Thoughts on all in one Smith machine/cages.

[T77]

Bought my smith/Cage during Covid because there was nothing available st that time. Its brutal. Going to upgrade but man so many options. I use my functional trainer tonnes so looking to get machine that has the new lever arms. One Im looking at has Converging Smith machine, which seems like would be an excellent feature. But never tried one. Heres two Im looking at. If you have any thoughts let me know.

MAXUM X3 Smith Machine Functional Trainer Squat Rack Home Gym

The MAXUM X3 combines a Smith machine, functional trainer, and squat rack, with articulating arms for versatile angles and effective full-body training.

maxumfitness.ca

GF Vortex Multi-Functional Smith Machine Trainer R3 | Gear for Fit | GearForFit.com

Welcome to the Gearforfit website - an online showroom for our assortment of home/gym fitness equipment and accessories.

www.gearforfit.com

 

[The Old Guy]

I like the second one as you can change the angle of the smith machine.

Plus plate loaded shoulder press and bench/ incline looks pretty good.

 

[T77]

I like the second one as you can change the angle of the smith machine.

Plus plate loaded shoulder press and bench/ incline looks pretty good.

I love the idea of the converging smith. Would potentially be awesome for shoulders and chest. But having never used one makes me reluctant.

 

[The Old Guy]

I love the idea of the converging smith. Would potentially be awesome for shoulders and chest. But having never used one makes me reluctant.

I used one at the Y in SSM and it was great for incline. Felt like a much more natural path.

 

[storman]

Both look good. Maxum has more reviews and youtube review vids but the converging smith looks good.
I have the amstaff sd 2500 and i like it

 

[T77]

Both look good. Maxum has more reviews and youtube review vids but the converging smith looks good.
I have the amstaff sd 2500 and i like it

I looked at a few of the Amstaff ones that looked good. But none with the articulating arms.

 

[storman]

I got mine a year or so ago. Paid a little less then 3k with taxes.
There are so many more options now, especially with the 1:1 and 2:1 ratio's and they are just getting better.
Not that many available in canada right now tho which sucks.

 

[vancitybb]

I have the maxum x3, I love it. The new mutant cable arms are real nice, and i like the ability to add plates to the weight stacks via the integrated horns

 

[storman]

I have the maxum x3, I love it. The new mutant cable arms are real nice

I wanted that one but the wife gave me a limit.
fml

 

[vancitybb]

I wanted that one but the wife gave me a limit.
fml

I think my wife likes that I'm home more and not spending hours out at the gym. She just got me the Bells of Steel Shoulder Boulder attachment + seal pad for an early Christmas gift (currently on sale for black Friday):

Build Boulder Shoulders with the Shoulder Boulder Rack Attachment

Discover how the Shoulder Boulder Rack Attachment can transform your shoulder workouts. Get ready to build strength and sculpt your physique with innovative exercises.

bellsofsteel.com

Fits my rack perfectly and feels real nice.

 

[T77]

I have the maxum x3, I love it. The new mutant cable arms are real nice, and i like the ability to add plates to the weight stacks via the integrated horns

Thats awesome to hear. Theres almost no reviews on these so it feels like a crapshoot. The X3 looks super well equipped. I do like the fact that the vortex has low row and lat in middle and at a 1to1 for the big lifts. Thanks for the input

 

[T77]

I think my wife likes that I'm home more and not spending hours out at the gym. She just got me the Bells of Steel Shoulder Boulder attachment + seal pad for an early Christmas gift (currently on sale for black Friday):

Build Boulder Shoulders with the Shoulder Boulder Rack Attachment

Discover how the Shoulder Boulder Rack Attachment can transform your shoulder workouts. Get ready to build strength and sculpt your physique with innovative exercises.

bellsofsteel.com

Fits my rack perfectly and feels real nice.

Niiiiicccee. Thats why im making sure its a 3x3 upright with one inch holes this time. So many possible add ons. Be interested to hear how you like that shoulder attachment. Ive also looked at the reticulating jammer arms. I work out primarily at home so need a bit of a redo from the shit i bought during covid.

 

[vancitybb]

Thats awesome to hear. Theres almost no reviews on these so it feels like a crapshoot. The X3 looks super well equipped. I do like the fact that the vortex has low row and lat in middle and at a 1to1 for the big lifts. Thanks for the input

The X3 arms have 2 separate attachment points to get 1:1 or 2:1 ratio.

No dedicated low row in the middle, but there is a center beam you can set up and couple the two cable stacks for rows and pulldowns.



You can get pretty creative with it:




(Not my pics, they're from reddit)

With the coupled stacks using 1:1, you get 420 total lbs of resistance. If you happen to max that out, then you can add plates to the stacks via the integrated horns

 

[T77]

The X3 arms have 2 separate attachment points to get 1:1 or 2:1 ratio.

No dedicated low row in the middle, but there is a center beam you can set up and couple the two cable stacks for rows and pulldowns.
View attachment 118897
View attachment 118898

You can get pretty creative with it:
View attachment 118899

View attachment 118900

(Not my pics, they're from reddit)

With the coupled stacks using 1:1, you get 420 total lbs of resistance. If you happen to max that out, then you can add plates to the stacks via the integrated horns

Thats why I want the arms matter what I get. Opens up so many options.

 

[storman]

All these new units are pretty sweet. ForceUSA has some good ones as well on northernfitness.ca

 

[T77]

All these new units are pretty sweet. ForceUSA has some good ones as well on northernfitness.ca

They do look good. But expensive for what you get. Considering just about all these various brands are manufactured in China its hard to pay more for less.

 

[storman]

They do look good. But expensive for what you get. Considering just about all these various brands are manufactured in China its hard to pay more for less.

Agreed

 

[vancitybb]

All these new units are pretty sweet. ForceUSA has some good ones as well on northernfitness.ca

The G20 was one of my candidates when I was shopping around. The sliding bench looks interesting. In the end, it was too expensive compared to other options

 

[vancitybb]

One thing I really love about having a Smith at home: working calves, seated or standing. This setup for seated calf raise feels pretty dang good.