Instantron Elite Spectrum Computerized Epilator - A Review
The Instantron Elite Spectrum Computerized Epilator by The Instantron Company
The Instantron Company was invented in the late 1800’s by professional electrologist D. J. Mahler. However, it wasn’t always called the Instantron Company. In 1969, the Mahler family formally changed the current company’s name “to reflect the changes in [their] presentation to the practicing electrologist,” says Arthur Y Mahler, D.J. Mahler’s son. It made further sense to change the name because, for over 20 years, the company was already being referred to as Instantron since it was the name of their short-wave epilator invented in the 1940’s.
The Instantron, still widely used around the globe today, including in North, Central and South America, Europe, The Middle East, India and Asia, is one of the most affordable epilators on the market at around $3k. It also presents a great balance between modern technology and the electrologist’s understanding of modality settings established by the founding fathers of the electrology field.
The Tech:
The inner workings of the Instantron, while computerized, were kept simple and thus do not require software updates to stay current. It is controlled with several IC chips and software that is designed specifically for all Instantron machines. It can be used to do all electrolysis modalities including, negative galvanic, positive galvanic, thermolysis, and the blend using a manually operated foot-switch, or it can be set to run automatically across those same modalities.
When compared to the competition, the Instantron has some attractive differentiators:
1. Air Switch (optional purchase) allows cooling air to flow through the probe holder
Pros: Can alleviate the heat felt on the client’s skin, uses an on/off switch for customers who do not want or need it
Cons: Presents a humming noise that may disturb the client; does not come on standard model, requires an upgrade
2. Dual Probe Holder Attachments allows for two different probe holders to be accessible at the same time
Pros: Eliminates the time it takes to change between probe sizes in the middle of a treatment when the client has significantly different sized hairs being worked on in the same session; air probe holder can also be immediately available if the electrologist approaches a more sensitive area in the middle of a session
Cons: Adds to the number of parts and wires during treatment
3. Manual Setting
Elite Spectrum manual cover art by The Instantron Company
Pros: Gives electrologist more flexibility in assigning unique setting combinations for individual client needs; great starter for new electrologists who want to learn how to do the calculations themselves and not rely on pre-sets
Cons: No pre-set settings, may be deemed more complicated or outdated because it insists on a firm knowledge and understanding of electrolysis across multiple modalities and varying client characteristics like skin and hair types as well as sensitivity thresholds
Important Note: Instantron provides a number of reference tables for baseline settings across all variables.
4. Machine Design - Flat Top
Pros: Provides more surface area for the electrologist where they can keep the client’s folder or quick reference materials to assist in addressing challenges and client questions during treatment
Cons: Arguably less attractive than its younger, more modern competitors
Critics of the Instantron argue that it’s too complicated for the electrologist in today’s technological age and that the pulses are too volatile for the client. Some even say it’s unattractive in comparison to other machines on the market. In response, I’d first like to quote D.J. Mahler in saying, “I have every confidence that electrolysis is the only positive and permanent way to remove unwanted hair forever and that the integrity of the treatment depends entirely upon the skill and expertise of the electrologist.” Secondly, I’d like to address critics of the Instantron by presenting my opinion on why I chose it as my first machine.
My Opinion:
As a new electrologist, I chose the Instantron as my first machine for a number of reasons.
1. Office workhorse because it’s strong and will be reliable for years to come. Since it’s not too technologically advanced, the Instantron does not rely on software to function. As a technical project manager for many years, I can speak to the pros and cons of software with the best of them and any worker in any field should always keep reliable back-up tools handy. I am confident that, should I decide to purchase a different machine in the future, if I set the Instantron on a shelf for many years, all I would need to do is plug it in and turn it on for it to work again. I do not have that same confidence in machines that rely solely on computer software.
2. Reasonably priced. Considering the other machines can’t do anything more than the Instantron can do, meaning there isn’t some magical unicorn hiding inside a competitor’s machine enabling the electrologist to perform better, I don’t see any reason to need (operative word) a more expensive machine out the gate. The Instantron will get me exactly where I need to go and its long-term maintenance, if ever necessary, is guaranteed to cost me less than its competitors.
3. Manual settings offer me two advantages:
a. It forces me to know the basic modality settings like it’s a second language. For example, I have to calculate how many units of lye I’m producing for a specific hair type when using blend or galvanic. I then need to consider how to add and remove timing or current intensity based on the needs of the client and their hair. I believe understanding the basics will make me a more knowledgeable electrologist in the long-run than some of my counterparts relying solely on pre-sets.
b. It also gives me a wide range of flexibility which is important to me not just in the field of electrology but across everything I do in life. For example, I can push and pull the current intensity and timing in any direction when using the Instantron. I can also delay the start of one over the other when using the blend and even apply up to three pulses with or without using the footswitch.
4. Great Customer Service – I got my machine on ebay for a great price but I purchased it knowing all the attachments, except the foot pedal, were missing. When I contacted Instantron to order them, they were more than accommodating and extremely knowledgeable. They also extended their service warrantee to my machine even though I didn’t buy it from them. As if that wasn’t enough, I called back from the same phone number two weeks later to order something I previously forgot and the first thing they said when they picked up the phone was, “hello Danielle, how can I help you?” I was thoroughly impressed. When it comes to customer service, it’s the little things that separate the good from the great.
What would I like to see Instantron do differently?
I would like to see the Instantron Company invent an upgrade version that offers all the same features of its current model with added pre-sets allowing the electrologist to toggle between the manual and automatic mode. While I appreciate the benefits of the manual operation for reasons mentions, if Instantron expects to remain competitive, they will need to offer pre-sets as an option. Additionally, I’d like to see some improvements in muffling the sound from the air-flow feature.
Overall, the Instantron is an excellent machine and I am more and more pleased with it every day. I will continue to recommend it to electrologists as their first machine and I will make sure I always have one in my treatment rooms.
For more on about Instantron, visit http://instantron.com
Instantron Customer Service: 401.433.6800| Toll Free 1.800.886.6144 | Email: sales@instantron.com
Author’s Note: The purpose of this write-up is to create awareness around the pros of a trusted machine that’s succeeded in advancing the field of electrology for over 100 years, and continues to do so today. It’s also an attempt to provide information to newly established and up-and-coming electrologists in areas where I see gaps in the industry. It’s my hopes that my efforts will contribute to the improving the credibility of a field that has lost visibility and popularity in the hair removal sector.