The Dope on Bandpak and Danmar

[Smokz]

I have been researching 2 post lifts like most, I ended up here at GJ reading all I could find via search. Once I started considering them seriously, I saw the similarity between the two right off. Some have joked if you scratched the black off of a Danmar you would see the blue. After some diligent research I uncovered who is who.

Bendpak
CEO - Donald Henthorn 65
VP - Gary Henthorn 42

Danmar
CEO - Danette Henthorn 37
Co founder - Gary Henthorn 42

Looks like a family affair. There are many other corporate entities they share as well. All the companies and residences are located mostly in Moorpark Ca., Simi Valley ca., and Santa Paula Ca. Based on location and various bits of information I would guess they are father and children.

I speculate they are older BP designs. Notice they now carry ALI cert. There are some differences, but too close to be disregarded.

I see minor lift arm variations, pulley sizes etc...
Example Danmar min pad height is 4.5" and BP is 4"

I have closely compared the BP XPR-10A, BP XPR-10ACX, and the Danmar 10ACX. Notice that BP has discontinued their XPR-10ACX, Hmmmm

So as I see it you want a BP but you are looking for a better price, then Danmar is the answer. It yesterdays BP. Now I only have to choose which fits my needs, goals, and budget best.

 

[jayoldschool]

Close. Yesterday's BP used to be made in US

 

[darkk]

Today's Bend Pak will most likely also have the newer design and latest upgrades..... They're cheap enough, just buy the newest model...

 

[Smokz]

Close. Yesterday's BP used to be made in US

Can be said for most manufacturing today. Greed and mass profit has become the standard for all.

 

[volaredon]

Can be said for most manufacturing today. Greed and mass profit has become the standard for all.

thats why you keep an eye out for a used one. so you get the Made in USA version and save some money while youre at it

 

[Smokz]

It such an easy decision when you are spending another s money. The point here was to show the relationship for what it is. Consumer education was the point not an endorsement of either.

One can choose to spend it all in one place or have designs to do more. Buying used is always and option, but not always viable. Example: I live no where near a municipality. Transportation and all associated costs to find and or install is NOT as simple. An individuals needs and budget constraints are as unique as the individual themselves. These are the facts, you decide. I do not wish to entertain a debate about how you would spend my money.

As much as there are different lifts, there are different reason driving a purchase. You will have those that are fine with chain leaf, and those that wont accept anything less than direct drive. Some only intend to lift one car, others intend to lift anything that comes in the door.

As to my choice I will state it. I have chosen BP as I feel it best serves my needs and budget. I can afford the higher ticket and get the intended use and durability I need. If I was constrained financially the other would work as well. The lower pad height of the BP more directly serves my needs most of all. The Danmar was 4 1/2" minimum pad height. Not saying that was the only reason for choice.

As far as the Danmar is concerned I feel it's a far better choice than many of the other Chinese alternatives offered for less. ALI cert is a plus as well.

One might ask where I started my research?
I started with a local dealer/installer of Titan Lifts. They have one direct drive lift but it fell short with a 5 1/2" minimum pad height. As well it lacked ALI cert. Everything else they offer is chain leaf. Choosing to not buy chain driven thinned the herd real quick concerning home/hobby lifts. The dealer openly admitted his profit margin is better with Titan vs the BP. Again an individuals decision to fit his needs. I am not about to tell him how to spend or earn his money. Needless to say I have him in contact with BP now and he is willing to work with me. He says he will offer the best price he can and should be able to beat the online deals. We shall see. I do like the local factor so I have someone to reach out to for help or service. I am choosing to have it installed as well due to the fact I can not due to I am disability retired, the lift will allow me to continue to enjoy this wonderful hobby for a few more years. I am sure family members will be asking to use it as well. As we know one car guy tends to breed another. From sons to nephews I'll bet they line up to borrow it. Its all good, its all fun.