Tested: Turning 40 (An Honest Review)

I turned 40, so you don't have to.

There has been much commotion around turning 40. All agree that it’s a major life milestone, but while some regret this transition as a considerable decline, others regard this as the start of the age of wisdom. So which is it?

A little while ago, I was in my late 30s, and one day I just went ahead and turned 40. It’s been two years now, and I can feel a marked difference. If you are considering turning 40, or maybe you’re just curious about it, read on and see if the 40 Series is right for you.

Comfort & Fit
The first thing I noticed about turning 40 was how uncomfortable this model is. Right off the bat, the 40s just felt different: There was a general achiness, sometimes injury from a previously innocuous activity, and heaven forbid I should sleep in the wrong position at night, only to wake up feeling like I’d been run over by a truck.

Let’s talk about fit. This model tends to be wider and heavier than previous models, with no apparent benefit to the added heft. Points docked for this, obviously.

Appearance
There is a dullness to the exterior that I can’t seem to buff out. I’ve done some research and have bought different creams and polishes, but the discoloration and cracks in the surface remain. What gives? This seems to be pretty consistent across the 40 Series, so I don’t think it’s just me. Be aware that this could be a design flaw.

Power & Performance
I’m only two years in, but already I’ve noticed a marked decrease in overall power. Or I swear, the jar manufacturers across the world have banded to super-tighten the seals on all their lids. Visibility has also weakened, especially of objects close at hand and in low lighting. This can’t be good.

But while physical performance has diminished, executive functioning skyrockets. This model is capable of juggling: work; grocery runs; meal prep; housecleaning; appointments; care for aging parents; multiple kids’ soccer practices, gymnastics, piano lessons, play dates; personal care; and so on. This multi-action feature is truly amazing.

Maintenance
Regular maintenance is something you’ll need to invest in after turning 40. Stretching is now paramount before a workout—heck, maybe even before your day! Ice packs have become my friend. And let’s not start on medical appointments. I see my physical therapist next week and my chiropractor next month. Shall we mention mammograms, and later, in the 50 Series—colonoscopies? Good grief!

Energy Efficiency
This model is definitely not as energy efficient as the 20 Series or even the 30 Series. In fact, there are days when energy levels remain low, despite plugging in at night. There might be problems with the software, which seems to glitch in and out, preventing a full, uninterrupted charge. Currently, this appears to be a manufacturing defect and there is not much to be done. Except coffee.

Value
The overall monetary value of this model is usually higher than that of the 30 Series and definitely higher than that of the 20 Series, due to the 40’s extended duration in the workplace, accruing assets. This, of course, is not always the case. But if it is, then you can enjoy some general financial security, which is a feature not to be overlooked.

Optional Accessory Packs
The most popular accessory pack is the Kid Bundle, which is highly customizable with the 1-Kid, 2-Kid, 3-Kid pack, and so on, though they’re all pretty pricey (even the 1-Kid pack). In the beginning, they will strain your engine and drain your battery, but if you play your cards right, the Kid Bundle should start to really help over time, especially when we get into the 70 Series and beyond.

These can be finicky, though, even the best-made ones, and while I wish there was a manual for maintaining them (there isn’t; I’ve checked), their ROI is fairly high, so it is overall worth it to invest in the Kid Bundle, should you choose to go that route.

With that said, the Kid Bundle is most frequently added onto the 30 Series and sometimes the 20 Series (usually the later models). Note that acquiring one in the 40s can be more challenging (see Energy Efficiency above) and even risky, but it can be done.

Overall Satisfaction
Turning 40 has its perks. I do appreciate the overall stability of this series. There is a security in place that is borne from the passage of the earlier 20 Series and 30 Series.

Still, I am only two years in, and I’m already seeing serious signs of physical wear and tear, which troubles me.

What helps, though, is those who have upgraded to the 50 Series and 60 Series and beyond, who seem content with their models. Though certain capabilities decrease dramatically with the progression of each series, these models are not bound by their physical limitations, and performance can be quite impressive. These are the ones who maintain that I, having turned 40, am on the cusp of something wizened and authentic and true.

For now, I’m committing to the 40s a little while longer. I’ll trust those with the higher series models that there might be some valuable benefits that I have yet to unlock.

Overall, though, I still cannot recommend turning 40. Even with its benefits, it’s a hard sell, given the 40’s decreased energy efficiency and low comfort ratings. But if it must be done, it at least has enough backing that attests to the worthwhile experience it can be. Still, I would keep expectations low. And choose a really good maintenance package.

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Follow me for more honest reviews. Next week, I’m diving deeper into the Kid Bundle Accessory Pack. Which combo is right for you? And how hard and fast is the no-returns policy? Subscribe to find out.