will not empty your wallet.
Value for money
This slant board is going to cost you just a little under 40 dollars, making it the cheapest option on our list today. It is a cheap option, and yes, it does not adjust, but it does do a good job for a semi-specific range of problems, plus it has a really high-quality build too.
Build quality
The build quality of this RiversEdge Slant Board is very good indeed. It is made out of solid birch, thus making it very strong and durable, plus it has no moving parts which can break. The non-slip surface only helps to add to the already high quality of this slant board.
Pros
- Strong wood design
- Very affordable
- Non-slip surface
- Ideal for a variety of rehab and stretching exercises
Cons
- Not adjustable
- Quite big and heavy
Conclusion
The best slant board is one that is easily adjustable to various inclines, has a strong frame, has a non-slip surface, and has a fairly lightweight build too. Keep in mind that these things are not so much about exercise as they are about rehab and healing injuries, a useful thing indeed. We would definitely recommend looking at one of the above options as they are by far the highest quality slant boards for the lowest prices on the market today.
We would be happy to address any questions or concerns that you may have about slant boards!