After being told that the directions were printed wrong by Everlast and that the center layer foam ribs must face out, I set up my new Johnny Sockitomee very carefully and properly. I hit the unit with my fists 4 times and I heard a crack. I took off the black cylinder and bag and saw that the connecting pole was completely destroyed and in several pieces. I am going to call Everlast again tomorrow and see if they will send me a new one asap free of charge. I do not have much faith in the longevity of this product and I see that Karatedepot.com has apparently discontinued the product probably due to complaints like mine. Also, the bolt cover is very cheap- mine cracked in several places like it was dry rotted.

J.G.